Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!meaddata!gordon From: gordon@meaddata.com (Gordon Edwards) Subject: Repost: Home Is Where The Heart Is Sender: news@meaddata.com (Usenet Administrator) Organization: Mead Data Central, Dayton OH Date: Mon, 11 May 1992 11:36:05 GMT Message-ID: <1992May11.113605.23144@meaddata.com> Lines: 3389 Story: "Home Is Where The Heart Is" Author: andres@cbnewsj.cb.att.com (Andy C) Home Is Where The Heart Is A Star Trek: The Next Generation Novel Written By Andres Castineiras Theme: Data falls in love with a beautiful Enterprise scientist as Commander Riker, in temporary command of the Enterprise, faces the ultimate test of the Prime Directive - whether or not to try to save a planet from nuclear holocaust! The following manuscript is based on characters created by Gene Roddenberry and copyright by Paramount Pictures Corporation. No infringement of that copyright is intended. The story idea in this manuscript is Copyright (c) 1989 by Andres Castineiras and may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the author. FOREWORD The action in this novel takes place about half way through the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, shortly after the episode The Dauphin and before the episode Contagion. Up to this point the episodes dealt almost exclusively with diplomatic missions and visits to starbases, thus Captain Picard's attitude in the open scenes of this novel. After this point the episodes dealt more with actual exploration. This novel deals with one of the most interesting dilemmas of the Star Trek Universe, application of the Prime Directive to a warring planet. I hope you enjoy it. PROLOGUE Home, that was the one word on his mind. To him it represented both the concept and the name of his planet. He had been away from her for far too long. His name translated roughly into Federation standard as John Wigginson, his rank as Major. He alone commanded the vessel Cycler 1 from the planet Gamma Synchnaurus III, a planet his people referred to as Home. Major Wigginson was on his third continuous tour of duty aboard Cycler 1, and he was becoming weary. Wigginson, and his people, were what Federation scientists would call "quite humanoid". There were some details of internal arrangement that differed from those of the natives of planet Earth, but they were all minor. Wigginson himself was a middle aged man, about five feet, nine inches tall, with a receding and graying hairline. His race had just begun to move out to the neighboring planets of their system and he was there at the beginning. He had seen it all, from first sub-orbital flights to the first steps on each of the Homesian moons, to the establishment of a permanent orbiting space station. In fact, Wigginson had contributed to a great deal of that early history, first as an astronaut and then as a member of the Space Command and most recently as an officer in the Space Force of his country, Comoris. Due, in part, to his own lobbying efforts, and considerable pull in the space program, a base had been established on the fourth planet of their system, Quarta. The base was staffed with personnel from all the space-faring nations of Home. It was the one and only collaborative effort they had all made in space. Wigginson's thoughts suddenly shifted to the cabin around him. He had spent countless days within these walls, walls of stark utilitarian design, not an inch of space wasted. The walls were studded with equipment lockers and velcro hooks to attach items that might float away under freefall conditions. The sole luxury was a single small viewport overlooking the grandeur of space. The Cycler represented the state-of-the-art in Homesian technology. Wigginson had originated the Cycler idea himself. Little did he know that it had already been invented by an Earth scientist some three hundred years in the past and re-discovered in countless other star systems since then. The concept was simple and elegant. Start a ship going in a proper orbit between two planets and, with minimal corrections, it would continue to cycle between those two planets indefinitely. Cycler 1 was five weeks out from Quarta base on a two month trip back to Home. It was one of a kind, no other Cyclers had been built, and probably never would be. Wigginson sat at his desk, held there by the one half gravity afforded by the rotating mass of the Cycler crew and passenger module, reading the latest reports from Homeside. Although he was on loan to the international group that had established Quarta base, Wigginson still held a commission in the Space Force of Comoris. As such he was kept apprised of relations with the other countries involved in the joint venture, particularly those with the other major Homesian superpower, Lucreacia. Tensions between Comorians and the Lucs were rising rapidly. Wigginson was both happy and not to be returning to the planet of his birth, Home. ********** CAPTAIN Jean-Luc Picard was sitting in his command chair on the bridge of the Galaxy class USS Enterprise calmly entering his latest log entry. "Captain's Log, Stardate 42581.2. What a pleasure it is finally to be back on pure exploration duty. With so many recent missions being diplomatic in nature, including our recent voyage to Dalad IV, I feel as though the Enterprise has been a glorified courier vessel. Between shuttling diplomats and the seemingly endless re-fits and courtesy visits to new Starbases and the like, we have been away from our true mission far too long." "We are currently enroute to the Synchnaurus Star Group on the far end of known space. The third star in the group, Gamma Synchnaurus, is a G2 star, not unlike Earth's own Sun." Picard paused contemplating his next words before he continued, "Based on electronic intelligence data gathered over forty years ago by an automated scientific scout vessel, we know that the third planet of that system is the home to a race of humanoid beings. Our mission is to perform a detailed survey of the system and its inhabitants. Since this is a previously uncontacted race, the Prime Directive is in full force. I look forward to the challenge." In the seat next to Picard, Commander William T. Riker, first officer of the Enterprise, looked on his Captain with a favorable gaze. Picard turned to Riker and smiled, "Well, Number One, it seems we will get to do some real exploring for a change." "Yes, Sir," replied Riker, a patented grin on his bearded face. "It will be a welcome one, Captain." Lt. Worf, the Klingon Security Chief, stood behind Picard and Riker at his duty station. The panel in front of him could be programmed to display information about any of the varied systems of the Enterprise. Its default setting monitored the various defensive and offensive systems and the communications of the mighty vessel. He was looking at the comm panel when an indication appeared. "Incoming communication from Star Fleet Command, Captain," he announced. "It's coded for the Captain, First Officer and Security Officer's eyes only." Picard and Riker exchanged a glance. "Very well, Mr. Worf," said Picard as he stood, "In my Ready Room, Gentlemen." Picard led the way to his sanctuary just off the bridge of the starship, Riker and Worf on his heels. Once in the Ready Room Picard activated his personal computer terminal, turning the screen to face towards the assembled group. Picard spoke to the terminal, "Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain, requesting access to and playback of recent transmission from Star Fleet Command." "Working," replied the computer in a pleasant and quite normal female voice. The screen illuminated to show a standard fleet title page that read as follows: TO: PICARD, JEAN-LUC, CAPTAIN, GALAXY CLASS USS ENTERPRISE NCC- 1701D FROM: WILLIAMS, CHARLES D., ADMIRAL, STAR FLEET CORP OF ENGINEERS. STARDATE: 42581.2 RE: NEW ORDERS. Picard and Riker exchanged a distressed look as they read the last line of the title page. They had come so close to an actual exploration mission to be stopped by even more Star Fleet diversions. The screen cleared and promptly displayed the image of an older man in Star Fleet Admiral's uniform sitting behind the proverbial desk. He had a full head of gray hair and a pleasant look about him, dampening the Captain and First Officer's spirits even further. "That's trouble," Riker said immediately, "No Star Fleet Admiral looks that happy unless he's going to throw you curve." Picard frowned in reply. The figure on screen began to speak, "Greetings Captain Picard, I am Admiral Charles David Williams, Head of the Star Fleet Corp of Engineers. You are hereby ordered to proceed immediately to Star Base 142, orbiting Onizuka IV, for an analysis and re-fit of your main weaponry systems. Recent advances have led us to believe that photon torpedo efficiency can be increased by ten percent with this re-fit. Your vessel has been selected to field trial the improvement. Acknowledge this transmission and alter your flight plan as filed to comply. End of message." The terminal screen faded to black. "Merde," was all that Picard could think to say. "Just like that," offered Riker. "Yes, Number One, just like that," answered Picard as he moved behind his desk and slid into his desk chair. "It would seem that Star Fleet has other plans for us." "There must be something we can do about this, can't it wait?," Riker added. Picard placed his hands together, his index fingers extending upward cradling the bridge of his nose, his eyes closed in concentration. Abruptly he looked up at the waiting First Officer and Security Chief. "Perhaps there is a way." "How," asked Riker, "we can't very well defy a direct order from a Star Fleet Admiral." "Ah, but perhaps we can both comply and not comply," answered Picard. Riker looked perplexed at this statement as he glanced from Worf to Picard. "Saucer separation," deduced Worf. "Of course. One of us can command the Engineering Section and the main weapons back to Star base, while the other continues with the main saucer section to the Gamma Snychnaurus system," elaborated Riker as he and Picard exchanged a knowing glance. Riker knew how much Picard wanted this exploration mission so he quickly added, "I'll take the Engineering Section, Sir." Picard thought for a moment and then his features took on a characteristic form. Riker knew the look. Once Picard had decided on a course of action that he could not be dissuaded from he often had that particular look about him. Riker knew not to argue with Picard's next statement. "No, Number One," said Picard, "I'll take her back. The order was to me, I am the Enterprise's Captain, I must go. You will accompany me, Mr. Worf, as Security Chief you should oversee any weapons re-fit." "Aye, Sir," replied Worf. Keeping his gaze on Riker, Picard spoke again to Worf, "Dismissed, Lieutenant." Worf nodded, made a perfect about face and exited the Ready Room. "Well, that's it then," continued Picard after Worf had exited. "We'll rendezvous with you again in approximately five days, at these coordinates." Before Riker could respond he quickly added, "Now, if you'll excuse me I have some things to accomplish before we separate." Riker nodded his compliance and left the room. CHAPTER 1 Five hours later, Commander William T. Riker sat in the command chair on the main bridge of the USS Enterprise saucer section dictating his own log entry. "Ship's log Stardate 42581.31, First Officer Reporting. While the Captain and Security chief are off with the battle section on Starbase 142 for a weapons re-fit, the saucer section is more closely exploring the Gamma Synchnaurus system. The area was first visited by a Federation vessel over forty years ago, but a close survey of the intelligent humanoid species on the third planet has never been attempted. The last starship to visit here reported that the inhabitants were in the beginnings of a nuclear and space age. They had just begun to reach out to their two small moons. The inhabitants of Gamma Synchnaurus III are still considered too primitive to approach as a possible addition to the Federation. While we are here to update the survey we must be very careful, for we are fully bound by the Prime Directive." "We have positioned the Enterprise on the outskirts of the GS system to complete our pre-approach scans and plan our next move." Riker, his log entry completed, surveyed the scene on the Enterprise bridge. Data, the android Lt. Commander, was at the OPS console, Wesley Crusher, the young acting Ensign, at the helm. Deanna Troi, the Ship's Counselor, was at her station beside Riker, observing him critically, yet tempered by affection. Geordie LaForge, the ship's Chief Engineer, manned the Engineering Station. The Security position, normally manned by Worf was now manned by a young Black Ensign in gold Security uniform. Satisfied that all was as it should be, Riker stood and strolled forward towards the helm. He was delighted with this chance to command at least part of the Enterprise. The main screen showed a view of a large cratered moon stationary below them. "Status, Ensign," said Riker. "We are stationary, Sir," replied Wesley Crusher. "Holding position over the largest moon of Gamma Synchnaurus VII. The moon's bulk is between us and most of their space looking instruments . . ." "Most?" interrupted Riker, "Let's be absolutely sure we can't be seen out here, that's very important, Ensign." "Yes, Sir," replied Crusher. Data, busy working his console at OPS, suddenly looked up at Riker, "Sir, it is possible that we may have already been scanned." "What!" Riker gaze was now firmly on Data. He moved into position directly behind the android to get a better look at the information on the OPS panel. Data was again busy pressing various contact points on the console, "I am getting unusual readings on my sensor scans. It appears that a metal object might have been within sensor range just as we were maneuvering behind this moon. It may have been a planetary probe, Commander. If it was operating, and if it happened to be looking our way at the proper time, then we may have been observed." This comment brought Riker bolt upright and he immediately turned to face the Geordie at the Engineering Station. "Geordie, why didn't we detect that probe before it became a danger to our mission?" Geordie looked up from his own button pushing to reply, "Commander, we were doing a regulation two pi steradian solid angle pre-approach scan when we came across it. Right after it came into our sensor beam we moved behind this moon. These people have allot of hardware out here in the outer solar system, Sir, there's nothing we could have done." Geordie paused for a moment considering, then added, "Maybe it was dead." "Negative," Data interjected, "It seems to have been registering some energy emissions when we encountered it." Wesley Crusher sat and listened, a more and more worried look emerging on his face. Finally he spoke, "Sorry, Sir, I guess I didn't get us out of sight fast enough." This comment seemed to break the tension in the room. Riker turned back to Wesley, a large grin on his face, "An apology? I don't remember asking you for an apology, Ensign?" "Sir?," asked Wesley, now more uncomfortable than ever. Riker laughed, "Don't worry, Wes. Just something an old role model of mine might have said." Riker turned, returned to the command chair and sat down. "Besides, it wasn't your fault. It's nobody's really. Geordie's right, there is just too much space junk out here. Most of it much smaller that a shuttle craft or one of our sensor probes for that matter. In any case, let's keep a sharp eye out. Set sensors for rapid scanning, I want the sky swept every ninety seconds." LaForge's hands flew over his console, silently carrying out Riker's last command. A few moments later, Riker again stood up in front of the command chair and from the middle of the bridge surveyed his bridge crew. "Comments, suggestions on how to proceed?," he said. "Suggest we employ cloaking device, Sir," Data offered. Riker turned to his Chief Engineer, "Geordie?" Again LaForge paused to think, "Well, it's new and not anywhere as good as the latest Romulan version, but it will keep these people from seeing us. Of course it will take allot of power, especially without the warp drive section. We could maintain a cloak long enough to complete the survey and get far enough away to de-cloak safely." Riker again sat down at the command chair. His hand absently stroked his beard as he was lost in thought. The cloaking device was new to Federation starships. The technology was Romulan, old style Romulan to be specific. The cloaking system was originally brought into the Federation by the first starship to bear the name Enterprise, commanded by the legendary Captain James T. Kirk. The device was analyzed for weakness by Federation scientists and deemed inappropriate for use on Federation starships. That feeling had slowly changed in the years since that time. The Federation was now equipping some ships with a version of the same device that Kirk had appropriated from the Romulans. It was only to be used only in certain situations. It was not recommended for use in battle, it was too easy to detect a ship so equipped with modern sensors. It had far more disadvantages than advantages. However, on an intelligence gathering mission or on an exploration mission, such as the Enterprise was now on, it could be used to advantage. "Very well," said Riker, "We'll continue to Gamma Synchnaurus III under cloak. Mr. Data, engage cloaking device." [Note to the Editor: Use of the Cloaking device is not central to the story line. A plausible story could be made using Deflector Shields. However, it works better with the cloak.] "Aye, Sir," responded Data. After quickly depressing several contact points on his console, Data announced, "Cloak is engaged, Commander. All systems show green." To an observer on the moon below them, the looming shape of the USS Enterprise saucer section would have been seen to shimmer, and then waiver and finally vanish. The ship was now invisible to all but the most sophisticated sensing devices. Satisfied, Riker turned his attention to the helm, "Mr. Crusher bring us about to heading 115 mark zero nine zero, ahead one quarter impulse speed." "Aye, Sir. One one five mark ninety," replied Crusher. "Engage," added Riker. "Going to impulse power, now," said Crusher as he depressed the proper contact point on the Helm. Promptly, the bulk of the Enterprise Saucer section began to clear the large moon and head on its course to the third planet. "Let's see what they have been up to in the last 40 years or so," Riker announced. "Keep our sensors searching the sky for probes, and I want to know more about that one that may have spotted us." Riker again stood up and began to move across the bridge, "Data assemble the bridge crew in the briefing room in fifteen minutes. I'll be in the Ready Room." With that said, Riker disappeared behind the Ready Room door. ********** An encoded stream of bits, electromagnetic ones and zeros, traveled at the speed of light towards Gamma Synchnaurus III, the planet Home. The bits were received by a communications satellite in synchronous orbit about the planet and downlinked to a computer system at the Comoris Space Force Command Headquarters. Once received the computer system transformed the bits into a high resolution picture of an incredible saucer shaped vessel, looming above the largest moon of the seventh planet in the system. Other pictures began to form as well, in infrared, ultra-violet and other spectral regions, all showing the same unidentified vessel. The clerk on duty was far too busy with other matters to wonder about the unusual event. He recorded receipt of the images in a log and transferred the raw data to optical disk. Turning to the data terminal next to him he typed in a request to the automated system. A report of the occurrence would be sent out to all strategic space-based personnel. Turning back to his other duties, the clerk promptly forgot all about the images. Major John Wigginson was sitting at his desk again, a window on his personal computer screen open to the latest status reports from Home. He had stopped at a curious entry regarding a unidentified vessel sighting. Another window was open to the word processing program he used to keep his log. He had typed the following words there: Cycler 1, Log Entry 221, Wigginson, J., Commanding. We are seven weeks out in our cycler orbit from our outpost on Quarta, heading back towards Home. The bulk of my crew and passengers remain on the outpost and we are now only carrying personnel on rotation Homeside. Tensions are still high between our government back home and the Lucreacians, our chief political rivals. Now my country is reporting an added problem: an USV. An damned flying saucer spotted right in our own solar system by one of our unmanned probes. Wigginson sat farther back in his chair contemplating what to type next. After a long while he continued his typing: What do they think I can do about it? What will happen when the Lucs get a hold of this news? Will it be enough to drive them over the edge? Wigginson's face was a portrait of exhaustion. His gaze turned away from his terminal and over to the lone port hole overlooking the stars. He knew he couldn't do anything from where he sat. Like his vessel, he was trapped in an orbit that he could not control. Whatever happened on Home, and whatever part this unfamiliar vessel would play, he would have no say in it. The inexorable feeling of uselessness was overwhelming. ********** Riker stood, frozen, his back against the Ready Room door. He surveyed what was normally the Captain's own private domain. It made him feel somehow uneasy, as if he were intruding. He looked from the wall mounted fish tank, full of tropical fish, to the desk and out the large viewport at the slowly moving stars. He pulled his gaze off the star field and again contemplated the desk. Yes, he thought, I should be sitting over there, doing . . . something. Riker summoned all his strength and moved over to the desk, around it and sat in the chair. "That wasn't too bad," he said aloud, a smile back on his face. He sat back in the chair and made himself comfortable. Soon he would have to face the real world again. He wondered what Picard would do in this situation. Riker knew that the Captain often engaged in solving puzzling scientific and mathematical problems to get his mind off the routine of running a starship and to reduce the strain of command. Riker did not much enjoy such pastimes, he would rather listen to an exotic alien ballad or a good jazz piece. As he sat thinking about his next actions his gaze dropped to the terminal built into the desk top. An indicator was flashing a MESSAGE WAITING indication. Riker knew that the indication would only be on if the person that the message was for was sitting at the desk. Since the computer knew it was Riker at the desk, and not Picard, the message must be for him. Riker sat up straight and was about to retrieve the message when the Ready Room door slid open to reveal Counselor Deanna Troi. Troi quietly entered the room, a slight frown on her face. Annoyed, Riker looked up from the desk, but smiled as he saw who it was. "Counselor, here to tear apart my command abilities already?," he joked, "I've only been in charge for a little over five hours now." He stopped when he realized she was not enjoying his little attempt at humor. "No, Commander," she answered absently. "What's the matter, Deanna?," asked Riker. "Imzadi," she began, using her Betazoid pet name for Riker, "I'm worried about this mission. What if we have been seen. These people are primitive, but they could still be dangerous to us. What if we have already inadvertently broken the Prime Directive?" Riker smiled at the sound of his pet name, she used it less and less often these days. At one time she would never have addressed him as anything but Imzadi. He smiled warmly at her, trying to lighten her mood, "You had better not call me that while I'm in command, Deanna." She smiled briefly at this comment then continued, "Oh, Will, be serious." She moved farther into the room so that the door behind her would close. She hesitated for some seconds and then blurted out her real concern, "You've never been in command during a Prime Directive crisis before, do you think you can handle that?" Riker thought seriously about this, it was a legitimate question, and one that was on his mind. This situation was not as dangerous as the time he had taken command of the Klingon vessel Pagh, at least not in the physical sense. He had passed all the academy tests, but would he be able to do the right thing in a real situation? He knew what the answer must be, "That's why I'm here, Deanna," he replied. "I signed aboard the Enterprise instead of accepting a lesser command of my own just so I would get to be in these situations, to learn how to handle them; to learn how I would handle them." "But Captain Picard is not here to teach you now, do you think you can handle it, Commander?," she asked again. Riker was slightly taken aback at the insinuation that he needed Picard to teach him, but he quickly realized that was probably another reason he was on the Enterprise. He finally looked up at Troi again and decided to take one more shot at trying to lighten her mood. "So we're back to Commander, that must be an official question!" Troi gave Riker a sharp, but amused look. Riker realized immediately that he was not going to be able to calm the Counselor's fears with humor. So he decided to play it straight. "It'll be okay, Counselor," he began. "Besides I have the support of everyone out there on the bridge; together we'll find a way." Troi was still uneasy. Riker could see it in her face, he could feel it, in an almost Betazoid fashion, he had a unique connection with Troi. He stood and walked around the desk, quickly covering the space between them, his eyes locked in hers. He stopped about a foot from her and placed his strong hands lightly on her upper arms before he spoke again. "Is something else wrong, Deanna?," he said, searching her eyes for an answer. Troi looked away, unwilling to meet his gaze, "It's just that I've never had to counsel you in the position of commander of this starship before, Will," she said in an uncharacteristically soft voice. "I'm worried that I might fail you at a critical time by letting our past get in the way." Riker smiled again, "Not a chance," he said to her, "You're too good a Counselor for that, Deanna." Troi finally smiled and shook her head, again fixing her gaze on Riker's eyes. Riker slowly removed his hands from her shoulders, but continued to stand directly in front of her, less than a foot away. Troi's smile was steady as she began to speak again, "I'm the one who is supposed to be giving you counsel, Commander," she said, evoking a small laugh from Riker. "Thanks for the pep talk. I'll leave you to your work now, Sir." With that said, Troi backed out of the Ready Room, turned and walked away. Riker smiled at her as she exited. Once the doors had closed, Riker returned to the task he had begun before Troi had arrived. He strolled back behind the desk and resumed his seat, now totally at ease with his surroundings. The talk with Troi had settled his own nerves as well as hers. He laughed at himself as he realized she had probably planned it that way. He reached across the desk and activated the computer terminal. "Computer, playback message for Commander Riker." "Working," replied the terminal. At once the screen brightened to show a view of the room he was sitting in. A familiar face dominated the screen, it was Jean-Luc Picard. Before Riker could react, the image of Picard began to speak. "Commander Riker . . . Will, I'm leaving you this little message as a reminder. It seems strange to be talking to you again, since you have just left my Ready Room. Of course you won't see this message until we have separated and you have an occasion to sit at my desk, as I know you will." Riker smiled, realizing now what Picard had to accomplish when he had left him alone in this room some five hours earlier. The message continued, "You are a fine officer Number One, that is why I had no qualms about leaving you in command while Worf and I go off to meet our re-fit schedule. This mission should be an exciting one for you, I only wish that I could be there to share it. Be advised however, that you are going into a Prime Directive situation." "I will not remind you of the importance of that directive; all academy graduates have that ingrained in their heads. What I will tell you, is that these situations can be difficult -- to put it mildly. It is too easy, too enticing to let one's feeling come into play and make the wrong decisions. I have the utmost confidence that you will choose the right path, Number One. Remember above all else, we must uphold the Prime Directive, or we are nothing." "One last piece of advice, Number One; we have a fine bridge crew and a staff of hundreds of professionals aboard; don't hesitate to use their skills should the need arise. I have no doubt that this mission of yours will go smoothly. Bon chance, Number One. Picard out." The terminal screen faded to black. Riker was left alone again, thoughtfully rubbing his bearded face, "I hope you're right, Captain," he said to himself. Riker pondered the Captain's advice, he was right about the crew of course. Besides the bridge crew and their alternates, the Enterprise was home to hundreds of scholars, doctors, nurses, engineers and scientists, and their spouses and children. In all, over a thousand people comprised the complement of the Galaxy class vessel, most of them still at his disposal on the saucer section. Riker could, on a moment's notice, obtain the services of any number of specialists in any field of endeavor. Suddenly a thought occurred to him and he reached over to activate the computer terminal. CHAPTER 2 The bridge crew was assembled around the curved table in the main briefing room on deck 5. A wall of windows much like the one in the smaller bridge briefing room separated them from the slowly moving star field. Normally the view would have shown dozens of streaking stars indicative of motion under warp drive, but the saucer section of the USS Enterprise was not capable of traveling at such speeds. The saucer was used mainly as a lifeboat for the non- combative members of the crew and their families during times of battle or other crisis. At such times it would be taken, under warp drive, to some safe distance, separated from the main battle section and left to fend for itself until the battle or crisis was over. Now it was being used as a separate vessel so that the Enterprise crew could perform two missions at once, a novel use, and one that probably would cause ripples clear up the chain of command once the word got out. Riker, Data, LaForge and Troi all sat around the table, eyeing the one newcomer to the group. Only Riker knew who she was, since it was at his request that she had joined them. The others would have to wait for introductions. The newcomer was a female Lt. Commander dressed in a blue Star Fleet Sciences uniform, she was about 30 years of age, tall of stature, possessed of shoulder length curly dark hair and dark eyes. She was quite attractive and appeared to be calm and self-assured, not at all nervous about being thrust into close association with the senior members of the bridge crew. Riker called the meeting to order precisely on schedule. "I've called this meeting to discuss the mission situation and to plan our next moves," he stated flatly. Deciding to let his crew wait a while longer before introducing the outsider, he turned to Geordie LaForge and continued, "First, I want to hear the report on that probe, Engineer." "We were able to locate that same probe, Commander," responded LaForge, "And it is functional. ata," said Riker, cutting Data off before he could spew forth the entire technical specification of the craft, "Did the probe scan us? Has it reported its findings back to GS III?" "I believe the answer to both questions is yes, Commander," said Data, not in the least bit annoyed at having been cut off. Data was constantly trying to improve himself, he knew that he often reported much more information than was necessary for the given situation. After pausing a moment to see if Riker had any more questions, he continued, "The probe is equipped with multiple passive sensors on all sides and is constantly sending data back towards Gamma Synchnaurus III, the planet that the inhabitants refer to as Home." "The passive sensors may be the reason we didn't get an automated indication of the probe's presence," added LaForge. "Our automatic warning systems are keyed by any kind of energy impinging on our navigational screens. Only active sensors would do that. The mass of the probe was too small to show up on our mass detectors, we were lucky to pick it up by accident during the pre-approach scan." The scenario had merit. The Enterprise's automated alarms were only designed to detect active sensing, that is, sensors that used some form of energy or matter beam to illuminate or otherwise scan an object. Passive sensors were limited, and not generally in use by advanced races. The oversight infuriated Riker, "Lucky!", he nearly yelled, "Now we know they have proof of our existence," he added in a more even tone, "And that, ladies and gentlemen, places us in direct violation of the Prime Directive!" Riker's statement brought the discussion to a halt. All at once the assembled crew began to discuss Riker's last comment among themselves. Only the newcomer did not participate, she simply sat back in her chair and listened to the others argue, an intent look on her face. She seemed to be weighting the pros and cons herself, before she would enter the discussion. Riker was preoccupied with his own thoughts. He now knew, as did they all, that the Enterprise had been observed by a wandering inter-planetary probe. Images of their vessel could even now be under review by the inhabitants of Gamma Synchnaurus III, the planet Home, that had sent out this vessel. Riker had no idea what impact this indisputable proof of a superior alien culture would have on the Homesians. Riker forced himself back to the discussion he had started. He raised his right hand to signal the meeting back to order. The assembled crewmen immediately ended their side conversations and settled down. When all was quiet, Riker, gestured to the female newcomer. "Lt. Commander Grissom," he began in a somewhat strained voice, "Is an expert on primitive space faring races." He paused to let that bit of information sink in. "She'll be working with us to help us better understand the type of race we're dealing with." Data, sitting opposite and to the left of Grissom, was busy accessing his records on the Lt. Commander as soon as he heard her name. A look of admiration appeared on his face as he completed the search. Since Data made it a point to review the records of all ship's personnel, he had no difficulty in connecting the name Grissom to her records in his computer fast mind, even before Riker had finished his introduction. Grissom, Pamela A., Data thought, Lt. Commander, Star Fleet Sciences. He ran through her entire life history, including her education, Star Fleet records, publication lists, everything, including her medical records, which his mind dwelt upon for almost a full nanosecond. All of this was accomplished before Riker was done saying the word races. Her record was exemplary, both as a scientist and as a Star Fleet officer. Data looked across the table at her approvingly, immediately accepting her as a colleague, in fact he almost smiled at her. Riker began to speak again, breaking Data out of his revere, "What is your evaluation of our situation, Mr. Grissom." "Forty years ago these people had barely begun to explore their immediate planet-moon system," began Grissom in a husky but not unpleasant voice. "By most standards they should be into the classic third stage of space development by now." "Meaning?," asked Riker. "A third stage space developmental state," began Data before Grissom could reply, "Is one that includes a permanently occupied space station and perhaps the beginnings of a base on a nearby planet or moon . . ." Grissom immediately turned to listen to Data, looking somewhat annoyed at the interruption. Before Data could continue his answer she cut him off and continued the explanation to Riker, "Thank you, Lt. Commander Data," she said cooly, "As I was saying, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they have a significant presence in space, including a base on one of the inner planets, probably the fourth planet, by now." "Intriguing," Data said, "Long range scans do indicate some signs of high technology on the fourth planet, enough for a small colony perhaps. Did you review the scans Lt. Commander?" "No," she replied, "But as I said, I'm not surprised." Data tilted his head to one side, trying to comprehend how this person could be so accurate, based solely on theory. Data was not fully versed in the area and so was dully impressed with the other Lt. Commander's abilities. Riker spoke up again, breaking Data's concentration, he addressed his comment to Grissom, "Very good, Commander, but what does this have to do with your assessment of our situation?" "Yes, Sir," she replied, not in the least bit phased by the comment, "I was leading up to that. If they are a third stage culture, then a good deal of space travel and development may still be in the hands of their military." "Are you suggesting they'd try to attack us?," asked Riker. "Not unless they can find us first," added LaForge half jokingly, producing a slight chuckle from Troi and Riker. "No, Sir," replied Grissom, seemingly oblivious of LaForge's side comment, "I'm simply suggesting that their military will be the first to see the pictures from that probe." Riker was listening intently now. Grissom continued, "If these people are still divided along intra-planetary boundaries, not uncommon for third stagers, then news of us may be destablizing; if one side has the information and the other doesn't." "On the other hand, now that they have lost contact they may forget about us and worry about opponents closer at hand. I would monitor their military communications and see if there is any chatter about us." Riker could hardly believe what he was hearing, this was the expert the computer had suggested? He thought it over a second and, trying desperately to keep the tone of his voice down, said, "So you're saying that on the one hand we could have destabilized their strategic military balance, but, on the other hand, that they may forget about us by tomorrow?" He lost his battle and yelled at her, "Which is it, Commander!?" Grissom was still apparently unaffected, as if she anticipated the reaction. "Sir, I need to know more about the culture and the people who would be getting those pictures of us before I can make that determination. I was simply relating the range of possible outcomes for planning purposes," she answered in a thoroughly professional tone of voice. Riker's face fell. He was almost angry at himself for having yelled at a subordinate. Of course, she was right. After all, she was at this meeting on ten minutes notice and had done well to review the file on this star system and its people in that amount of time. He was being too hard on her, "Very well, Commander," he said to her, his voice more even keyed, then, turning to the assembled crew, he continued, "Any suggestions about how we can accomplish this?" "We have been monitoring their communications," Data offered. "I have run them through the language banks and have had the computer search for any reference to what might be termed a Unidentified Flying Object, a UFO, a Flying Saucer, a . . ." ". . . And we can send down an away team to check these people out one on one, Sir," added Grissom, mercifully cutting Data short. "They are humanoid?," she added, addressing Data directly. "Affirmative, Lt. Commander," answered Data, still unaffected by the constant interruptions. Riker, a determined look on his face, directed his gaze to the ceiling of the briefing room, "Bridge!," he called out, "What's our position, Ensign Crusher?" "Bridge, here," said the voice of Ensign Crusher from a hidden speaker in the room. "Approaching the third planet, Commander. ETA five minutes." Riker thought for a minute, then spoke, "Very well, let's see what we can learn about these people from up here. No away teams yet. That's all for now people, see you all on the bridge in four hours. I'll want a detailed report. Dismissed." Data's mind was wandering again, he barely picked up the important parts of Riker's last statement, four hours, detailed report, dismissed. Suddenly Data was aware that his thoughts were drifting, it was a very odd sensation, one that he could not remember ever experiencing before. What had he just been thinking about? Ah, yes, he thought, Grissom and her report, he must find out more about her. When he finally looked up, the room was already clearing. The meeting was breaking up and all were heading to their assigned duties. LaForge was gesturing for Data to get going, and Grissom was already gone. Data hurried to catch up with Grissom in the corridor, he easily passed by Geordie and overtook her. He was obviously intrigued by the woman. Geordie was left to follow at a distance. "I did not intend to interrupt your report to Commander Riker, Lt. Commander Grissom," said Data. "No problem, Lt. Commander," replied Grissom, a cool edge in her voice, "just don't let it happen again. You may get all the visibility you'll ever need being third-in-command and on the bridge crew, but us lowly scientists trying to work our way up the ranks don't get many chances to impress the boss." Data was now totally confounded. What was this woman all about? Data looked confused, more at himself than at her remark, all he could think to say in reply was, "Please, call me Data, Lt. Commander." "And you call me Mr. Grissom, Sir. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do on the bridge." With that she turned into a side corridor and entered a turbolift. Data stopped and watched her as she hurried away. His enhanced android eyes tracking every motion of her body as she walked. Then suddenly and without conscious thought he sighed softly. Startled, Data reached for his chest and felt along his artificial breastbone and then lightly touched his lips as if to find out where this strange sound had come from. Geordie LaForge stopped as he caught up with Data. Looking him over Geordie could see that something was upsetting his friend. Suddenly, he realized what it must be and a large smile grew on his face. "It sure looks like you have a major case of the hots for her, Data!," he announced. Data was startled by the comment, only half realizing that Geordie was now standing next to him, "Inquiry, `A major case of the hots', Geordi?" LaForge laughed, "As in, you like her, maybe even more than you know, Data." "Do you really think it possible, Geordie?" "With you, my friend, anything is possible." With that said, LaForge patted his friend sharply on the back and continued down the corridor leaving Data alone with his thoughts. CHAPTER 3 Data found himself wandering the corridors. His mind seemed to be having a debate with itself. Half of his positronic brain was a mass of incoherent thoughts, while the second half cooly analyzed the first. Data's rational side could not remember ever experiencing anything like it. The only thing that came close was the sense of confusion he felt after the reading of Tasha Yar's living will, or perhaps it was more like some of the more pleasant times he had spent with Tasha. Data could not decide. One thing that he did know was that he needed to find out what was going on. Where would a human being go if they were faced with such a problem, thought Data? The answer was obvious, and he immediately headed off in the proper direction. He soon found a nearby turbolift and entered it. Once inside he uttered a single word, "Sickbay." Dr. Kathrine Pulaski, Chief Medical Officer of the USS Enterprise, was sitting at her office desk, busy compiling the quarterly crew physical reports on her terminal. She was not fond of paper work, but even less fond of an unhealthy crew. Keeping over a thousand people healthy was quite a challenge. Under Star Fleet regulations, the CMO was bound to conduct a physical exam of each crew and family member at least once a year. Although the responsibility was hers, she, thankfully, did not have to perform all of them herself. Pulaski had a staff of doctors and paramedics who could handle most of the actual exams, but she still insisted upon checking all the work herself while she prepared the formal report to Bev Crusher. She knew that the crew health reports from Enterprise would get special attention from the Chief of Star Fleet Medical. Pulaski was reading a report of a particularly bad case of misdiagnosis that was caught at the last minute by the automated systems, when the door buzzer sounded. Without looking away from her work, she called out, "Come in." The door in front of Lt. Commander Data opened and he stepped into the office of the Chief Medical Officer. Data's relationship with this new doctor had been less than cordial to begin with. But, as time went on, they had come to an understanding, and while still not exactly friendly, they could function together without an argument ensuing every five minutes. Pulaski looked up to see Data stepping into her office and immediately returned to the report on her screen, an annoyed look on her face. "Doctor, I . . . " Data began, but before he could utter another word Pulaski had cut him off with her outstretched hand. She was holding it up in his direction in order to silence him. Data understood, and waited patiently for the Doctor to finish what she was doing. Pulaski continued to read the report on her terminal for some time. She was already furious about the mistake that one of her Doctors had committed, and now she would have to deal with Data. She made a note on the report to reprimand the Doctor in question, a young intern, and then turned away from the screen to face her guest. "Now, what is it you want, Data," she said at last. Data answered quickly, as if he had just entered the room. In the same exact tone of voice he said, "Doctor, I have a question." Pulaski's eyes rolled back in her head. She was tired and was not up to one of Data's questions. In a near exhausted tone of voice she said, "Yes, what is it?" Data hesitated, then said, "Earlier, in the corridor . . ., I . . . I . . ." Pulaski perked up, her eyes wide with disbelief, "Yes, spit it out, Data," she said, "What's wrong, do you have a malfunction or something? Voice track stuck?" Data caught himself and steadied his voice, then replied, "No, Doctor, I am quite functional. However," he said, "I did emit a sound with which I am not familiar. It sounded like, Hhhaummmmmm!" Data sighed quite theatrically. Pulaski had to turn away from Data as a large smile broadened across her face. She had to fight to stop herself from laughing. Taking a deep breath to steady herself she turned back to Data. "Data," she began, a grin still on her face, "I'm not sure, but I think that was what we humans call a sigh." "Query, a sigh?," Data asked somewhat confused. If there was one thing Pulaski hated worse than one of Data's questions it was one of his queries. Her hand immediately went to her forehead and cradled her head. This was going to be an interesting conversation, "Yes," she answered at last, "An involuntary sudden exhalation of breath sometimes caused by anxiety or some other strong emotion." She wondered if this was another one of Data's attempts at human humor, but the look on his face was not one of amusement, "Now what were you doing sighing in the corridor?," she asked. "I do not know why it happened," Data replied, "I was speaking with Lt. Commander Grissom, and as she walked away . . . I . . . I made that sound with the accompanying chest and shoulder movements." Pulaski's expression went from exhaustion to surprise, "She left?," she blurted out, then in an almost inaudible tone she added to herself, "Well what do you know the machine is in love with a real woman!" She caught herself as she looked up and saw Data had heard, she quickly recovered, "Tell me, Data, what is she like?" "Lt. Commander Grissom is a scientist of some reputation, Doctor. She has been published in all the major journals in her field and has several publications in areas outside of her specialty. She is the foremost authority on primitive space faring cultures, those in their early space programs, limited to their own solar system. She is quite an extraordinary officer." Pulaski was now genuinely interested, could Data actually be exhibiting an emotional response, "Yes, but what is she like?," she asked, then continued, "You've just given me her resume, but what did she do or say to you to make you sigh?" Data paused, rerunning the conversation in the corridor in his mind, then answered, "She told me not to interrupt her reports to the Boss. This does not seem to be a satisfactory answer, however. I do not know why I sighed, Doctor, it simply . . . occurred." "And then you came to me?" "You are a Doctor and I wanted your opinion of my physical reaction." Pulaski couldn't resist the obvious set up, "But I'm a human doctor, not a mechanic," she said, a large smile on her face. Immediately she felt ashamed, she was not being fair. Data, while not human, could be a surprisingly humane individual, she had grown to respect him as such. "I'm sorry, Data," she said to him, now more serious, "But I don't think I can help you, so if you don't mind, I do need to get back to my reports." A thought occurred to her and she added, "Perhaps you should speak with Counselor Troi about this." Data could see that the Doctor was losing interest, "Yes, of course, Doctor. Thank you for your time," he replied. Data nodded his good-bye and turned to leave. As the door closed behind him, Pulaski was left shaking her head in disbelief. It was some time before she turned back to the task at hand. Deanna Troi was sitting at her desk, a pensive look on her face. Data sat facing her, a blank expression on his own countenance. They were in the middle of a conversation. "Counselor, do I look odd to you?," Data asked. "What do you mean, Data?," replied Troi. "Do I appear. . .hot? Geordie, that is, Lt. LaForge, commented that I may have the hots for Lt. Commander Grissom." Troi, who was already having problems taking Data's problem seriously, could not help breaking out in a large smile. "No, Data," she replied, then trying desperately not to laugh, she continued, "Having the hots, as you put it, has nothing to do with body temperature. It simply means that you may be becoming. . .fond of Grissom. Tell me, how do you feel?" The question was strange to Troi, how could one be asking an android how it feels, they weren't supposed to have feelings at all. Data paused to think, it seemed to Troi that he may have been running a system diagnostic test. Finally Data spoke, "Uncertain. I can sense that something is different, but I cannot ascertain what it is. Are you sensing anything from me, Counselor?" Troi was not usually able to read anything from the android officer, but now, she wasn't quite sure, "You are particularly hard to read, Data, being an android. I do get impressions of respect, admiration, perhaps even a sense of longing. That is different for you. Can you describe what it is that you are feeling?" Again Data paused before he spoke, "Feelings are not even something I can consciously remember being programmed for, however, they do seem to surface on odd occasions. I do respect Lt. Commander Grissom's accomplishments. Although, I also. . .feel that I need to be with her, at her side. I act strangely around her, even for me." "Yes, the sigh." "Even more," continued Data, "I tend to speak without thinking about what I am about to say, and I say peculiar things." "A human trait, Data?" Data smiled briefly for the first time since the sighing incident, "Yes, yes it is!" He paused to think again, as if he needed the extra time, "But, what do I do now, Counselor?" Now it was Troi's turn to think. She knew what advice she would give to a human crewmen, but with Data she was unsure. She finally decided to try anyway. "Be with her. Spend time. Talk to her. Take it slow, Data. This is no doubt a strange situation for her as well. Give it time." Data agreed, "Yes, I will do that, Counselor. I seem to be more in control now, thank you." Data stood up, "I must be getting back to my duties on the bridge now." Troi smiled warmly as Data turned to leave her office. Although she was still confused by the recent events in his life, she was happy for Data's new found humanity and love. Data entered the bridge with some feelings of anxiety, he knew that she would be there. As he stepped off the turbolift he saw Grissom was working at the Science 1 station on the upper portion of the bridge. He decided not to waste any time. "Well, it's about time you showed up, Commander," Grissom said in a playful tone as Data approached her. The android equivalent of Data's heart sank. "Listen," she continued, "I want to apologize for my tone after the briefing, I was out of line." Data was suddenly filled with new hope, "There is nothing to apologize for. We are of equal rank, and you are entitled to your opinions. I am the one who should be sorry, my absence from the bridge is inexcusable." "Well, no sense worrying about spilt milk," she said. Data nonchalantly glanced at the deck below him to check for any bovine discharge. "I have been going over these communications from Home. There are hundreds of military and commercial messages to choose from, I'm about exhausted, perhaps you'd like to review some of them?" Data stepped up to the neighboring Science 2 station and touched a contact, "Computer, this is Lt. Commander Data," he said, "Request display of translations for all Homesian transmissions recorded to date. Execute." "All of them!," Grissom exclaimed, but Data did not hear, he was too busy reading. "Increase," Data said aloud to the computer, asking it to display the information more quickly. The display began to pour out pages of information at an incredible pace. "Increase," Data said again. Grissom stood back and watched in awe as Data read the entire record in a matter of minutes. "Intriguing," Data said when he had completed the material. "That was incredible, you do have some amazing capabilities, Commander.", Grissom said, as she almost smiled at Data. Two hours later, Data was back at the OPS station, awaiting the arrival of Commander Riker. The bridge crew were all at their positions and Grissom was still at work at Science 1. There were exactly thirty seconds to the end of Riker's four hour time period, he should be arriving on the bridge at any moment. According to Data's internal clock, Riker arrived precisely on time, stepping onto the bridge from the turbolift just as the four hours expired. "Status," he said to no one in particular as he walked across the bridge to stand in front of the command chair. Wesley Crusher was the first to respond, "Holding maximum apogee standard orbit about the planet Home, Commander." Riker smiled approvingly at the young Acting Ensign, the boy was maturing into a fine young officer. Riker turned as he heard Data add, "Cloaking device engaged and operational, we will not be observed, Sir." "Reading a number of objects in orbit above the planet, Sir. Ranging in size from a bolt up to a large space habitat," Grissom added, still monitoring the sensors at Science 1. Riker was pleased, his people were top notch professionals, he listened as Grissom continued, "I also scan small bases on each of the moons, they look as if they were once inhabited, but they aren't anymore, at least not now. A number of lifeforms are on board the large space station, perhaps as many as a thousand." She paused and turned to face the lower bridge, then added, "And Sir, they have a Star Wars system." "A what?," exclaimed Riker. He was beginning to get a little annoyed at all the technical terms being thrown around by this scientist. After staring down Data, who was about to speak, Grissom quickly explained, "Star Wars, Sir, was the popular name of the Strategic Defense Initiative or SDI, it was . . ." ". . . a defensive shield developed on Earth by the then United States just prior to the beginning of the Eugenics Wars. I know what SDI is, Commander, I do know something about ancient Earth history, especially U.S. Military History," finished Riker. "Yes, Sir, so do I. Their system is not as elaborate as ours was, but it does include the traditional satellite types: surveillance, acquisition, projectile weapons, and beam weapons. No way to tell how effective they would be against an actual attack without evaluating their C-cubed -- their Command, Communications and Control software -- and their form of battle management. It also looks like two planetary factions have at least a partial system in place." "The military and non-military communications do suggest a high level of tension exists between the two factions," Data added, after he was sure Grissom had completed her portion of the report, "But no word about us. Of course, they could be using some method of secure transmission. . ." ". . .or maybe they have already talked about it and now it's old news. There is still no way to tell if we caused the current situation or whether it existed before we arrived," Grissom added. Riker's reply was amazingly calm, "So here we are, orbiting an armed camp on the brink of planetary war and we may have caused it." Grissom looked down at her feet and in an uncharacteristically soft voice answered Riker, "Yes, Sir." Riker moved over to the center seat and sat down, an angry yet determined look on his face. He stroked his beard with his right hand, "Thank you, you've all done a fine job," was all he could say. CHAPTER 4 [Note: Most of the remainder of the story line will be in the form of a teleplay (i.e., dialog and stage direction), the original form of my work.] Scene opens on the bridge, much as it was before. Data is now working with Grissom at Science 2. A Red shirt persons the OPS console, he is a young Hispanic Ensign with dark hair, a bushy black moustache and dark close cut hair. He also has a tropical complexion. Riker (VO) Ship's Log, Stardate 42581.6. We have been in orbit around the planet Home for over six hours. All attempts to determine the origin of the current crisis on the planet have failed. We have also been unable to determine whether the pictures of our vessel have aggravated the situation or even caused it. Riker stands and faces the sciences stations where Grissom and Data are working. He then slowly walks up to the upper portion of the bridge. Riker Anything new, Commanders? Grissom Nothing significant, Sir. Data We have, however, located one of their main planet based space command center, Sir. It is run by what they call their Space Force. Grissom Commander, if the pictures are anywhere, they should be at that location. They also would know all about the current crisis there. We can beam down, and... Riker ...And what, Mr. Grissom? Contaminate them more? Grissom No Sir, we could get in, erase their images of us, get the information we need and get out. Purely an intelligence gathering mission. Riker You don't sound like a scientist, Grissom. Just who are you? Data Lt. Commander Grissom is fully trained in Security, Helm and OPS control, Sir. Besides being a top historian and xeno-anthropologist. Grissom smiled despite herself at the compliments from Data. Then turns to face Riker again, all business. Grissom (Cool and professional) Data is correct, Sir. I have been trained and certified in many areas. May I have your permission to form an away team? Data almost smiles again when he realizes Grissom has, for the first time, used his name without any titles or ranks attached. Riker I'll form the team, Commander. (Pause) Alright, it seems there is not much else we can learn from up here, so we'll have to go down there. Let's keep it small, less chance of us totally blowing the Prime Directive that way. The team will consist of myself and... As Riker points to himself, Data and LaForge stand at their consoles. Camera shot widens to show that Troi has also stood and is now eyeing the scene at the rear of the bridge. LaForge breaks into Riker's speech. LaForge (Shocked) Sir! (In a formal military voice) I respectfully remind the Commander that he is no longer just the first officer. You are now ranking officer on board. As acting third-in-command, I can't approve of your leading an away team at this time. Sir! Data Nor can I, Sir. Your duty is here on the Enterprise. Troi I agree, Commander. This mission is potentially too dangerous to risk the senior officer. Grissom But, I have to go, Sir, I'm the expert on this type of culture... Riker (Agitated) At ease, all of you! After a pause, Riker walks down to the center seat, the CAMERA FOLLOWS. RIKER faces the rear of the bridge, everyone watches him as he speaks. Riker (Cont'd) (Calmly) Grissom is right. She has to go. Data you'll lead the team. I'll remain here on the ship. (Under his breath) I guess I'll have to live by my own rules. Riker takes the center seat. Grissom walks over to center bridge to confront Riker. Grissom (Upset) But, Sir! No disrespect intended, Sir, but Data just will not do! He's all wrong, he's...he's... Riker (Angry) ...He's what, Mr. Grissom? Data is third-in- command on this vessel, Mister, and you will treat him as such. He is also acting first officer on this mission and rightfully should be in charge of all away team activities. What's your problem, Grissom? Grissom Sir, the planet's inhabitants have a NORMAL humanoid appearance. Something that Mr. Data, no matter what his rank and position, does not have. Riker stands and turns to look at Data, still standing by Science 2. Smiling he turns back to Grissom. Riker (Amused) Quite right, Commander. However, I think ship's stores can provide us with a fix for that! You and Data get ready for the mission, let me handle the rest. Riker exits to the Ready Room. Data and Grissom exchange a puzzled glance, then turn back to their stations at the SCIENCES consoles. "What do you have in mind for this Away Mission, Commander," Data asked Grissom. "Well, it seems to me that if we have to get inside a military facility, we had better look Military." "Agreed." Geordie LaForge walked the few steps over from his console to where the two Lt. Commanders were standing, "I think I can help you with that!" Cut to scene of Riker walking through a corridor heading to transporter room, some time later. Several crew people are seen also walking the corridors in the background. Riker (VO) Ship's Log, Supplemental. Lt. Commanders Data and Grissom have been outfitted as high ranking Space Force officers of the planet Home. They will form an away team and infiltrate the space command center on that planet in hopes of recovering any images of our vessel. They also will be trying to figure out the current planetary crisis and its origins. Riker REACHES THE DOOR to the TRANSPORTER ROOM and ENTERS. The DOOR CLOSES behind him. REVERSE ANGLE OF RIKER as he enters the transporter room. He smiles at the sight of Grissom and Data in Space Force uniform. Data's complexion is more human looking, yet still a bit sallow. He is also wearing blue contact lens. The uniforms are steel blue and look very much like shark skin suits. In other respects they resemble a modern U.S. Air Force Class A uniform. Data shows the rank of Lt. Colonel, while Grissom is wearing a rank of Major. Grissom has her long hair done up in a severe military bun. Both have some sort of ribbons and medals as well, resembling modern day military awards. Riker faces them as they stand up-stage of the transporter console. The transporter chief O'Brien, a young blond Australian in Security Gold uniform, is working at the controls. Riker Well, Data, it seems that make-up will work out just fine. What do you think, Grissom? Grissom Yes, Sir. It should work. Data Yes, although the contact lens do impair some of my visual sensors. (Pause, reflecting.) Our subcutaneous communicator and universal translators are in place, Sir. We have outfitted ourselves as members of their Intelligence group. Lt. LaForge was even able to give us authentic identification and has added our assumed names to their computer databanks. Grissom If they check us out, we'll show up in their computers as legitimate. Riker Good work, you two. Just remember, get in, get what we need and get out. We don't know when or if the situation down their will explode, literally. Good Luck. Nodding, Data and Grissom take their positions on the transporter platform as the CAMERA FOLLOWS. Riker Energize! Transporter chief works the console and Data and Grissom de- materialize. Cut to a ROOF SHOT of the planet's surface. Shot of a clean looking modern plant that extends beyond the camera's view. It should look somewhat like a 1980's Earth military post or Aerospace contractor plant. Center shot Data and Grissom materialize between two trees near a low building. Cut to a MEDIUM SHOT of the two just as they fully appear. Data and Grissom survey the area to make sure they were not observed. Data It would seem we were not observed. Grissom Yes, Sir. (Pause) Listen, Data, I'm sorry about the fuss I made up their about your appearance. I was only doing my job. Down here you may be the boss, but you may have to follow my lead if we get into trouble, I'm the expert here. Data Agreed, Lt. Commander. Grissom Major, Colonel, I'm a Major. Data Yes, of course, Major. Grissom OK, the main building is that way. We're agreed that we should try to obtain information under the pretense of investigating recent UFO activity, and that's where we'll start. Data Affirmative. (Changing his accent to a caricature of a tough military man) Now, move out, Major! Grissom (Smiling) Yes, Sir, Colonel! CAMERA PANS to follow Grissom and Data as they move out from under the cover of the trees and cross a small square to reach another building. The sentry on duty out front seeing their rank insignia salutes as they enter. The SENTRY is wearing what looks to be a modern day enlisted man's fatigues and is a private. The two do not return the salute, but Data is fascinated by the gesture, looking the soldier up and down until Grissom drags him to the front door. Cut to the building lobby, sitting behind a large front desk enclosure lined with TV screens is a tough looking Space Force Sergeant. He is wearing what looks to be a modern day Air Force uniform consisting of a light blue short sleeved shirt and darker blue slacks. He is wearing the rank of sergeant in the Air Police. The Sergeant is startled to his feet by the sight of Data and Grissom. He salutes them as they step up to the desk. Sergeant (At attention) Sirs! I wasn't informed of any visitors from Intelligence today, Sirs. Grissom Since when do we have to announce ourselves to you, Sergeant? Data We need to see the Duty Officer, right away! Sergeant (Nervously) Ahhh, yes, Sir, and umm, Mam! Captain Bovmann is in the situation room. Take the last elevator down, all the way down. I'm assuming you have high enough clearance for access to the room? Data Quite high, Sergeant, quite high enough indeed! Sergeant Yes, Sir. Data and Grissom head for the elevators, which are off screen. Camera remains on the Sergeant as he watches them turn the corner. He then reaches for his phone and punches in some numbers. Sergeant (Into the phone) Yeah, Williams, this is the north lobby... yeah, tell the D.O. he's got some brass headed his way. (Pause, listening) Yeah, a Light Colonel and a woman Major, Intelligence... Cut to view of Data and Grissom in the elevator area. Data finds the last elevator and approaches it. He narrowly avoids smashing his nose into the doors before he realizes that it won't open for him. Puzzled, he looks to Grissom. Grissom looks around the area, locates the down button and punches it. The elevator doors in front of Data open. DATA enters with Grissom right behind. The ELEVATOR DOOR CLOSES. MEDIUM SHOT of DATA and GRISSOM in a normal looking, well kept elevator. We get the impression from VISUAL or SOUND CUES that they are going down a LONG WAY. DATA TURNS to GRISSOM and speaks. Data Perhaps we should try to contact the ship before we proceed any farther. We may not be able to contact them from the situation room. Grissom Agreed. Let's check in and report. Data reaches his right hand up and touches a spot just behind his right ear, we hear the familiar sound of the insignia communicator. Data Data to Enterprise. Come in, Commander Riker. Cut to scene on the bridge. Riker is standing as if he got up from the center seat when he heard Data's voice. He looks up at the ceiling. Riker Riker, here. What's your situation, Data? Data (On Speakers) We have successfully infiltrated the main building and are on our way to the situation room to meet with the ranking officer on duty. We may lose communications at that time, since the room is located underground and may be electronically shielded. Riker Very well. Try to check in with us every two hours. If we don't hear from you, we'll lock onto your transponders and beam you out of there. Grissom (On Speakers) No, Sir. You won't know where we are. They must not observe our technology. Please wait until you hear from us before attempting to beam us up. Riker Very well, but let's not push our luck. In and out, remember? Grissom (ON SPEAKER) Yes, Sir, Away team out. CAMERA SHOWS elevator doors open on a shot of Data and Grissom. CAMERA PANS to show a short hallway. A man in Captain's uniform awaits them at the entrance to the situation room. An electronic card reader is located to the right of the door. The Captain is at the left. He is a white man in his mid-thirties in short sleeve uniform. He is about 5 feet 8 inches tall and slim but not skinny. He wears a name tag that reads "BOVMANN" over his LEFT BREAST POCKET. He speaks in a low tone, obviously worried, but not about the two new arrivals. Bovmann Welcome to Space Command, I'm Captain Bovmann, day shift duty officer. How can I help you, Sirs? Data We wish to speak with you, Captain, regarding a rather sensitive matter. Perhaps we could go to your office? Bovmann (Suspicious) Very well, Sir. I have a small cubby hole off the main room in there. Bovmann makes a point of tapping all his pockets in an obvious manner to indicate he was searching for something. He doesn't find it. Bovmann (Feigned Annoyance) Damn! I must have dropped my ID inside! You two are cleared for in there, yours will open it. Would either of you mind? Grissom (Aside to Data) He's deliberately testing us, Data. He's doesn't seem too happy having us here, must be the crisis situation. Let's hope Lt. LaForge's IDs are as good as he thinks they are! Data (To Bovmann) Very well, Captain, but you had better place yourself on report. Losing ones ID is a serious breech of security, especially at a time like this. Bovmann stiffens and comes to attention, saluting Data, obviously distressed that his ploy has backfired on him. Grissom smiles at Data as he removes his ID from his right breast pocket and slides it's magnetic strip through the card reader at the right of the door. A MALE metallic voice rings out. Metallic Voice (OS) Identification verified. Lt. Colonel D. Anderson, Space Force, Intelligence branch. The door opens. Data nods at Grissom and Bovmann. Bovmann holds the door open for Data and Grissom then enters himself. The DOOR CLOSES behind him. Cut to a MEDIUM shot of the situation room. CAMERA PANS around showing us the area. It looks something like the War room from "War Games," but perhaps not as large. Camera shows reverse angle of Data, Grissom and Bovmann entering the room. Data is shown in close-up scanning the room with particular attention to the situation map displays. A lighted display shows "Alert Status" as 3 on a scale from 5 to 1. A number of people can be seen working at various consoles throughout the room. The group continues to walk down the hallway which looks down on the SITUATION ROOM area. Data I see we are at alert status 3. Bovmann Yes, Sir, for the last few hours or so. The Lucs been acting up lately, it's been a real bear. Bovmann shows the Enterprise duo into a sound proof glass enclosed office just off the situation room. They enter and close the TRANSPARENT DOOR behind them. The room is cluttered, but everything has its place. We SEE BOOKS, MAGAZINES, and PRINTOUTS on BOOK SHELVES. A large DESK which faces two small chairs that have there backs to a curtained off portion of the transparent wall that separates the office from the hallway to the SITUATION ROOM. Bovmann takes the seat behind his desk and offers the other two chairs in the room to Data and Grissom. They sit facing him. Bovmann As you can see, we're damn busy here right now. So, what can I do for you, Sirs. Grissom Colonel Anderson and I are here to investigate reports of a UFO sighted by one of our probes in the outer system. With all this trouble with the Lucs, we've been ordered to see if maybe they were the cause. Bovmann Look, ahh, Major Grissom, is it? Grissom Yes. Bovmann I ain't heard nothing about no flying saucers. If the information is here, then I haven't seen it. 'Been a little too busy to worry about little green men. Data I see. In that case we would like to check your planetary probe records ourselves. Grissom Yes. Headquarters needs more information quickly, so if you would be so kind as to show us to the records room we'll begin. Bovmann I'll have to arrange it. Let me go find someone to take you. I really can't leave the situation room for long while I'm on duty. Data Thank you, Captain Bovmann. Bovmann stands and exits the room, CLOSING the DOOR behind him. Grissom That was too easy, I don't like it. He's going to check us out. Data Perhaps, but since our ID cards were recognized by their system at the door, they should find our planted records in their computers, Major. Grissom I know, but still, I don't like it, he's keeping something from us. Back in the situation room Bovmann motions to a young man. The YOUNG MAN WALKS closer to Bovmann and the Camera pans to and closes on Bovmann's and the young man's faces. The young man is named Williams and he is a Corporal. He is blond with no facial hair and a short hair cut, around 25 years old, he looks even younger. Williams wares a uniform much like that of Bovmann, but with appropriate rank insignia. Williams stands about 6 feet tall. Bovmann Williams, I want you to check out these two Intelligence officers, and not through the computers. Call H.Q., I want a flesh and blood person to vouch for them. Something's up with these two, they didn't even know we were at Alert Status 3, hell we've been at 3 for days now. Then get yourself over to the records room and get me everything we have in the last few days on USVs. Williams nods his acknowledgement and goes off at a half run to a console in the background and lifts a phone hand set to his head. Camera zooms onto Bovmann's menacing face and we... Fade Out. CHAPTER 5 Data and Grissom are STANDING over Bovmann's desk looking at what appear to be plans to the building. Data (VO) Away Team Log, Stardate 43720.51. Lt. Commander Data recording. It has been one hour and 15 minutes since we have checked in with the Enterprise. Captain Bovmann has not returned with his pro-offered guide. We must assume that he will not return until he discovers who and what we are. We have located the records room and will now attempt to obtain the records we need on our own before we are found out. Data At least we know that our presence did not cause the current crisis. Captain Bovmann has not even seen the pictures. It is safe to assume that someone saw them, but did not pay much attention to them because of the current alert. Grissom I don't think we can assume that. Bovmann may be lying to us about allot of things. What I want to know is are they at status 3 going up or down the scale? Data Yes, are they two steps away from peace or two steps away from war? Grissom In either case we still need to get rid of their evidence of us. We need to get to that records room. We'll need some kind of diversion . . . Bovmann suddenly enters the room with Williams right behind him. Williams is now armed with a rifle and Bovmann is wearing a conspicuous side arm holster. He also carries a thick folder of papers. Bovmann Please, Colonel, Major, sit down. Bovmann motions them to the seats they held earlier. DATA and grissom sit. Bovmann sits also, again behind his desk, placing the folder in front of him. Grissom What is the meaning of this, Captain, and why have we been kept waiting so long? Bovmann (To Grissom) Oh, I've got what you want right here, I think. (To Williams) Williams, wait right outside that door facing in. If you see either of these to move towards me, please come in here and shoot them. Williams nods and takes up his position as ordered. He can be seen standing facing inward on the other side of the TRANSPARENT DOOR. Bovmann opens the folder in front of him. Bovmann He can't hear us now, and he can't see these pretty pictures either. They're not great but they clearly show a large saucer shaped object out by Septiem, that's our seventh planet in case you didn't know. Now, do you want to talk? Data Excellent work, Captain. That is precisely the file we need. Now if you'll just hand it over we will be on our way . . . Bovmann Not so fast. You two didn't check out. You're in our computers, but no one at H.Q., or any other place we called, knows either one of you. (Pause) Now, the way I figure it, you're either Lucs or L.G.M.s, maybe even from this here ship. Grissom We're Intelligence, Bovmann, no one's supposed to know us! Bovmann Yeah, a likely . . . The phone on the Captain's desk suddenly rings. He picks it up after the first ring. Bovmann (Into the phone.) Yeah, D.O.'s desk, Bovmann speaking. (Pause. Then Angry.) They've upped the status to what! (Short Pause) Damn! I'll be right out! Make sure the C.O. is on his way. Bovmann HANGS UP the phone and closes the file on his desk and MOVES QUICKLY to the door. He opens it and Williams is there. Other soldiers can be seen running past in the background. The soldiers are Marine types in fatigues and wearing combat helmets. Williams (To Bovmann) Is it true, Sir, d'they change to status 1? Bovmann (Angry) Quiet you idiot! (After a short pause, more calmly). Yes, they did, now get in here and watch these two . . . whatever they are, closely! I've got to get back into this mess out here. God, I hope someone didn't do something stupid! Bovmann pushes past Williams as they change places. Williams WALKS into the office looking worried. He has his rifle pointed at the seated Enterprise duo. He takes up position standing by the side of Bovmann's desk, his rifle just out of reach of Data. Grissom (Aside to Data) Well I guess this answers our first question, its War! Riker sat in the center seat of the enterprise bridge rubbing his beard and looking worried. Crusher at helm, some red shirt is at OPS. LaForge is at the Engineering station. Troi is at Riker's side at her station. The security station is also manned by the same gold shirted Security Officer as before. CAMERA PANS around the bridge and settles on a MEDIUM SHOT of LAFORGE at his station. LaForge Commander, I am tracking a cylindrical object on an intercept course with the alien space station. Sir, it's a nuclear missile! RIKER STANDS and looks back at LaForge. CAMERA REVERSES ANGLE to show RIKER as he looks down towards TROI. He speaks in Troi's general direction, but the words are not just meant for her. Riker (Excited) Good Lord, it's started and our people are right in the middle of it! (To Crusher, more calm) Any word from Data or Grissom since they last checked in? Crusher No, Sir! You would have been notified, Commander. Riker Damn! Riker turns to the Security Officer at his station. Riker (To Security Officer) Lt. activate phaser banks, arm photon torpedoes! Troi and LaForge STAND at once. Troi (To Riker) Commander, you can't, the Prime Directive! Riker (Angry) I can't just stand here and let these people destroy themselves, when I have the power to stop it! What about Data and Grissom, they're down there! Riker points to the image of GS III on the main viewscreen. Troi We can't do it, Will. In almost every case when Federation personnel thought it was right to break the Prime Directive, they've been wrong. They've made mistakes. Are we more competent than all the rest of the Federation, are we better than all who have come before us? LaForge (To Riker) And Sir, we'd have to become visible to fire our weapons, no telling what effect that might have. They might start shooting at us! Riker looked pained. He gestureS to the security officer to carry out his last order. The officer's hands fly over the console and he nods when completed. LaForge resumes his seat at the Engineering console. LaForge (Looking at his console) Commander, now reading a beam weapon platform coming to bare on the missile. They may be able to solve their own problems. (Pause) Firing . . . a hit! (Turning to Riker) They did it, Sir! RIKER LOOKS somewhat RELIVED as he RESUMES HIS SEAT. Riker (Thinking Aloud) Yeah, for now, but that was just the first shot! After a moment Riker turned suddenly to LaForge, "Geordie, I need some options! You, Troi and Mr. Crusher, in the briefing room please." Riker led the small contingent to the room just off the bridge. Once inside they arranged themselves around the small curved table, Riker sat at the head in the seat usually reserved for Captain Picard. "I need some answers, people, how are we going to prevent these beings from blowing themselves away without violating the Prime Directive?" Riker asked. "Our weapons can stop them alright, Sir, but without violating the Directive, I just don't know," replied LaForge. Wesley Crusher, seated opposite LaForge, spoke next, "What if we didn't use our weapons, Sir?" "Explain, Wesley," replied Riker. "Well, what if we used our computer to break into their Command and Control network and aim their weapons with our sensors? The main problem with early space based defense systems was their lack of good acquisition and discrimination sensors and the complexities of battle management software. Our sensors and computers are far superior to anything these people have, we could direct their defenses from here and then back out of the system without them ever knowing what happened. They'll assume that their systems just worked as designed." Riker surveyed the other two participants, "Any objections, comments?" "Yeah," answered LaForge, "the theory is nice, but what if they do detect the intrusion? That could trigger a war. We could cause something to happen that wouldn't have if we hadn't interfered. Even if we did succeed in breaking in, we have no knowledge of there weapon capacity. There may not be enough firepower in orbit to take out all the missiles." "And even if we did succeed," added Troi, "what gives us the right to intervene here. The Prime Directive expressly forbids us from interfering with the internal policies of an independent planet, even if they are self-destructive." "But they'd never know," protested Crusher. "We would know, and so would Star Fleet, Wes," replied Riker. "It's no good, to many risks involved. Any other suggestions?" The three crew members looked from one to another and each averted their eyes from Riker. There were no options. Troi was right, the Prime Directive left no room for compromise in this situation. After several tense minutes of silence Wesley spoke up again, "We're proceeding on the assumption that we haven't yet broken the Prime Directive, but we don't know that. Isn't that what we're here to find out, Commander? Wouldn't that change everything?" "No, Wes. It doesn't change anything, except maybe get us all court-martialed on top of letting a whole planet die." "But, Commander, if we're going to fry anyway, why not take the chance and try to not take these people with us," offered LaForge. Troi was shocked, "Geordie, if we stop them today that doesn't guarantee that they won't start another war next week, or the week after. In fact, if they think their systems work perfectly, they might start shooting missiles at each other every day." "Or, they may dismantle all the missiles because they're obsolete!" Riker held up his hand to stop the debate, "The fact remains that we don't know what effect we've had here yet. We must establish contact with the away team and find out. In the meantime, you and Wesley work on hacking into their computers and standby. If they start something big, maybe we can finish it." Data and Grissom were still seated in Bovmann's office. Williams has backed off a bit but is still leveling the rifle at them. CAMERA ZOOMS to a closer shot of GRISSOM and DATA as Grissom gives Data a signal that she is going to try something on Williams by MOVING HER EYES from DATA to WILLIAMS. DATA SMILES back at her. Grissom (To Williams) Very good, very good indeed, Williams. You'll make a fine officer! Williams (Confused) Excuse me, Mamm? Grissom This has all been a drill, Williams! We're not really at war, and Bovmann knows exactly who we are! You've passed the test. Bovmann should be back anytime now . . . Grissom looks out of the transparent door over Data's shoulder. Williams momentarily waivers and takes a quick peek himself, slightly lowering his rifle towards Data in the process. Data seizes the opportunity, grabbing the rifle by the barrel and bending it backwards towards Williams. Williams is scared speechless by Data's strength and is quickly subdued by a karate chop to the neck delivered by Grissom. WILLIAMS FALLS to the FLOOR. Grissom (To Data. Exhilarated) I was hoping you'd catch on and follow my lead! What a team we are! Data Yes, but you might have gotten yourself killed, Commander. Grissom (Teasing) Why, Mr. Data, I didn't know you cared! Data is caught off guard by the remark and is surprised by his own answer. Data (Confused) Yes, I suppose I do. (Normal Tone) We had better hurry, Commander. Grissom momentarily regards Data and gives him a questioning look. She then quickly recovers and becomes her old businesslike self. Grissom We have to make sure everything is here first, we may still have to go to the records room. Grissom MOVES to BOVMANN'S DESK and looks hurriedly through the file Bovmann left behind. Data keeps WATCH by the DOOR. MEDIUM SHOT from the rear of the bridge towards the main screen. Riker has taken the center seat again. The screen shows a beautiful blue and white cloud decked world, much like Earth from space, except that the visible land masses are shaped differently. Pan to Engineering station and zoom on LaForge as he is reading from a panel. LaForge (Stage Whisper) Here we go again! (Pause. Then Aloud to Riker) Reading multiple launches from the Eastern hemisphere of the planet, Commander. This looks like the real thing. Camera zooms out to encompass Riker and Security console. Riker gets to his feet and turns to face LaForge over the Security Console. Security Lt. (To Riker) Still no word from the away team, Sir! Riker looks from LaForge to Troi as he speaks to the security officer. Riker Damn, we have to know what's behind all this, try again, Lt. If we don't know then there's nothing we can do, we can't interfere! Security Lt. nods and works some controls on his console. Riker turns back to the helm and in a somewhat stronger voice says . . . Riker Ensign Crusher, prepare to take control of orbiting defense systems on my command. Crusher Yes, Sir! Transferring our virus program to my control, we can take over in under ten seconds at your order. Probability of detection is less than one percent. Riker Very good, Ensign. (To LaForge) You to, Lt. LaForge. Riker returns to the command chair and sits down. Riker (Determined) I can't wait any longer, Geordi, locate Data and Grissom and beam them out of there, now! I have to know what they've learned. LaForge works some controls on his station again and again. LaForge I can't, Sir. Riker (Alarmed) What do you mean you can't? LaForge I can't lock onto their transponders. It's either interference from that earlier blast or they're in a shielded room down there! Riker Damn it, Data, where are you? CHAPTER 6 Data is STANDING by the door to Bovmann's office keeping an eye out for any intrusion while GRISSOM is behind Bovmann's desk rifling through the thick folder of material. Grissom I have to say one thing for Bovmann, he's thorough! Everything is here, including optical discs of the original data transmissions. There's is some reference to automated reports to strategic space-based personnel, but those were text only. That shouldn't be a problem if we take the original sensor data. All they'll have is a mystery message and no data to back it up with. "I agree with your line of reasoning, Commander," Data said without taking his eyes off the corridor. "Is there any reference to the incident causing the current state of alert?" "No. I don't have any information here that is defintive on that point. I wish I could get into some of these locked drawers and file cabinets." Grissom glanced at the locked cabinets next to her. "Perhaps I can be of service," Data said as he approached the desk. "Please keep watch while I search the files." Data and Grissom exchanged places behind the desk, Grissom moving over to the door to keep the watch. Data had no problem reducing the formiable looking security lock on the cabinet to a pile of scrap metal. After some searching, Data found what they needed, "Here is a copy of the alert status log, Commander," he said, moving towards the door, document in hand. "It clearly indicates that alert status three was reached five days ago and has been at that level since that time. The reason given is a massing of Lucreacian forces at a strategic border location on the Western hemisphere." Grissom took the report from Data's hands to see for herself, "Yes, this is what we need alright. The Enterprise wasn't even in the system at that time. We can get out of here now." DATA MOVES to peer out the transparent door and out into the Situation Room PIT area. DATA Not a moment too soon, Commander, look at the missile status board. DATA POINTS to something beyond the DOOR. Data (cont'd) They have just launched a full scale strike against the Lucreacians. Grissom (Anxious) Oh, my God! We'll have to risk beaming out from here, Data, there's no time! Data nods and touches the same place on his neck as before. Nothing happens. Immediately Grissom tries the same, again with no effect. Data This area must be shielded as we suspected. We must get back to the surface. There should be enough confusion to cover our escape. Grissom Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go! Data nods and checks the corridor again through the door. He opens it quickly and steps out into the hall. Grissom follows. DATA and GRISSOM WALK quietly and quickly down the hall, there is a frantic amount of activity going on in the situation room "pit". A NUMBER OF PERSONNEL can be seen working at the CONSOLES and talking on PHONES. No one notices as DATA and GRISSOM EXIT through the same door they entered earlier. Once outside the Situation Room proper Data and Grissom quickly made their way to the elevator bank, "I hope these are still functioning. My guess is we'll have to get a little closer to the surface before we can contact the ship," offered Grissom. Data made a quick check of his subcutaneous communicator to validate Grissom's assumption, "You are correct, Commander, my communicator is still not responding." Grissom nodded and pressed to call button for the elevator as Data kept watch. The indicator on the wall above the call button depicted the approach of the elevator car. "That is strange," said Grissom, "I think this gauge indicated the approach of a lift even before I hit the button." "Since no one else is here to call for a lift, that would indicate that . . ." "Oh, no, Data, quick," interrupted Grissom, "We've got to hide." She quickly surveyed the long hallway and located a small unmarked doorway on the end opposite the Situation Room entrance. "There, Data, let's go!" They hurryed over to the small door. Grissom tried to open it, but it was locked, "Now, what?" "Allow me," Data stated as he easily forced the door open with one hand, as if it were unlocked. They rushed inside, barely making it before the elevator doors opened. The room was a small janitor's closet, filled with assorted janitorial supplies, and little room. Grissom and Data were forced to practically hug each other to fit in, but they made due. In silence they listened to a brief conversation in the corridor. "They're expecting you inside, Sir, the counterattack is in progress . . ." Footsteps and then the sound of the Situation Room computer identifying the new arrival, the metallic voice was too low for them to hear the name clearly. A door slamming, and then silence. Data and Grissom waited a few moments to be sure no one was left in the corridor, then Data spoke, "I think it is clear now." Data reached for the doorknob, but was stopped by the touch of Grissom's hand on his. "Wait, Data," she said in a soft voice, "Just what did you mean back in Bovmann's office when you said that you cared for me?" Data was a moment in answering, "I do not know. I seem to be experiencing a number of malfunctions where you are concerned." Grissom expression went from concern to shame, "Never mind, Data, I have no right to question you, I'm acting like a damned schoolgirl. It's just that I'm alittle scared, and I wanted some reassurance. I wanted to make sure I got to ask you that question." "Please, do not appologize, Commander, you have every right to ask, and you deserve a better answer. I will endeavor to come up with a proper response. We will discuss it on the Enterprise. Now, however, I think we should get to the elevator before someone else enters the corridor." Grissom smiled and slowly removed her hand from Data 's. Data listened at the door for a few seconds and then quickly opened it onto the corridor. No one was present in the area. They quickly moved from the closet to the waiting elevator car. Back on the bridge of Enterprise. Riker Status on those missiles, LaForge! LaForge They are one quarter of their way to target, Sir. Rising above the limb of the planet, now. They seem to be deploying decoys and chafe to throw off the opposition's tracking systems, Sir. Riker Have the opposing defense satellites made any moves yet? LaForge No, Sir. They still seem to be trying to acquire their targets. (Pause) Sir, if they start blowing up nuclear warheads in orbit between us and the planet it may become extremely difficult to contact and lock on the away team. Riker I'm aware of that, Mr. LaForge. Mr. Crusher take over anti- missile satellites -- now! (Under his breath) Come on, Data, report in! On cue, Data's voice, crackling with static is heard on the bridge. Data (on speakers) Data to Enterprise. Our mission is complete. Request immediate beam up... do you read me Enterprise? Riker (To Crusher) Belay that last order! (To Ceiling) Data, we read you, report! DATA We have achieved our goal, Commander, we have the probe data and evidence that we are not in any way responsible for the current state of affairs. Riker heart sank as he listened to Data's words. He didn't have any excuse for interferring now. Riker Transporter room, lock onto Data's signal and beam the Away Team up immediately! LaForge Sir, the satellites are beginning to fire! Camera reverses angle to show the main screen. Hundreds of tiny points of light can be seen rising above the right limb of the planet. Suddenly lances of light streak across the picture in the direction of the points. Large bursts of light begin to blossom where the tiny points had been. Crusher Standing by to take over command of satellites, Sir. RIKER Stand down the virus program, Wes. It's their own doing, we have no choice but to sit and watch. In the transporter room Transporter chief O'Brien is frantically working the controls. Data and Grissom begin to appear but then fade. Riker's voice is heard over ship's communications. Riker (ON speakers) Do you have them, Chief?! Chief O'Brien I'm losing them, Sir! Some kind of sudden energy surge in the transmission. I'm re-energizing! The Chief re-sets the controls and tries again. Painfully slowly the images of Data and Grissom begin to appear and finally they solidify. Chief O'Brien Bridge! I've got them, Sir! Data and Grissom exit the transporter platform and immediately exit the room, heading for the bridge. LaForge (To Riker) Several confirmed hits on the missiles, Sir. But they got allot of decoys too. It's not going to be enough! Data and Grissom rush in from the turbo lift stage right. Data heads for his OPS console and relieves the red shirt that has been manning the station. Grissom stops in her tracks as she catches sight of the main screen. Grissom Oh my God! Riker (To Grissom) That is why we had to get you out of there so fast. Data Yes, Sir, we know. We were in the situation room when they started the war. Grissom (Calmly to Riker) We got all the data we needed, Sir. And we're pretty sure they weren't interested in us much, until Data and I showed up. Apparently, this crisis has been brewing for quite a long time. It's not our fault, Sir, it just happened . . . something about troop movements in the Western hemisphere. It's all so senseless. A bright flash from the main screen causes the bridge crew to cover their eyes momentarily. LaForge (Sad) That was the space station, they got her this time. (Pause) Western hemisphere now launching a counter-strike. Eighty percent of the anti-missile satellites are destroyed or inoperative... (Turning to Riker) ...they're losing it, Sir. Riker (Sad) Not our fault. (Pause. Angry) But we sure as hell didn't do anything about it either. Riker stands and exits the bridge by the turbo lift stage right, brushing past Grissom as he hurries out. The lift doors closes behind him. Andres Castineiras - 1 CHAPTER 7 Scene opens in a dimly lit room. Camera pans to a CLOSE UP view of Riker staring out a view port in his darkened quarters. The door chime rings. Riker does not answer or move. The door slids open and Troi enters the room. Troi The door was open. I hope you don't mind. Still Riker does not move, Troi moves closer and sits ON a chair across from Riker. Troi (cont'd) (Sad) It's all over, Commander, there is little or nothing left. All we get is indeterminate life signs through the radioactive haze. RIKER continues to look out the view port. Riker (Sad and a bit angry) I had to do it, the Prime Directive left me absolutely no choices. (Long Pause) I failed, Deanna, I can't run a starship . . . not if it means letting millions of innocent . . . Troi (Interrupting. Loud) . . . The people who started that war were not innocent, Will, they are guilty, guilty of a hideous crime against their own people. (Pause) The choice you made today was a very tough one, yet you made it. You showed no indecision, you did what you had to do out of a sense of devotion. Devotion to ideals that are often hard to follow. (Pause. Then Softly) I know you, Will, sometimes you think that you care too much, and so you shut off your emotions. You are upset about the implications of the decision you were forced to make, that is only natural. You also feel the because you care so much you won't ever make a good starship Captain. But I know that it is caring that drives you to be the best Star Fleet officer you can be, and it is what will allow you to succeed in that task. Riker (To Troi. Angry) Sure, I made the decision, I upheld the Prime Directive like a good little soldier! (Sad. Looking away.) How do I live with the decision I had to make? Troi You upheld the most difficult directive of all, Will, and I don't know how we live with it, that, unfortunately, isn't in any regulations manual. We simply have to go on with our lives. Riker But how do we know non-interference is the best way, Deanna, especially in a case like this? Troi It's the best way we know how, Will. How would it have been if a superior culture stepped in and stopped Earth's Third World War? Perhaps millions would not have died, but maybe Earth would have destroyed itself in an even deadlier war later on instead of learning that war is no answer. There are just to many variables. There's nothing we could have done. They had to choose their own way. Riker (Deadpan) Their way was destruction. Riker had nothing more to say. He was again deep in thought. Minutes passed as they sat thinking before Riker spoke again. Riker When I was a boy growing up around Prince William Sound my father used to tell me a story about a disaster that occurred there hundreds of years before. It seems a large crude oil tanker ran aground while its drunken Captain was asleep below decks. An inexperienced third mate made the wrong move and wound up spilling millions of gallons of crude oil into the Sound. Millions of birds and hundreds of thousands of land and sea animals were killed and the area of environmentally damaged for over a hundred years. I can't help but feel like that novice mate who made a disastrous decision. Troi But you're not a novice, Will, you know your business better than most officers I've ever worked with. That Captain and third mate were charged with delivering a cargo safely, they failed with tragic results. You were charged with upholding the most important rule in our society, not with saving a poor misguided race from destruction, you succeeded. Riker was still not convinced, he kept his silence. After a moment A communications whistle sounds in the room. Riker automatically looks up at the ceiling in the center of the room, grateful for the break. We hear Data's voice. Data (On speakers) Bridge here, Commander. I think you should get up here, Sir, we have a new development. Riker and Troi exchange a curious look. Riker On my way, Commander. Riker and Troi head for the door and exit. Andres Castineiras - 1 CHAPTER 8 Data had taken over in the center seat as soon as Commander Riker had left the bridge. He wondered why Riker had not formally given him command, it was not like the Commander. He had wanted to ask the Counselor her opinion, but she had left the bridge shortly after Grissom had announced the death of the planet Home. Data surveyed the scene on the main viewscreen. Most of the missiles had exploded, one after another until the face of the once beautiful planet was covered in flame and smoke. Fewer and fewer missiles appeared now as the war was coming to a close. Within minutes the entire planet had been layed waste. Everything that was happening now was pure overkill. When the final missile was gone Data stood and walked around to the upper portion of the bridge. Grissom was bent over the Science 1 console studying the readings. "Any change, Commander?" "No, Sir, still no signs of life, radioactivity in the vicinity of the planet is increasing, but we are safe in the Enterprise. The atmosphere is completely ionized, picking up massive amounts of smoke and debris in the atmosphere as well. There are fires over fifty percent of the surface and its spreading. It's not very pretty, Data." "I see," was all he could say. "What about you, Data. What are your readings?" Data thought about the question for a moment and finally understood, "Ah, you are referring to my . . . malfunction." Grissom smiled, her first since returning to the ship, and one of the few Data had seen. "You amaze me, Data. How could you have risen so high in the chain of command and not understand the little portion of human nature?" Data misunderstood, "I was trained in command skills at Star Fleet Academy, first in my class in command and tactics. I served as an Ensign for many years under the command of . . ." "No, Data. Do you see what I mean, you didn't even understand my implication. You didn't mean to hurt my feelings, did you, you really like me and you're having a problem with that." "I did not intend to injure you in any fashion. I do not know if I like you, I do not even know if I am capable of liking at all. I do know that I act, differently around you." Data almost whispered the last part of his statement. "It is okay to like someone, Data, isn't it?" "Yes, I believe it is -- okay, for a human or other emotional being, but I am an android." "Sometimes I feel like an android myself, always struggling to succeed, never allowing myself to become emotionally involved with anyone. It has always been work first for me. It's like I have no choice, I set up a goal and blindly go after it, and I usually succeed." "But you should not lose sight of your reasons for achieving any goals. As a human that would include emotional satisfaction in a job well done. I to have goals, but I will never feel satisfaction. You should not give that up, it is part of your human heritage, a part that I wish I could share." Grissom was about to reply when she was interrupted by an alarm buzzer from the sensor panel beside her. The two Enterprise officers turned as one to see what the problem was. "Data, I'm reading a vessel approaching on an elliptical orbit." "I see it, Pamela," said Data, not realizing he had addressed her by her first name. He quickly moved back to the command chair, speaking to the ceiling communications pickup, "Data to Commander Riker . . ." ********** Major Wigginson was worried. It had been nearly two hours since he had attempted to contact Space Station One. Cycler was now close enough to receive a reply in seconds, yet no reply was forthcoming. Even more worrisome was the total silence from Homesian space, he should have been receiving endless messages of welcome from dozens of space agencies and private citizens. He could not keep the USV report out of his mind as he waited for his reply, could it have something to do with the silence? Another hour went by with no reply, Wigginson decided to check the readings ahead. He tapped at his computer terminal, cutting through to the sensor subsystems, and requested an optical image of the planet ahead. Slowly the image began to form, Home filled the frame from end to end, but something was wrong. Dark splotches appeared all across the face of the planet, and streaks appeared in strange formation above the atmosphere. Something was moving at a high relative velocity across the face of Home and was showing up on the time exposure as a white streak. The reality of the situation finally hit him, "Damn," he muttered to himself. He wiped the image from his screen with a forceful keystroke. When he had calmed himself sufficiently he reached for the communications equipment once again, "This is Major Wigginson of the Cycler 1, is there anybody out there, please respond, we are approaching Home and are in need of assistance, can you hear us control . . ." ********** Data is at OPS, LaForge is at Engineering, Grissom is standing by Science 1. Security station is also manned. Riker enters from turbo lift stage right, Troi is right behind him. Riker strides over to the center seat and SITS. Troi takes her position next to him. Riker (Formal Military tone.) What's going on, Mr. Data? Data We're picking up a signal, Commander, coming from some sort of spacecraft on a course towards Home. (Pause) It's a distress call of some kind, Sir. LaForge Decoding and translating now, Sir. Riker Let's hear it, Lt. The voice of the alien commander starts to come from the speakers on the bridge. The transmission is FULL OF STATIC. Alien Commander (On speakers) ...can you hear us control. We have lost all contact, repeat all contact! What is happening down there? I say again, we are approaching Home and are in need of assistance, is anyone there? RIKER STANDS as the message plays, then TURNS TO LAFORGE. Riker I've heard enough, Lt.! Turn that off! LaForge hits some buttons on his panel and the voice cuts off. Riker (Cont'd) Give me a picture of that ship on the screen, Ensign Crusher. Crusher works some controls and the camera goes to reverse angle showing the main viewer as it changes to a view of a rotating spaceship. It is primitive by Star Fleet standards. The ship consists of a main module and a long boom and is turning end over end in the direction of the Enterprise's view. Camera ZOOMS on the screen to show the vessel in closer detail, then back to a MEDIUM SHOT of Riker gazing at the screen. Riker (To Himself) It Doesn't even have artificial gravity. (Pause, then in a terse military tone) Mr. Data, disengage cloaking device. Mr. LaForge, give me a frequency to that vessel's commander, try to get me two way visual. Data But, Sir, the Prime ... Riker (Cutting Data off. Forceful.) Data, that's a space vehicle in distress, with no where to go! The Prime Directive does not forbid me from aiding another space vessel in obvious distress! Besides... Riker turns to look a Troi sitting besides him. Camera shows her as she nods her agreement with his assessment and smiles. Cut to shot of Riker smiling back. Back to a MEDIUM SHOT showing the bridge crew. Riker (cont'd) ...they may be the only survivors of a dead race. There are precedents, Mr. Data. Data Aye, Sir. Disengaging cloaking device. Enterprise saucer section wavers into view FILLING the shot where there was only a static star field before. RIKER STANDS looking intently at the MAIN SCREEN which is OFF SCREEN behind the CAMERA. LaForge (OS) Hailing frequency open, Sir. I've managed to tie into their visual system. It's pretty primitive, but we should get a picture. Riker This is Commander William Thomas Riker commanding the USS Enterprise representing the United Federation of Planets. Can we assist you? CAMERA REVERSES to a view of the main screen. It wavers until a man can be seen as if he is in a fish bowl. Effect is like a view of a man standing to close to a wide angle lens. The shot is reminiscent of a TV broadcast from today's Space Shuttle. The man is white, about forty years of age and has about two weeks worth of facial hair growth. He is waring a Space Force blue coverall with insignia patches and mission patches all over it. His rank shows up as Commander. A name tag on his left breast reads "WIGGINSON". He is the same man we saw at the beginning of the episode. Alien Commander We read you, Enterprise. What is your business here? Riker We are on a peaceful scientific mission, Sir. (Pause. Continues in a more sober tone) We regret to inform you that there has been a terrible war on your planet. Do not approach it. Alien Commander (Sad yet Angry) A war you say, I only half believed my sensors. How do I know you didn't cause this, Riker, I received a report on your ship a day and a half ago. Riker Do you believe that my vessel could cause that much destruction? You have sensors, look at that mess. It was caused by massive bombardment by multiple thermonuclear devices. We do not carry such weapons, we gave them up years ago. Alien commander How should I know what you are capable of, Commander? Perhaps you have bombs and perhaps you don't. Riker If we were hostile why would we even be communicating with you? Riker paused and resumed his seat on the command chair, thinking about his next words. "Listen, you know more about the political situation on your planet than I do. Can you really say that this wasn't inevitable? We have documents on board that clearly indicate a high state of alert long before we ever entered your solar system, all we want to do is help you. If get much closer to the planet you'll be killed by the radiation, let me help you." Wigginson thought for awhile, turning his face away from the screen before him. After some contemplation he replied. "I believe you, Riker, I have no choice but to believe you, we have no way of changing course, we're locked into a permanent orbit that takes us between Home and the fourth planet of our system." Riker Very well, prepare to transfer to this vessel, we can assist you. Alien Commander Understood, Enterprise. Standing by to be boarded. Riker Well, we won't actually board you... oh, never mind, I'll explain once you're here, just stay put. Riker out. (To the ceiling) Transporter room 3. Lock on to all life forms on the approaching vessel and transport them over to the Enterprise. (To Data) Data, you're with me. Geordie, you have the bridge. Riker and Data exit the bridge through the turbolift doors stage right. Andres Castineiras - 1 CHAPTER 9 Riker and Data were in the turbolift for a few seconds when Riker broke the silence, "We have allot of preparations to make, Data." Data nodded in reply. "I want you to prepare a Homesian habitat on one of the holodecks to accomodate our guests, and make sure that they are all escorted directly there on beam in. Limit all access to our technology, I want security covered around the clock." "Yes, Sir, I'll have it all ready by the time the first group arrives." The lift arrived at the deck containing the ship's largest holodeck, the computer had interpreted the conversation on board and determined the proper destination. Data stepped off the lift and turned to face Riker, "I will meet you in Transporter room 3." Riker nodded his ascent as the turbolift doors closed between them. Riker and Data are standing by the console as the O'Brien energizes. The alien commander and five others appear. The OTHERS are dressed in similar overalls of differing colors. The commander steps forward. The others are escorted out of the room by various Enterprise personnel in GOLD and BLUE UNIFORMS. Alien Commander Amazing technology! Riker (To Alien) I'm Commander Riker, this is my next in command, Lt. Commander Data. Your the last six. The rest of your people are being shown to guest quarters. Alien Commander I'm Major Wigginson. Commander of Cycler One. Thank you for your help. (Pause. Then sadly) Just what exactly happened down there anyway, Commander? Data (Before Riker can answer) The Lucrecians fired a missile at your country's space station. The missile was destroyed, but your country then decided to launch a full scale counterstrike. The Lucrecians defense systems failed, but not before destroying most of your own defense system and your space station. Before your missiles hit, the Lucrecians launched there own successful attack. (Pause) Your planet is now quite uninhabitable. Wigginson They finally did it! Damn! Riker Why Wigginson? What could have caused them to do this to themselves? Wigginson My people never did like the Lucs, Commander. Even as we went out into space together, we still each maintained separate bases and military hardware. Those of us who came to space soon learned that we really aren't any different from the Lucs, but that didn't change anything on the ground. Political differences. That's all it was, and now it's come to this! Riker And you and your crew are the only ones left? Wigginson No, there's about a thousand others on Quarta, the fourth planet, Lucs and my people are represented. We have a joint base there. The transporter room doors open and Grissom enters. She waits patiently to one side while Riker and Wigginson finish their conversation. Riker We can take you there, and we'll help you keep going. Perhaps someday you'll be able to re-claim your planet. Wigginson Thank you, were are going to need all the help we can get. Riker extends his hand to Wigginson. Wigginson slowly comprehends the gesture and shakes Riker's hand firmly. Riker Data will show you to your quarters. Data shows Wigginson out of the room. Grissom confronts Riker. Riker (Before Grissom can speak) Lt. Commander, I'm sorry I didn't mention it sooner but I think you did a fine job on the Away Team mission, a damn fine job. I plan to recommend to the Captain that you be given Science Officer status and assigned to the bridge crew. Grissom is taken totally by surprise by Riker's statement, her expression brightens and then suddenly takes on that old businesslike attitude. Grissom Thank you, Sir, I want that, more than you could ever know . . . but I can't accept. I want to go with them, Sir, the Homesians. Riker Is that really what you want, Grissom. It'll be hard, you'll be under almost primitive conditions. We can't send along any technology that is far in advance of these people. Grissom I know, Sir, but pioneering blood runs in my veins. An ancient relative of mine was one of the first casualties of Earth's early space age. I guess that's why I went into this field. And no matter how much I want to be Science Officer, these people need me more. (Suddenly smiles) Besides, I'll get a great paper out of this, maybe even a book! Riker (Smiling back at her) I think I understand, I have some pioners in my family tree as well. My ancestors originally went to Alaska to build the Trans-Alaska pipeline and then settled there. My family soon went into government service and the military. To this day we carry on the tradition, my father is a civilian advisor to Star Fleet and I'm . . . well you know that part. Still, I don't think I'd want to live like my great, great, great great great grandfather did. But if that's what you really want, Commander, the assignment's yours, and good luck to you. Grissom I believe the appropriate saying would be "Godspeed", Commander. Riker Yes, I guess that word would be apropos. (Smiles) Alright then, Godspeed, Commander Grissom. Grissom Thank you, Sir, and, Commander, once they're settled in here, in a few years perhaps, I'd like to come back and take you up on that Science Officer offer! Riker smiles brightly at her as if to say "You've Got it!". He motions towards the door of the transporter room and they exit. Andres Castineiras - 1 CHAPTER 10 CAMERA SHOWS Enterprise saucer section approaching the fourth planet. It is not as large as Home, and is pinkish red in color. We hear Riker's log entry as the Enterprise saucer section moves into orbit around the planet GS IV. Riker (VO) Ship's Log, Stardate 43720.8. Commander Riker recording. We are approaching Gamma Synchnaurus IV. A team of engineers and scientists has volunteered to accompany the survivors from the Cycler to the planet and help them to survive and to build anew. Lt. Commander Pamela Grissom has been placed in charge of the team, at her own request. Lt. Commander Data has assisted the team in choosing the proper equipment to bring with them. Grissom and Data are standing in front of the transporter console. Wigginson and some other Homesians can be seen in the background preparing to beam down. CAMERA CLOSES on DATA and GRISSOM, their NOSES about one foot apart. Grissom (Solemn) I'm going to miss you, Data, you taught me allot about how to get ahead ... and how not to. Data I will miss you, also, Mr. Grissom. Good luck on your mission. I know you will succeed. Grissom smiles at Data, reaches up with her left hand and touches DATA's left cheek softly and briefly. She then turns and takes a front position on the platform. Data takes the controls from the transporter chief and sets coordinates. Data Energizing! Grissom and the others de-materialize from the chamber. PAN to Data and ZOOM in on his face as he speaks Data (Stage whisper, sad) You were also my teacher, Lt. Commander Pamela Grissom. You taught me how to sigh. Camera stays fixed on Data's almost sad face Add a scene here where Riker asks Wesley if he would like to perform a manual docking, Wesley brightens, but then he refuses the "honor". Riker decides to perform it himself, for old time sakes. Scene in space as the Saucer section is re-uniting with the battle section sometime later. The two sections come together and move off into space as we . . . Fade Out. Andres Castineiras - 1 EPILOGUE Commander William Riker sat alone in a rear booth of ten forward, the half empty glass of Romulan Ale in front of him was long since forgotten. The large recreation area was deserted at this late hour, but Riker, being the first officer, had access to any part of the ship at any time. He was deep in thought, reflecting on his first performance in charge of a starship. The large pseudo-wooden doors to ten forward slide apart to admit Captain Jean-Luc Picard. "There you are," he said as if he were searching for hours before locating his first officer. Riker smiled knowing full well the Captain had used the ship's computer to locate his exact position. Riker was reminded of a story he had heard about the Captain's first use of that system, and his smile broadened. "You're up awfully late, Captain." Riker replied. "I was concerned when you didn't show up for Worf's briefing on the new weapons systems." "I needed some time to myself. I've been thinking about this mission." "I see." Picard took a seat across the tiny round table from Riker and placed his hands on the tabletop. "Your mission will likely become standard fare at the Academy, Number One, quite an impressive show." Riker laughed. "I can see it now, How to Kill Five and a Half Billion Beings in Ten Easy Lessons, by Commander William T. Riker." "You didn't kill anyone, Will. Quite the contrary, you managed to take a very bad situation and salvage it. You could have walked away from that war and been right by all standards and regulations, yet you didn't. What you did do was find a reason to help those people and made it stick. You didn't let a race die, Number One, you saved one, that is the part that will be taught to countless new generations of Star Fleet cadets." Riker was not totally convinced, "The part that scares me is that I almost gave the order to stop their war. I came that close to interfering, and I'm not sure I made the right decision at that." "You did make the right decision, Number One, in both instances. And almost only counts in Centauran Checkers. ******* At ship's midnight the loneliest part of the Enterprise was her Main Engineering Core. This particular night was different however, the huge room was occupied by two sentient beings, one human and one android. Geordie LaForge stood over the supine body of Lt. Commander Data studying the readout on a hand held sensing device. "You're right, Data, these readings are off slightly from the last set of data I have on your positronic pathway emissions. It's not much, but I can't account for their presence." "Do you suppose that these deviations could account for my . . . reactions to Lt. Commander Grissom, Geordie?" "I don't know, Data, I don't think that anyone short of Dr. Soong could interpret these readings correctly." "I have a theory, Geordie. I believe the abnormal patterns began shortly after I accessed the records of Commander Grissom, that coupled with the sound of her voice and the visual input of her form caused me to . . . malfunction." "But how could she cause the pattern of your pathways to change? It doesn't make sense, Data." "I believe that she was someone that Dr. Soong would have admired, her records and personality must have triggered some response in my positronic pathways that even Soong did not expect. I suspect that there is more of him in me than he ever knew." "That's great, Data, perhaps you've taken another step towards being fully human." "I cannot accept this, Geordie, I must be restored to my fully functional state." "Hey, a wait a minute, Data, maybe this was meant to be, love is no malfunction." Data was disturbed by the echo of Grissom in LaForge's words, he closed his eyes as if in pain. "Nevertheless, I wish to be restored to my former pattern. Will you assist me in this?" "If that's what you really want, I think I can do it. Are you sure, Data?" "Yes," said Data, "Please proceed." Geordie frowned as he reached for another instrument on the table beside Data. He paused to calibrate the instrument before placing it across Data's forehead. Within seconds the instrument had done its job. "That's it, Data. I'm reading your old pattern again. Of course this may effect your memories of Grissom." "Of whom," Data asked? "No one, Data, never mind." Geordie helped Data up from the bench he was occupying and led him to the door of Engineering. "I'm going to go to my quarters and catch some sleep before the day shift begins, what about you?" "I think I will report to the bridge and check on the night crew. Thank you, Geordie." LaForge managed a smile before he walked away from the android, he was quickly out of sight. Data walked away from Engineering in the opposite direction. The corridor was completely empty. He soon came across the turbolift he was seeking and entered it. "Bridge," he said to waiting lift, and it began to move at his command. Data's thoughts drifted, I will never forget you, Pamela, but I could never withstand the pain any other way. Andres Castineiras - 1