Chapter 4: The Reveal

*Flashback*

"Amanda, Deanna and I are going to grab some lunch at Ten Forward can we bring you anything." Dr. Crusher asked.

"No thanks, Beverly I'm fine." Amanda answered, "Can I talk to you alone for a minute though."

"Sure thing, Deanna can I meet you their in a bit." Beverly responded, "Amanda lets step in to my office."

"I have a question and I know you said I could always ask you for your help if I needed it." Amanda stammered

"Take a deep breath, you know you can come to me anytime," Beverly responded putting on her mother hat.

Amanda took a breath and continued with a pleading look, "I know I have to tell Dawn what is going on when she wakes up, but how do you tell your best friend that you are a God like entity and she is now living 300 years in the future on a ship traveling the galaxy."

Dr. Crusher took a deep breath of her own and folded her hands neatly on her desk as she carefully chose her next words.

"Considering that I have never been in your shoes, I can only offer one small piece of advice. There is a phrase my grandmother always used; I believe it is from the old earth Bible. That phrase is 'The truth shall set you free', just tell her the truth and explain it to her the best you can. Remember Deanna and I will be with you as well."

"Thanks Doctor. You better go meet Deanna now." Amanda responded

"Call us if she starts to wake up ." Beverly reminded giving her a quick hug before heading out the door.

"I will," Amanda hollered back.

*End Flashback*

"Yo, Earth to Amanda, you didn't answer my question and I know that look. Come on we are always straight with each other." Dawn stated trying to sit up on the bed.

"The truth shall make you free", Amanda muttered under her breath.

"What was that?" Dawn asked with a questioned look on her face.

Amanda took a deep breath, "Okay, you know those science fiction shows we like to watch, and we tease each other about how they could come true and what we would do."

"Yea, of course, I tease you because you always sound like you have been there.

"Well, I kind of have been to the future, and that is where we are now. We are 300 years into the future from your time on a starship called the Enterprise. Dr. Crusher and Counselor Troi are the ship's chief medical officer and psychologist respectively; we are traveling about 7 light years from Earth." Amanda slowly explained.

"Whoa, this is no time for jokes Amanda; I still have a whopper of a headache." Dawn responded, checking her friend's face for any sign that this was a joke.

" I am serious Dawn, come with me I want to show you something." Amanda said while guiding her friend over to a near by window.

Dawn looked out the window and all she saw in any direction was stars, and none of them looked familiar.

"One other thing Dawn," Amanda continued."

"Should I sit down for this," Dawn interrupted.

"You might want to," Amanda commented, leading Dawn back over to the bed.

After Dawn was back sitting down Amanda continued, "Do you remember Agent "Q".

"Yes, He was the agent in charge of our case," Dawn answered, "What about him."

"Well," Amanda started taking a deep breath, "He and I aren't human, we belong to a group of beings known as the "Q" continuum and we are responsible for keeping balance in the universe. We were sent to the past to protect you and bring you here to the future where you belong."

"Whoa," Dawn responded, leaning back against the pillow. "this is a lot to absorb. Are you sure you are not pulling my leg."

"Let me show you" Amanda responded as she flashed from one side of sickbay to the other and then back again. Next she pinched Dawn on the arm. "Just so you know you aren't dreaming." She explained.

"It is a good thing I am already lying down or I might fall over Dawn said nervously and then getting serious, "Could I have some time to myself I want to let things sink in and process for a bit."