The Unanticipated

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Star Trek or any of its characters.

Another day done. A day of duty and studies much like any other day the routine had begun to set in again. This was not a dissatisfying routine in fact it was quite pleasant. The recent events had left him shaken and to be back to ordinary events was wonderful. He still couldn't quite figure out what had happened. Sure he could tell someone what had happened but not why or how. He had allowed the cushion of ship duties and his studies to keep his mind away from it, but now he found himself free and the question had come up. There was no point trying to cover it up any longer it would come up sometime. At least if he tried to make sense of it now he could save himself some grief later. So he went over in his mind what had happened. Sifting for any clue as to why. He though back to the feeling of unsettledness and then to the incident with Counselor Troi. The next was a dream, then while he was knocked out, and finally the over throw. Clearly it had progressed as time passed and the discovery of it. The question remained what was it, perhaps it was a fluke. That was an easy enough explanation, one that would allow him to continue as if nothing had happened. Though then the question was what if it was something more? What if this was only the beginning? The question both excited and scared him. The fear was a bit more prevalent though. The unknown was always a bit scary.

Data's personal log

The recent events on this ship have left me quite perplexed. Wesley Crusher was somehow psychically connected to an alien creature, while the concept of telepathy is not new this was certainly unexpected. I have recently made an extensive search into his ancestry and cannot find any link to a known telepathic race. I have even extended it into branches like fortunetelling, but cannot find any past link. This leads me to believe that maybe some other particular variance in his personal makeup has made him susceptible to this particular form of communication. There is an alternative solution, however, it may be that the unique genetic combination has developed in such a way as to give him some sort of power unknown to ordinary human beings. I will continue to research this matter. Another perplexing and equally intriguing thing is the ships emotional reaction to this new development. I have done extensive research on the emotional aspect of humanity and can describe the situation as a slight tension while around him. Humanity has often had a suspicious nature when encountering new things. Some seemed to readily accept the past encounter as just another mission. While others have withdrawn slightly. I do not understand why humans often change their opinions of someone after such events. Perhaps one day I will understand it, but for now I will continue to observe.

As always Geordi found himself fixing the various systems from their last major encounter. Granted this time there really wasn't any major damage but whatever the aliens had done had slightly affected a few of the systems. While some engineers would be content to leave them as they were Geordi was not. Someone might think of him as a perfectionist compelled to have the systems in the best possible condition. This may have been partially true but the reason why he was compelled to have everything just so was that he knew that at any moment he could be asked to stretch the engines or other systems to their limits. He also knew from experience that in order to rely on them pulling through in the most strenuous situations they need to be in the best possible shape and he also had to have them configured so that he could hold the ship together. Geordi never thought of these routine fixes as dull or boring he always liked to keep up on the systems and constantly interact with them. The way he figured it was the more he knew about the ship the more likely he could fix it in a pinch. He often wondered how others could be engineers if they found such things tedious and therefore did not do them. The minute changes in function the partial bugging of a system that made it a little less efficient those were things Geordi weeded out with adept skill and infinite patience.

Problems with the ship he could deal with. He could dissect anything ship related but when it came to social equations he was a bit at a loss. Wesley one of his most dedicated personal and one of the most suited to solving problems had been involved in one of the more unusual problems they had had. Geordi knew that he must feel strange having dealt with something like that, but even worse was the changing attitudes of crew. As always the crew was interactive and kind but there was always minute changes after such incidents. He could understand some of what he would be feeling. Geordi had always been blind and had always had to watch people adapt to him. This was similar only usually it was from the beginning of a relationship and not in the middle. Wesley surely had notice a little of it, but Geordi hoped that he wouldn't take anything to heart. The last thing that boy needs is another awkward phase.

Captains ready room

Admiral Haden's image appeared on the screen with a somewhat distasteful look on his face.

"Admiral"

"Captain Picard, Starfleet command has come to a decision. We find that your actions do not warrant an official court martial proceeding. Let me stress however that the admiralty does not in any way condone your actions. Also captain I will inform you that if not for your long history you would be forced to endure such a proceeding and in all likelihood would have been demoted or discharged. You can thank your luck also that the romulans cannot apply pressure being that they also violated the neutral zone." It was quite clear from his tone and expressions that he had been one in favor of a court martial. The admiralty would often hold these closed door discussions for captain ranked or higher Starfleet personnel. They could not court-martial a person without an official public proceeding as stated in their own and the Federation's statutes. They merely discussed if the formal hearing was warranted.

"You are on thin ice captain as is I would advise that you watch your step in the future."

"I understand."

"Your next mission is a very routine one that should not require you to make any rash decisions." The admiral said implying that they had made sure to keep him away from such a mission at least for the moment.

"Speaking of which, Admiral what is our next mission?"

"You will be charting an area and taking some scientific measures of it in the process. During which you will take samples from a few 'interesting' planets in the sector in question. It should take you a week or so. I'm sending you the pertinent information now. And captain if you find that you feel it necessary to violate regulations again remember you are not in good graces. Haden out."

The captain wasn't expecting much less. He knew when he had decided to cross the neutral zone that he was taking a risk. Granted it was a risk in his mind that was worth taking, but Starfleet could not always stand by him on such matters. The good news was that he could continue to command the Enterprise and if he could have no favor with Starfleet command he was content to be the faithful guardian of her. He took a few moments to skim over the information the admiral had sent him.

"Commander Riker, report to my ready room."

A few minutes later Riker entered the room with a somewhat worried look on his face. He knew also that the captain had risked much.

"Well number one, it would seem that Starfleet command has decided not to hold an official court martial."

"That's great Captain" he said with genuine excitement.

"Though it seem they are very keen on keeping me out of the public image for awhile. Our next mission." He said as he turned the screen, the commander took a look at it.

"A charting and scientific research mission and on the outskirts of federation space no less. It will take a few days just to get there."

"Yes a fact I'm sure they are very aware of. Number one I want you to let the crew know the next mission. In the mean time I will work on a schedule for all the things command wants us to do while we're there."

"Yes sir."

"Dismissed, oh and number one if any romulan ships pop up be sure to inform them that we're forbidden from getting into anymore trouble."

Riker cracked a grin and said "Will do."

AN: Ok well here is the next story for you. Bear with me for a bit this is just a set up chapter. I promise that there will be plenty of excitement and as you would expect cliffhangers. I was wanting to create a follow up story and then I got the perfect idea for one as you will see later.