Chapter 4
Riker was trying his damnest to keep everything on the Enterprise running smoothly. Picard had just resigned an hour and a half ago, but it felt like two weeks had passed. Was it only two hours since he was in his quarters playing poker? Shortly after Picard had transported off the Enterprise, Riker had received four Starfleet messages. In between the messages, different department heads needed to speak with the captain about conflicting personal assignments. Riker had no time to even let the crew know that the captain had resigned. So, each time a new department head came to the ready room to talk to Picard, they were slightly shocked. Not counting, Riker needed to speak with the senior staff about the upcoming mission.
He took a breath and sighed. These were the days, when he did not envy Picard. Damn, he swore under his breath. What the hell was going on? For over seven years Picard had been his commanding officer, and he knew that Picard would never up and resign without a hell of a good reason. Besides, why wouldn't he tell anyone on his staff? They were more than just fellow officers, they were friends. The entire senior staff was a large family, especially after the incident where the captain saved humanity with "Q's" help.
"Data to Riker."
Pulled out of his reverie, Riker tapped his badge, "Riker here."
"Sir, you have a communiqué from Admiral Taylor."
"Patch it in here."
"Aye, sir." Riker tried to smile as Taylor's face filled the once black screen, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Taylor had been the last person to speak with Picard before he resigned, and he couldn't help the feeling that Taylor had forced the resignation on his commanding officer, and friend.
"Captain Riker." Riker was going to have to get use to that name. "I just wanted to congratulate you on your promotion. Good Luck and God speed."
The terminal went blank before Riker could say anything to the Admiral. And the one thing on his mind was what the hell was going on? He knew that someone had to know, and the first person that came to mind was Admiral Taylor.
xoxo
a/n: Sorry it's so short, but there will be another update within the week to make up for it.