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

[Goku_san]

Tom Riker would be a great asset on DS9.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Tom Riker would be a great asset on DS9.

Click to shrink...

This is actually what I'm kind of hoping for later down in the road. SI Adam is going to personally recruit Tom for when he goes to DS9.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

The rest of the year flies by as "Frame of Mind", "Suspicions", "Rightful Heir", and "Second Chances" all take place as they do in the series proper without any intervention from me. It is Christmas Eve 2369...my fourth Christmas now in the Star Trek universe, as once again I cook Turkey dinner for the senior staff, this has become something of a tradition now. All of us are enjoying ourselves. The next day I rest as I have taken a day of shore leave--I have several dozen days banked now...when all of a sudden...Red Alert goes off and I gather myself up off the couch and head to the bridge.

I enter the bridge and Captain Picard does so from his ready room at the same time.


"We've received a distress signal from the Ohniaka III Outpost. They say they're under attack." Riker tells Picard

"Ohniaka Three? There's no strategic value to that outpost. Were they able to identify the attackers?" Picard replies

"No, we haven't been able to raise them since the initial attack." Riker reports


"We are nearing the Ohnika System, sir." Worf reports

"Bring us out warp Ensign." Picard commands

We drop out of warp into normal space and Worf gives his report about the unidentified ship in orbit. Oh no.

"Captain..." I start to speak up

"Yes Mr. Young? Do you recognize that ship?"

I tug on my uniform as I stand up and nod.

"Yes sir, I do. It's a Borg ship."

Both Picard and Riker exchange glances at each other then Picard continues to press me.

"A Borg ship...it is unlike anything we have encountered before."

"Yes sir. I know. I recommend that we...do not engage them...the people on the outpost are dead. This was staged to lure us here...to lure...Data here."

Data turns around at that comment and everyone looks at him now.

The Borg ship realize that we haven't taken the bait like in the episode and begin firing on us. We return fire, and it has no effect on them as they set course for the Delta Quadrant using their transwarp drive. Picard orders us to pursue but we obvious lose them. Picard looks at me, then with more concern at Data.

"Senior Staff meeting immediately, Number One. Mr. Young."

"Aye sir."

We've encountered Lore's Borg, but Lore should have seen me coming. This may give us the advantage this time around, as all of us leave the bridge for the observation lounge.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

All of us file into the Conference Lounge, and Picard gestures for me to explain.

"Do you remember when Hugh was aboard last year?" I ask

"Of course." Picard replies

I lean back in my chair. I've spent all year trying to think of how to deal with Lore if that actually happened. Of course it was going to happen. How could it be otherwise? I need to be delicate here.

"As anticipated, Hugh was assimilated back into the Collective after his retrieval. The individuality he gained during his stay on the Enterprise, was passed throughout the Cube. This immediately set into effect a chain reaction with resulted with Hugh's entire Cube falling into disarray and cut off from the Collective proper." I begin

"That must've been terrifying for them." Deanna says and I nod

"It would have been...catastrophic. Suddenly cut off from the Collective and unable to properly process individuality...I have only a rudimentary idea of what they must have experienced due to my...own experience.. The ship unable to function due to none of the drones operating it...drifted in space, supposedly for weeks, until it was discovered by someone...someone unexpected."

"Lore." Data guesses and I see Commander Riker grimace at the mention of Lore's twisted brother

"Correct. Your brother discovered them afloat, chickens with their heads cut off, Lore made them an offer---one in which they were in no position to refuse at the time, he promised he would...help them, and due to their---confused status---was quickly able to assume leadership over them."

"Hugh wouldn't have supported or aided Lore." Geordi protests

"I agree, and he didn't. Hugh disproved of Lore's leadership, especially after the experiments started---and the fact that he quickly realized that Lore had no clue how to keep his promise to them. Lore and a few followers then went underground. We will need to seek him and his group out if we are to defeat Lore."

"What does any of this have to do with Data? You mentioned the attack was a trap to lure us out, to lure Data out. What is Lore's interest in his brother this time?" Beverly asks

I sigh and turn to Data.

"Sir, What is it that you want most in the entire universe?" I ask

"To become human." Data answers without hesitation

I then turn to the rest of them.

"But to also feel what it is to be human. To feel emotions. Lore knows this, and has been experimenting on the Borg---attempting to swap out their organic brains with a positronic one."

"Fundamentality altering the Collective...but again...what does this have to do with Data? Why were you adamant that we not engage them?" Picard asks

"Lore has converted a carrier wave on the modified Borg vessel he has commandeered. Creating it to send emotional subroutines to Data's emotion chip." I continue

"Enabling him to feel emotions." Deanna realizes and I nod again

"Correct. However, not just any emotions, because that would defeat Lore's purpose. Lore sends only anger and fear, creating confusion in Data, and an insatiable desire to join his brother to discover more of them."

"For what purpose?" Data asks

"To join him finally. To unite the Sons of Soong as Leaders of the Borg Collective to conquer the Alpha Quadrant, and usher in a new Positronic Era." I finish

"That's preposterous." Riker dismisses

"I have to agree with Commander Riker. I would never betray my oath to Starfleet." Data says

"No...but then you had no idea what you were dealing with, now I've just informed you. I suggest creating a firewall so that he is prevented from attempting anything." I suggest

"I am already creating a program, Captain?" Data looks at Picard who nods

"Make it so Mr. Data. How do we proceed against Lore, Mr. Young?" Picard prompts

I exhale again and rub my temple.

"I don't know. In the episode Data leaves, and Geordi and Deanna are captured. Now that we have in theory safeguarded Data from Lore...he will still want Data to go to him. I suggest we allow this to happen. I don't have the coordinates to their compound, so if we allow Data to go like before, we will be able to follow him. Data...you will have to put on a performance for your brother like you've never done before...do you think you're up to it?" I ask

"I will do my best, Ensign."

I nod. Data's best is better than most people's perfection.

"They used transwarp drive to head to the Delta Quadrant, as I have revealed in my initial report to Starfleet Intelligence, there are six known transwarp hubs they use. All connected by a massive sub-space network. Geordi will be able to figure out how to access it...and modify a shuttle for Data to leave, meanwhile Captain, I suggest that we put Starfleet on alert and form a task force. Lore will have his Borg take pot shots at us...again this is to lure us...and specifically Data to him...I suggest that we allow him to think that he's succeeding this time. I don't know if he knows about me, they will have Locutus in their databanks, but I'm unsure if that also means he has information concerning me."

"Very well...dismissed."

A few hours later Admiral Nechayev arrives on the USS Crazy Horse with a dozen or so other ships. I am called in to sit in on her briefing with Captain Picard. In the original episode proper of course, this is when Alynna chews out Picard for not using the virus on Hugh...the conversation takes place differently here.

"This is what you were hoping to prevent when you proposed the virus to the Admiralty wasn't it? Not just to stop the Borg's attempt to kidnap the Captain and their attack on Earth, but any future attacks?"

"Nevertheless we find ourselves in the situation that we are in now. What do you recommend we do about it, Ensign Young?"

"The plan is to allow Commander Data to leave the ship. We will follow him to Lore's compound and deal with him there."

"That's it? That sounds like there too many variables for this to work as smoothly as you suggest, Mr. Young. What if Lore is able to override Data's firewall and take control of him like he did in the episode?" she asks

"I have faith that Captain Picard and the others won't let that happen. Having Data uncorrupted as a double agent...sort to speak...is huge for the program. Lore won't expect it...and Data will help us turn the tables on his brother."

"This is a calculated risk Ensign..."

"Yes sir it is. Given what actually happens in the episode, and what I'm attempting to prevent, I'm willing to take it...just as much as you risked when you recommended me for promotion to Acting Ensign."

Both Picard and the Admiral look at me with astonished looks. I love when people underestimate my intelligence.

"I figured it out a few weeks ago. Captain Picard would potentially consider a promotion like this, since he gave one to Mr. Crusher---however not to someone like me who wasn't ready to receive it. No doubt that you did have your conversation with Counsellor Troi and Commander Riker, but this would have had to come from someone who wanted it to happen...and frankly I don't have that many allies in the Admiralty. This was based on your recommendation wasn't it sir?" I ask Alynna directly and she allows a small smile


"It would seem that we have something of a detective in our midst, Captain. Perhaps I should recommend you for Intelligence work. You are correct Mr. Young. I did recommend you for promotion, there are a few of us, and I admit that it is a small group, you've pissed off a lot of others in the Admiralty, that have admired your gumption and ambition. I have reviewed your academic progress thus far and under the circumstances it is most impressive. We would like to see you continue moving forward in this career, Mr. Young so I highly suggest you don't fuck it up."

"Aye sir."

"I will approve your plan, Mr. Young, but I recommend extreme caution. Lore is at best, unpredictable even for you, and we know next to nothing about these new Borg. Do what you must to end this..."

After the Admiral leaves the ready room. I make my request of the Captain.

"Sir, I realize this is an unusual request---but I want permission to accompany one of the away teams down to the surface." I formally request

"Absolutely not." Picard replies as I expected

"Sir...I have passed all my security training. I will be assigned to Lieutenant Morani's grouping. I will be well protected and observed. I need to do this." I plead

"Why?" Picard asks

"Geordi, Deanna, and yourself are captured by Lore. He tortures Geordi and makes adjustments to his visor. I promised myself if these events happened again, along with Data, I would make sure that didn't happen to Geordi."

Picard sees the earnestness in my eyes and makes a decision.

"Report to Lt. Worf, Mr. Young. You're dismissed." he says and I spin around and leave

All right Lore. What do you have in store for us???

 

[Lillie Jones]

thanks for the chapter

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

The Borg continue their pot shot tactics in order to attempt to draw our attention to them. At some point Lore has to realize that I've exposed his plans. He's incredibly smart like Data, but...doesn't have Data's Starfleet training or military tactical knowledge. Data and Geordi prepare the shuttlecraft. I made an error though. I go and explain to Data and Picard.

"We need to allow Data to have some access to the negative emotions that Lore feeds him." I say

"You just told us that was something we needed to avoid." Picard replies

"Yes, in a general sense. Data however doesn't have the coordinates to the Delta Quadrant Compound. Lore sends this to him in his final attempt to lure him to him. We need to allow this to happen so that Data can start at least the first part of our ruse." I explain and turn to Data

"This will be difficult for you sir. In the episode that emotion confuses, and nearly overwhelms you. Will you be able to carry out the mission knowing the origin and purpose of them?" I ask

Data nods.

"I believe with the foreknowledge you have given me, that yes, I will be able to still function within normal parameters. I will adjust the programming of the firewall." he answers

"That'll have to be enough. Damn. I can't believe I made that mistake." I say chastising myself

"A mistake quickly rectified. Do you have a plan for confronting Lore yet?" Picard asks

"A semblance of one. I believe we need more away team members, and we'll need more firepower. Lore's Borg ambushes you all---even though almost the entirety of Worf's security squad are sent down, including other officers. My suggestion was going to be, again to allow him to think he has the upper hand against us, then send in tactical squads to ambush him." I say

"How many Borg are in the compound? This would work better if we were able to contact Hugh's group." Picard says

"The episode was never specific with the number of Borg, however I'd guess at least hundreds. Plus the ones on board their ship. This may not work sir." I say

"It's a gamble certainly. Worf will adapt your strategy where neccessary. Make it so Ensign."

"Aye sir."

Worf's Security team meets at the Conference Lounge as we discuss how to proceed.

"In the episode proper all but 47 crew are sent to the planet because the Borg ship is obstructing sensors with a high density EM signal. However we do not need to utilize that many crew this time, since we will in theory be able to track Data this time. The building it's self is a dome observatory of some kind. We should be able to find this compound sooner than they did. Our problem is going to be taking out Lore and his Borg when we get there."


"We could use Tactical transporters to beam into the cavern of the dome structure. Use those as entry points?" Morani suggests

"There's still the EM interference to deal with. If we used tactical transporters, we would have to place them on the surface of the planet and hoped you wouldn't beam into the concrete." I reply and Morani nods with a small smile

"The Enterprise will attempt to neutralize the EM field, if it does could we then proceed with the tactical transporters?" Worf asks

"Yes. If we had access to full sensors, we could then coordinate and pin point the location. However time is of the essence here." I reply

"It seems to me your forewarning of the situation has given us several hours to work with Ensign. That should amount to something, shouldn't it?" Someone else asks

"I hope it does Lieutenant Timmons but this isn't exact science and there are all kinds of variables that could happen. I'm largely counting on the fact that Lore doesn't know about me, can't anticipate me, and that Data is able to pull off his ruse without a hitch."

"You mentioned ground forces. We could assign the search party members into combat teams. Overwhelm the compound. Surely there are still access points that Lore or the Borg hasn't considered?" Worf asks

"That's probably our best bet to be honest. The Captain and the others are taken because they're ambushed, however this time they don't need to be there. Lore has no leverage, we can ambush him."

"He'll have you." Morani states

"He will in theory sir. Permission to speak freely?" I ask Worf and he nods

"I'll be perfectly honest here. Lore scares the shit out of me. He always has. This is why I was glad in part that I wasn't aboard when you guys first encountered him. II wouldn't have known what to do with him except warn you all that he was Lore---I don't know how I will react when I see him, but I need to do this."


"You will do this Ensign. You've had all our training. You are Locutus of Borg. Use that if it comes to it." Worf answers and I nod

 

[DarkMagi]

Thanks for the chapter! Loving your story!

 

[Lillie Jones]

Thanks for the chapter

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

Thanks to still having largely a full crew---Doctor Crusher is not forced to take command of the ship with junior officers, and is able to overpower and disable the Borg ship protecting the planet down below and disable the EM field. This enables us to beam down, and set up the tactical transporters. Having access to the Enterprise's full sensors again allows us to do a full terrain sweep of the planet surface and we are able to locate the compound within a few minutes.

"There is a series of underground tunnels near the compound." Worf reports

"Hugh's underground Borg?" Picard asks me

"It's possible." I reply and then I get an idea

"Commander LaForge, do we still have access to Hugh's proximity receiver?"

"I believe so, why?" he asks


I turn to Captain Picard

"Each Borg drone as you are aware possesses a proximity transceiver, when active, it alerts the Collective to the drone's presence." I begin explaining

"You believe we can send a signal to Hugh using it?" Picard asks

"In theory. Unless he's since deactivated his." I reply

Picard nods and I join Geordi at the Engineering Station. He retrieves the transceiver signal. While I program the rest and then send the information to Worf's tactical console.

"We should be able contact Hugh if he is on the planet. Secure transmission so Lore can't interrupt us. Also a warning, it's likely Hugh won't be happy to see us." I explain

Picard and Riker turn to face the view screen.

"Awkward reunions are always wonderful." Picard quips

It takes a few minutes but like clockwork---Hugh appears on the screen as I continue to stand beside Worf.

"Hugh." Picard greets

"Captain Picard, I've been expecting you. You require my help." he says bluntly and Riker exchanges a look with me

"Yes. Lore has Data in his compound. We require your assistance to free him and stop Lore's plans." Picard states

There's a pause.

"Hasn't the Enterprise done enough damage already?" Hugh demands and I take the opportunity to move towards the screen now

"Hello Hugh." I greet

"Locutus..." he replies out of habit I look towards the Captain and he nods his permission

"Just Ensign Young now, Hugh. You have our most sincere apologies. I understand what you've all gone through. We don't have time to discuss it. Data needs our help. You can provide that. We can arrange it to meet without them locating you."

"Is Geordi there?" Hugh asks and it's almost enough to make me cry

"Hello Hugh." Geordi replies hands folded in front of him

"Geordi..."

"Data really could use your help, Hugh." Geordi replies

"I'll send you coordinates. But we must be careful. Lore..." and that tone of voice----I nearly shake. He's SCARED.

"We understand Hugh. Enterprise out." Picard says

About twenty minutes later it's set up and groups of us are beamed down using Hugh's coordinates and Worf, Morani, and I lead the teams into the caverns depicted in the episode. We're greeted by Hugh. Who escorts us into their base of operations. I've never seen so many scattered Borg like this. We see examples of Lore's unfortunate handiwork. It's like out of some bad body horror movie.

"Hugh..." I start but he cuts me off

"Data---is in grave danger. No matter what kinds of precautions you most likely prepared him for. Lore will still have attempted to assert control over his brother, as he did with us."

"I do not understand how you allowed Lore to do this to you." Worf growls and Morani exchanges a look with me

"The very thing you gave to me, left us vulnerable to Lore. Adam has already told you what we experienced. I can not describe to you the state of us...you would scarcely believe it even if I did." Hugh replies

"We're wasting time." I say gently

"Come. I will show you what you need to know." Hugh says

We're shown the layout of the compound. The main hall. Lore's lab. Etc. Worf as in the episode decides that the environmental control ducts are the best way to enter the main.

"I suggest we beam in snipers as well after we've secured the compound. We need to be absolutely certain that they are contained. I'd recommend using dampening fields as well."

Worf nods as we finalize plans and start to move. The tricorders indicate Lore is currently inside the main hall, Data is near by. There are a dozen or so Borg in the main hall, hundreds more. The Enterprise will be transporting down teams once we secure the hall. This is going to be touch and go for a while. We file out and storm the hall surprising Lore. Crossis is with him as with some others.

"Well this is a surprise." Lore states

"Your operation is over Lore." Worf declares

"I think not. Brother?" Lore calls and Data appears

"Data." I say

"Locutus....we meet at last." Lore says slowly approaching me. The others begin to close in on me, weapons drawn.

"Lore. I can't say I've been looking forward to this meeting."

"It would appear I lucked out the first time, that would have been something."

"This is insanity Lore. What've you've done. It needs to stop."

"Stop? Stop? Look at what I've done. The Sons of Soong have brought unity to chaos. I have done more to help the Borg than you or the Queen ever could do." Lore boasts

I turn to Crossis

"Hello Crossis. I'm truly sorry for everything Lore has done to you."

"I do not recognize your authority, Locutus." Crossis states

"It's time to put aside all doubts now, brother. It's time to close the door on your past, and commit yourself to the great work ahead of us. I Need to know that I can count on you. Kill Ensign Young." Lore commands

I look at Data and lower my phaser. The others don't. I have faith in my friend. Fear is the mind killer...

Data raises the weapon and points it to me.

"No. That would be wrong." he replies and Lore orders Crossis to hold Data

"I didn't think you'd be able to do it. You have been amongst humans too long."

With my fingers I make signals to both Worf and Morani who get ready.

"I've asked many sacrifices of you. Sacrifices I knew were necessary in order to build a better future. I want you to know that I ask no more of you than I am prepared to give myself. I am willing to make the greatest sacrifice of all. My own dear brother. Goodbye, Data." Lore

"NO!" Hugh shouts just as Enterprise teams beam down and phaser and weapons exchanges can be heard. I use my phaser on Crossis. Fights break out amongst the Borg. Lore begins to bolt.

"Data!" I shout and Data nods pursuing his brother into Lore's lab as he attempts to boot up the transporter. A few minutes pass as we move into the Lab...and it's over.

"Lore has been deactivated." he states and I nod

Hugh's group gains control over the other Borg thanks to our help and the fighting is subdued. I tap my badge

"Young to Enterprise."

"Report, Mr. Young."

"Captain, the compound is secured. Data has deactivated Lore. We're mopping up here and will be ready to return to the ship shortly." I report

"Understood. Enterprise out."

Data and I walk out of the lab and rejoin the others.

"Thank you." Hugh says

"No, thank you. I owe you an apology Hugh. I knew that this was going to happen. I...hoped it wouldn't. But seeing you achieve individuality first hand, was...remarkable. Now you have a chance. You now have a chance to lead your people."

"Perhaps in time we will learn function as individuals and work together as a group." Hugh replies

"It'll will take a lot of hard work, but I have no doubt you'll be able to do it with your guidance." I reply

"I am glad you are okay Data. You will say good---journey to Geordi for me?" He asks

"I will do so, Hugh. I regret the actions my brother committed on your people." Data replies

Hugh just nods

Worf taps his badge.

"Worf to Enterprise...prepare for transport."

I wonder....if I will see Hugh again.

 

[Lillie Jones]

thanks for the chapter

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Since we're now at the start of season seven---and I've got dangling plots all over the place. I'm going to take a bit of a break to figure out how to re-work those. The original Season 7 did not have a lot of plot to it as I skipped most of the season to get straight to "Generations". We WILL be dealing with SI Adam's "Cardassian Conspiracy" theory as well as fallout from the butterflied "The Circle" which happened prior to "Descent". Then after those have been re-worked into this we will dive head first into my version of "Parallels" which is a multi-part multiversal banger!

 

[Lillie Jones]

Thanks for the chapter

 

[Marlow3]

Cool end to the Lore plot. Have a good break mate. I am looking forward to what you have in store for the last season and Generations.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

The Enterprise lingers in the Delta Quadrant for a little while to make sure that Hugh and his Borg are able to...deal with the Lore faction. Data takes Lore's deactivated body back to the ship. Bruce Maddox naturally has made a request---a polite and professional request to take possession of the body, however Data has denied him and Starfleet has upheld the decision. . All remnants of technology Lore used to experiment on the Borg have been stripped from the lab in the compound and taken for study. They'll be dropped off to the nearest Starbase for examination by Starfleet R&D. Upon return to the Alpha Quadrant and rendez-vousing with the Fleet, I request a meeting with Admiral Nechayev which has been granted as Captain Picard is also invited. I begin the meeting with finishing my report on the incident with Lore.

"Your report as always Ensign Young is extremely detailed. I will forward this to my colleagues and Commander Shelby's task force for further examination. I'm curious though...your request to meet was urgent, and it wasn't about this." Alynna says always to the point

"Yes sir. I also requested Captain Picard to be present, because I frankly do not have any other way to present this...theory to you both, but felt that I need to. I've put it off for far too long now." I begin

"What theory?" Picard asks as he has that disappointed frown. There's been no time to present my thoughts on the Cardassian-Starfleet conspiracy theory over the last several months.

"It has to do with the incident at Minos Korva last year." I state and observe the ever so subtle exchange between Picard and Necehayev. I inwardly sigh. I was REALLY hoping that I wouldn't see that reaction....damn it.

"What do you mean?" Picard asks first

"Permission to speak freely sirs?" I ask formally

"Always, Adam." Alynna says almost fondly for the first time. Surprising me. Okay. We're gonna play games now? I have little patience for games.

"Admiral, Captain...I will be plain. It is my belief that there has been, for quite some time, a Starfleet conspiracy involving a faction and or factions of the Cardassian Union. This operating in secret for decades. Possibly connected going back to the founding of the so-called rumored Warhawk Faction."

"Elaborate." Alynna instructs

I place a second PADD on the table that makes a noticeable sound when it hits the table.

"That PADD contains evidence that I have been collecting from several sources over the course of the last several months, since Captain Picard was returned to us from the Union's captivity. It also contains the recent report from the Executive Officer of Deep Space Nine regarding the revelations coming from the Circle Incident. There's some damned interesting allegations in both reports---sirs." I say trying to control myself

"Your indignation, doesn't become you, Ensign." Alynna warns with a gentle but stern voice and I sigh again

"Admiral, why did Central Command re-assign nearly two thirds of their military to Minos Korvas, during their withdrawal from Bajor? A clear indication of invasion? Celtris III was a trap designed to lure Captain Picard himself, specifically so they could ambush and capture him. Starfleet Intelligence rarely makes mistakes such as that one. I mentioned the dismantling of the Circle report, because of what we discovered of the collaboration there...I can not help but feel like all three have a connection. Sirs....did Starfleet secretly confiscate weapons designated---ECHO PAPA 607--and did they or did they not come online---automatically alerting the Caradssian forces to their presence on Minos Korva???" I finish with my arms crossed.


I watch Jean-Luc and Alynna carefully exchange looks with one another again. They were hoping this stayed quiet, or they're trying to throw me off and dismiss me.

"You would make a fantastic SI agent...Ensign. We have a great deal to discuss."


A Short and sweet chapter.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

I sit down in Picard's ready room as Alynna begins.

"Do you remember what we discussed when we first talked?" she asks

"Yes. Our conversations over the liberation of Bajor. You told me that behind the scenes for several decades advocated for Federation intervention on Bajor's behalf, but were denied every single time, but never explained why. I always thought it was because you weren't given an explanation by Command." I reply

"That was the case as I knew it to be at the time. For years I wondered why I had been told no. The official statement from Starfleet Command was always--it is not Federation policy to interfere in others internal affairs...even if it is the right thing to do. I lost my partner due to the Cardassian occupation of Bajor as you are aware. That mission in a lot of ways shaped the officer I am today, with the reputation that comes along with it." Alynna explains as she half smiles to Picard who nods

"First of all before I acknowledge your theory---I want to commend you for sending Deep Space Nine your information on The Circle. Normally that would have been a punishable offense, however we decided to ignore it because we were curious how Sisko and Ro would dismantle Jaro's operation. Starfleet Intelligence has been for years attempting to get to him without success. He has been well protected and we weren't entirely sure why, until the revelations came out."

"You didn't expect the Cardassians?" I ask

"Not...exactly. We had identified a third party involved, but weren't entirely certain who they were or their full involvement, and each time we came close to exposing this---we were shut down by Command."

"Are you confirming my suspecions? That Starfleet Command has a mole that has been working with the Cardassians for decades?" I ask and even Picard now has that expression on his face. One of alarm.

"Your tendency to leap beyond logic is impressive, Adam. No. That is not what I'm doing. I'm attempting to provide backstory here as much as I possibly can. We skip forward now to the Enterprise's mission to Minos and the discovery of Papa Echo 607. Far as anyone knew at the time after reading Picard's after action report, that the weapons were destroyed or defunct and no longer posed any danger to anyone." Alynna starts

"Starfleet Intelligence or Starfleet Command ordered a team to investigate after the Enterprise left?" I ask

"Yes. Two teams of six. Their mission was simple. Retrieve any remotely intact 607's and return to base."

"They managed to...and Starfleet R&D went to town re-engineering them into functioning models and they were redeployed along our outposts along that side of the border..." I finish

"Yes. Like the original models, they went...rogue. They came online prematurely, and the Cardassian ships monitoring us on the other side were able to detect them. It was sufficient enough evidence of provocation on their part that they sent the majority of their fleet still withdrawing from Bajor to...investigate the matter. We dispatched Captain Jellico due to his prior experience with them, he was ordered to deescalate---" Picard interrupts this time finishing my thought for me

"While you sent in yet another black ops team to regain control and shut down the Papa Echo 607's..." he says and Alynna nods once. Both Picard and I sit in astonishment.

Starfleet Command was willing to those machines...to start an outright war with Cardassia?

"They were always meant for defensive purposes---"

"They should have never been redeployed in the first place, Admiral!!! They wiped out an entire civilization!" Picard angrily declares beating me to the punch. I remain silent. It's probably for the best.

"I know. We will deal with the internal shame of that decision. Ensign Young is right about one thing. Starfleet Intelligence does not make mistakes. We are not easily tricked. Someone did so by planting the false information to draw out Picard. We fell for the bait and gave Picard right to the lions den. Do you have any suspects, Mr. Young?" she asks

"No sir. Not really. I do have an obvious question however." she nods

"Who ordered the retrieval and redeployment of the Papa Echo's?" I ask

"Admiral Dan Curry of Starfleet Research and Development." Alynna replies without hestiation.

Admiral Curry....

"Admiral Curry was friends with Admiral Kennelly wasn't he?" I ask Alynna

"Yes, they were. Friends since their Academy Days."

"Could they also have been in cohoots with each other?" I ask seriously

"I don't know. It's possible of course. This will merit a serious investigation. I will address it with Admrial Shanthi. It will be her decision to move forward with it." she says

"Aye Admiral. What of Li Nalas?" I ask

"Your butterflying of the Circle, and alteration of Li Nalas' fate has no bearing on Starfleet's position with the station or the Federation Council's on Bajor. They continue to request our help, and we continue to give it freely." she answers getting up

Picard and I both stand up.

"Well gentlemen, this was certainly not the meeting I expected to have when requested here. You as always have given me much to contemplate, Mr. Young. You will no doubt receive a commendation for your part in dismantling The Circle. As to our other matter discussed...you will hear back from my office in a couple of weeks. I can already tell you that Admiral Shanthi will not like this surprise at all. You may have opened up a can of worms that otherwise needed to be sealed tight. We will deal with the consequences of that as well." Alynna says

I nod at attention.

"I will also mention to you to my Vice---Admiral Cooper has had her eye on you for some time Mr. Young. She'll be impressed with this, as well as annoyed. If that is all, until next time gentlemen." Alynna nods curtly to us both taking both PADDS on the desk and leaves the ready room.