Chapter 2
"Everything looks good, Will," Captain Jean-Luc Picard noted as he scanned the bridge of the U.S.S. Titan. "So how does it feel to have your own command?"
"I have mixed feelings, of course," Riker confided in his old friend. "I just wish I could erase some of the events that led up to this point.
A long silence followed, as Picard immediately realized what particular event Riker was referring to. "We all took Data's death rather hard," he said at last. "But you must always look forward. A good starship captain always looks to the positive, once given time to grieve the losses."
Riker gave a nod of acknowledgement, just as Deanna entered the bridge. Before anyone could greet her, she stopped short and gave an exasperated sigh. "Ensign Farver is getting on my last Betazoid nerve! All he wants to talk about is the Parallel Cultures theory during our sessions. He won't even talk about the death of his parents."
"I told you not to go back to work too soon after your ordeal," Riker said. It's not like you to get upset over something like that."
Deanna gave a tired smile. "Sorry, I guess I haven't been myself lately.
"Seeing yourself as a Borg will do that," Picard interjected. "Take it from someone who knows first hand."
"Well, well, if it isn't old home week!" came a familiar voice from behind Riker.
They all turned to see Q sitting in the Captain's chair. "Allow me to be of some help, fair Deanna."
"What are you doing on my ship?!" Riker exclaimed.
"I'm just here to lend a hand to your lovely wife," Q said as he rose and tugged at the tail of his Starfleet uniform jacket in true Picardian fashion. "The next time Ensign Farver comes in for a session and starts talking about Parallel Cultures theory, you'll have something to tell him. And I bid you safe journey!" He then snapped his fingers and disappeared in a flash of light.
"What did he mean by that?" Picard asked in confusion just before the Titan suddenly pulled out of the dock at DS9 and headed for open space at incredible speed, knocking them all off balance.