This is a work of Fan Fiction.

All Trek related materials are owned and

Copyrighted by Paramount Pictures and

CBS Studios.

First appearance in book form- 2014.

Thelen

by MDBruffy

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Past:

Omicron Theta

The Tripoli's transporter released an away team led by

Lt. Commander Thelen. At 49, the Andorian had seen

her share of desolate worlds.

This wasn't supposed to be one of them. She turned

to Lt. Banks. "Isn't this supposed to be an agricultural

colony?"

"That's what the records say."

One of the few Orions in Starfleet, Ensign Sallen

checked her tricorder. "Well, it's not now. Something's

drained all the life out of-"

"Commander!” Thelen turned to see the blond Banks

at the top of a rise. The human female was pointing.

"Over there."

'Over there' turned out to be a small gulley. As they

approached, Thelen spotted what looked like a

humanoid stretched out on a stone bench. She gently

touched him. "He's covered with dust." Her antennas

nearly twitched as she holstered her tricorder, and

leaned over the inert form, raising it to a sitting position.

Her hand hit something in its back and its eyes opened,

surprising everyone as it began examining each of them.

"Who are you?"

Thelen performed the introductions. "Now it's your

turn." He called off their names in the same manner she

had. "No. I meant, what's your name?"

He cocked his head to one side. "Data. My name is

Data..."

Present:

Captain's log, Stardate 47317.2. The Enterprise's

survey of Sector 102 has been delayed by Starfleet due

to reports of a space-time distortion in Sector 103.

We've been ordered to investigate.

Seated in the Observation Lounge, Picard took in the

faces of his command crew as he briefed them on the

new orders. "Isn't Sector 103 near the Cardassian

boarder?" Riker asked.

Picard nodded. "And Deep Space Nine reports

increased Cardassian activity on Bajor's side." He leaned

forward in his seat. "With relations strained lately,

Starfleet has assigned a second ship to assist us- The

Constitution."

Geordi whistled. "I remember studying her at the

Academy. She's over a century old."

Dr. Crusher glanced around the table as she spoke up

for the first time. "Isn't it unusual to keep a ship in

service that long?"

It was Worf that answered her. "This is a special case.

She serves as a living memorial to the ships and crews of

her class that defended Federation ideals for over 60

years."

Geordi nodded. "She may look like she belongs in the

last half of the 23rd century, but she's got all the latest

technology of the 24th stuffed inside her."

Picard looked down the table. "Data, is Thelen still in

command?"

"Yes, sir."

Riker turned to his captain. "Do you know her, sir?"

Picard nodded."12 years ago, the Constitution and the Stargazer were assigned to a relief mission to Beltor

Nine. A Cardassian squadron launched an assault.

Thelen and Jack Crusher handled their ships while Data

and I handled their ground forces." Picard leaned back in

his seat. "It was the first time I'd ever laid eyes on our

Mister Data. But I knew from that point on, that I

wanted him on my next command."

Constitution

Thelen had no memory of why she had come to her

cabin. Now at 79, she spotted the holo-crystal on her

desk and took it in hand. She smiled at its projection of

Data. The door chime went off twice before she

responded. "Come."

The door opened and Lt. Commander Roberts to

enter. "I tried to intercom, but you didn't answer."

She glanced toward her first officer as she spoke.

"What is it, Jim?"

"We're about an hour from our rendezvous with the

Enterprise. You asked to be notified."

Thelen's expression was blank for a moment, then she

gave him a shaky nod. "All right."

Roberts watched her as she stared off. His concern

was clear. "Captain, are you all right?"

Thelen faced him with an edge to her voice. "I said I'm

fine. Now get to the Bridge."

"Yes, Ma'am."

As Roberts left, she turned and looked down at the

holo-crystal she was still holding. "When did I- ?" She

turned it off and left the cabin in frustration.

Enterprise

Captain's log, Stardate 47118.2. Having arrived in

Sector 103, we found the distortion threatening

Outpost 114, Starbase 296 and Deep Space Nine-

depending on which way it expands. I have ordered Mr.

Worf to alert them to the danger and the possibility of

evacuation.

Picard shut off his log as Data's voice filled his Ready

Room. "Data to Captain. The Constitution has entered

visual range."

"Hail them, Mr. Data. I'm on my way."

He entered the Bridge to see the image of the

distortion replaced by one of Thelen. "Jean-Luc. Not a

pretty sight, is it?"

"No, indeed," He answered. "I'd like to co-ordinate our science teams so they- "

Data interrupted." Captain, the distortion is emitting

unusual readings and is expanding toward Outpost 114."

"Stay with us, Thelen. On screen."

The picture changed to show the distortion with a

Regula One- class station being dragged toward it.

LaForge spoke up from his engineering console. "They're

caught in a gravitational field."

Worf spoke next. "They are transmitting a distress

call."

Riker looked to the Chief Engineer. "Evacuation?"

Geordi shook his head. "With a field that strong, the

transporters are useless and the shuttles'll take too

long." His eyebrows rose . "We might be able to tow

them out with the tractor."

Picard gave the nod and as the beam came on-line, he

turned to someone else. "Thelen?"

"...Jean-Luc?" The Andorian's voice sounded far from

certain, but Picard couldn't pursue it.

"Lock your tractor beam on the outpost." As the

Constitution's beam snagged the station, Picard's voice

filled the Bridge. "Engines full reverse."

But Geordi shook his head. "No good. We're being

dragged in with it."

Riker met Picard's gaze. "Like a drowning victim

dragging his rescuers down with him."

The glare Picard threw back was sharp. He didn't like

the comparison- or what it meant he had to do.

"Disengage the tractor. Thelen ?"

"I heard. Disengaging now."

They could only watch as the outpost was dragged

into the distortion and the pressures tore it apart.

Riker's voice was somber. "Data...?"

"215, sir."

Worf had been checking his console. Now, he looked

up. "Captain, a Cardassian ship has entered long-range

scan. It will be in phaser ranger in one hour, thirty

minutes."

Data spoke up once more. "Captain, the Cardassian

and the distortion are putting off the same energy

readings."

"Could the distortion be affecting him?" Riker

wondered.

Picard thought it over and then waved his hand in

Riker's direction. "Turn it around, Will. Data, could the

Cardassian be causing the distortion?"

The Second Officer considered this. "That is a

possibility. Further investigation should confirm it."

Worf again. "Sir, Captain Thelen is hailing us."

“On screen. Yes, Thelen? "

The Andorian's image focused and this time, she

sounded certain. "We better talk, Jean-Luc. That

Cardassian coming in is commanded by our old friend

Gul Balad. I recognize the markings."

"Beltor Nine's Gul Balad?" Riker guessed. Both

captains nodded.

"I suggest you beam over so we can discuss it," Picard

invited.

Thelen sighed and nodded. "On my way."

Constitution

Thelen shook her head. She didn't want to, but what

choice did she have? "Mr. Roberts, you have the con-

Please try to keep the Bridge attached to the rest of the

ship." She turned toward the turbo lift, noticing only

then, the ship's doctor standing nearby. "Erin." She

stepped into the lift and Dr. Holmes followed. "I assume

you had a reason for being on the Bridge?"

Wearing her medical smock, Erin shrugged and her

brunette hair bounced about her shoulders. "Since you

keep refusing to report for your physical, where else am

I going to lay eyes on you? And yes, I do have another

reason. As Chief Medical Officer and Ship's Councilor,

It's my opinion that you're riding Roberts too hard." She

nodded toward the distant Bridge. "That crack about the

ship wasn't exactly a morale builder."

The Andorian sighed. "I've never had to deal with an

inexperienced first officer before."

"The good ones have to get experience somewhere."

The doctor hesitated. "He's been to see me three times

as Councilor. He thinks you don't trust him- and judging

by what I heard upstairs, I agree."

Thelen spoke to the lift. "Halt." Then she turned to

Erin. "Say you're right. I don't have time to work with

him right now."

"Then you're going to have to trust him, just like

Captain Jackson trusted you."

Thelen met her gaze square on. "I served with Captain

Jackson for five years before he made me Tripoli's First

Officer. He knew I was ready. I don't know that about

Roberts."

The Doctor didn't hesitate under the Captain's gaze-

and matched her tone for tone. "And you never will if

you don't back off and give him room."

Thelen was quiet for a moment. Then she spoke.

"Resume." as the lift began to move, she nodded.

"You're right." She tapped her combadge. "Thelen to Roberts."

"Roberts here."

"...Jim, when I get back, we need to have a talk. I

understand we have a few things to straighten out."

"Yes, Ma'am. Whenever you're ready."

"Thelen out." The lift doors opened, Thelen reached

into Erin's smock pocket and took out the medical

scanner she'd heard the entire trip. "Do I need to ask?"

"Do I need to pull medical rank to perform a physical

on you?" The doctor countered. "It's no secret that

something's bothering you- Night shift has seen you

wondering the corridors three times this week."

"That's my problem. "Thelen erased the sensor's

memory and tossed it back to Erin.

"It becomes my problem when your poor health

begins affecting the operation of this ship," the Doctor

stated. "And I do have the authority to deal with it."

They were outside the transporter room and Thelen

turned to face her, surprise clear in her voice. "You

wouldn't dare."

Erin's voice remained steady. "Try me."

The Captain took a step toward her. "Would you

rather have Roberts facing Gul Balad?"

"Thelen, your health won't wait. If we don't deal with it now- whatever it is- it's only going to get worse."

"I know." Thelen stepped away- then sighed. "We'll

deal with it after I talk to Roberts."

"I'll hold you to it," Erin told her. Once the doors had slid shut behind Thelen, Dr. Holmes reached for her

combadge. "Holmes to Mendez. Talk to me, T'Kel."

"We received ample readings to work with, Doctor."

Erin glanced at the closed doors. "Good. We're going

to save our captain's life whether she wants us to or

not."

Enterprise

Data watched as Thelen materialized and his systems

easily accepted the sight of her. She on the other hand

smiled as she stepped off the platform. "Data. It's been

too long."

"It is good to see you, too, Captain." she made a

disapproving face that he remembered only too well.

"Thelen."

Her smile returned as they entered the corridor.

"You're still a Lt. Commander. With your letters so rare,

I've had to resort to channels to keep track of you. You'd

be a full commander by now if Starfleet wasn't so

closed-minded."

"That attitude is not as pervasive as it once was."

Shocked, Thelen stared at him. "Have you forgotten

how Maddox tried to block every promotion you

received? He argued that Starfleet was promoting a

machine."

They reached the lift and as they entered, Data spoke.

"Observation Lounge." He then turned back to Thelen.

"Until Captain Picard forced a hearing concerning my

status, Commander Maddox challenged every step of

my career. Since then, he has been much more

understanding."

If an Andorian could snort, Thelen would have. "I

managed to get a copy of the hearing's transcript. If I

could've been there, I would have knocked Maddox into

the next sector."

"How did you get a copy of the transcript?"

She glanced at him. "You never read your application

for the academy after we filled it out, did you?"

He shrugged. "I never saw any reason to."

The captain looked to the ceiling. "They asked for

family they could contact in case of an emergency. Since

we thought he was dead at the time, we couldn't put

down Dr. Soong, so I put down my name- as your foster

parent. When I found out about the hearing, that gave

me the clearance I needed."

"So you lied."

The hurt was clear on Thelen's face. How could Data

still not understand? "Halt," she told the lift. She

stepped away, then turned to face him. "I did not lie. I

was the one that activated you. I'm the one that stood

by you when everyone else wrote you off as just another

android- sponsored you for the Academy.

"When you graduated, everyone had family present-

and I made damn certain you did, too. If I'm not your

foster parent, then who is?"

If it were possible for Data to look apologetic he was

doing so now. "There is no one else."

She spoke to the lift. "Resume."

"Thelen if I have accidently offended you, I am sorry."

She squeezed his arm affectionately, a weak smile on

her face. "Not your fault. I've got a lot on my mind right

now."

The lift arrived and as they entered the Lounge, Picard

rose to his feet. "Thelen. Welcome aboard." He then

introduced the others in the room. "My First Officer,

Commander Riker. Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge, Lt.

Commander Deanna Troi."

She nodded to each of them and pulled out a chair. As

they settled in, Riker had the first question. "What can

you tell us about Gul Balad?"

"He fights like a fanatic, "Thelen replied. "By now, he's close enough to recognize the Constitution and that'll

put revenge at the top of his list- he has an almost

Klingon mindset about such things."

Picard shifted his gaze. "Data, what have you found

out about the distortion?"

"It is artificial, sir. Gul Balad's ship is transmitting an

energy beam into it. It is this beam we detected as an

energy reading."

As Data spoke, Thelen shifted in her seat. "However,

in order to maintain the distortion, He would require a

full squadron. Therefore, it is probable that there are

two more ships just beyond sensor range."

Deanna was very aware of Thelen's uneasiness.

"Captain, are you all right?"

Startled, Thelen turned toward her. “I'm fine. When

are we going to get this meeting started?"

Picard glanced at Deanna. His reason for including her

now confirmed. "Thelen, we started ten minutes ago."

She met his gaze and no one needed telepathy to

know she had no memory of those minutes. With a

confused look on her face, she turned away in fear,

knowing she couldn't bluff her way out of it this time.

Picard spoke gently. "Councilor, Data, escort the

captain to Sickbay."

As the 3 left, Riker could see the concern on Picard's

face. "Sir?"

His captain met his gaze. "I've known Thelen for over

20 years, Will. It's not like her to go blank like that."

"I'm sure Beverly'll find the answer."

Picard nodded. "I just wish I knew if I wanted to hear

it." He sighed, forcing his thoughts back to the other

matter at hand."Mr. LaForge, since the distortion is

artificial, is there any way of shutting it down?"

Geordi shrugged. "If there is, I need time to find it."

Riker leaned forward in his seat. "We've got one hour

before Gul Balad starts taking shots at us."

Picard nodded as he leaned back. "Work as quickly as

you can, Geordi, or we may find ourselves in the middle

of a new Federation-Cardassian War." He looked to both

of them. "Dismissed."

Upon reaching the door, Riker looked back. He could

only see Picard's head and one arm around the chair,

but it was enough to see that the Captain was worried.

About the mission. Thelen.

Everything.

Captain's log, Stardate 47318.5. While Commander

LaForge continues to work on shutting down the

Cardassian distortion, Dr. Crusher has discovered the

cause of a far more personal problem....

"...Actually, it wasn't me at all," Beverly stated as she, Picard, Deanna, Data and Thelen stood in Sick Bay.

"When I called for a copy of the captain's medical

records, Dr. Holmes told me that she not only knew

about the problem, but had the answer ten minutes

ago."

Surprised, Thelen stared at her, then closed her eyes

and shook her head.

"So what is the problem?" Picard asked.

"She has Falballak- it's the Andorian version of

Diabetes."

"But that was wiped out on Earth back in the 21st

century," Deanna noted.

Beverly nodded. "Yes- on Earth. But the Andorian

version has continually eluded all efforts to find a cure.

The best we've been able to come up with is a

maintenance medication that she'll have to take for the

rest of her life."

Picard turned to his friend. "Thelen?"

She nodded. "It picks its victims once they enter

middle age. It began...creeping over me about two

weeks ago."

Data was confused. "I do not understand. With the

medication, You can still live a full life."

Beverly sighed. She couldn't face him as she

explained. "Data, in order to avoid the possibility of

these blackouts happening during a crisis, Starfleet

regulations require any Andorian with Falballak to be

medically discharged."

Thelen began pacing the deck- the growing

resentment clear in her voice. "The regulation's an

outdated relic." She met Picard's gaze squarely. "I am

not stepping down."

Beverly stared at her in shock. "You don't have that

choice, Captain. According to reg- "

Thelen turned on her sharply. " Don't quote the book to me, Doctor! " Her angered frustration exploded with every word. "You are not my chief medical officer. You

don't have the authority to relieve me."

"Then I'll call Dr. Holmes over here and she can do it

herself!"

"Doctor," Picard held up his hand for silence. "Thelen, there's only one authority in this sector that you have to

recognize- and that's mine."

The Andorian sighed. She knew what was coming and

she had no argument against. "You have been captain

longer than I have."

Picard took a deep breath. "Whether I like it or not, as

senior officer present, I am ordering you to stand down

as captain of the Constitution."

Silence filled Sickbay like a smothering fog. Thelen

stood by one of the beds, staring at the silent monitor

above it. When she spoke, her frustration was easy to

hear. "And what about Gul Balad? He’s not out here

alone- That's not his style." She faced this human male.

"You're going to need help from my ship before this is

over- and my first officer is so damn green he could pass

for an Orion! James Roberts has never been in command

during a combat situation and I'm not giving him my

crew to practice with!"

"I'm afraid you don't have that choice." Picard tapped

his combadge. "Picard to Bridge. Mr. Worf, report to

Sick Bay."

"Acknowledged."

Thelen met Picard's gaze from across the room and it

was clear this wasn't over. She then turned away in

silence.

A moment later, Worf came in. Picard's eyes never

left Thelen's face as he spoke. "Lieutenant, due to

medical reasons, Captain Thelen has been relieved of

duty. Escort her to guest quarters. She goes nowhere

without an escort."

"Aye, sir." The Klingon looked to Thelen. "Captain?"

She sighed and started toward the door-

The Klaxons started to wail-

And Riker's voice filled the air. "Red Alert! Captain to the Bridge!"

"Picard here."

"Gul Balad's opened fire on the Constitution- and

Captain, she didn't even have her shields up."

As Picard replied, Thelen's glare would've given

Beverly's surgical scalpels a run for their money. "Give

her what cover you can. I'm on my way. Picard out."

On the Bridge viewscreen, the Cardassian closed on

the Constitution, firing as he came. The Constitution

returned fire- only to miss.

Riker stood next to the ensign manning the helm.

"Bring her round and lock phasers on target."

As she obeyed, the ship came round and the

lieutenant filling in for Worf spoke up. "Phasers locked

on target."

With Picard and Data arriving on the Bridge, Riker

replied with one word. "Fire."

The dorsal array lit with energy, then coalesced into a

single beam that sliced through space to strike the

Cardassian's shields.

"Report," Picard ordered as his ship fired again.

"He's ignoring us and going for the Constitution," Riker replied as Data took his station. "She's taken hits on

both her saucer and secondary hull and her shields are

still down."

Picard turned to Data. "Put us between them and

maintain fire."

"Aye, sir."

On Deck 5, Worf activated the doors to the guest

quarters and as they entered, the Constitution was hit-

the explosion lighting up the viewports. " Damnit! "

Thelen turned-

-to find Worf blocking the exit. "Stand aside,

Lieutenant."

These two descendants of warrior races eased into

fighting positions as he answered. "The Captain ordered

you to remain here."

"He said I was to go nowhere without an escort,"

Thelen replied. "Now either accompany me or stand

aside- but make up your mind before my crew is

butchered!"

Constitution

Red alert signs flashed. Status reports filled the air as the helmsman, Lt. Bailey, fought to hold things together

and evade Gul Balad at the same time. There was the

sound of a transporter and Bailey turned, half expecting

a Cardassian boarding party. Instead, he got his captain-

and a Klingon? "Report," Thelen ordered as she assumed

her seat.

"Both portside power and phaser array are off-line."

"Shield status?"

"Fifty percent- starboard side only."

"Where's Roberts?"

It was Worf that answered her. "Dead."

She turned to look at him and looked down to see the

body on the deck- an exploding panel and a piece of

shrapnel in his chest told of Lt. Commander James

Roberts' end. "Damn." She turned from the sight-

-and the Constitution bucked, calling her back to the

situation at hand. "Where are the Enterprise and Gul

Balad?"

Bailey checked his board as he answered. " Enterprise

is trying to get between us- but she's having to

maneuver on impulse so she won't over shoot us."

"Bring auxiliary systems on-line," Thelen ordered.

"Divert shield power to the port side. Stand by to bring

the starboard weapons to bear on my order."

Silence filled the bridge. Thelen watched as the

Enterprise fired again and Gul Balad drew closer.

And slowly, her face grew blank.

Bailey's eyes were on his console. "Ready for your

orders, Captain."

Worf, however, had been watching Thelen- mindful of

Picard's comment about 'Medical reasons'. Upon seeing

her face, he turned to Bailey. "Hard to port- do as she

planned."

There was no time to argue. Bailey brought the ship

around, her port phasers firing, striking the Cardassian's

shields. The ship continued her turn as Balad returned

fire, striking her starboard shields.

Enterprise fired again. There was an odd flash,

announcing that part of Gul Balad's shields had

collapsed. He quickly brought his ship around, throwing

it into warp- and left the area before the two ships could

launch a coordinated attack.

Enterprise

"Cease fire," Picard ordered.

"Aye, sir."

Picard glanced at Riker. "At least Commander

Roberts-"

"Crusher to Bridge."

"Picard here."

"I just went to check on my patient, Captain and she's

gone- so's Worf."

Captain and Commander exchanged glances as Picard

rose to his feet. "Open a channel." The viewscreen

changed to show the Constitution's bridge- with Thelen

in the center seat and Worf standing nearby. To say that

Picard was slightly angry would be putting it mildly.

"Lieutenant- !"

Thelen cut him off. "If you're going to yell at someone,

Jean-Luc, yell at me. Mr. Worf was the only one

available when I needed an escort."

"Thelen, I do not enjoy having my orders so freely

interpreted."

"Then next time be more specific." Picard stood in

stony silence as Thelen went on. "I have Roberts and

three other dead, 15 injured. Not to mention damage to

shields, phasers and power systems." She allowed her

report to sink in. 18 casualties and ship-wide damage

because she hadn't been aboard her ship. "Now," she concluded, "Do you want to relieve me again?"

Captain's log, Stardate 47318.7. Repairs to the

Constitution continue under Captain Thelen's

command. According to Starfleet, she is medically unfit

to hold the center seat- yet, there is no one else that

knows the ship as well as she does and both her

knowledge and experience may prove crucial before

the day is done.

From his Ready Room viewport, all Picard could see of

the Constitution was her saucer and warp nacelles. He

didn't like being at odds with any friend- especially one

he's known for over 20 years.

The door chime sounded. "Come." He turned as

Deanna entered. "Yes, Councilor?"

"Captain Thelen has a very strong personality," she

noted. "When I sensed her blackout earlier, it was as if

someone had...turned her off."

Picard thought about this. "Are you saying that I

shouldn't leave her in command?"

Deanna shook her head. "Try to relieve her again and

you'll have a definite fight on your hands. She found

Data soon after her brother died. Except for him, her

crew is all the family she has."

Picard nodded as he came over to his desk. "I know.

Family to an Andorian is like honor to a Klingon. They

build their lives around it. If not for that damn reg- "He

stopped and his head slowly came up. After seven years,

Deanna could 'read' him fairly easily, but she didn't need

empathy to know he'd just gotten an idea. Before he

could voice it, the door chime sounded. "Come." They

both watched as Geordi and Data entered. "Yes,

Gentlemen?"

The engineer spoke. "We can shut down the

distortion, Captain. It means using a variation of the

navigational beam we tried to use against the Borg. Only

this time we have to tie in every weapons system the

Battle Section has."

This confused Deanna. "The Battle Section?"

Data nodded. "Yes, Councilor. The energy band

needed is far more dangerous. All non-essential

personnel will have to be evacuated."

Geordi took it from there. "The other drawback is that

it only leaves us the shields for protection. If there's a

fight, it's going to be up to the Constitution to hold the line."

Worf's voice filled the air. "Bridge to Captain."

"Go ahead, Mr. Worf."

"Sir, long-range scans show 3 Cardassian warships

approaching. They will be in phaser range in one hour."

Those in the Ready Room exchanged glances as Picard

replied. "Acknowledged- and Lieutenant, inform

Commander Riker, that I want the ship prepared for

saucer separation."

"Aye, sir."

"Picard out." He then turned to Geordi. "Get on it, Mr.

LaForge." He then turned to Data. "Commander, I have

another job for you."

Captain's log, Stardate 47318.8. With Lt. Worf in

command of the saucer, we have performed

separation. He will take it and all non-essential

personnel to Deep Space Nine. Once there, the saucer

will provide the means of emergency evacuation if it

should become necessary.

Constitution

Thelen was seated at her desk in her quarters. She

didn't use her ready room as much as some did. If she

was off-duty, she ‘worked at home’ .The door chime was

heard. "Come." She looked up from repair reports as Dr.

Holmes entered. "Erin." The human handed her a filled

container. "What's this?"

"Albaline. The maintance medication for Falballak.

According to the computer, one dose a day is enough to

prevent the blackouts." Erin leaned over the desk and

her brunette hair fell down about her shoulders. "And if

you take it like you're supposed to, and allow yourself to

be monitored till we reach a starbase, you should have

the evidence you need to get that regulation repealed."

Then Erin handed her a data disk. "And this?"

"A transfer request. You couldn't trust me with your

secret and I violated your trust by scanning you without

your knowledge."

Thelen sighed and tossed it back at her. "Erase that

damn thing before somebody finds it. I didn't tell you

because I didn't want you in the same position Jean-Luc

was in." As Erin nodded and pocketed the disk, the door

chime sounded once more. "I get more privacy in my

ready room," Thelen complained gently.

“Come." Her eyes went wide at the sight of her visitor.

"Data? Don't tell me Jean-Luc sent you to relieve me?"

"That is not the case," he replied. "As the senior

officer, he has assigned me as your acting first officer for

the duration of the mission."

Holmes smiled. "Welcome aboard, Mr. Data."

"Thank you, Doctor."

There was a gleam in Thelen's eyes. "Well, if

someone's going to be watching over me, I'm glad it'll be

you."

"That may not be necessary." Data held up a container

he was carrying."Dr. Crusher has sent the medicine that

you..."He stopped at the sight of the container in

Thelen's hand.

"I have a lot of friends, Data."

Holmes folded her arms. "One of which is still waiting

for you to start taking your medicine- now that you have

an ample supply."

"Is that an order, Doctor?"

"Yes."

The captain opened the container and quickly took

one of the capsules. She then set both bottles aside as

she rose to her feet. "Now, Data, I think we just have

time for a quick tour before Gul Balad arrives."

"Just remember," the doctor said as the 3 entered the

corridor," We need scans of you with the medication in

your system if we're going to challenge that regulation.

So you'd better get to Sick Bay first chance you get."

Thelen nodded and her antennas bounced. "I'll be

there."

Holmes spoke once more as the 2 moved off. "I'll

believe it when I see it."

Enterprise

On the Battle Bridge, the turbo lift doors opened and

Picard watched as Geordi crossed to his engineering

console. A moment later, he spoke. "Beam's at your

discretion, Captain."

Picard sat up straighter in his chair. "Number One,

inform Thelen that we're beginning operations. Mr.

LaForge, raise the shields and bring the beam on-line."

The beam came into view and sliced its way through

space, to disappear inside the distortion.

Constitution

Thelen watched from her chair. Data was seated to

her left as Mr. Bailey continued to man the helm. "Ship's

status?"

Her First Officer answered quickly. "Port phaser array

is still off-line. However, power has been restored to

portside shields- which are now at eighty percent.”

Bailey's eyes were on his console. "Captain, Gul

Balad's squadron is coming into short-range scan."

"Open a channel."

The picture on the screen changed to one of Balad's

hate-filled glare. "Calling to surrender, Thelen?"

The captain had a hard time keeping the incredulous

tone out of her voice. "Not hardly. I'm calling to give you

a chance to keep your squadron alive this time."

The Cardassian's face was easy to read. He had no

intention of withdrawing and considered surrender

insulting. “I should have destroyed you 12 years ago."

Thelen's voice took on an urgent tone as she tried to

get through to him. "Balad, by the time the battle was

over, you only had one ship left. Consider your men."

"I will see your precious Constitution reduced to a

cloud of debris before this day is done!" he growled

before cutting the signal.

Thelen sat up straighter. "That'll be the day. Mr. Data,

sound Red Alert. Helm, plot an intercept course.

Tactical, bring all weapons to bear." She paused. "It

seems that Gul Balad needs to learn his lesson all over

again."

Data turned to his temporary commanding officer.

"Captain, suggest we bring the port shields on-line."

"Negative. I want Balad to think we're as helpless as

when he left. Let me know as soon as that port phaser

array is back on-line." The Constitution rocked as the Cardassians opened fire. "Report."

"Surface scaring only," Data announced after a quick

check. "No system damages or injuries."

Bailey spoke up next. "Captain, we're between

Enterprise and the Cardassians."

"Hold position," she replied. "Let them come to us."

Enterprise

On the viewscreen, the Constitution assumed her position. "She's drawing a line," Riker noted.

Picard nodded. "And daring Balad to cross it. LaForge,

beam status?"

"Holding steady, sir."

On the screen, Gul Balad's disruptor fire exploded

against the Constitution's shields.

Constitution

"Gul Balad's coming round to our port side," Bailey announced. "His wingmen are continuing toward

Enterprise."

Data turned from his console. "Captain, port phaser

array is now on-line."

"Balad's position?"

Bailey had it. "Still coming at us on our port side."

Thelen rose to her feet. "Lock and fire."

The port phasers came to life, rattling Gul Balad's ship.

Then this reminder of another age came round, her

forward phasers firing across the bows of the other

Cardassian ships, forcing them to change course.

Thelen stood before her command chair. Her stance,

voice, expression, making it clear that she was exactly

where she belonged. "Come about. Bring shields to full

strength. Keep us between them and Enterprise."

Data reported even as his hands moved over his

console. "They are splitting up. One is going for the

Enterprise while the others keep us busy."

Thelen nodded as she stood by her command chair.

"You know which ship is Balad's, Mr. Bailey. Keep us in

his way."

The helmsman nodded. "He and his wingman are

dead ahead."

The Constitution rocked again. Thelen had one reply:

"Return fire."

Data's eyes never left his board. "Captain, I am

detecting the energy beams coming from all 3

Cardassian vessels. I have their positions plotted."

She nodded. "Take the one headed for Enterprise.

Lock torpedoes and fire."

The Constitution's torpedo tube flared as the photon

was launched. It struck the beam and exploded, sending

the Cardassian tumbling. "Their environment is intact,"

Data reported. "But they have lost power to their

weapons and engines."

Thelen nodded again. "Good enough. Now let's

concentrate on the others."

Enterprise

Picard barely had time to appreciate Thelen's

maneuver before the lieutenant at con spoke. "Captain,

the distortion's expanding. It'll reach Deep Space Nine in

15 minutes."

He turned to Riker. "Tell them to get out- NOW." The

ship suddenly rocked and he looked to engineering.

"Report."

Geordi checked his console as he spoke. "We're being

pulled toward it, Captain."

Picard's reply was instant. "Reverse engines."

His chief engineer did so. "That's slowing us down, but

it's not enough."

"How long can we hold out?" Riker asked him.

Geordi shrugged. "Another ten minutes at most."

Involuntarily, all eyes went to the screen and the

distortion as it grew closer with each passing second.

Constitution

Data turned from his console. "They are taking aim on

the warp nacelles."

Thelen turned to Bailey. "Bring us around. 127 mark

5."

Before he could act, the Cardassians cut lose with

everything they had. The Constitution shook violently

under the barrage. A panel next to Data exploded-

throwing him across the bridge. "Data!" Thelen was the

first one to him. His uniform was burnt and in some

places, his outer casing was gone- revealing damaged

circuits beneath.

Bailey's voice sliced through the air. "Captain, we've

lost the warp drive and Balad's circling back."

Thelen turned her gaze to the screen as the

Cardassian ship drew closer.

Enterprise

Standing before his chair, Picard turned. "LaForge- ?"

Geordi's frustration showed. "There's nothing I can

do. All the weapon systems are tied into the beam."

Riker had been staring down at his tactical board,

trying to figure an angle. Now, his eyes lit on one system

and he looked up. "The tractor beam. It's not part of the

weapon system."

Geordi nodded. "Adjusted to repel, it'd be like getting

hit with an asteroid."

Picard nodded. "Do it."

Geordi worked as quickly as he could and soon the

tractor beam was on-line. Gul Balad took evasive action

and the beam struck his wingman, sending the ship

tumbling into the distortion where the pressures tore it

apart.

Constitution

Thelen turned from the sight as Data sat up. "Are you

all right?"

"No," he answered. "My right arm is off-line." A shudder ran through him. "Several...systems...have

been...damaged."

"Can you stand?'

"With help."

She got him back to his console and to his seat. "Can

you man your post?"

"No...choice." He quickly turned his head to the left.

When he spoke again, it was clear that whatever he had

done, had stabilized his condition. "There is no one else

available."

The Captain glanced at the viewscreen. "I'm afraid

you're right. What's our status?"

Her Acting First Officer checked his board. "Warp

drive and all phaser arrays are off-line. Impulse and

photon torpedoes are still available,"

Thelen looked to Tactical. "I want a full spread across

Balad's bow- NOW."

The photons exploded against his shields as the

Cardassian sailed through them. Even as his shields

failed, he altered course as the Enterprise's tractor beam shot past.

Enterprise

Geordi was checking his console. "Captain, we're

getting feedback on the beam and energy levels are

rising." A note of urgency entered his voice. "It's gonna blow!"

Picard's orders came with the rapidity of an old-style

machine gun. "Cut the beam. Divert power to the

shields. Helm, bring her about. Full-"

The distortion erupted with all the force of a small

nova, catching the three surviving ships in a shockwave

before anyone could react.

Constitution

Thelen and Data were the only ones to hold onto their

seats. It was a while before the ship stopped tumbling

and the rest of the crew could reclaim their stations. The

captain looked around the bridge as she spoke. "Anyone

hurt?" No one was. "Report."

Data did so. "The shockwave has carried Gul Balad

closer toward Enterprise."

"Torpedoes- "

"The system just went down," Tactical reported.

Data turned to the captain. "The Enterprise's shields have collapsed."

Thelen turned. "On screen." The image showed Gul

Balad diving toward Enterprise like a bat out of hell.

Enterprise

The lieutenant manning the con spoke as he studied

his board. "Captain, his shields and weapons are off-

line."

Riker confirmed it. "He's planning to ram us."

Picard rose to his feet. "Bring us about, Ensign- head

on."

Constitution

Thelen's words were crisp as she stared at the screen,

"Maximum impulse. Data, I need something- NOW."

"I believe I have - "

"Then use it!"

Gul Balad's ship continued to bare down on

Enterprise-

The Battle Section came round, it's forward tractor

beam emitter coming into line-

the Constitution pressed her impulse drive to the

limit-

Enterprise's tractor beam lashed out, bashing in Gul

Balad's bow-

-As Constitution's crushed his engines.

The battle was over.

Enterprise

Riker checked readings as he spoke. "His

environment's stable, but he's not going anywhere on

his own."

Picard nodded and the tension slowly faded. "Cancel

Red Alert. Contact Worf. Tell him he can return Captain

Sisko and his crew to DS9 and arrange a rendezvous."

"Aye, sir. Constitution's calling."

"On screen."

Gul Balad's ship was replaced by Thelen with Data

standing nearby. "Jean-Luc, can I assume the shouting's

over?"

"That depends."

"On what I do next?" The Andorian sighed. "Come

with us to Starbase 296. While the ships are repaired,

you can help me challenge that damn regulation." She

nodded toward Data. "You do have some experience

with legal matters."

"Agreed. But we have to rendezvous with the saucer

first."

Thelen nodded. "Understood. We'll take Gul Balad in

tow and await your signal."

Data spoke up then. "Captain, I will need Geordi's

services as soon as he is available."

Only then did Data's damage register with Picard. He

glanced over at Geordi and nodded, speaking even as

the engineer ran for the lift. "He's on his way. Picard

out."

Constitution

Thelen paused as she entered Sickbay. Most of the

beds were full, but none of the injuries seemed to be life

threatening. Nurse Mendez approached her. "Captain."

"T'Kel. Is Erin busy?"

The Nurse shook her head. "Not for you, Ma'am. She

left standing orders for you to be brought to her

immediately."

Thelen had to smile. "Don't give me a chance to

escape. Is that it?"

An exotic eyebrow rose. "I believe that was the

intention." But the Mexican sparkle in her eyes belied

the Vulcan calm she tried to project. She led Thelen into

Holmes office. "Doctor?"

Erin looked up from the reports on her desk and

almost did a double take. "Well, you actually showed

up!"

Thelen indicated the work in front of the human. "I

can come back later if you're busy."

The Doctor looked to the Nurse. "Lock the door."

Her captain laughed.

Enterprise

Captain's log, Stardate 47323.4. After one of

Commander Riker's patented dockings, we arrived at

Starbase 296 and both ships were given priority in the

Spacedock. While repairs were being seen to, Thelen,

Dr. Holmes, Data and I met with Admiral Givens and his

medical officer, Dr. Sortel. Records of the meeting were

sent to Starfleet Command and for the last 3 days, we

have been awaiting a reply.

Constitution

Thelen stood before the viewscreen in her cabin

looking at it's image of the stars, when the door chime

sounded. 'Come." She turned as Data entered. "Yes,

Data?"

"Your new First Officer has arrived," he said as he

turned and the door opened again.

Thelen's eyes went wide, then she smiled. "Sallen."

The Orion returned the smile. There was a definite

touch of grey in her hair now, but the ensign's energy

was still evident as the Commander spoke. "Reporting

for duty, Captain. When I heard you needed a First

Officer, I asked for the assignment."

"Welcome aboard." Then Thelen shrugged. "I hope I

get to stay long enough to see you at work."

Sallen nodded. "Data filled me in."

"That is the other reason I am here," he added.

"Admiral Givens has sent word for us to report to his

office."

Sallen offered Thelen her hand. "Good luck."

Her Captain sighed. "Thanks."

Starbase 296

Givens was waiting when Thelen, Picard, Holmes and

Data arrived. He waved them to seats and spoke

without preamble. "Computer, replay message received

from Grand Admiral Mikels this stardate."

All eyes went to the office viewscreen as it lit with the

image of a human male in his mid-70s."Hello, Steven. I

suggest you call Captains Thelen and Picard, Dr. Holmes

and Lt. Commander Data to your office." The admiral

paused before continuing. "I'll assume you've done so.

"Thelen, I make it my business to know who my ship

captains are- as such, I was already familiar with your

record. Your challenge of your medical discharge has

caused quite a stir here at Command.

"The Chief of Starfleet Medical even called for a

review of your case- which is why it's taken so long for

me to get back to you.

"Medical regulation 298-7B was initiated when Andor

joined the Federation. It's believed to have preserved

the lives of both Andorians and the crews they served

with. At that time, we knew very little about Falballak

and Albaline didn't exist. However, it does exist today

and it's been proven effective. As such, effective this

date, I am ordering 298-7B repealed."

Mikels leaned forward as he went on. "Thelen, not

everyone can be a Starship Captain. Your service record

to date makes it clear that you belong in the center seat.

Now that the choice is yours, it's my hope that you'll

remain in that seat for many more years to come.

"Whatever you decide, you have my full support.

Mikels out."

The screen went blank and only then did the tension

drain from Thelen's body. Givens offered his hand.

"Congratulations, Captain.”

Constitution

One of the few areas on board to retain its original

function throughout the ship's history was the huge

two-story rec room. Tonight, a party was in progress-

Doctor's orders. In Holmes' opinion, Thelen had taken

on Goliath- and won- and that called for a celebration.

While all of the Enterprise's command crew was

present at Thelen's invitation, it surprised no one to see

her spend her time with Data- and everyone left them to

it.

Picard hated to interrupt, but he had no choice. They

both looked up as he and Geordi approached. Thelen

nodded to her old friend. "Jean-Luc. Thank you for

standing by me."

"'Family" can have many definitions," he replied.

"Friends" can fit as easily as "Mother and son"." He sighed. "But I'm afraid that even friends must eventually

take their leave. We've received orders for our next

assignment."

Thelen gently squeezed Data's arm. "Take care." Then

her tone took on a semi-serious note. "And I expect

more than one letter every couple of years- is that

clear?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

Moments later, with the good-byes said, Thelen and

Holmes watched as they beamed out. "Did they say

where they were headed?" the doctor asked as Sallen

joined them.

Their Captain shook her head, sending her silvery

white hair bouncing about her neck. "No. But you can

bet that wherever it is, it won't be dull."

END

Author’s note

The story you have just read was originally written as

a spec script and submitted to Paramount during Next

Generation’s sixth season.

For whatever reasons, Paramount passed on it. What

you’ve just read is as close to what the TV episode

would have felt like as I could possibly get it.

The reason I state this, is because there will be a Nova

Trek Universe adaption of this story in the Graphic Novel

series- Book Twelve, the next to last book in the series.

Now, the story you are about to read is a totally

different animal and deals with two of the best known

energy-based life forms in the Trek universe.

From the first moment Q appeared on screen in

“Encounter at Farpoint” fandom seemed to jump to the

assumption that he and a certain Squire were of the

same race.

I never bought into that. Throughout all the ‘Trek

series, they presented numerous energy-based life

forms. There was never any reason to believe that these

two were of the same race.

In the story that follows, they meet for the first time-

and one of them finds himself on the wrong end of an

attitude adjustment….

mdbruffy 2014

Q-Esquire

by MDBruffy

Captain's log, stardate 471124.3. The Enterprise

has assumed orbit around Albirus Four. Our

mission, is to observe this young world as it cools

and it's geography settles into place. A fairly routine

scientific mission. The only fact that raises some

concern is that Albirus Four has three moons- each

in it's own orbit, which could make our own orbit

somewhat complicated...

Seated on his recliner, in his quarters, Picard held

his Kataan flute in hand as he listened to the tape

Nella Daren had sent him.

The flute disappeared from his hands-

-to reappear in it's case on a nearby table.

" Computer, stop playback."

The captain rose to his feet and looked all around

for the one being he knew of that could accomblish

such an act. He vanished-

-to appear on the Bridge. Before anyone could ask

him how he got there,a voice was heard “Greetings,

Captain. Greetings and Fleicitations to you all."

Having arrived facing the ship's dedication plaque,

Picard turned toward his Ready Room and for a

moment, thought he was skipping through time

again. But instead of a being standing before him

dressed as an Elizabethan sea captain, what

appeared to be a human male stood before him

dressed like a British officer straight out of the 19th

century Napoleonic Wars. "Please rest assured, Kind

Sir, that I mean you no harm."

"Who are you?" Picard asked.

The being actually bowed. "You may address me

as Squire Trelene."

Upon hearing this, Data tilted his head slightly as

he began searching through his own vast memory.

But for once, someone else beat him to it. "I've read

about you." Picard turned to Riker in surprise.

"Remember sir? My first year on board, I read all the

old Enterprise logs. "He stepped up beside the

captain as he went on.”If I remember correctly, the

Squire here, seized the original Enterprise- then

under James Kirk's command- while they were

making an emergency supply run to Beta Six- it was

still a colony then. He nearly killed Kirk and his crew

before his parents stepped in and took his toys

away."

Trelene had stood quietly throughout Riker's

recital. He even nodded as the commander spoke. "I

admit all of it, sir. Every word you've spoken is true."

Surprise best described the expression on Picard's

face. An old Enterprise enemy admitting his mistake?

It was a novel approach if nothing else. "So why are

you here now- a hundred years later?"

"To put it in Human terms, Captain, I was

grounded," The Squire answered. "I was allowed to

observe your Federation, but my parents refused to

let me take part. Needless to say, with a century of

time on my hands, I was able to do a great deal of

thinking and I came to realize that my behavior had

left a great deal to be desired.

"When my parents lifted their ban on my

movements, I knew that the one thing I had to do

immediately, was seek out the Enterprise- the

current one-" he indicated the Bridge-" Since the

original is no longer available and apologize for my

actions."

Picard looked over to Deanna, where she had

remained seated and saw her nod. He had no

problem translating it. Trelene was being sincere.

"And what do you expect in return for this apology?"

"To simply be allowed to visit,"Trelene replied. "I still consider you humans to be a fascinating study."

Riker looked to Picard. "While his methods left a lot

to be desired, his intense interest was noted in the

logs."

"Captain,"Trelene called, "Granted I did get off on the wrong foot, as it were with the other ship. But as

you humans say, with age comes wisdom. I am

simply asking for a second chance."

"Oh, please!" It was a hard, cynical voice that

filled the air. "Jean-Luc, if you believe this twit you're

a bigger fool than I ever gave you credit for."

Picard closed his eyes and released a deep breath.

Hoping he hadn't heard what he knew he had, he

turned and opened his eyes to see him standing by

the doors to the Observation Lounge, his arms folded

across his chest in clear disgust.

Q.

"And who is this impertent fellow?" Trelene asked.

Picard sighed, hoping things wouldn't get out of

hand and knowing better. "Squire Trelene, this is Q-

of the Q Continum."

Trelene raised an almost snobbish eyebrow. It was

clear this new arrival didn't frighten him in the least.

"An entire race named after one letter? Not very

imaginative is it?"

Riker was finding it hard to keep the smile off his

face. Q on the other hand, stepped up to the railing

and the hatred was clear in his eyes. "I'll give you

imagination!"

The Enterprise rocked and Geordi turned from his

engineering station in shock. "Captain the engines

are- gone!"

"We are falling out of orbit, "Data announced.

”We will enter the atmosphere in one minute."

Q's gaze locked with Trelene's. "You have that long

to leave- or these people are dead."

That eyebrow rose again. "My dear sir, you have

yet to learn the lesson I learned a century ago. That

one can not have everything one wants." The Squire

then waved his hand as if waving the matter away.

Geordi stared at his screens in disbelief. "Captain,

the engines are back."

"We are also back in a stable orbit," Data added.

Q came down the incline, stopping only a few

steps away from the Squire. An instant later, he

vanished in an uncharacteristic clap of thunder.

Trelene met the Captain's gaze and Picard couldn't

miss the excited gleam in the Squire's eyes. "Oh it's

so much more fun on the side of the angels, eh?"

Captain's log,stardate 471124.4. Our observation

mission to Albirus Four continues despite the

arrivals of both Squire Trelene and Q. Upon

researching the Squire with Commander Riker's

assistance, I have to admit to being leery of his

continued presence.

However, I must also admit that since his arrival, he

has behaved himself- something Q has never done.

On Deck Eleven, Deanna was showing Trelene

around. Avoiding the high security areas, she

decided to concentrate on the civilian areas of the

ship."...This ship is really a remarkable

accomplishment, Councilor," the Squire noted as

they passed an exercise hall where Lt. Worf was

holding one of his martial arts classes. "I've paid very

little attention to the Klingons over the years,"

Trelene noted as he glanced back at the hall."

Perhaps that's an oversight I should correct."

Deanna gently touched his arm. "May I offer a

word of advice?"

The eagerness leaped from the Squire's face.

"Certainly."

"Keep in mind what happened the first time you

approached humans," Deanna said. "Then spend

twice as long studying the Klingons before you

approach them."

The Squire considered this and nodded as they

reached a pair of doors unlike any other he'd seen

onboard. Stepping up to a control pannel,Deanna

worked for several moments."Program complete,"

the computer announced."You may enter when

ready."

"Enter what?" Trelene asked.

Deanna's smile grew. "We call it the Holodeck."

She stepped up to the doors and they parted to

reveal a grand Napoleonic ballroom- perfect in every

detail.

Trelene's face was like that of a child's on

Christmas morning. "Oh! This is magnificent!" He

turned to Deanna. "May we have a dance? Just

one?"

The innocent desire was clear and Deanna looked

up slightly as she spoke. "Computer, give us a waltz

suitable to-no. "Her eyes sparkled with a mischief of

her own as she changed commands. "Make it a full

ball with guests."

An instant later, that's exactly what they had and

the Squire was clearly overjoyed with the

experience. He turned around completely, taking it

all in, then he looked to Deanna. "If I may?" His hand

moved just a fraction and her uniform gave way to a

ballroom gown suitable to the time and place.

An orchastra somewhere began to play and soon

the two were gliding across the floor amid the color

and pagentry of the early 1800's.

As they danced, there was one character present

that the computer had not created. With a goblet of

wine in one hand and a uniform covered with

medals, Q watched as Deanna and the Squire

danced. As he watched, his eyes narrowed in

seething hatred. Draining the goblet, he set it down

and walked out-

-non-stop through a bulkhead.

Eleven decks above, Picard was studying the ship's

status reports when the computer terminal and

every light in the Ready Room went dead. He

reached for his combadge. "Picard to Bridge."

There was no answer. Rising to his feet, he headed

for the door. It didn't open.

"I suggest you look out the viewport,Mon

Capitaine." Q's voice. Yet, Picard knew he wasn't in

the room. Crossing to the viewport, the Captain

looked out to see one of Albirus Four's moons

coming toward the ship. "I've altered the orbits of all

3,"Q stated. "Unless you tell that idiotic squire to

leave, they'll converge and crush the Enterprise like

an eggshell."

But threats have a tendency to backfire and Picard

had never been one to allow himself to be

threatened easily. He hadn't stood for it the first time

he and Q met and he certainly wasn't going to stand

for it now. "Then go ahead and do it," he said. "You'll probably kill everyone except the Squire."

There was no answer and Picard watched as the

moon drew closer and closer.

It was gone.

The lights came up and he turned to see Q

standing in the middle of the room. "How did you

know I was bluffing?"

The captain shrugged. "Kill us and you'll have to find

someone else to pester."

Q turned away. "I don't understand you humans."

"What else is new?" Picard countered. "I'm just

surprised to finally hear you admit it."

"Everytime I try to bring a little color and

adventure to your puny lives, you reject me,"Q said.

"Yet, you accept that...prattling dandy right away.

"I don't understand it."

For a moment, Picard could only stare at him in

disbelief. This was the being that had the nerve to

put Humanity through a seven year trial! "Then let

me spell it out for you," The captain said The Squire

apologized for his past actions the moment he

arrived. You on the other hand, have done nothing

but cause trouble since the first day we met.

"This crew has no reason to like or trust you."

Q turned to face him and his voice was all too

calm. "I can change that very easily."

A blinding glare washed out everything.

The waltz came to an end and Deanna took a

deep breath. It'd been awhile since she'd gone

dancing. "I'm afraid we have to be going," she told

the Squire with a gentle smile. "I have appointments

scheduled for later."

Trelene nodded and watched as she turned to

speak. "Computer, end program." Conversation and

the mix and mingle of people continued around

them. "Computer, exit." The guests were starting to

look at her strangely. "Computer, arch."

None of the commands worked. Then Deanna

noticed something else These aren't holodeck

characters- I can sense-"She turned to Trelene. "Why

did you-?"Then she got a good empathic take on

him. "You didn't do this."

Trelene gently took her by the arm and led her

over to one side of the ballroom. "We are no longer

on your holodeck,"He told her as he looked around.

"This is the real 1800's- courtesy, no doubt- of that

most disagreeable Q." He shook his head. "I fail to

understand how your captain has put up with him for

so long."

"Q does what he likes when he likes," Deanna

stated.

"That must end," the Squire stated firmly. He met

Deanna's gaze. "It really must." He changed her

gown back into her uniform. "I suggest you prepare

yourself, Councilor. While I've studied Earth's past,

I've never been here. This may be a rather rocky trip.

"He then waved his hand-

-and they were on the Enterprise Bridge with the

business ends of several phasers aimed in their

direction. Deanna sought out Picard. "Captain-?"

He surprised her and Trelene both by turning to

Q."What should we do with them?"

"Kill them of course. What else?"

The Councilor turned her angered glare on him.

"What have you done to them?"

Phasers were raised as he answered. "I simply

showed them who their real friend was."

Trelene gently moved Deanna to one side as he

spoke. "Mind control is a very petty way of getting

what one wants." He snapped his fingers. "Don't you

agree, Captain?"

Phasers were lowered as Picard glared at Q."I do

indeed."

For a long moment, Q was silent as his anger

boiled and then erupted in an energy discharge that

slammed the Squire against a bulkhead! He stepped

toward Trelene- only to find the captain in his way.

"Stand aside, Picard."

"Why? So you can commit murder?" the Captain

asked. "The great Q in a murderous fury- or is it

jealousy?"

Q stared at him in shock. "What? don't be

absurd."

But the captain nodded and pressed on. "Yes.

You're jealous. The Squire has behaved himself-

proven he's learned his lesson- that he's grown up."

He stepped toward Q. "He's achieved something

with this crew that you never will- acceptance."

In two flashes, the Captain found himself moved

aside as Q moved toward Trelene. But the Squire was

far from helpless. He let lose with a charge of his

own that enveloped Q, slammed him to the ceiling

and then dropped him to the deck. The Squire

watched him closely as he stood. "My dear Q, you

have been most discourtious."

Q rose- slowly- to his feet as they squared off on

opposite sides of the Bridge. Picard looked from one

to the other. "Squire..."

"My dear Captain, I suggest you keep everyone

back." He indicated the First Officer. "Riker knows

this isn't my first duel." He turned to meet Q's glare

and his tone became deadly serious. "But it is one I

intend to win."

With that, the crew could only watch- and hope

they left the ship in one piece.

Trelene closed his eyes and his human form

dissolved as he allowed himself to revert back to his

normal energy form. Q quickly followed suit,

becoming a flashing, sparking, almost twisted ball of

energy. Discharges leaped between them enveloped

each of them and exploded around them.

Data was the only one still manning his post while

all of this was going on. Now, he had to shout to be

heard over the discharging energies fighting it out

behind him. "Captain, the engines are off-line and

the moons are converging again. They will crush the

ship in thirty seconds."

The ball of energy that was Trelene threw itself at

Q and the intermixing life forces lit up the Bridge to

the point that the crew had to cover their eyes.

The Enterprise vanished from it's orbit-

The three moons collided-

The Enterprise reappeared, clear of the star

system.

There was a flash and Q fell to the deck in rags. An

instant later, Trelene resumed his human form and

while his uniform was in disarray, nothing was

ruined. Riker caught him as his knees gave way. "You

saved the ship."

But the Squire shook his head. "It wasn't me."

Riker looked to Picard. "Then who-?"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten me, Will."

Everyone looked toward the forward viewscreen to

see what looked like a young human female standing

in front of it.

Picard stepped toward her even as Q decided to

keep his distance. "Amanda. What are you doing

here?"

Amanda Rodgers had been born and raised on

Earth. It wasn't until a trip on the Enterprise, that she

found out that she and her parents were Qs. She

indicated the other one. "The Continum sent me

after him. Two months ago, he did away with an

entire star cluster just because it blocked his view of

Andromeda." She nodded toward the screen. "He

destroyed three moons just now- and would've

destroyed you as well.” She looked down at her one-

time judge and Picard couldn't help feeling a sense of

poetic justice as she passed sentence this time. "I

hope you've learned something from all of this, Q.

Sooner or later, you're always going to run into

someone better than you are." She looked to Picard.

"Tell Dr. Crusher I said hello."

Then both Qs were gone.

A heart beat later, a ball of energy appeared and

hovered in front of the viewscreen. Trelene took a

shaky step toward it. "Mother? Why are you here?"

"Your father and I have been following your

actions, Trelene."

"Have I done wrong?"turned to Picard."Captain-?"

Picard stepped forward. "Madam-"

"You need say nothing, Captain. I am not here to

punish my son. On the contrary. His father and I are

quite pleased with how he has conducted himself.

"Trelene, continue as you have today, and we will

have no complaints." She pulsed and glowed for a

moment more and then silently faded away.

Picard looked to the con. "Data, what's our

status?"

"Ship's status is nominal, sir. All three moons are

back in their normal orbits." The android looked to

his captain. "Everything is exactly as it should be."

Picard sighed and turned to Trelene. "Squire, as

far as I am concerned, any debt you believe owed

has been paid. You will be welcome aboard this

Enterprise whenever you wish to visit."

For a moment, Trelene couldn't answer as he took

in the words he'd waited a century to hear. Finally,

he nodded. "Thank you, Captain." He looked around,

nodded to the others and then turned to meet

Deanna's gaze.

"I think my appointments can wait till tomorrow,"

she told him.

He offered his arm. "May we continue the tour

then?"

Her smile grew as she accepted his arm. "We

might even get in another waltz before dinner."

As the two left the Bridge, crewmen returned to

their posts, scans were resumed and both the

mission and the voyage continued.

Dedicated

To the memory of

William Campbell

1923-2011

END

Document Outline

NG Book cover B

Thelen

Q Esquire