Disclaimer: Paramount owns Star Trek, and all of the characters, who were
first created out of the minds of the talented directors, producers and
writers working there, basing everything, as I do, on an idea from the
genius of Gene Roddenberry.
It was a wonderful reception party, for the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager. A black tie banquet, with dancing afterwards, of course, for any Starfleet Officer, and a guest, who could reasonably attend. Naturally there was quite a crowd. Amongst those in attendance were the Senior Officers of the U.S.S Enterprise-E.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard had just finished congratulating Captain Kathryn Janeway and her former-First Officer, now acquitted former Maquis Commander Chakotay, when he caught a glimpse of someone he hadn't managed to see all evening, but who's presence he was looking forward to. He made his way over to her quickly before he lost her in the crowd that was forming on the dance floor. He dared not say her name until he was beside her.
"Beverly," he said, "How nice to see you."
She smiled. "Jean-Luc," she said in reply.
"May I have this dance?" he asked.
She nodded, "Why, yes."
He did not fail to note the strapless black sequined gown she was wearing, as he usually saw nearly every detail about her presence. Nor did he fail to notice the look in her eyes as she slipped her hand into his. They walked a few more steps out towards the center of dance floor, and Jean-Luc Picard also did not miss the completely backless dress, when he moved his hand there, letting it rest so that his index finger was just touching her skin. They danced through three straight songs, barely feeling the passage of time. Beverly let her head rest upon his shoulder. He didn't seem to mind. The gesture did not go unnoticed. At the end of the third song, she looked up into his eyes for a moment, and then a faster song began to play. Beverly laughed. Picard rolled his eyes.
"Why don't I get us something to drink?" he asked.
Beverly agreed. Jean-Luc slowly, reluctantly, let go of her hand, and went to the table to get the drinks. They sat down at a semi-out of the way table. The music made their conversation inaudible to anyone else. After a while they were approached by one of the multitude of Admirals in attendance.
"Captain Picard!" he said. "I was just looking for you!"
Picard turned around, "Admiral Novavich," he replied, shaking the man's hand.
"Dr. Crusher," said the man, acknowledging her.
"Admiral." she replied.
"Captain, I hate to bring up Starfleet business when we're all off duty, but there was an important message for you on my desk this morning, for me to tell you the moment I saw you," he began.
"What is it?" Beverly asked.
"Well, I'm sure you're both familiar with the Teythryen people?"
"Yes, they have an outpost near Starbase 1431, correct?" answered Picard.
"Yes, well, they have requested to join the Federation, and due to the nature of their people, a special emissary is required. The Enterprise has been assigned to convey Ambassador Ianna to their planet."
"I see, but may I ask, why the Enterprise? Conveying an Ambassador doesn't sound like that hard of a mission." Picard asked.
"This is a special case. You'll see when you meet her. Besides, the Enterprise is one of he finest ships in the fleet, we do want to make a good impression on the Teythryeni."
Captain's Log Stardate 55022.1
Following Admiral Novavich's orders, the Enterprise has docked at Starbase 922 to receive Ambassador Ianna. Naturally my senior officers were briefed by Starfleet Command, but their response remains to be seen. The Ambassador is a Mage Adept, and no one on board is quite sure what that will mean.
"The Ambassador is standing by, Captain," the transporter chief reported.
"Good. Energize." Picard ordered.
The Captain, Doctor, Counselor, and First Officer had assembled to greet the Mage Adept Ambassador. Captain Ianna stood in front of them, sending up a shower of blue sparks from her hands as soon as she had rematerialized. All four were taken aback, not only by the benign sparks but also by her strange appearance.
The first thing a person would notice was her brilliant, and obviously dyed blue hair. Even pulled back as it was it reached nearly to her waist. Second, was the apparent jumble of her species. She had a sort of olive complexion, and bright purple eyes, revealing her to be part Teythryen, among other things. She had almost Klingon cranial ridges, but with spikes running up her nose through her central forehead, as well as Trill spots and a decidedly cat-shaped face. Her ears were a strange mix of Romulan and Vulcan, her nose definitely Bajoran, as well as the earring she wore, and her mouth was human. Strangely enough, her features didn't clash, and suited her perfectly. She was dressed in a form-fitting solid black catsuit under her pure white mage's robes, and couldn't have been more than a 164 centimeters, though she commanded the authority of one much taller. Four pipes along her collar were the only concession she gave to her Starfleet rank and training.
"Welcome aboard," Captain Picard greeted her after a moment, "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise. This is my First Officer, Commander William T. Riker, the ship's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Beverly Crusher, and the Counselor, Commander Deanna Troi."
Ianna stepped off of the transporter and greeted each in turn, silently making a mental note of her observations. It was a nice ship, Starfleet definitely wanted to impress the Teythryeni. Actually, Ianna knew they were probably trying to protect her, as if an adept-class ever needed protection. Why she had enough power to hold her own shields around the Enterprise, though without either power nodes or ley lines in space, not for long.
"I'll show you to your guest quarters," Deanna said.
"Thank you." Ianna replied. As she left, she took extra care to note how the others left the room as well. Riker, after casting a last glance back at the Counselor, strode back up to the bridge. Ianna inwardly rolled her eyes at what was predominately on his mind. Both Dr. Crusher and Captain Picard hung back, and exited together after Ianna. She noted an interesting, though certainly not negative, tension between the two of them. Was it restraint? That would definitely be worth watching the two of them for, and she placed a mental tab on it.
You're an empath! she mind-spoke to the Counselor, as soon as that was finished.
Yes, Deanna replied. I cannot read your emotions, why is that?
I always keep my mind shielded. You ought to learn how, I could read every single thought and memory you have the way you're broadcasting. Ianna replied. Although that's only true among those trained in the telepathic arts.
You can? Deanna asked.
If I really wanted to, and I was willing to drop my shields, though I won't do either. Ianna changed back to speech, "The Enterprise is a very nice ship. I'm honored that the Federation would have her escort me. She has one of the highest ranking crews in Starfleet."
"Thank you." Deanna replied, puzzled at the abrupt change of topics.
Sorry. I was making you nervous, and I don't like doing that to people.
Counselor Troi was stunned, You read that? I'm sorry, I'm not used to other empaths.
It's okay. "Have my things been brought up from the surface? I'm sorry if I insulted your captain because of it, but I have delicate instruments that I cannot trust anyone but a mage to handle."
"I'm sure he understands. They were brought up this morning."
Ianna smiled. "Thank you, Counselor."
Dr. Beverly Crusher waited about an hour for the Ambassador to get somewhat settled in, before she went into her office to call her for a physical. To her surprise, though, Ianna walked in just before she could.
"Nice to see you, Ambassador." Beverly greeted her.
"And you as well." Ianna replied.
"What brings you to sickbay?" the doctor asked.
"I feel perfectly fine, but generally most doctors that I meet want to examine me. I suppose it's because I'm so unusual. Anyway, I decided I might as well come down now, before I get involved in anything, if you aren't busy, that is."
Beverly was slightly embarrassed, but tried not to let it show. "I see," she said. "Sit down here, then."
"All right." Ianna replied. The doctor scanned her with a medical tricorder. "I'm not exactly sure how many species I'm made up of. I know I am part Klingon, Vulcan, Human, Betazed, Romulan, Ktarian, Teythryen, Trill, and Bajoran. I'm not sure about anything else, except for that I am no part Cardassian or Ferengi." she grinned, "Oh! I'm also pretty sure none of my ancestors were ever assimilated by the Borg."
Beverly laughed, "That's about the same as what I'm reading, except for the presence of a few strange chemicals,"
"From my mage training," Ianna interrupted.
"Yes, and the blue hair," Beverly grinned.
"Dyed. Master and Adept class mages channel magical energy from ley lines and nodes, where mage power naturally occurs, and that bleaches your hair. Mine turned completely white by the time I was fourteen. Most people aren't used to seeing white haired teenagers, so I usually dye it, but never a natural color, because that would be like seeing an Admiral wearing an Ensign's uniform."
"I see. Well you appear to be perfectly healthy."
"Thank you. May I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"I couldn't help seeing that picture of the little boy, on your desk, in your office, you know? Who is he?" Ianna asked.
"Oh, that's my son, Wesley. It's very old though, I think it was taken just after Jack- his father died," Beverly replied, her voice softening sadly, the way it always did when she thought of her deceased husband.
"How old is he now?"
"Nearly thirty," the Doctor said, almost surprised herself that her son was that old.
"I see," Ianna replied neutrally. I see, more than you realize, Beverly Crusher. I didn't know you were Wesley's mother. That changes things considerably more towards your favor. She added to herself.
Personal Log' Mage Adept Ianna Stardate 55025.4
The mission to the Teythryeni has gotten off to a rather positive start, albeit with a few interesting twists. I seem to be getting along quite well with most of Picard's senior officers, but his CMO seems a bit, I don't know, wary of me. I'm not quite sure why, but I suppose I'll probably be giving her due reason soon enough, not that I'd ever do a thing against Starfleet principles. Hmm.... I wonder how Wesley would feel about things if I were to give her and Picard a... nudge in the, right direction? After sitting through this morning's briefing session, a nudge is all they'd need.
Ianna quickly set to her research. Matchmaking was an art, to be carefully practiced, and from her experience, you could never know too much about those you had chosen to meddle with. So, she started collecting Starfleet records about the two of them, anything she could get her hands on with her Captain's level clearance. She could have more easily broken into either of thier personal logs, or simply read their minds, but that would have taken all the fun out of her "research".
It didn't take her long to find the only obstacle in the way of assuring her complete success; Jack Crusher. He had been dead for nearly a quarter of a century, but from the way Beverly's eyes had misted up from just thinking about him, she most assuredly was not completely over him, As if you ever could be...
"Doctor Crusher, can I ask your advice on a situation?" Ianna asked, walking into sickbay at the precise moment she knew the Doctor's shift ended.
"Of course," Beverly replied, a little surprised, "What is it?"
"Well... What would you do if you were in love with two people?" Ianna blurted, rather embarrassedly, but she supposed it was a good thing.
Beverly's eyes widened, "Oh... well, you see... Are you sure I'm the person you ought to be asking this? I mean, I'm sure our counselor could help you more, I mean..." she stammered, obviously taken aback.
"No, I'm absolutely certain." Ianna replied, fighting a malicious grin.
"I really don't know." the Doctor confessed.
"But what if one of them is dead?" the mage asked.
"What?" the Doctor exclaimed, her eyes narrowing incredulously. "If he's dead you have to let him go, however hard that might be," she finished, her voice beginning to mist over again. Ianna knew who she was thinking of. "How would you be in love with a dead man?"
"I don't know. I fortunately don't have that particular problem, why don't you tell me?" Ianna grinned impishly.
Beverly's eyes narrowed and she clenched her teeth, angrily struggling to find words to reply with, as she suddenly realized what the Adept was talking about. Yet, Ianna knew she couldn't really say anything, not to someone who outranked her, even though Beverly was easily old enough to be her mother, especially when the Doctor knew she was right.
"One more thing, follow your own advise, twenty-four years is a very long time. I'd also recommend making Jean-Luc aware of the truth, tokhest'." she said as she walked off, grinning. She wondered if Beverly Crusher spoke Klingon. Either way, she was sure she had accomplished her first goal.
Personal Log' Mage Adept Ianna Supplemental
I have been aboard the Enterprise for three uneventful days... so far. This morning Picard received a transmission from Starfleet command warning us about a few of the major hazards along our present route. I saw very little danger in them, but still Picard has called a meeting of his senior officers in the briefing room. I suppose I must attend. It's still rather strange, though. Even as a Captain, I'm not at all used to Starfleet regulations.
"This morning I received a disturbing transmission from Starfleet," Picard began, "They warned us of a possible attack from a Romulan scouting party we will come quite near on our way to the Teythryeni homeward."
"Why would the Romans have any interest in attacking us? We won't be passing anywhere near their borders." Riker objected.
"Because they're on rather hostile terms with both Viands 3 and the Teythryeni," Ianna replied, from the other end of the table. Between them, on Picard's right sat Commander Riker, Counselor Troi and Worf. On his left sat Dr. Crusher, Lieutenant Commander Data and Lieutenant Commander Laforge.
"What does Viands 3 have to do with anything?" asked Geordi.
"It's my homeworld. I'm afraid that as far as the Romans are concerned, I'm more trouble than I'm worth," Ianna answered him, regretfully.
"Is there anything we could do to avoid this problem?" Deanna asked.
"What about a course change?" Riker added.
"Any possible course change in that area, could cause the ship up to a three week delay." Data informed him.
"No, we can't make the Teythryeni wait that long." Picard said.
"What are we going to do, Jean-Luc?" Beverly asked.
"Don't you see that they're setting up to ambush us?" Ianna interrupted. Beverly glared at her. Ianna pretended not to notice.
"What do you mean?" Riker asked, hostilely.
"Where did that come from?" added Geordi.
"I have to show you," she replied. "Computer display the map that Admiral Novavich sent to Captain Picard." She pointed to the location of the warbirds on the map. "See, here's where they'll be when we reach them."
"She is right. If we follow our present course, they will most likely try to trap us between the two gas giants." Data stated.
"Unless they go for the bolder outright attack. They have five ships. We only have one." Geordi added.
"So now what?" Riker asked, annoyed.
"There should be a way to outsmart them." Worf replied.
"Worf, I want an in-depth report on our tactical situation."
"Aye, sir."
"Data, I want options, and I want them now."
"Aye, sir."
"Dismissed."
It was a wonderful reception party, for the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager. A black tie banquet, with dancing afterwards, of course, for any Starfleet Officer, and a guest, who could reasonably attend. Naturally there was quite a crowd. Amongst those in attendance were the Senior Officers of the U.S.S Enterprise-E.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard had just finished congratulating Captain Kathryn Janeway and her former-First Officer, now acquitted former Maquis Commander Chakotay, when he caught a glimpse of someone he hadn't managed to see all evening, but who's presence he was looking forward to. He made his way over to her quickly before he lost her in the crowd that was forming on the dance floor. He dared not say her name until he was beside her.
"Beverly," he said, "How nice to see you."
She smiled. "Jean-Luc," she said in reply.
"May I have this dance?" he asked.
She nodded, "Why, yes."
He did not fail to note the strapless black sequined gown she was wearing, as he usually saw nearly every detail about her presence. Nor did he fail to notice the look in her eyes as she slipped her hand into his. They walked a few more steps out towards the center of dance floor, and Jean-Luc Picard also did not miss the completely backless dress, when he moved his hand there, letting it rest so that his index finger was just touching her skin. They danced through three straight songs, barely feeling the passage of time. Beverly let her head rest upon his shoulder. He didn't seem to mind. The gesture did not go unnoticed. At the end of the third song, she looked up into his eyes for a moment, and then a faster song began to play. Beverly laughed. Picard rolled his eyes.
"Why don't I get us something to drink?" he asked.
Beverly agreed. Jean-Luc slowly, reluctantly, let go of her hand, and went to the table to get the drinks. They sat down at a semi-out of the way table. The music made their conversation inaudible to anyone else. After a while they were approached by one of the multitude of Admirals in attendance.
"Captain Picard!" he said. "I was just looking for you!"
Picard turned around, "Admiral Novavich," he replied, shaking the man's hand.
"Dr. Crusher," said the man, acknowledging her.
"Admiral." she replied.
"Captain, I hate to bring up Starfleet business when we're all off duty, but there was an important message for you on my desk this morning, for me to tell you the moment I saw you," he began.
"What is it?" Beverly asked.
"Well, I'm sure you're both familiar with the Teythryen people?"
"Yes, they have an outpost near Starbase 1431, correct?" answered Picard.
"Yes, well, they have requested to join the Federation, and due to the nature of their people, a special emissary is required. The Enterprise has been assigned to convey Ambassador Ianna to their planet."
"I see, but may I ask, why the Enterprise? Conveying an Ambassador doesn't sound like that hard of a mission." Picard asked.
"This is a special case. You'll see when you meet her. Besides, the Enterprise is one of he finest ships in the fleet, we do want to make a good impression on the Teythryeni."
Captain's Log Stardate 55022.1
Following Admiral Novavich's orders, the Enterprise has docked at Starbase 922 to receive Ambassador Ianna. Naturally my senior officers were briefed by Starfleet Command, but their response remains to be seen. The Ambassador is a Mage Adept, and no one on board is quite sure what that will mean.
"The Ambassador is standing by, Captain," the transporter chief reported.
"Good. Energize." Picard ordered.
The Captain, Doctor, Counselor, and First Officer had assembled to greet the Mage Adept Ambassador. Captain Ianna stood in front of them, sending up a shower of blue sparks from her hands as soon as she had rematerialized. All four were taken aback, not only by the benign sparks but also by her strange appearance.
The first thing a person would notice was her brilliant, and obviously dyed blue hair. Even pulled back as it was it reached nearly to her waist. Second, was the apparent jumble of her species. She had a sort of olive complexion, and bright purple eyes, revealing her to be part Teythryen, among other things. She had almost Klingon cranial ridges, but with spikes running up her nose through her central forehead, as well as Trill spots and a decidedly cat-shaped face. Her ears were a strange mix of Romulan and Vulcan, her nose definitely Bajoran, as well as the earring she wore, and her mouth was human. Strangely enough, her features didn't clash, and suited her perfectly. She was dressed in a form-fitting solid black catsuit under her pure white mage's robes, and couldn't have been more than a 164 centimeters, though she commanded the authority of one much taller. Four pipes along her collar were the only concession she gave to her Starfleet rank and training.
"Welcome aboard," Captain Picard greeted her after a moment, "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise. This is my First Officer, Commander William T. Riker, the ship's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Beverly Crusher, and the Counselor, Commander Deanna Troi."
Ianna stepped off of the transporter and greeted each in turn, silently making a mental note of her observations. It was a nice ship, Starfleet definitely wanted to impress the Teythryeni. Actually, Ianna knew they were probably trying to protect her, as if an adept-class ever needed protection. Why she had enough power to hold her own shields around the Enterprise, though without either power nodes or ley lines in space, not for long.
"I'll show you to your guest quarters," Deanna said.
"Thank you." Ianna replied. As she left, she took extra care to note how the others left the room as well. Riker, after casting a last glance back at the Counselor, strode back up to the bridge. Ianna inwardly rolled her eyes at what was predominately on his mind. Both Dr. Crusher and Captain Picard hung back, and exited together after Ianna. She noted an interesting, though certainly not negative, tension between the two of them. Was it restraint? That would definitely be worth watching the two of them for, and she placed a mental tab on it.
You're an empath! she mind-spoke to the Counselor, as soon as that was finished.
Yes, Deanna replied. I cannot read your emotions, why is that?
I always keep my mind shielded. You ought to learn how, I could read every single thought and memory you have the way you're broadcasting. Ianna replied. Although that's only true among those trained in the telepathic arts.
You can? Deanna asked.
If I really wanted to, and I was willing to drop my shields, though I won't do either. Ianna changed back to speech, "The Enterprise is a very nice ship. I'm honored that the Federation would have her escort me. She has one of the highest ranking crews in Starfleet."
"Thank you." Deanna replied, puzzled at the abrupt change of topics.
Sorry. I was making you nervous, and I don't like doing that to people.
Counselor Troi was stunned, You read that? I'm sorry, I'm not used to other empaths.
It's okay. "Have my things been brought up from the surface? I'm sorry if I insulted your captain because of it, but I have delicate instruments that I cannot trust anyone but a mage to handle."
"I'm sure he understands. They were brought up this morning."
Ianna smiled. "Thank you, Counselor."
Dr. Beverly Crusher waited about an hour for the Ambassador to get somewhat settled in, before she went into her office to call her for a physical. To her surprise, though, Ianna walked in just before she could.
"Nice to see you, Ambassador." Beverly greeted her.
"And you as well." Ianna replied.
"What brings you to sickbay?" the doctor asked.
"I feel perfectly fine, but generally most doctors that I meet want to examine me. I suppose it's because I'm so unusual. Anyway, I decided I might as well come down now, before I get involved in anything, if you aren't busy, that is."
Beverly was slightly embarrassed, but tried not to let it show. "I see," she said. "Sit down here, then."
"All right." Ianna replied. The doctor scanned her with a medical tricorder. "I'm not exactly sure how many species I'm made up of. I know I am part Klingon, Vulcan, Human, Betazed, Romulan, Ktarian, Teythryen, Trill, and Bajoran. I'm not sure about anything else, except for that I am no part Cardassian or Ferengi." she grinned, "Oh! I'm also pretty sure none of my ancestors were ever assimilated by the Borg."
Beverly laughed, "That's about the same as what I'm reading, except for the presence of a few strange chemicals,"
"From my mage training," Ianna interrupted.
"Yes, and the blue hair," Beverly grinned.
"Dyed. Master and Adept class mages channel magical energy from ley lines and nodes, where mage power naturally occurs, and that bleaches your hair. Mine turned completely white by the time I was fourteen. Most people aren't used to seeing white haired teenagers, so I usually dye it, but never a natural color, because that would be like seeing an Admiral wearing an Ensign's uniform."
"I see. Well you appear to be perfectly healthy."
"Thank you. May I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"I couldn't help seeing that picture of the little boy, on your desk, in your office, you know? Who is he?" Ianna asked.
"Oh, that's my son, Wesley. It's very old though, I think it was taken just after Jack- his father died," Beverly replied, her voice softening sadly, the way it always did when she thought of her deceased husband.
"How old is he now?"
"Nearly thirty," the Doctor said, almost surprised herself that her son was that old.
"I see," Ianna replied neutrally. I see, more than you realize, Beverly Crusher. I didn't know you were Wesley's mother. That changes things considerably more towards your favor. She added to herself.
Personal Log' Mage Adept Ianna Stardate 55025.4
The mission to the Teythryeni has gotten off to a rather positive start, albeit with a few interesting twists. I seem to be getting along quite well with most of Picard's senior officers, but his CMO seems a bit, I don't know, wary of me. I'm not quite sure why, but I suppose I'll probably be giving her due reason soon enough, not that I'd ever do a thing against Starfleet principles. Hmm.... I wonder how Wesley would feel about things if I were to give her and Picard a... nudge in the, right direction? After sitting through this morning's briefing session, a nudge is all they'd need.
Ianna quickly set to her research. Matchmaking was an art, to be carefully practiced, and from her experience, you could never know too much about those you had chosen to meddle with. So, she started collecting Starfleet records about the two of them, anything she could get her hands on with her Captain's level clearance. She could have more easily broken into either of thier personal logs, or simply read their minds, but that would have taken all the fun out of her "research".
It didn't take her long to find the only obstacle in the way of assuring her complete success; Jack Crusher. He had been dead for nearly a quarter of a century, but from the way Beverly's eyes had misted up from just thinking about him, she most assuredly was not completely over him, As if you ever could be...
"Doctor Crusher, can I ask your advice on a situation?" Ianna asked, walking into sickbay at the precise moment she knew the Doctor's shift ended.
"Of course," Beverly replied, a little surprised, "What is it?"
"Well... What would you do if you were in love with two people?" Ianna blurted, rather embarrassedly, but she supposed it was a good thing.
Beverly's eyes widened, "Oh... well, you see... Are you sure I'm the person you ought to be asking this? I mean, I'm sure our counselor could help you more, I mean..." she stammered, obviously taken aback.
"No, I'm absolutely certain." Ianna replied, fighting a malicious grin.
"I really don't know." the Doctor confessed.
"But what if one of them is dead?" the mage asked.
"What?" the Doctor exclaimed, her eyes narrowing incredulously. "If he's dead you have to let him go, however hard that might be," she finished, her voice beginning to mist over again. Ianna knew who she was thinking of. "How would you be in love with a dead man?"
"I don't know. I fortunately don't have that particular problem, why don't you tell me?" Ianna grinned impishly.
Beverly's eyes narrowed and she clenched her teeth, angrily struggling to find words to reply with, as she suddenly realized what the Adept was talking about. Yet, Ianna knew she couldn't really say anything, not to someone who outranked her, even though Beverly was easily old enough to be her mother, especially when the Doctor knew she was right.
"One more thing, follow your own advise, twenty-four years is a very long time. I'd also recommend making Jean-Luc aware of the truth, tokhest'." she said as she walked off, grinning. She wondered if Beverly Crusher spoke Klingon. Either way, she was sure she had accomplished her first goal.
Personal Log' Mage Adept Ianna Supplemental
I have been aboard the Enterprise for three uneventful days... so far. This morning Picard received a transmission from Starfleet command warning us about a few of the major hazards along our present route. I saw very little danger in them, but still Picard has called a meeting of his senior officers in the briefing room. I suppose I must attend. It's still rather strange, though. Even as a Captain, I'm not at all used to Starfleet regulations.
"This morning I received a disturbing transmission from Starfleet," Picard began, "They warned us of a possible attack from a Romulan scouting party we will come quite near on our way to the Teythryeni homeward."
"Why would the Romans have any interest in attacking us? We won't be passing anywhere near their borders." Riker objected.
"Because they're on rather hostile terms with both Viands 3 and the Teythryeni," Ianna replied, from the other end of the table. Between them, on Picard's right sat Commander Riker, Counselor Troi and Worf. On his left sat Dr. Crusher, Lieutenant Commander Data and Lieutenant Commander Laforge.
"What does Viands 3 have to do with anything?" asked Geordi.
"It's my homeworld. I'm afraid that as far as the Romans are concerned, I'm more trouble than I'm worth," Ianna answered him, regretfully.
"Is there anything we could do to avoid this problem?" Deanna asked.
"What about a course change?" Riker added.
"Any possible course change in that area, could cause the ship up to a three week delay." Data informed him.
"No, we can't make the Teythryeni wait that long." Picard said.
"What are we going to do, Jean-Luc?" Beverly asked.
"Don't you see that they're setting up to ambush us?" Ianna interrupted. Beverly glared at her. Ianna pretended not to notice.
"What do you mean?" Riker asked, hostilely.
"Where did that come from?" added Geordi.
"I have to show you," she replied. "Computer display the map that Admiral Novavich sent to Captain Picard." She pointed to the location of the warbirds on the map. "See, here's where they'll be when we reach them."
"She is right. If we follow our present course, they will most likely try to trap us between the two gas giants." Data stated.
"Unless they go for the bolder outright attack. They have five ships. We only have one." Geordi added.
"So now what?" Riker asked, annoyed.
"There should be a way to outsmart them." Worf replied.
"Worf, I want an in-depth report on our tactical situation."
"Aye, sir."
"Data, I want options, and I want them now."
"Aye, sir."
"Dismissed."