Chapter 21

Beverly stood up again, standing over the Traveler, who continued to look up at her placidly. "So now, I have someone to blame…finally. Unfortunately, I don't feel the least bit of satisfaction," she said tightly. She pointed at the bulkhead. "Get the hell out of here," she ordered the Traveler.

"Mom…"

"Wesley, don't 'Mom' me! You heard what he said. He's responsible for stranding Jean-Luc in the past, and now he won't even fix the problem himself."

The Traveler stood up. "Your emotional reaction is understandable, Doctor," said the Traveler. "But I do not know that I have the capacity to resolve the problem myself."

"But we do? Forgive me, but Wesley and I don't have super powers. We can't go barreling through the universe like you can. You've clearly evolved from the last time we met with you. How did you get in here?"

"I merely phased into the ship from another dimensional plane—"

"Mom, three months ago when you were trapped inside that warp bubble I created, the Traveler and I worked together to bring you back to our reality. You told me later on that by thinking it through you began to solve the mystery of what was happening to you, and you took a chance by jumping into the vortex to escape. Meanwhile I was able to use the power of thought, just as you were. The Traveler didn't solve the problem for us then, because he didn't have to. With the Traveler's help we can do this together…I know we can," Wesley said.

Will Riker couldn't sleep. The Aldrin was headed to the New Brazil colony. New Brazil was the most remote reported Malkatan attack so far. It was well outside the Terran system, and Riker had been trying to catch up on some rest on the way there. But rest was elusive. The thought of finding yet another Federation interest where everyone had been killed mercilessly was just horrifying. The fact that most of the attacks had stayed so close to Earth was even more frightening, and Riker knew he wasn't the only one who was worried about Earth being the next target.

But there was something else bothering Riker. Just before coming to his quarters he had shared lunch with Commander Obi. Despite continuing to impress Riker as an officer, Obi had said something so strange that Riker had not been able to clear his mind ever since. The topic of conversation had been CASU and the differences between a robot such as CASU and Commander Data, a sentient life form. Riker had admitted his discomfort with the CASU project given his close relationship with Data. Riker had been surprised by Obi's sensitivity on the subject, but then when Obi had gone on to mention the Enterprise and the rest of its crew; Riker had been thrown quickly into confusion. Riker's eyes narrowed, recalling the odd conversation.

"Did you ever want the Enterprise for yourself?" Obi had asked. "You must have heard there were rumors that you did."

"What? No. It was always an honor for me to serve with Captain—"

"So you didn't actually hate him sir? Captain Jellico? I mean…he's got a reputation, sir. And after what he did…well the rumor was that Jellico refused to engage with the Borg above your objections sir. If the Enterprise had engaged with the lead cube, it might have at least slowed the invasion."

Riker studied the young man's face carefully. Of course the Enterprise had engaged the lead Borg cube. They had slowed the Borg down—not enough to prevent the massive deaths that followed Wolf 359, but they had tried. Obi was talking as though the Enterprise had actually avoided the fight. And Jellico? He'd heard of an officer named Jellico, but had never met him. Was this some kind of joke, or a mistake….Riker stared at his First Officer, not sure which of them was losing his mind.

Finally it was Commander Obi who retreated. "I'm sorry Captain. I didn't mean to overstep." He rose to his feet. "If you'll excuse me sir, I'll be on the bridge."

Riker had watched in silence as the man left. Now in his quarters Riker slid behind his desk and began doing some research. "Computer, what is the current posting and brief biographical sketch for Starfleet Captain Jellico?"

"Captain Edward Jellico…born Mars Colony, 2311. Graduated from Starfleet Academy with honors, 2331, specializing in tactical studies. Current posting, USS Enterprise 1701-D, 2363 to the present. Current assignment—deep space exploration."

Riker sat in stunned silence. "Computer, who was First Officer assigned to the USS Enterprise between 2364 and 2367?"

"Commander William T. Riker…current assignment Captain, USS Aldrin."

Riker tapped his desk nervously. "Computer, give me a brief biography on Captain Jean-Luc Picard."

"Captain Jean-Luc Picard, born Earth, 2317. Graduated from Starfleet Academy—"

"Wait, stop," said Riker. "What are the current whereabouts of Captain Jean-Luc Picard?"

"Captain Picard has been missing and presumed killed in action since May 24, 2355. Last known whereabouts: Maxia Zeta System."

Riker ran his hand over his face. "I can't believe this," he said.

"We've got an incoming ship," Geordi's voice announced over the communications system. "Due to intercept in ten minutes," he said and turned around at Data's approach. He swore quietly. "It's a Ferengi Marauder."

Beverly Crusher leaned over Geordi's shoulder. "What are the Ferengi doing here?"

LaForge shook his head. "Don't know, Doctor," he said slowly. "But it's not usually a good sign."

"Right," she said. Beverly glanced behind her. Data, Wesley and Deanna stood side by side. The Traveler was gone.
"They're hailing us," LaForge reported.

Beverly clenched her fist. "On screen." Then she took a step back, knowing her face would be the first thing the Ferengi would see.

"This is the Ferengi Marauder Navri," said a youngish, very presumptuous looking Ferengi decked out in an exorbitant amount of jewels. "Who is in charge of your sad little vessel?"

"I am," Beverly said. "I'm Commander Beverly Crusher. Who are you?"

The Ferengi hesitated. "Who is the highest ranking male on board your vessel?"

Beverly's jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me?" She made a gesture for Geordi to cut the channel. "Is he kidding?" She turned to look at Data who shook his head.

"No, Doctor. Female Ferengi have essentially no social, political or economic rights, and are even prevented by the Ferengi establishment from wearing clothing. It is quite common for Ferengi to attempt to either ignore or avoid female authority figures from other cultures."

Beverly sat down in the navigator's seat next to LaForge, and turned to look at her small crew. "Any idea why they might be out here in this region of space?"

"Unknown, Doctor. However, this is Federation territory, and the Ferengi will view us, despite our small size, as having a slight upper hand," said Data.

"Troi?"

Deanna shrugged. "Unfortunately Ferengi minds are very difficult to read. But…if I had to guess, he has something to offer us, and believes he stands to profit a great deal by giving it to us."

Beverly stared at the blank screen for a few quiet moments. "He's here because of us," she murmured. "They have been expecting us." She glanced back at Wesley. "This has to do with our attempts to find Captain Picard. I'm sure of it." She looked at Geordi. "Reopen the channel please."

Geordi nodded and the screen blinked back on.

"I do not appreciate being kept waiting," said the Ferengi. "I am accustomed to being serviced by females at the exact time of my choosing," he said with a smile.

Beverly folded her arms in front of her chest. "And I am accustomed to being treated with respect…at all times. And I don't intend to part with tradition Mr….?"

"Brom," said the Ferengi. "My name is Brom. And I wish my name to be famous someday soon. And I believe that I may achieve this if we work together."

This guy was unbelievable. "And why would I want to help you?"

Brom waved to someone off screen. "We both have an interest in bringing a certain criminal to justice." He leaned forward into the screen. "I believe you are familiar with Daimon Bok?"

Beverly took a step back, forgetting her poker face for an instant. Brom saw her break in concentration and smiled. She pulled her tunic down stiffly trying to regain her composure. "Yes…I am."

"Well," said Brom. "I want Bok's career, and…" he snapped his fingers to someone off screen again, and suddenly a familiar Ferengi was in front of the screen. Kad ran his tongue over his sharp teeth and held up Jean-Luc's old Starfleet badge in his tiny palm. "…you want Picard," finished Brom. He wiggled his earlobes at Beverly. "Want to make a deal?"