Chapter 9

The Aldrin

"Commander Obi to the bridge," came Riker's voice through the comm. System. "We're approaching the Maxia system shortly."

"On my way, Captain."

Obi stood up, still holding on to Doctor Johanna Mayer's hand. They had been sitting silently on the couch in her living room. There was something between them, Obi knew, but he had to be careful. His loyalties were first and foremost to Captain Riker and the crew. But something about what Johanna had said about not being in the right time had stayed with him. Could it be possible that she had died in the prior timeline? That she had reappeared fully formed in this one as though nothing had changed? If Picard could disappear and everyone could forget him, why couldn't something similar have happened to Mayer?

"Thank you Patrick," she said softly, looking up at him. "It's been a long time since anyone was truly kind to me," she said as she let go of his hand. "But I know you have to go."

He nodded, backing away toward the door. "You'll be alright?" he asked.

She smiled and nodded to him. It wasn't until he left that she pulled the disruptor from its hiding place under the couch. She examined it closely, before tucking it into her boot. As she always did…she would do what was needed in order to survive.

"Everything alright?" Riker eyed his first officer as he strode onto the bridge. The usually confident Obi looked worried.

"Yes sir," said the young man, sitting down beside Riker.

"Good. Because we're about to get into the thick of it. Time before we intercept the Ferengi vessel?" he asked.

"Twenty minutes," said Lieutenant Kashirin from behind him tactical.

Riker and Obi looked at each other. It wouldn't be enough time.

"Shields up. Weapons at the ready," ordered Riker.


Meanwhile on Board the Runabout…

"They've spotted us," said Geordi, whirling around in his chair, before turning back quickly to tap at his console.

"Battle stations," Data said. Troi, Crusher and Wesley quickly moved to their seats and strapped themselves into place.

"Shields up," Crusher said, fastening her emergency harness.

"Shields activated," reported Data.

The brown crescent shaped Ferengi ship suddenly took up the entire view screen.

"That's not Brom's ship," said Geordi tightly.

Beverly kept her voice steady. "Hold our position. Hail them."

"Hailing frequencies open sir," said Data.

"Ferengi vessel, what is your business in Federation territory?" Beverly questioned.

Bok's image flickered before forming on the view screen. "Remember me?"

"Yes," said Beverly. "And I asked you a question, Daimon Bok."

"Presumptuous female!" he seethed. "If you remember me, then you know my business. My business is to destroy Captain Picard at any cost."

Beverly paused. "Captain Picard is dead." Troi glanced at her, hiding her shock at this unexpected tactic. "You've already seen to that," said Beverly coldly.

"I don't believe you, woman. What I believe is that you have, with the aid of my idiotic son traveled back in time and attempted to undo what must be, if Picard is to die in the past. And I cannot have that," he added.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Bok," Beverly said.

Bok grinned. "Well then it is a good thing I don't need any information from you. The only thing I want you to know, is that you are about to die." He nodded to someone off screen, and then threw his arm down fiercely toward the screen. "Fire all weapons!"