Chapter VIII

As the turbolift came to a stop, Geordi stepped out and Data followed him towards the conference room.

"This is some pretty serious stuff, Data," he commented as they walked along. The android nodded and said, "Many of the crew share your sentiments, including myself. That is why I was happy to know that you had found something."

He nodded and replied, "Yeah, but I don't think that the Captain is going to like it." As they entered, La Forge took a moment to look at those present. Captain Picard sat before them with Counsel Troi, Commander Riker and Doctor Crusher on his left. On the other side were Worf and then their uninvited visitor, Q. The omnipotent being smiled slightly at Data and then said, "Don't mind me. I won't be performing any conjuring tricks this time."

The android nodded, walking around and sitting beside the doctor as Picard turned to Q and said, "Before we begin, is there anything you wish to add?" "I've found the entire concept of interchanging ideas and conservative hypotheses to be a very mediocre method, but one that seems to suit your kind," Q said simply, propping his legs onto the table and leaning back before adding, "Please, continue."

The Captain glared at him for a moment and then turned to the engineer and asked, "Mister La Forge, can you report your findings to the rest of us?" Geordi nodded and then answered, "The temporal anomalies that we've been experiencing have been self-contained. I don't think Data's assertion that Ambassador Lincoln's arrival was the cause of them is correct. But it's obvious that she's not being affected… either way, my team and I have been examining the onboard systems carefully and we uncovered a few things," La Forge said, glancing to see Q yawn widely and then mutter, "I'm on the edge of my seat, really."

This could get really annoying, he thought and tried to ignore the entity as he went on.

"Apparently, we've been experiencing subtle disturbances in various portions of the ship ever since we've left Deep Space Nine. When Lincoln arrived, it was like a slight jolt occurred. This may sound absurd, but it's almost like the temporal anomalies have latched onto the Enterprise," Geordi explained. "So will there be any problems if we to beam down to Cardassia Prime?" Will asked.

"I can't say for sure… we have no idea what we're dealing with here," he replied. "Do you have any theories about what happened to Counselor Troi?" Picard asked. Geordi nodded and answered, "When we reviewed what happened, it was as whatever this is was concentrating on her for a while… I can't explain it," La Forge admitted.

"One of those great mysteries like that Hill fellow; eh, Jean-Luc?" Q asked and Geordi turned to see he was dressed in a strange outfit consisting of a long coat and hat, holding a book which he shut; then turned to Data and remarked, "I often wonder exactly what your ancestors would've made of you."

He chuckled at whatever joke he'd thought of and then moved to the front of the room and stated, "I know that it doesn't seem like it, but it's either now or never.

The hour has struck and your limited minds cannot turn back the clock." "Q, there's no time for this," Picard stated. "Unfortunately; this is the only chance you have to redeem yourselves, mon capitan. For there will be neither happiness or joy; nor life nor merriment in the place to which all of you shall go," he said in a stern voice and then added even more seriously, "This time, you're in way over your head."

"If that is the case, then why don't you simply return us to Deep Space Nine or even to Earth? We all know that it's well within your power," Riker commented. Geordi had to agree with that sentiment. It always seemed like everything Q did to them was at their expense, causing great harm and loss of life at times. La Forge had grown a little accustomed to the entity, but never liked him. Q was a distraction at the very best. "It's rare," Q began, returning to his usual garb and then stating, "That we take a moment to stop and think about the passage of time; isn't that right, Picard?"

The Captain paused and then said, "If you know anything about these temporal anomalies, now is the appropriate moment to tell us." "I'm only going to say this one more time; turn this ship around now, before it's too late," Q demanded. Geordi almost thought that he heard a hint of pleading in the being's voice. Picard smiled slightly and then said, "It isn't simply a matter of snapping your fingers this time, is it? You can't do what you want with us, can you?"

The creature glared at the Captain and stated, "There is far more to being a member of the Q continuum than that and I-"

"Yes, we've all heard your grandiose speeches before. They never seem to be anything else other than wasted opportunities we might've had for taking action. Now, why don't you be honest with us… have your fellow Q restricted the use of your powers?" the Captain said, boldly interrupting their visitor. Q smiled and then replied, "I must congratulate you on a splendid bit of deduction, Jean-Luc; how did you know? Yes, I suppose that I have been rather unruly for quite a while now."

In a flash of light, Q switched places with Data and then said, "Whether it's turning a bucket of bolts into a trash can or reorganizing the cosmos, the Continuum has… how do you mortals put it… placed me on probation. Until certain matters which do not concern you are resolved, of course."

"That doesn't surprise me," the Commander said with a smirk. "However, my powers are far more than a match for the likes of you. I am merely forbidden from interfering with your affairs directly. Sometimes, the Continuum can be rather harsh," Q said, sounding almost bitter. Geordi smiled slightly, glad to see that the entity had been brought down a peg. Maybe someday Q would finally understand why he was a nuisance to them all. "And I gather that the Continuum also does not see this threat the same way you do?" Picard guessed.

"Oh, obviously; Jean-Luc. Those decrepit codgers haven't changed their ways since before existence was even conceived of," Q paused and then smiled saying, "But now you've gone and taken all the fun out of this. Let's make things interesting again. Go to Cardassia Prime, ignore my warnings if you like and see what happens. I can't stop you… so the ball is your court. Play the game to its end… or for that matter, the place where it all got started." Without another word, the being vanished and La Forge sighed in relief and said, "I'm glad that's over."

"Somehow, I doubt it," Worf remarked. "Captain, do you suppose that Q is telling the truth and we should abandon the mission?" Troi asked. Picard adjusted his shirt and said, "It's hard to trust him when we take into account our past dealings with Q. It puts the matter on shaky ground, to say the least. Mister La Forge, is there any indication that these temporal anomalies are coming from say… an entity like Q?"

"Even if there is one nearby; I'd have no way to find it, sir. We've never even detected anything from Q," Geordi replied honestly. "Very well, for now we should proceed to Cardassia Prime. Number One, prepare an away team," Picard instructed and the group dispersed. Data followed him and as they left the conference room, Geordi remarked, "You were awfully quiet back there."

"I have been considering the facts presented to us from various angles; Q, the Ambassador and Daniels. All have different reasons and objectives behind their statements. Thus far, I have been giving careful analysis to each. I find it puzzling that the Captain does not seem to be doing the same, however," the android replied.

"You know that he's got a lot on his shoulders, Data. And who can say? Maybe Q is telling the truth. But I've never turned down a challenge like this. To forge a lasting treaty with the Cardassians has been talked about for ages. The Captain isn't going to lose out on this sort of opportunity. Sometimes we are aware of the risks, but balance them with the benefits and then go with what our gut tells us," he explained. "As I have remarked previously, I do not have such inward inclinations. However, I believe I would describe my feelings as uneasiness. Is there any way for us to alleviate that, Geordi?" Data asked his friend.

La Forge sighed and said, "I don't know. I think that the anomalies are caused by something and it probably isn't like anything we've encountered before. But I think that we're already committed. At this point, it's sink or swim. Data, you've been trying to become more human all your life. This is another step that you've got to take. Do you have faith in the Captain's decisions?"

"Yes, even though I may not have understood them at the time," the android said. "Then there isn't a need to question him. Sometimes we can't take the logical path and yes, we make mistakes. But that's what makes each of us unique," Geordi explained. His friend nodded and then said, "Thank you for your insight on this matter. I feel relieved. However, I am curious why he did not bring up our visitors while Q was present." "We have to assume Q already knows why they're here, even what will happen. No need to make him feel too superior. Since Q doesn't feel it is necessary to reveal everything to us, we are not required to share all we know with him," he answered.

"I can see your point. Again, I appreciate the numerous insights you have given me on human nature," the android told him. "Don't mention it," he said with a smile and then added, "I'd better get back to engineering. Barclay wanted me to take another look at the dilithium crystals."

Data departed with a nod and then he went to the turbolift, only hoping that their risks would pay off in the end. As the doors closed and the transport began to drop, he considered the possible dangers that might soon emerge as a result of what had already happened. There were simply too many unknowns in the equation. The doors opened before him and La Forge stepped out onto deck sixteen.

Walking briskly down the corridor and wondering what could have possibly caused Barclay to request his aid, especially after they had already confirmed that the warp core wasn't in any danger; he soon reached his destination. "T-thank you f-for coming d-down, sir," Reg began, but he held up a hand and said, "Calm down, Mister Barclay! Now tell me what's going on as calmly as you can." In response, his friend led him over to the dilithium chamber and as he looked inside, Geordi found out the answer to his question.