Entering the observation lounge, Dr Crusher approached Captain Picard while Deanna stood with Isla closer to the screen.

"Doctor?" Picard asked quietly.

"Isla doesn't know this yet," she explained in a whisper. "Her medical read outs are typical of an adolescent, sixteen years old at the most, fourteen usually. Also, I found an image taken of her parents together a fortnight before Isla's recorded birthdate. Her mother does not look eight months pregnant as her medical records suggest."

"What do you think this means?" Picard asked, frowning.

"I'm not sure yet, but her mother was a genetic engineer," Dr Crusher said. "Isla doesn't know anything about this, she honestly believes she's eighteen."

"I'll ask her father when they've finished," Picard nodded. He noticed Isla was fidgeting, mistaking it for nerves at having to speak to her father. "Mr Worf, open the communication." Picard ordered. Worf obliged and Admiral Jenkins' scowling face appeared on the screen.

"Ensign Scott," he snarled, clearly displeased. Isla took a deep breath. Counselor Troi put a hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her.

"Yes, Admiral?" she asked obediently. She fidgeted with her hands behind her back, out of view of her father.

"Your grandfather has something to say," he said, her grandfather stepping into view behind him. Isla's eyes widened with surprise. Deanna removed her hand, glancing back at Picard and Beverly who were both as confused as she was.

"Isla, my dear," he smiled warmly, sadness in his old blue eyes. A weathered face, saddened by the events of the last week. "Stop this hunger strike, please." He implored her. "You must stay in Starfleet, it's what you were born to do. It's where you belong. Your father has explained the entire situation to me. Don't resign. Come to Starbase 47, there are some things you should know." Isla looked between him and her father, unsure what to think.

"Explain it to me, please, I don't understand," Isla asked him.

"It's simple, Ensign," Admiral Jenkins told her. "You belong in Starfleet. I will talk to you when you arrive at Starbase 47."

"Grandad? What's going on?" she asked the old man she held so close to her heart. Deanna could sense he was holding back something, as was Admiral Jenkins.

"I'll tell you when you arrive my dear," he said. Isla shook her head. "You were wrong and I was wrong." Tears began streaming down Isla's face. "Stop his hunger strike, you've made your point." She shook her head again, sniffing loudly.

"No, not until I'm allowed to resign," Isla told them, her voice shaky.

"That will not be happening Ensign," Admiral Jenkins ordered her sternly. He ended the communication before Peter or Isla could say anything more. Isla took shaky breaths, putting her face in her hands. She slowly sank to the floor, sobbing quietly. He'd said it. He said that she was wrong. Isla couldn't understand it. Her world was falling apart around her and there was nothing she could do to stop it.