Well well, what do we have here? Are you guys following me? Well buckle up, readers, and get ready for part 2 of the Charlotte Files. This story takes place 12 years after the last one- in a canon timeline, it's just after Nemesis.

Standard disclaimer applies, plz r/r.


Jean-Luc Picard sat in his ready room thinking of many things, having just spoken with Beverly at Starfleet Medical. She was enjoying herself, commanding all the young wannabes under her. It seemed everyone was leaving now. But that was to be expected in the end- after all, who wanted to stay in the same place forever? Even he would move up some day, though not for a while yet. No, he was satisfied where he was- though it was hard not to dwell on the fact that he would not be sharing his new adventures, going on new missions, with most of his old senior crew…

A noise interrupted his thoughts, and the computer informed him that there was an incoming message. He tapped the keypad and a face appeared on his screen.

"Captain Logan!" He sat back in his chair. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Picard! How are you, old man?"

"Oh, getting along, Captain, but I doubt you called me to chat about my health."

"No, you're right. As a matter of fact, I have a request for transfer to your ship. I wouldn't normally call you for something like that; we both know that the number of applications for the flagship of the Federation is phenomenal, and I would have put her on the waiting list. But the Ensign in question is extremely insistent. She claims that she served with you on the Enterprise-D and that you would be pleased to have her back again."

"What's her name?"

"Charlotte Hope."

"Charlotte…I know the name… Ah yes, I remember her. She was on the ship twelve years ago with her grandfather." Picard felt his heart sink a little, but kept a smile on his face. "Of course, Ensign Hope is welcome to serve aboard my ship."

"I should warn you, Captain: she can be a trouble-maker."

Picard gave a wry chuckle. "I remember it well."

"Well, if you approve, she's ready for transport right now."

"Acknowledged. Will that be all?"

"That's all, Captain. And may I wish you and your crew safe journeys."

"And to you."

The screen blinked off, and Picard tapped his badge. "Transporter room 4, stand by for transport from the Journey."

"Aye sir."

The doors opened, and Picard's former first in command, now a captain, walked in.

"Permission to leave, Captain?"

Picard sighed. "Not yet, Will. There's something you and the others need to do first…"