Star Trek/ Star Wars: Dark Empress

Disclaimer: You know the drill. I own nothing but the plot.

Chapter 1

Deanna Troi sat at the bar staring into her untouched drink. Her mind was obviously elsewhere, her gaze never faltering. Suddenly, she gasped as if suffocating.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Quark the Ferengi bartender asked. "Don't tell me it's the drink. It's one of my personal specialties."

Deanna gasped again and fell to the floor, unconscious.

Quark quickly dashed around the bar to the fallen woman's side. "Quark to Dr. Bashir!" he exclaimed, after he gave his communicator badge a quick tap. "Medical emergency! Counselor Troy has collapsed!"

"On my way!" the doctor answered.

Later, in sickbay, Deanna had recovered somewhat as Dr. Bashir examined her. "Describe this vision once more," he said. "You say it seemed real?"

"Yes," she replied with a nod. "I saw myself as a Borg, holding some kind of laser sword. I could feel raw power surging through me and it was pure evil!"

"Well, your brain scan came out normal, so I'd say you're okay," Bashir told her. "But I've notified Captain Riker of your little emergency and he's on his way to escort you back to the Titan."

"I wish you hadn't called Will," Deanna said with a sigh. "He's got a lot on his mind with the repairs to the ship and all."

"I know your husband worries, but it's for the best. But in the meantime, I'm releasing you into Dr. Crusher's care. She's aboard the Titan, filling in for the new doctor, who should be on board in a day or two."

Deanna gave Dr. Bashir a tired smile. "Thank you, Doctor."

Bashir watched as she headed for the door, where her husband was already waiting for her.

Borg, Bashir thought. This worries me. I'd better report this to Captain Kira at once!