commanderjoe
Your first time is always over so quickly, isn't it?
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Thanks for the great chapter 
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Star Trek The Next Generation The Gift: A Star Trek SI
- Thread starter DarkDestroyer
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- star trek
DarkDestroyer
The Destroyer Of Worlds
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Thanks. It was fun to write!Thanks for the great chapter
Chapter 44: The Old Man Passes
New
DarkDestroyer
The Destroyer Of Worlds
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Paramount and SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.
We are on Pentarus V for two weeks, eventually though an agreement was arrived that suited both parties in the dispute and a big celebration was held to thank the Federation and Picard for our assistance. Sariel teaches me the inner workings of the shuttle craft during this time as we have basic piloting lessons. LCARS is easily the most sophisticated, intuitive, and user friendly software I've ever experienced using once I learn how to properly use it. I'm able to configure the console to my liking so I select a basic one button control approach to the console which enables me to program commands easily. Picard is tired, but not exhausted at the end of the dispute as we make our way back to the Enterprise. On route to the ship we get a comm signal from the ship.
"Sir, we're getting a signal from the Enterprise, it's for Mr. Young." Ensign Rager reports
Picard nods as I tap the button on the navigation side. It's Deanna.
"Counsellor, to what do we owe this unexpected pleasure." I ask
She pauses, and I suddenly notice her uncharacteristic look of sadness on her face.
"We just got word from Trill. Ambassador Curzon Dax, has died." Deanna says
There are a few seconds of silence as I digest the news. Goodbye Old Man.
"A remarkable man, who had an even remarkable career. Aside from Ambassador Sarek, perhaps the most accomplished, and distinguished Federation diplomat of the last century and a half. He will be extremely missed." Picard says
I'm still silent.
"Adam, are you okay?" Deanna asks
I knew this day was coming. I should have messaged him. Damn it. I didn't think it was this early in the year. I feel a tear start to stream down my cheek and wipe it away.
"I'll be fine, thank you Deanna. Was there anything else from Trill?" Jadzia...
"No. Just that he was very fond of you during your short time together, and wanted you to know that it wasn't your fault."
I Am Locutus of Borg....
"Thank you Deanna. We'll see you when we are back." I answer and she nods as the screen switches to the Federation Emblem.
"Are you all right Mr. Young?" Picard repeats as Sariel attempts to focus her attention on her job
"I'll be fine sir. I uh...I was expecting this, but didn't think...uh...I didn't think...damn." I put my hand on the edge of the console.
"You thought you'd have more time?" Picard offers
"At least for a message. The Old Man was on Risa for his final few weeks, I just missed him by a few days after I left. I should have waited."
"He would have understood, more than anyone else." Picard answers
"Yeah. What an incredible being....all those life times..." I say and Picard chuckles
"Yes, and a brand new one if I understand the procedure correctly." he answers....
"Jadzia..." I reply without thinking
"Oh?" Picard asks and Sariel even suppresses a smirk
"Uh...yeah. Ensign Jadzia Idaris, or now...Ensign Dax." I reply without further commentary
"Very good. Well...when we get back to the Enterprise, we'll have a toast in their honor." Picard states and I just nod
Jean-Luc is as good as his word as he brings out a bottle of Chateau Picard 2293, a fitting year to to mark the finalization of the Khitomer Accords of which Curzon represented the Federation.
"To Curzon." Picard raises his goblet as do the rest of us in his quarters.
"To Curzon." we all reply
The next few weeks fly by as "Night Terrors", "Galaxy's Child" (happens the same but Geordi and Leah are just friends, as holo-Leah was never created), "Identity Crisis", and "The Nth Degree" all happen as before...as we head into late September and the Enterprise arrives at Tagus III. Captain Picard is beyond elated as the Enterprise serves as host for the Federation Archelogy Council's Annual Symposium which means I should be getting a visit from a certain someone right about...
"Hello again."
"Vash." I reply as I enter my quarters after another exhausting day of security training.
OH boy.
We are on Pentarus V for two weeks, eventually though an agreement was arrived that suited both parties in the dispute and a big celebration was held to thank the Federation and Picard for our assistance. Sariel teaches me the inner workings of the shuttle craft during this time as we have basic piloting lessons. LCARS is easily the most sophisticated, intuitive, and user friendly software I've ever experienced using once I learn how to properly use it. I'm able to configure the console to my liking so I select a basic one button control approach to the console which enables me to program commands easily. Picard is tired, but not exhausted at the end of the dispute as we make our way back to the Enterprise. On route to the ship we get a comm signal from the ship.
"Sir, we're getting a signal from the Enterprise, it's for Mr. Young." Ensign Rager reports
Picard nods as I tap the button on the navigation side. It's Deanna.
"Counsellor, to what do we owe this unexpected pleasure." I ask
She pauses, and I suddenly notice her uncharacteristic look of sadness on her face.
"We just got word from Trill. Ambassador Curzon Dax, has died." Deanna says
There are a few seconds of silence as I digest the news. Goodbye Old Man.
"A remarkable man, who had an even remarkable career. Aside from Ambassador Sarek, perhaps the most accomplished, and distinguished Federation diplomat of the last century and a half. He will be extremely missed." Picard says
I'm still silent.
"Adam, are you okay?" Deanna asks
I knew this day was coming. I should have messaged him. Damn it. I didn't think it was this early in the year. I feel a tear start to stream down my cheek and wipe it away.
"I'll be fine, thank you Deanna. Was there anything else from Trill?" Jadzia...
"No. Just that he was very fond of you during your short time together, and wanted you to know that it wasn't your fault."
I Am Locutus of Borg....
"Thank you Deanna. We'll see you when we are back." I answer and she nods as the screen switches to the Federation Emblem.
"Are you all right Mr. Young?" Picard repeats as Sariel attempts to focus her attention on her job
"I'll be fine sir. I uh...I was expecting this, but didn't think...uh...I didn't think...damn." I put my hand on the edge of the console.
"You thought you'd have more time?" Picard offers
"At least for a message. The Old Man was on Risa for his final few weeks, I just missed him by a few days after I left. I should have waited."
"He would have understood, more than anyone else." Picard answers
"Yeah. What an incredible being....all those life times..." I say and Picard chuckles
"Yes, and a brand new one if I understand the procedure correctly." he answers....
"Jadzia..." I reply without thinking
"Oh?" Picard asks and Sariel even suppresses a smirk
"Uh...yeah. Ensign Jadzia Idaris, or now...Ensign Dax." I reply without further commentary
"Very good. Well...when we get back to the Enterprise, we'll have a toast in their honor." Picard states and I just nod
Jean-Luc is as good as his word as he brings out a bottle of Chateau Picard 2293, a fitting year to to mark the finalization of the Khitomer Accords of which Curzon represented the Federation.
"To Curzon." Picard raises his goblet as do the rest of us in his quarters.
"To Curzon." we all reply
The next few weeks fly by as "Night Terrors", "Galaxy's Child" (happens the same but Geordi and Leah are just friends, as holo-Leah was never created), "Identity Crisis", and "The Nth Degree" all happen as before...as we head into late September and the Enterprise arrives at Tagus III. Captain Picard is beyond elated as the Enterprise serves as host for the Federation Archelogy Council's Annual Symposium which means I should be getting a visit from a certain someone right about...
"Hello again."
"Vash." I reply as I enter my quarters after another exhausting day of security training.
OH boy.
Chapter 45: Vash Returns
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DarkDestroyer
The Destroyer Of Worlds
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I stare at Vash who is sitting crossed legged in my favourite arm chair.
"What are you doing in my quarters, and how did you know these were my quarters?" I ask
"I asked and was told these were your quarters. You intrigued me on Risa, and I wanted to come say hello. You already know why I'm here." she says
"Unfortunately more than you do." I grumble looking around for HIM
Where are you, you obnoxious...
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asks as she gracefully climbs out of my chair and heads towards me
"Look Vash. I just have finished up a training shift. I'm extremely tired, I want to shower and lay down." I say rubbing my temples
"My, my aren't we evasive over a little hello." she replies
"This is HIS doing. I don't have time for this Q!" I exclaim
"What's a Q?" Vash asks confused
"A particularly annoying, immortal being, who gets his shits and kicks off by trolling us mere humans." I Reply
"Sounds like my kind of guy." Vash replies, she's getting closer to me now
"Sigh. Vash, the Captain---"
"Otherwise engaged with administrative matters with the Council. I know. I already stopped to say hi to Jean-Luc. He shoed me away as quickly as he could. So I came here."
"Naturally. Why?"
"I told you. You intrigued me when we met on Risa. I saw the way you looked at me, in spite of your partner. I've had a lot of attention from men in my time as you can imagine, but no one has ever looked at me as intensely as you did that first time we interrupted you." she says with a coy smile
"You're reaching."
She's right. I'm evading, and it's because I REALLY am tired right now.
"I don't think so." she attempts to reach for my face but I block her.
"I was sorry to hear about Lieutenant Henshaw, and what the Borg did to you." she replies as I attempt to head to the bathroom, that catches me and I spin around on her
"Why are you here Vash? Thank you for your condolences, but I'm not really in the mood for any of your advances, and or games...you and Jean-Luc..."
"What Jean-Luc and I had, remains on Risa. You know how he is, and I chose to respect that about him. I truly am sorry about what happened to you, if you change my mind, I'll be in my quarters later. I'd love it if you'd come over for dinner." she says and walks out
I sigh again and head to the shower. Maybe a cold one is needed.
I come out of the shower and get dressed again, and call out his name.
"Q! Enough! No hijinks! Not this time. Not with her!" I shout
No response of course. Anticipating the answer I ask the computer where Vash is.
"Representative Vash is on the main bridge."
Oh no.
I bolt up to the bridge as fast as I can and come out of the turbolift as the doors make their iconic swooshing sound. I peer down over the horseshoe and low and behold, Vash is entertaining a group of senior officers as she sits in Jean-Luc's chair. Beverly is the first to spot me.
"Adam."
"Doctor..." I reply as Riker, Worf, and Geordi are all present listening to Vash.
"I'd like to introduce you to a Representative of---"
"We've met before, Vash...what are you doing here?" I ask as the others expression turn into bewilderment
"You were busy, the Captain was busy, and I was bored, so decided to take a bit of a tour of the ship and ended up here." she says with that smug smile. I sigh again
"Great...but I don't think---" as I'm about to say his name the Captain comes out of his ready room, and his expression drops as he spots Vash in his chair.
"Look Captain, Vash is here!" I exclaim deciding to be a dick
"I can see being a Starship Captain has it's rewards." she says purring and Riker has an absolutely incredulous look on his face. He can scarcely comprehend what is going on between the three of us.
"I'm glad you approve." Picard says dead pan
"I suppose I'll return to my quarters and prepare for the reception....my invitation to dinner still stands, Mr. Young." she says to me
"By all means, I will see you at the reception. Mr. Young can escort you to your quarters." he says
"Aye sir."
"Fascinating woman." I hear Will quip
You don't know what the half of it. I escort Vash to her quarters.
"I thought you were going to wait for me here, were those theatrics neccessary? You KNOW Jean-Luc doesn't like to be embarrassed." I say
"Ah so you were going to take me up on my offer after all, and my intent was not to embarrass Jean-Luc."
"Then what was it?"
"To get your attention of course, silly." she is close now again and I allow her
"I never said I never cared about you Vash. I don't have any feelings for you." I reply
"I find that extremely hard to believe." she says as she runs a finger up and down my chest.
"Why are you lingering here, Mr. Young? You've carried out your orders. You're dismissed." she just as curtly
Insufferable woman.
"Okay fine. We're doing this. Good luck with the speeches."
"You won't be at the reception?" she asks genuinely sounding disappointed
"Archelogy isn't exactly my brand of history, I find it too dry." I reply with a wink
"I bet I could find ways to make it less dry." she replies
Oh boy.
"I'm gonna leave now...good luck." I say and force myself to leave
I return to my quarters all flustered and just as I'm about to kick back and try to relax...it happens. I hear that familiar OTHER swooshing sound effect with that TWINE, and I'm no longer on the Enterprise. Instead wearing clunky knight's armor in a clearing. I hear another sound and the others join me. This isn't Nottingham though.
"Where is this? What's going on?" demands Picard
I look at the others. They're all wearing armor. Including Deanna, and Beverly. Uh-oh.
"Q..." I utter
"Q!" exclaims Picard
"I'm afraid this is Q's doing, sir. A way of paying us back for helping him out last year, when he lost his powers." I explain
"What are we supposed to be? This is English armor. Dark Ages from the looks of it." he notes as he examines his chest piece
I nod as I see the Great Castle ahead of us. Camelot on a huge hill. Damn it Q.
"We are in the Arthurian Legend. I'm King Arthur, you Captain are Lancelot I assume, and the rest of you are my Knights of the Round Table."
"I am NOT a Knight." Worf replies
"Neither are the rest of us." Picard states
"I would agree, but for the foreseeable future we are exactly that." I say as I hear horse hoofs rumbling on the ground It is Q along with an escort.
"Q! We have no desire to play this game of yours. Release Vash, and return all of us back to the Enterprise!" I demand
"Vash?" Picard exclaims alarmed now
"Q? Vash? I know not of these names, or what game you are referring to Arthur. I assure you that this is no game. I have come to give you heed that we have captured the fair Guinevere and are holding her captive at my stronghold. If you wish to see her alive again, you WILL meet me in battle in two days henceforth, or she will be executed. So says Maleagant."
Maleagant? He's pulling from "First Knight". Really reaching into my fantasy here.
"We don't have time for this." Riker bemoans
"I agree. However under the circumstances we have no choice but to play along, this time." I say
"Why? Why are you King Arthur, and why am I Lancelot?" Picard asks and I sigh
"This is my fault. Q is doing this to...try...to...force...me to acknowledge my feelings...for Vash." I say through gritted teeth
"For Vash?" Picard says surprised
"Yes sir. I didn't know..." he replies
"I know...and that was by design. Now though...things have changed and Q is determined to have this play out...in this way."
Deanna giggles and I toss her a Batman glare which stops her.
"I understand all of this is bewildering for all of you, and I apologize for that. This is real though, and we are in potential danger. I suggest that we return to Camelot and begin planning how we're going to rescue Vash." I say and the others agree with me.
Inside Camelot...which has been replicated with incredible detail. We sit at the Round Table in the Main Hall. There are guards on the upper level. I half listen as my knights argue on best how to attack our enemy. I get impatient finally.
"ENOUGH!" my voice echoes throughout the hall.
"Captain, I maybe King Arthur, but I'm no King, I can lead if needed to...but you're the Captain still. I will follow whatever you decide to do, especially considering this is our...private business being carried out in the open. To the rest of you...I apologize sincerely, you've gotten yourself roped into a potentially dangerous situation. However I need us all in the same page if we're to...get through whatever hijinks Q has planned for us."
"Agreed." Picard says
"Do you have a plan?" asks Riker who is Sir Bedevere
I look up at again and a surprise flood of...Arthur's memories suddenly flood me as I remember building this place with MERLIN, long since gone now. Merlin...I could use you know old friend. I hear myself say.
"I don't have a plan"
Picard sees my solemn frustrated expression
"You have nothing to apologize for my Liege, this is the malcontent Malagent's treachery, and sorcery!! He seeks to divide us, sire. We will not allow that to happen." he says in character and that gets me to smile
"Well said of course my friend." I Reply
"PAGE! MAP!" Picard orders
A boy of about 12 or so rushes into the room and unrolls a huge map upon the table of the realm. Pax Arthur.
"We will need to storm the castle on two fronts. We will use our arrows to distract Malagnet, while you sneak into the castle and rescue the Queen. Bedevere and Kai (Worf) will provide you with cover." Picard says
A sound beginning.
"That seems reasonable." I mutter still distracted by all of this
"I've never done something like this before, sir." I say seriously
"It's time to push that enhanced body my liege." Beverly says that gets my attention
"Indeed. The rest of you are dismiss. I wish to confer with the King." Picard says getting into character now
"Aye." Riker says
I watch as they all file out and through the various great columns as Jean-Luc and I are alone. I sit down in Arthur's chair.
"Captain..." I start
"My name is Lancelot my liege." he says
I look at him. Okay it's time to play the part now, if he's going to.
"Old Friend. I apologize again. It would seem I've gotten us into---"
"You have nothing to apologize for Arthur. Malegant is responsible for this latest scheme, as for your wife...what I had with her, is over now. If she is interested in you, you have my full permission to pursue her." Picard says
"Thank you Old Friend. Leave me now please." and he nods out of respect
The next day we storm Malegant's castle, with a full two battalion of knights---roughly a thousand people. Lancelot---Picard leads them into battle while I slice through Malegant's perimeter forces and reach spire where Vash is. Or so I assume. This is not the castle from the episode so I might be making a huge mistake. I enter while fighting gallantly---hearing Excalibur HUM and WHINE as I slice men...this is a combination of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves", "First Knight", and "Excalibur". Q has been observing me more than I realized. I'm going to have to talk to him about that at some point. Finally I reach the chambers where I assume Vash is being held and bash open the door much to her surprise. In the actual episode she spurns Jean-Luc's original rescue out of pride, I REALLY hope she doesn't do this here because I don't think we're getting a second chance to pull this off.
"Adam!"
"Hello Vash. "
"You came for me."
"Of course I did. I wasn't going to let you get executed...."
"That Q...Malegant....he's responsible for all this?"
"Yes. We'll talk on the way. The others are downstairs raiding the castle. We don't have time. Vash please!"
"I'm not going." Vash says crossing her arms. Fucking hell.
Two guards rush me up and I swing Excalibur slicing both their heads off as they tumble backwards as I rush to shut the door. The handmaiden looks exasperated as Vash continues to be pissed.
"Vash...we don't have time. IF you stay here, you will be killed in the morning. For real. This is not a game even though it appears to be like that. We are...where we are.."
"I'm not going with you until you admit the truth."
They try and bash the door in. Fuck me.
"Vash...damn it. FINE. You want me to acknowledge my feelings for you? How's this for fuck's sake?"
I approach her and grab her and kiss her hard on the lisps...it is absolutely amazing. Like fire. I kiss her again and she wraps her hands around my head and brings me closer to her.
"That's a start." she says and I stare at her
"What?!"
"Mi' lady please!" the handmaiden whines and I agree
"You need to say the words."
"Q! ENOUGH! This is over. Send us home."
"TELL me how you feel Adam."
The door weakens and splinters....sigh. Why am I hesitating? I'm in the clear now.
"All right. Fine. I LOVE you Vash. More than you will ever possibly---"
She kisses me again.
"Q!"
I hear that familiar swoosh and just like that we are back in my quarters. Q in uniform, sits on my couch and slow claps.
"Well done mon ami. "
"Picard to Young?"
I see my comm badge on my shirt. I tap it.
"Young here, go ahead sir."
"I assume that Vash is with you?"
Arms around each other's waists we smile.
"Yes sir...and everyone else?"
"All accounted for."
"Well done, Mr. Young. I will see you at the reception. Picard out."
"Bravo indeed Adam. It was a masterful performance. I didn't think you had it in you!"
"Q! You could have gotten us all killed. I understand you push people to reach their fullest potential but this was NOT the way to go about doing this! A simple thank you would have sufficed."
"Ahhhh. But then where's the fun of that?" he asks standing up
"He does have a point you know." Vash agrees
"I like her already! I see what Jean-Luc and you see in her!"
I sigh.
"Q has a pitch for you...but I ask before you accept it---I uh--I'd like you to stay for a couple of days before you go."
Q has a shit eating grin.
Vash touches me on my chest and it's electric.
"It must be a pretty serious offer if you want me to stay, considering what we've just gone through together though...hmmm...I wasn't just gonna up and leave. What's the offer...Q?"
"An opportunity, one that doesn't come along too often for mere mortals. I am offering you a chance to travel with me. To go and see anything, anywhere, at any time...no catch, no danger...and yes mon ami I give you my word that no harm will come to her, she will have protection. Do you accept Vash?" a safari hat appears in his hand as he offers it to Vash
"I still don't understand who are what you are." she says
"You will if you accept the offer. I promise!"
She turns to me, and I shrug.
"He means what he says. He won't allow anything to happen to you, because if it does, he knows that i would scour the cosmos for him and kick his ass."
"You do care!" I nod
Vash takes the hat and puts it on and just like that they're both gone. I sigh. Damn it.
Then just as quick as they vanished. They reappear and Vash is in her full safari get up and has a huge smile and jumps into my arms. My knees almost buckle from the suddenness of the action. Q appears in his outfit. I scowl at him but then Vash kisses me.
"That was fast." I say
"We were gone a long time...oh Adam it was amazing."
"I bet it was...Q?"
"She promised to stay...and you've earned this mon ami, but I'll be back my erstwhile travelling companion!"
"Thank you." I say
Q bows and tips his hat.
"No Adam, I thank you. Have fun you two! I'll see you soon Vash!"
Q vanishes. Vash kisses me as I put her down and grab her by the waist.
"What was it like?" I ask as she starts to remove my jacket
"Oh Adam, it was absolutely incredible. Words can not describe the things I saw...and did!"
"I can only imagine." We start kissing as she lifts up my shirt and I start to undress her
"We can talk about that later though...I have more important business right now."
"What about the symposium?"
"We have a few minutes."
"I was hoping for longer..." she giggles
"We'll make up for lost time Adam, don't you worry."
We strip the remainder of our clothes and head to the bed to make love.
Vash ends up staying for a few days and we get to know each other.
"I know this will be impossible for both of you, but try and stay out of trouble." I tell them while holding hands with Vash
"I'll try my best to behave."
"You have my word that no harm will come to her mon ami!" he salutes me
"Thank you. I'm not sure if I will ever see you again, but I want you to know that I do love you Vash. If you ever decided to settle down, I'd consider marrying you, but I know that will never happen. Thank you for everything."
She kisses me.
"Thank you as well...and Adam...I know you've gone through a lot. But don't keep it all bottled up. Talk to Deanna. REALLY talk to Deanna about this."
I nod.
"Good journey, to you both."
They both nod, then Vash smiles and just like that I hear that finger snap and that swoosh, and they're gone.
"That was fun, while it lasted." I mutter
It is suddenly the beginning of October 2367. This past year has been a complete blur. It's gone by faster than I anticipated. Partially dealing with...what happened...has daunting at best. Exhausting at worst. The Enterprise has taken on a Klingon exobiologist named J'Dan. He has kept mostly to him. I have thought nothing of it...until it happens again.
"Picard to Young."
"Young here sir?"
"There's been an...incident in main engineering. Report to my ready room please."
"Aye sir."
The Drumhead has begun. Shit. I have to deal with Admiral Satie again. Adam calm.
I stare at Vash who is sitting crossed legged in my favourite arm chair.
"What are you doing in my quarters, and how did you know these were my quarters?" I ask
"I asked and was told these were your quarters. You intrigued me on Risa, and I wanted to come say hello. You already know why I'm here." she says
"Unfortunately more than you do." I grumble looking around for HIM
Where are you, you obnoxious...
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asks as she gracefully climbs out of my chair and heads towards me
"Look Vash. I just have finished up a training shift. I'm extremely tired, I want to shower and lay down." I say rubbing my temples
"My, my aren't we evasive over a little hello." she replies
"This is HIS doing. I don't have time for this Q!" I exclaim
"What's a Q?" Vash asks confused
"A particularly annoying, immortal being, who gets his shits and kicks off by trolling us mere humans." I Reply
"Sounds like my kind of guy." Vash replies, she's getting closer to me now
"Sigh. Vash, the Captain---"
"Otherwise engaged with administrative matters with the Council. I know. I already stopped to say hi to Jean-Luc. He shoed me away as quickly as he could. So I came here."
"Naturally. Why?"
"I told you. You intrigued me when we met on Risa. I saw the way you looked at me, in spite of your partner. I've had a lot of attention from men in my time as you can imagine, but no one has ever looked at me as intensely as you did that first time we interrupted you." she says with a coy smile
"You're reaching."
She's right. I'm evading, and it's because I REALLY am tired right now.
"I don't think so." she attempts to reach for my face but I block her.
"I was sorry to hear about Lieutenant Henshaw, and what the Borg did to you." she replies as I attempt to head to the bathroom, that catches me and I spin around on her
"Why are you here Vash? Thank you for your condolences, but I'm not really in the mood for any of your advances, and or games...you and Jean-Luc..."
"What Jean-Luc and I had, remains on Risa. You know how he is, and I chose to respect that about him. I truly am sorry about what happened to you, if you change my mind, I'll be in my quarters later. I'd love it if you'd come over for dinner." she says and walks out
I sigh again and head to the shower. Maybe a cold one is needed.
I come out of the shower and get dressed again, and call out his name.
"Q! Enough! No hijinks! Not this time. Not with her!" I shout
No response of course. Anticipating the answer I ask the computer where Vash is.
"Representative Vash is on the main bridge."
Oh no.
I bolt up to the bridge as fast as I can and come out of the turbolift as the doors make their iconic swooshing sound. I peer down over the horseshoe and low and behold, Vash is entertaining a group of senior officers as she sits in Jean-Luc's chair. Beverly is the first to spot me.
"Adam."
"Doctor..." I reply as Riker, Worf, and Geordi are all present listening to Vash.
"I'd like to introduce you to a Representative of---"
"We've met before, Vash...what are you doing here?" I ask as the others expression turn into bewilderment
"You were busy, the Captain was busy, and I was bored, so decided to take a bit of a tour of the ship and ended up here." she says with that smug smile. I sigh again
"Great...but I don't think---" as I'm about to say his name the Captain comes out of his ready room, and his expression drops as he spots Vash in his chair.
"Look Captain, Vash is here!" I exclaim deciding to be a dick
"I can see being a Starship Captain has it's rewards." she says purring and Riker has an absolutely incredulous look on his face. He can scarcely comprehend what is going on between the three of us.
"I'm glad you approve." Picard says dead pan
"I suppose I'll return to my quarters and prepare for the reception....my invitation to dinner still stands, Mr. Young." she says to me
"By all means, I will see you at the reception. Mr. Young can escort you to your quarters." he says
"Aye sir."
"Fascinating woman." I hear Will quip
You don't know what the half of it. I escort Vash to her quarters.
"I thought you were going to wait for me here, were those theatrics neccessary? You KNOW Jean-Luc doesn't like to be embarrassed." I say
"Ah so you were going to take me up on my offer after all, and my intent was not to embarrass Jean-Luc."
"Then what was it?"
"To get your attention of course, silly." she is close now again and I allow her
"I never said I never cared about you Vash. I don't have any feelings for you." I reply
"I find that extremely hard to believe." she says as she runs a finger up and down my chest.
"Why are you lingering here, Mr. Young? You've carried out your orders. You're dismissed." she just as curtly
Insufferable woman.
"Okay fine. We're doing this. Good luck with the speeches."
"You won't be at the reception?" she asks genuinely sounding disappointed
"Archelogy isn't exactly my brand of history, I find it too dry." I reply with a wink
"I bet I could find ways to make it less dry." she replies
Oh boy.
"I'm gonna leave now...good luck." I say and force myself to leave
I return to my quarters all flustered and just as I'm about to kick back and try to relax...it happens. I hear that familiar OTHER swooshing sound effect with that TWINE, and I'm no longer on the Enterprise. Instead wearing clunky knight's armor in a clearing. I hear another sound and the others join me. This isn't Nottingham though.
"Where is this? What's going on?" demands Picard
I look at the others. They're all wearing armor. Including Deanna, and Beverly. Uh-oh.
"Q..." I utter
"Q!" exclaims Picard
"I'm afraid this is Q's doing, sir. A way of paying us back for helping him out last year, when he lost his powers." I explain
"What are we supposed to be? This is English armor. Dark Ages from the looks of it." he notes as he examines his chest piece
I nod as I see the Great Castle ahead of us. Camelot on a huge hill. Damn it Q.
"We are in the Arthurian Legend. I'm King Arthur, you Captain are Lancelot I assume, and the rest of you are my Knights of the Round Table."
"I am NOT a Knight." Worf replies
"Neither are the rest of us." Picard states
"I would agree, but for the foreseeable future we are exactly that." I say as I hear horse hoofs rumbling on the ground It is Q along with an escort.
"Q! We have no desire to play this game of yours. Release Vash, and return all of us back to the Enterprise!" I demand
"Vash?" Picard exclaims alarmed now
"Q? Vash? I know not of these names, or what game you are referring to Arthur. I assure you that this is no game. I have come to give you heed that we have captured the fair Guinevere and are holding her captive at my stronghold. If you wish to see her alive again, you WILL meet me in battle in two days henceforth, or she will be executed. So says Maleagant."
Maleagant? He's pulling from "First Knight". Really reaching into my fantasy here.
"We don't have time for this." Riker bemoans
"I agree. However under the circumstances we have no choice but to play along, this time." I say
"Why? Why are you King Arthur, and why am I Lancelot?" Picard asks and I sigh
"This is my fault. Q is doing this to...try...to...force...me to acknowledge my feelings...for Vash." I say through gritted teeth
"For Vash?" Picard says surprised
"Yes sir. I didn't know..." he replies
"I know...and that was by design. Now though...things have changed and Q is determined to have this play out...in this way."
Deanna giggles and I toss her a Batman glare which stops her.
"I understand all of this is bewildering for all of you, and I apologize for that. This is real though, and we are in potential danger. I suggest that we return to Camelot and begin planning how we're going to rescue Vash." I say and the others agree with me.
Inside Camelot...which has been replicated with incredible detail. We sit at the Round Table in the Main Hall. There are guards on the upper level. I half listen as my knights argue on best how to attack our enemy. I get impatient finally.
"ENOUGH!" my voice echoes throughout the hall.
"Captain, I maybe King Arthur, but I'm no King, I can lead if needed to...but you're the Captain still. I will follow whatever you decide to do, especially considering this is our...private business being carried out in the open. To the rest of you...I apologize sincerely, you've gotten yourself roped into a potentially dangerous situation. However I need us all in the same page if we're to...get through whatever hijinks Q has planned for us."
"Agreed." Picard says
"Do you have a plan?" asks Riker who is Sir Bedevere
I look up at again and a surprise flood of...Arthur's memories suddenly flood me as I remember building this place with MERLIN, long since gone now. Merlin...I could use you know old friend. I hear myself say.
"I don't have a plan"
Picard sees my solemn frustrated expression
"You have nothing to apologize for my Liege, this is the malcontent Malagent's treachery, and sorcery!! He seeks to divide us, sire. We will not allow that to happen." he says in character and that gets me to smile
"Well said of course my friend." I Reply
"PAGE! MAP!" Picard orders
A boy of about 12 or so rushes into the room and unrolls a huge map upon the table of the realm. Pax Arthur.
"We will need to storm the castle on two fronts. We will use our arrows to distract Malagnet, while you sneak into the castle and rescue the Queen. Bedevere and Kai (Worf) will provide you with cover." Picard says
A sound beginning.
"That seems reasonable." I mutter still distracted by all of this
"I've never done something like this before, sir." I say seriously
"It's time to push that enhanced body my liege." Beverly says that gets my attention
"Indeed. The rest of you are dismiss. I wish to confer with the King." Picard says getting into character now
"Aye." Riker says
I watch as they all file out and through the various great columns as Jean-Luc and I are alone. I sit down in Arthur's chair.
"Captain..." I start
"My name is Lancelot my liege." he says
I look at him. Okay it's time to play the part now, if he's going to.
"Old Friend. I apologize again. It would seem I've gotten us into---"
"You have nothing to apologize for Arthur. Malegant is responsible for this latest scheme, as for your wife...what I had with her, is over now. If she is interested in you, you have my full permission to pursue her." Picard says
"Thank you Old Friend. Leave me now please." and he nods out of respect
The next day we storm Malegant's castle, with a full two battalion of knights---roughly a thousand people. Lancelot---Picard leads them into battle while I slice through Malegant's perimeter forces and reach spire where Vash is. Or so I assume. This is not the castle from the episode so I might be making a huge mistake. I enter while fighting gallantly---hearing Excalibur HUM and WHINE as I slice men...this is a combination of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves", "First Knight", and "Excalibur". Q has been observing me more than I realized. I'm going to have to talk to him about that at some point. Finally I reach the chambers where I assume Vash is being held and bash open the door much to her surprise. In the actual episode she spurns Jean-Luc's original rescue out of pride, I REALLY hope she doesn't do this here because I don't think we're getting a second chance to pull this off.
"Adam!"
"Hello Vash. "
"You came for me."
"Of course I did. I wasn't going to let you get executed...."
"That Q...Malegant....he's responsible for all this?"
"Yes. We'll talk on the way. The others are downstairs raiding the castle. We don't have time. Vash please!"
"I'm not going." Vash says crossing her arms. Fucking hell.
Two guards rush me up and I swing Excalibur slicing both their heads off as they tumble backwards as I rush to shut the door. The handmaiden looks exasperated as Vash continues to be pissed.
"Vash...we don't have time. IF you stay here, you will be killed in the morning. For real. This is not a game even though it appears to be like that. We are...where we are.."
"I'm not going with you until you admit the truth."
They try and bash the door in. Fuck me.
"Vash...damn it. FINE. You want me to acknowledge my feelings for you? How's this for fuck's sake?"
I approach her and grab her and kiss her hard on the lisps...it is absolutely amazing. Like fire. I kiss her again and she wraps her hands around my head and brings me closer to her.
"That's a start." she says and I stare at her
"What?!"
"Mi' lady please!" the handmaiden whines and I agree
"You need to say the words."
"Q! ENOUGH! This is over. Send us home."
"TELL me how you feel Adam."
The door weakens and splinters....sigh. Why am I hesitating? I'm in the clear now.
"All right. Fine. I LOVE you Vash. More than you will ever possibly---"
She kisses me again.
"Q!"
I hear that familiar swoosh and just like that we are back in my quarters. Q in uniform, sits on my couch and slow claps.
"Well done mon ami. "
"Picard to Young?"
I see my comm badge on my shirt. I tap it.
"Young here, go ahead sir."
"I assume that Vash is with you?"
Arms around each other's waists we smile.
"Yes sir...and everyone else?"
"All accounted for."
"Well done, Mr. Young. I will see you at the reception. Picard out."
"Bravo indeed Adam. It was a masterful performance. I didn't think you had it in you!"
"Q! You could have gotten us all killed. I understand you push people to reach their fullest potential but this was NOT the way to go about doing this! A simple thank you would have sufficed."
"Ahhhh. But then where's the fun of that?" he asks standing up
"He does have a point you know." Vash agrees
"I like her already! I see what Jean-Luc and you see in her!"
I sigh.
"Q has a pitch for you...but I ask before you accept it---I uh--I'd like you to stay for a couple of days before you go."
Q has a shit eating grin.
Vash touches me on my chest and it's electric.
"It must be a pretty serious offer if you want me to stay, considering what we've just gone through together though...hmmm...I wasn't just gonna up and leave. What's the offer...Q?"
"An opportunity, one that doesn't come along too often for mere mortals. I am offering you a chance to travel with me. To go and see anything, anywhere, at any time...no catch, no danger...and yes mon ami I give you my word that no harm will come to her, she will have protection. Do you accept Vash?" a safari hat appears in his hand as he offers it to Vash
"I still don't understand who are what you are." she says
"You will if you accept the offer. I promise!"
She turns to me, and I shrug.
"He means what he says. He won't allow anything to happen to you, because if it does, he knows that i would scour the cosmos for him and kick his ass."
"You do care!" I nod
Vash takes the hat and puts it on and just like that they're both gone. I sigh. Damn it.
Then just as quick as they vanished. They reappear and Vash is in her full safari get up and has a huge smile and jumps into my arms. My knees almost buckle from the suddenness of the action. Q appears in his outfit. I scowl at him but then Vash kisses me.
"That was fast." I say
"We were gone a long time...oh Adam it was amazing."
"I bet it was...Q?"
"She promised to stay...and you've earned this mon ami, but I'll be back my erstwhile travelling companion!"
"Thank you." I say
Q bows and tips his hat.
"No Adam, I thank you. Have fun you two! I'll see you soon Vash!"
Q vanishes. Vash kisses me as I put her down and grab her by the waist.
"What was it like?" I ask as she starts to remove my jacket
"Oh Adam, it was absolutely incredible. Words can not describe the things I saw...and did!"
"I can only imagine." We start kissing as she lifts up my shirt and I start to undress her
"We can talk about that later though...I have more important business right now."
"What about the symposium?"
"We have a few minutes."
"I was hoping for longer..." she giggles
"We'll make up for lost time Adam, don't you worry."
We strip the remainder of our clothes and head to the bed to make love.
Vash ends up staying for a few days and we get to know each other.
"I know this will be impossible for both of you, but try and stay out of trouble." I tell them while holding hands with Vash
"I'll try my best to behave."
"You have my word that no harm will come to her mon ami!" he salutes me
"Thank you. I'm not sure if I will ever see you again, but I want you to know that I do love you Vash. If you ever decided to settle down, I'd consider marrying you, but I know that will never happen. Thank you for everything."
She kisses me.
"Thank you as well...and Adam...I know you've gone through a lot. But don't keep it all bottled up. Talk to Deanna. REALLY talk to Deanna about this."
I nod.
"Good journey, to you both."
They both nod, then Vash smiles and just like that I hear that finger snap and that swoosh, and they're gone.
"That was fun, while it lasted." I mutter
It is suddenly the beginning of October 2367. This past year has been a complete blur. It's gone by faster than I anticipated. Partially dealing with...what happened...has daunting at best. Exhausting at worst. The Enterprise has taken on a Klingon exobiologist named J'Dan. He has kept mostly to him. I have thought nothing of it...until it happens again.
"Picard to Young."
"Young here sir?"
"There's been an...incident in main engineering. Report to my ready room please."
"Aye sir."
The Drumhead has begun. Shit. I have to deal with Admiral Satie again. Adam calm.
Last edited:
Lillie Jones
Well worn.
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Thanks for the chapter
Continue on
Cheers!
Continue on
Cheers!
Marlow3
*concern*
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Thanks for the chapters. The Vash bit seemed a bit rushed but an interesting story line. The Drumhead is one of the best episodes of TNG so I am looking forward to dealing with an admiral with a grudge and the joy of rampant paranoia.
DarkDestroyer
The Destroyer Of Worlds
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Vash originally was MUCH longer. Like several chapters long but I decided to edit it because even the original episode everything is resolved within 40 minutes so I don't feel like it's rushed at all, but can understand why some might think that.
Chapter 46: The Drumhead
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DarkDestroyer
The Destroyer Of Worlds
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Paramount and SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.
I enter Captain Picard's ready room and he hands me a PAAD.
"We have a problem, I suspect you know what it is."
"There was an explosion in engineering. J'Dan has been accused, and is being interrogated by Riker and Troi right now."
"Yes. Did he do it?" Picard asks bluntly
I read the report given to me and am surprised.
"This shouldn't have happened sir."
"What?
"When the Enterprise was docked at McKingley undergoing her repairs...the Corp of Engineers were about to install what would later...now...be discovered as a faulty dilithium chamber hatch. While I was on Earth though I alerted them to the issue and when asked about it afterwards, they assured me that they had replaced it with another one. This shouldn't have happened still."
Picard tugs on his uniform.
"Do you suspect sabotage?"
I hand Picard back the PADD as I shake my head.
"No, however J'Dan is a spy for the Romulans."
"I see. This is extremely concerning. You are of course aware of Admiral Satie?" Picard asks and I openly grown
"Yes sir. She was played a critical role in exposing, and helping Starfleet recover from the Conspiracy Aliens incident. I also know that she is a former Starfleet Commander-In-Chief and highly regarded."
"The Admiral despite her demeaner and conduct at your hearing...is considered one of the most decorated and respected officers of this era. If J'Dan is a spy as you claim, she will be appointed to head an investigation. Are you...prepared to deal with her again?"
I smile.
"Yes sir, I will be at my upmost professional. I am still training, after all."
"Indeed. Very well...thank you Mr. Young. You're dismissed."
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Admiral Satie...despite my...dislike for her...I respect her. However, this is not going to end well. I recommend that Starfleet send someone more level headed to carry out this investigation."
Picard nods and I get up to leave. This is not going to be fun at all.
Starfleet ignores my request which Captain Picard makes on my behalf and Admiral Satie is sent to lead the investigation. I am called to the ready room again.
"Ah Mr. Young. Prompt timing as always. I believe you know Admiral Satie."
"Admiral."
"This is her..."
"Hello Sabin...I don't think you'd like what's in my head so much." he frowns and Satie scowls at me
"Captain, I assure you that having Sabin present for this investigation will have it go smoother...and quicker."
"I have...misgivings about using a Betazoid in this investigation, Admiral."
"Do you not utilize Counsellor Troi for the same actions Captain?"
Picard glances at me and sighs
"Yes...nevertheless I still feel uneasy. Mr. Young this is Admiral Satie's assistant...."
"Nellen Tore of Delb II. Expert in analytics and data consumption. " I nod to her
"Admiral...I sense an uncomfortableness from Mr. Young. He doesn't want us here."
Damned right I don't.
"Why is that Mr. Young? I find myself surprised that you yourself didn't expose J'Dan as a spy when he first came on board." Oh you don't miss a beat...
I look at the Captain and he frowns. He raises his hand.
"This is not a hearing. Mr. Young is here in his capacity as special civilian consultant----"
"A position in which he is not qualified for and should not have been granted." Satie says
Fuck me it's starting already. BIT---Adam calm.
"Your colleagues within Starfleet Command disagree with you Admiral, with all respect." I reply
"Please...I think we should begin the investigation. Admiral, you said you wanted to begin in main engineering."
"Very well..."
I watch as everyone leaves.
J'Dan admits to being a Romulan spy immediately but won't give any further details. He's shipped off the ship right away and the investigation leads to poor Simon Tarses, but I interject.
"Why are we investigating Crewmen Tarses? Why is this investigation even including Enterprise crew members?" I ask when we're in Picard's ready room
"Elaborate." Satie says
"Simon Tarses has absolutely nothing to do with this. The dilithium chamber hatch was replaced at Earth Station McKingley. As I mentioned to you before during my...interview with Sabin...I notified the Corp of Engineers working on the Enterprise's repairs about the faulty hatch. They stated to me that they would investigate and replace it. I had assume they did, since THIS still happened...I can only assume that IF there is a conspiracy here of any kind...the culprits behind it infiltrated McKingley station and are NOT present on the Enterprise."
"He is telling the truth, Admiral. Though he is still hiding something."
I'm sorry Simon, but I'll make it up to you, I swear.
"For fuck's sake...Captain, I apologize, but for clarities sake and so these false accusations and assumptions can cease...Simon Tarses has Romulan heritage that he has hidden---"
The three morons gasp and I continue.
"However I can speak on behalf of Crewman Tarses, is is NOT involved with this whatsoever. The Admiral and Nellen's continued belief that J'Dan could not possibly have done anything like this by himself is false. That is the whole point of a conspiracy...there are multiple people involved....the Admiral's experience with the Conspiracy Aliens three years ago has made her paranoid of all things---"
"That is enough!" Satie shouts
"Admiral..." Captain Picard says not liking where this is heading
"No. I have tolerated this...behavior long enough. From this point forward until further notice Adam Young is suspended from his duties as Special Civilian Consultant, and ordered to confinement in his quarters."
"On what grounds?" Picard asks
"On the grounds of interfering with my investigation."
"WHAT?!" I exclaim incredulously. I am bamboozled!
"Admiral, Mr. Young has performed his duties---"
"No. My mind is made up. The hearings will continue, and we call Mr. Young to testify as well."
Picard looks at me and I shrug and turn and leave without waiting to be dismissed.
I sit in the same chair that Captain Picard did in the episode proper from our reality...and this investigation has gone off the rails. This wasn't about, finding justice. This turned out to be a witch hunt, but not with Simon Tarses, but ME. Vice-Admiral Thomas Henry has arrived as well to help oversee the proceedings.
"Your full name." Sabin states
"Adam Christopher Young."
"Position?"
"Starfleet Special Consultant."
"How long have you had this post?"
"Since Stardate 43001."
"Very well, Admiral?"
"If you don't mind...I have something to say."
"You will have an opportunity to make a statement, later." Sabine says hard
"I believe that Chapter Four, Article Twelve of the Uniform Code of Justice grants me the right to make a statement before questioning begins."
Luckily for me this is a Federation law for citizens, of which I was made last year.
"Very well."
I compose myself to make Captain Picard's famous speech.
"I am deeply concerned what has been happening here. It began when a spy was apprehended, whom admitted his guilt, and will answer for his crime. But it didn't stop there. My concerns about a deeper issue were ignored when I...outed Crewman Simon Tarses for being half Romulan...and this hearing was convened which has uncovered zero connections other than a simple conversation between Tarses and the aforementioned spy. Mister Tarses career now stands in ruin, and that I am fully responsible for...but it has led us down a darker path, a path that has led away from any real potential suspects...to finding myself accused. For no reason. Have we become so fearful? So cowardly that we must extinguish a man because he carries the blood of a current enemy? Admiral, let us not condemn Simon Tarses, or anyone else, because of their bloodlines, or investigate others for their innocent associations. I implore you, do not continue with this proceeding. End it now."
"Mr. Young...for those present and aren't familiar with you...where exactly do you come from?"
I stare at the panel, then the gallery where my friends are sitting.
"I come from an alternate reality."
"Specifically an alternate reality of the past where this...all of us here...are a television show. Correct?"
"Yes."
"This has given you an unique advantage in our reality, hasn't it? You have been able to use your knowledge of our...characters...from that show to guide you through your journey in this reality."
"Yes."
"This ability has made you an invaluable member of this crew , you have saved countless members of the Enterprise senior staff, as well as complete strangers that you've encountered on previous missions. Correct?"
"Yes"
I have an idea of where this is going.
"Admiral...if I--
"I am the one asking the questions here Mr. Young."
"Yes sir."
"There have also been a number of occasions where that has failed...or a specific alternate outcome occurred. Correct?"
"Correct."
"You attempted to warn the Captain of the Vulcan Ambassador T'Pell did you not?"
"Yes..."
"Yet she was able to still be carried over to the enemy was she not?"
"Yes."
"Both the Captain and Mr. Young did what they could...the Enterprise could have been captured by the Romulans!" Worf exclaims
"Really, Lieutenant? And where were you when this traitor was on board the Enterprise? Where was ship's Security?" asks Satie getting heated more and more by the moment
"Lieutenant." The Captain says and Worf stands down again
"You knew that The Klingon exobiologist J'Dan was a spy, yet didn't inform Captain Picard about it until AFTER the explosion in main engineering happened. I want to know why."
"I don't have an answer for you that will satisfy the question, Admiral."
"I see. Mr. Young...have you completely recovered from your ordeal with the Borg?" and there it is...
"For the most part yes Admiral. I have completely recovered."
"But not fully? Can you elaborate."
No I can't you BI---Adam calm.
"I still experience nightmares occasionally."
"It must have been awful for you, actually becoming one of them, being forced to use your vast knowledge to aid the Borg. Just how many of our ships were lost? Thirty nine? And a loss of life, I believe, measured at nearly eleven thousand. One wonders how you can sleep at night, having caused so much destruction. I question your actions, Young! I question your choices. I question your loyalty!"
I do the Captain's face palm because I'm legit tired of this. I know how he felt now. I take a couple of minutes to myself before re-composing myself. I really would like to punch someone right now in their face. Calm.
"Recently, during my studies to become a Starfleet Security Officer, I came across words that touched me...that I feel should never be forgotten. With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably. Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie as wisdom and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged. I fear that today."
This enrages the Admiral and she fully stands out and points at me with her rage.
"How dare you! You who pretend to be what you're not! Invoking my father's words to support your traitorous arguments! It is an offence to everything I hold dear. And to hear those words used to subvert the United Federation of Planets. My father was a great man. His name stands for integrity and principle. You dirty his name when you speak it. He loved the Federation, but you, Young, corrupt it. You undermine our very way of life. I will expose you for what you are. I've brought down bigger men than you, Young!"
Admiral Henry leaves.
"Perhaps we should call a recess." Sabin says
I immediately walk out. Disgusted, and tired. I also now need to deal with Simon.
I enter Captain Picard's ready room and he hands me a PAAD.
"We have a problem, I suspect you know what it is."
"There was an explosion in engineering. J'Dan has been accused, and is being interrogated by Riker and Troi right now."
"Yes. Did he do it?" Picard asks bluntly
I read the report given to me and am surprised.
"This shouldn't have happened sir."
"What?
"When the Enterprise was docked at McKingley undergoing her repairs...the Corp of Engineers were about to install what would later...now...be discovered as a faulty dilithium chamber hatch. While I was on Earth though I alerted them to the issue and when asked about it afterwards, they assured me that they had replaced it with another one. This shouldn't have happened still."
Picard tugs on his uniform.
"Do you suspect sabotage?"
I hand Picard back the PADD as I shake my head.
"No, however J'Dan is a spy for the Romulans."
"I see. This is extremely concerning. You are of course aware of Admiral Satie?" Picard asks and I openly grown
"Yes sir. She was played a critical role in exposing, and helping Starfleet recover from the Conspiracy Aliens incident. I also know that she is a former Starfleet Commander-In-Chief and highly regarded."
"The Admiral despite her demeaner and conduct at your hearing...is considered one of the most decorated and respected officers of this era. If J'Dan is a spy as you claim, she will be appointed to head an investigation. Are you...prepared to deal with her again?"
I smile.
"Yes sir, I will be at my upmost professional. I am still training, after all."
"Indeed. Very well...thank you Mr. Young. You're dismissed."
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Admiral Satie...despite my...dislike for her...I respect her. However, this is not going to end well. I recommend that Starfleet send someone more level headed to carry out this investigation."
Picard nods and I get up to leave. This is not going to be fun at all.
Starfleet ignores my request which Captain Picard makes on my behalf and Admiral Satie is sent to lead the investigation. I am called to the ready room again.
"Ah Mr. Young. Prompt timing as always. I believe you know Admiral Satie."
"Admiral."
"This is her..."
"Hello Sabin...I don't think you'd like what's in my head so much." he frowns and Satie scowls at me
"Captain, I assure you that having Sabin present for this investigation will have it go smoother...and quicker."
"I have...misgivings about using a Betazoid in this investigation, Admiral."
"Do you not utilize Counsellor Troi for the same actions Captain?"
Picard glances at me and sighs
"Yes...nevertheless I still feel uneasy. Mr. Young this is Admiral Satie's assistant...."
"Nellen Tore of Delb II. Expert in analytics and data consumption. " I nod to her
"Admiral...I sense an uncomfortableness from Mr. Young. He doesn't want us here."
Damned right I don't.
"Why is that Mr. Young? I find myself surprised that you yourself didn't expose J'Dan as a spy when he first came on board." Oh you don't miss a beat...
I look at the Captain and he frowns. He raises his hand.
"This is not a hearing. Mr. Young is here in his capacity as special civilian consultant----"
"A position in which he is not qualified for and should not have been granted." Satie says
Fuck me it's starting already. BIT---Adam calm.
"Your colleagues within Starfleet Command disagree with you Admiral, with all respect." I reply
"Please...I think we should begin the investigation. Admiral, you said you wanted to begin in main engineering."
"Very well..."
I watch as everyone leaves.
J'Dan admits to being a Romulan spy immediately but won't give any further details. He's shipped off the ship right away and the investigation leads to poor Simon Tarses, but I interject.
"Why are we investigating Crewmen Tarses? Why is this investigation even including Enterprise crew members?" I ask when we're in Picard's ready room
"Elaborate." Satie says
"Simon Tarses has absolutely nothing to do with this. The dilithium chamber hatch was replaced at Earth Station McKingley. As I mentioned to you before during my...interview with Sabin...I notified the Corp of Engineers working on the Enterprise's repairs about the faulty hatch. They stated to me that they would investigate and replace it. I had assume they did, since THIS still happened...I can only assume that IF there is a conspiracy here of any kind...the culprits behind it infiltrated McKingley station and are NOT present on the Enterprise."
"He is telling the truth, Admiral. Though he is still hiding something."
I'm sorry Simon, but I'll make it up to you, I swear.
"For fuck's sake...Captain, I apologize, but for clarities sake and so these false accusations and assumptions can cease...Simon Tarses has Romulan heritage that he has hidden---"
The three morons gasp and I continue.
"However I can speak on behalf of Crewman Tarses, is is NOT involved with this whatsoever. The Admiral and Nellen's continued belief that J'Dan could not possibly have done anything like this by himself is false. That is the whole point of a conspiracy...there are multiple people involved....the Admiral's experience with the Conspiracy Aliens three years ago has made her paranoid of all things---"
"That is enough!" Satie shouts
"Admiral..." Captain Picard says not liking where this is heading
"No. I have tolerated this...behavior long enough. From this point forward until further notice Adam Young is suspended from his duties as Special Civilian Consultant, and ordered to confinement in his quarters."
"On what grounds?" Picard asks
"On the grounds of interfering with my investigation."
"WHAT?!" I exclaim incredulously. I am bamboozled!
"Admiral, Mr. Young has performed his duties---"
"No. My mind is made up. The hearings will continue, and we call Mr. Young to testify as well."
Picard looks at me and I shrug and turn and leave without waiting to be dismissed.
I sit in the same chair that Captain Picard did in the episode proper from our reality...and this investigation has gone off the rails. This wasn't about, finding justice. This turned out to be a witch hunt, but not with Simon Tarses, but ME. Vice-Admiral Thomas Henry has arrived as well to help oversee the proceedings.
"Your full name." Sabin states
"Adam Christopher Young."
"Position?"
"Starfleet Special Consultant."
"How long have you had this post?"
"Since Stardate 43001."
"Very well, Admiral?"
"If you don't mind...I have something to say."
"You will have an opportunity to make a statement, later." Sabine says hard
"I believe that Chapter Four, Article Twelve of the Uniform Code of Justice grants me the right to make a statement before questioning begins."
Luckily for me this is a Federation law for citizens, of which I was made last year.
"Very well."
I compose myself to make Captain Picard's famous speech.
"I am deeply concerned what has been happening here. It began when a spy was apprehended, whom admitted his guilt, and will answer for his crime. But it didn't stop there. My concerns about a deeper issue were ignored when I...outed Crewman Simon Tarses for being half Romulan...and this hearing was convened which has uncovered zero connections other than a simple conversation between Tarses and the aforementioned spy. Mister Tarses career now stands in ruin, and that I am fully responsible for...but it has led us down a darker path, a path that has led away from any real potential suspects...to finding myself accused. For no reason. Have we become so fearful? So cowardly that we must extinguish a man because he carries the blood of a current enemy? Admiral, let us not condemn Simon Tarses, or anyone else, because of their bloodlines, or investigate others for their innocent associations. I implore you, do not continue with this proceeding. End it now."
"Mr. Young...for those present and aren't familiar with you...where exactly do you come from?"
I stare at the panel, then the gallery where my friends are sitting.
"I come from an alternate reality."
"Specifically an alternate reality of the past where this...all of us here...are a television show. Correct?"
"Yes."
"This has given you an unique advantage in our reality, hasn't it? You have been able to use your knowledge of our...characters...from that show to guide you through your journey in this reality."
"Yes."
"This ability has made you an invaluable member of this crew , you have saved countless members of the Enterprise senior staff, as well as complete strangers that you've encountered on previous missions. Correct?"
"Yes"
I have an idea of where this is going.
"Admiral...if I--
"I am the one asking the questions here Mr. Young."
"Yes sir."
"There have also been a number of occasions where that has failed...or a specific alternate outcome occurred. Correct?"
"Correct."
"You attempted to warn the Captain of the Vulcan Ambassador T'Pell did you not?"
"Yes..."
"Yet she was able to still be carried over to the enemy was she not?"
"Yes."
"Both the Captain and Mr. Young did what they could...the Enterprise could have been captured by the Romulans!" Worf exclaims
"Really, Lieutenant? And where were you when this traitor was on board the Enterprise? Where was ship's Security?" asks Satie getting heated more and more by the moment
"Lieutenant." The Captain says and Worf stands down again
"You knew that The Klingon exobiologist J'Dan was a spy, yet didn't inform Captain Picard about it until AFTER the explosion in main engineering happened. I want to know why."
"I don't have an answer for you that will satisfy the question, Admiral."
"I see. Mr. Young...have you completely recovered from your ordeal with the Borg?" and there it is...
"For the most part yes Admiral. I have completely recovered."
"But not fully? Can you elaborate."
No I can't you BI---Adam calm.
"I still experience nightmares occasionally."
"It must have been awful for you, actually becoming one of them, being forced to use your vast knowledge to aid the Borg. Just how many of our ships were lost? Thirty nine? And a loss of life, I believe, measured at nearly eleven thousand. One wonders how you can sleep at night, having caused so much destruction. I question your actions, Young! I question your choices. I question your loyalty!"
I do the Captain's face palm because I'm legit tired of this. I know how he felt now. I take a couple of minutes to myself before re-composing myself. I really would like to punch someone right now in their face. Calm.
"Recently, during my studies to become a Starfleet Security Officer, I came across words that touched me...that I feel should never be forgotten. With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably. Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie as wisdom and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged. I fear that today."
This enrages the Admiral and she fully stands out and points at me with her rage.
"How dare you! You who pretend to be what you're not! Invoking my father's words to support your traitorous arguments! It is an offence to everything I hold dear. And to hear those words used to subvert the United Federation of Planets. My father was a great man. His name stands for integrity and principle. You dirty his name when you speak it. He loved the Federation, but you, Young, corrupt it. You undermine our very way of life. I will expose you for what you are. I've brought down bigger men than you, Young!"
Admiral Henry leaves.
"Perhaps we should call a recess." Sabin says
I immediately walk out. Disgusted, and tired. I also now need to deal with Simon.
Wivk
Not too sore, are you?
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Theorizing that one could time travel in their own lifetime dr Samuel Beckett stepped into the quantum accelerator and disappeared
At least he didn't sleep with satie. For a minute I thought the point of the fic was for this character to seduce every female on the show.
DarkDestroyer
The Destroyer Of Worlds
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LOL. That's a pretty gross exaggeration. I've made it a very clear point NOT to do that. Not sure why folks are thinking that is what is going on here. He's literally had like three relationships in this so far. Two serious relationships. That's hardly sleeping with EVERYONE.
I really hate when folks come into stories and accuse the author of doing such and such when that's not at all what is going on in the story.
That's fair, we deal with Simon next chapter and we'll be following up with him in a few years!
Nothing EVER happens in this just to have it happen. I promise that. We've a TON of story left to go. We're just in the beginning!
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Lillie Jones
Well worn.
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Freaking out about Adam SI dealing with Simon, which this chapter was necessarily harsh in inquiry of Adam Young. Although very important crucible thst Adam has go through still post Borg for his somewhat previous self actions.
Continue on
Cheers!
Continue on
Cheers!