Captains log supplemental.The Hera embarked on a mission to deploy more probes to extend our long range sensor relays along our projected flight path. The Equinox has accompanied her to test it's new docking frame. The Val Jean is continuing to patrol the perimeter of the Occampan system. I'm pleased to say that the Enterprise has completed it's accomodations for both that ship, and our new guests. Both will be essential to the journey ahead, as our "smaller sisters" can't sustain the higher speeds of both the Enterprise and the Hera. I have grave concerns about some of the security risks indicated by interviews with Mr. Neelix as well as the encounters documented by both the Hera and the Equinox. I find myself attempting to integrate the survivors of three federation crews, as well as the Maquis, while assuming responsibility for far more Occampans than I could have anticipated. My experience and training as an explorer and as a Starfleet officer has been sorely tested of late, and it appears certain that this is only the beginning.
"... Commander Data has relayed the specifications to detect transwarp conduits, and while we haven't identified any nearby, he is confident that as we proceed towards the Galactic core, we are likely to encounter some." Chakotay looked up from his PADD.
"A rather optimistic way of stating the fact that we will almost certainly encounter the Borg." Picard grimaced and sipped his tea. They sat at his desk in his quarters. "Assuming we manage to navigate the known perils of space in our immediate vicinity." Chakotay nodded and continued.
"They have begun designing modifications to our probes to explore these conduits ahead of us. Tuvok is recommending security protocols that include a self destruct option, and we are exploring the possibility of equipping them with cloaking technology." Chakotay looked up at him for a reaction, and cocked an eyebrow. "I thought you might object."
"As you may now be aware, the Enterprise was part of a classified mission two years ago involving former starfleet admiral Pressman." Picard told him. "The admiral was part of a conspiracy to violate the treaty of Algernon which prohibits the federation from developing cloaking technology, the Starship Pegasus was lost in the course of those experiments, and upon discovering this information, I found it necessary to disclose the existence of this technology to the Romulans." Picard looked away. "My former first officer first risked his life to defend the admiral, then his career to expose him."
"Commander Data, evidently, has access to knowledge of this technology." Chakotay reported, "And Commander Laforge some experience using it. They feel they can reproduce it for use on unmanned probes only."
Picard nodded. Then he said, "There has been some debate at Starfleet Command regarding the wording of the treaty, in that area, as well as with, I believe a provision restricting it's use on federation starship." He replied, "Mr. Data's previous evaluation of the cloak however found some significant hazards to use on a starship, due to its interaction with an active warp core." He grimaced, "Which is something of a pity considering some of the hostile forces we may encounter on our journey."
"I think you were right to transfer enough personell to fully crew the Hera." Chakotay told him. "Tuvok's concerns about our passengers outnumbering us 8 to 1 aside, and the obvious implications on use of resources, you're right. It's not a friendly neighborhood and size can be a deterrent." He fiddled with his PADD a bit. "Mr. Neelix has been working with Commander Data in the Hera's astrometrics lab to add some context to what we were able to get from the Array, and from Captain Ransom's logs. These... Vidians.. in particular have me worried. After what they did to the Hera, I'm not eager to encounter them." Picard nodded.
"Has the EMH managed to fully restore his function in Sickbay."
"He has." Chakotay replied, "Ensign Torres has been cultivating a plethora of bioneural gel packs from the supply left on the Equinox. The boost in processing speed and storage is impressive and as you know Commander Data was able to integrate them into the new bridge modifications on the Enterprise. Bellanna doesn't want to stop there, she wants to refit the whole fleet."
"Four ships hardly constitutes a fleet." Picard commented.
"I was including the Runabouts." Chakotay said lightly. He looked at the PADD and sighed. "This next topic, I'm aware, is going to be a touchy subject." he warned. ""Don't shoot the messenger please." Picard nodded, intrigued. "Mr Barclay has petitioned again, to return to the Enterprise." Picard's expression had hardened at the man's name. "Captain with all due respect, this is a difficult situation for us all, and we're all looking for things to hold on to. I truly believe he simply didn't think it through.'
"Clearly." Picard said icily, "However appropriate use of holographic facilities has been a topic of much concern regarding Mr. Barclay in the past, including disciplinary review. Reconfiguring the EMH using the personell file of this ship's former Chief Medical Officer.. " He took a breath, 'It's simply inexcusable."
"So noted." Chakotay replied, "However Captain Ransom has raised some concern about it affecting his performance, and therefore his ship's readiness. I'll be blunt, he's moping." He looked up. "You were the one to recommend him over Bellanna, as Chief of engineering. I think he suspects you took the better choice for yourself."
"Lieutenant Commander Gomez has worked tirelessly since her arrival here,she was highly recommended by my own former Chief Engineer, and this she has earned my full confidence." Picard replied. "On a ship the size of the Equinox, yes, his experience and his career accomplishments make him a better choice, regardless of how promising your choice may be in terms of engineering aptitude. To assume a leadership position requires more than raw talent." Picard replied. "I may have overestimated just how effectively Commander Laforge was supervising him."
"Bellanna actually respects his abilities, and she's take a personal interest in supporting his leadership as Chief, which frankly amazes me." Chakotay replied, "So you'll get no argument from me. Mr. Barclay is clearly capable of inspiring loyalty albeit in an.. unconventional manner. Nonetheless Barclay respects you deeply and he misses this ship. He was assigned here for quite some time, the Equinox has accomodations that are much more modest, and when the Hera is away, he's basically trapped there. That's a daunting prospect this far from home. We don't even have a counselor for him to talk to." Picard put his cup down hard at that, and Chakotay put a hand up to forestall indignation. "I know." he said, "Jean Luc, I know. I've lost good people myself, I get it, but we need a resolution that fits the situation." Picard sat back, simmering.
"You still haven't been to Deck 1." Chakotay commented, "It's been weeks, and it's becoming difficult to explain how a former Maquis has become first officer, for a Captain who won't go to the bridge."
Picard was silent. Chakotay waited. Picard glared, Chakotay met his glare.
"You were overseeing things on the array." Chakotay told him counting off on his fingers, "You took that trip to Occampa, you did a full inspection tour of the Hera when she was ready to ship out. You've certainly kept busy, but it's become noticable, and that affects crew morale." He glanced around Picard's quarters instinctively and tried not to notice the earring sitting on the coffee table behind him.
"I know we really don't know each other well enough to have this conversation, but you've pushed away anyone else who would have it with you," He finished irritably and began to rise." and it doesn't matter I guess because I also know I don't want to have it." Picard raised a hand and Chakotay stopped.
"You seem to "know" a great deal." Picard said with some irritation. "As I said, experience and accomplishment make for a better leader." He let the statement hang. "It's my fault for not choosing a less experienced first officer." He shook his head. He looked at Chakotay. "I'm sorry it's come to the point where you need to say anything." He stood up. 'I will report to the bridge for Beta shift, and in the meantime I will re-accquaint myself with my own ready room." He looked around his quarters and sighed. "I just.. I wasn't quite prepared to accept that they were gone." He massaged his forehead with one hand and then he shot a glare at Chakotay that was only somewhat sincere, and raised a finger "And as you have assumed responsibility for Mr. Barclay's cause, you may inform him that he is permitted to visit the Enterprise once more, but that if he attempts to use the likeness of any other personell with whom he has served for any of his little projects, I will leave him on Occampa."
"Thank you sir. I'm sorry for bringing it up, but I appreciate your willingness to listen." Chakotay said diplomatically.
"Is there anything else you'd care to.. discuss.. number one?" Picard asked. He tried to make the nickname sound casual, but Chakotay caught the significance. Chakotay glanced at the earring. Picard saw him do it. He sent a challenging gaze.
"No sir." Chakotay said, "I think I will escape with my ill gotten gains, while I still have my hide."
"Ah, Commander.." Chakotay turned toward Picard one foot out the door. "I've just had a rather intriguing notion about ship's counselor
..."
. *. *.
"This is incredible!" Kes breathed as she looked around her. Tuvok stood beside her and raised an eye brow. Before them lay the Occampan quarters, or rather, city.
"In order to accommodate over 3500 individuals, many of whom belong to family groups, while attending to the structural and logistical demands of a starship, it was necessary to increase unit density, while compartmentalizing sections for safety." Tuvok replied, he indicated a central hub of windows extending up and down two decks with open space, parallel to another row of windows. Planters and greenery were already growing on the "street" below and decorated arching walkways. "
"Chief Argyle, serving aboard the Hera, is quite familiar with the facilities on the Enterprise,having served aboard her, following her initial launch. He specializes in both warp propulsion and environmental systems. Utilizing the industrial replicators aboard the Enterprise and the Hera, as well as some innovative applications of transporter technology suggested by Ensign Torres and Lieutenant Barclay, we were able to reconfigure elements of the ship's deck plan. Each module contains an independent life support system, five levels, three districts divided into quarters, while making efficient use of simulated natural lighting..."
"It marvelous Tuvok." Kes interjected, unable to contain herself. Tuvok accepted the breach as he had found Kes to be generally more emotionally composed than many other humanoids "I see the corridor levels have been connected to open up more space."
"They are aligned in complimentary concentric spirals." Tuvok informed her, "creating an unbroken stretch that combined with converting casual seating areas into multi deck openings creates the illusion of open space. The natural light projection and plantings augment this effect." Kes nodded.
"My people are already moving in?"
"They are." The Vulcan confirmed, "And as you have not yet selected quarters of your own, I thought it would be appropriate to show you your alternatives to standard crew quarters, while briefing you, as your people's liason as to the features of their accomodations."
"How thoughtful." Kes remarked, "Neelix wasn't happy about moving to the Hera, but if it is travelling in advance of the fleet, his knowledge as a guide will be most useful there." She gave a shrug, "I hadn't really committed to living in his shuttle for the duration of our trip anyway."
"Indeed." Tuvok said noncommittally, "And it is because of your role among your people, that I feel I should inform you, you are entitled to more extensive, diplomatic quarters, should you wish them."
"I appreciate that." Kes said hesitantly. "But I'm not really used to having a lot of space and.. I think I'd like to stay somewhere near sick bay, if that is possible." Tuvok cocked his head.
"If you don't mind my asking," He replied, "For what reason?"
"Well I've sort of.. made friends with the Doctor Zimmerman you see." Kes replied, "He's become something of a mentor and when I expressed interest in studying medicine, both he and Nurse Ogawa were very encouraging."
"Dr. Zimmerman?" Tuvok asked, arching an eyebrow.
"He's chosen the name 'Charles' for his experiences on the array of course-" Kes began, Tuvok interjected.
"And the surname 'Zimmerman', no doubt, for the creator of the Emergency Medical Hologram project, Lewis Zimmerman." He stated, "But I am not familiar with the reference to 'Charles'. Can you elaborate?" Kes quirked a smile.
"It bothers you, to miss a reference." She teased him. "I have a feeling you'd be quite competitive at Mr. Paris' Trivia night on the Equinox."
"Perhaps." Tuvok replied, filing that away for future inquiry, "But while the phrase "bothers" suggests a degree of emotional dysregulation that is uncharacteristic of a Vulcan, I will admit to a strong sense of curiosity."
"It's from an ancient earth story, 'Flowers for Algernon'." Kes explained, "It's quite sad actually, about a man from Earth with some sort cognitive impairment I think, who participated in some new form of medical treatment that expanded his faculties."
'I suspect that story does not make these changes permanent." Tuvok replied, "Thus your characterization that it is... 'sad'."
"Well I won't spoil it." Kes told him, "You'll have to read it yourself, but I think his choice of name was quite thoughtful, he said it would be a reminder not to take his existence for granted."
"In essence, his first name is an admonition, and his last, an homage." Tuvok concluded, "would that all sentient creatures could conceive of an identity in such an intentional manner."
"What does 'Tuvok' mean?" Kes asked curiously. Tuvok hesitated, and almost as if unsure of himself he answered
"Loosely translated, it carries the meaning "You are the vessel which carries my thoughts." Kes stared at him.
"That's.. lovely." She said, "And.. surprisingly emotional."
"My name is a transliteration to human speech, as it is largely unpronounceable by human vocal chords." He replied. "It loses context in the translation."
"Well I'm not human." Kes pointed out, "Perhaps I could learn it?"
"Perhaps." Tuvok replied.
"Anyway." Kes said returning to their earlier topic, "Doctor Zimmerman will be starting classes in medicine and I want to be part of them, but I know I have a lot to learn."
"Intriguing." The Vulcan commented, "The Captain has made it known that any individuals with an interest in such training are to be encouraged to pursue it, I had not thought he intended that to include the Occampa." Kes turned.
"We are good students, Mr. Tuvok." She pointed out, "We don't have as much time as others to learn, after all."
"Ah yes, the Occampan lifespan." Tuvok replied as they walked. Kes realized that the walkway was curved in a spiral with periodic staircase or acc as to a turbo lift. "Many races in the federation experience some aspects of aging at relatively different speeds, Klingons, for example reach maturity twice as fast as humans, though their typical lifespan is twice as long."
"What about Vulcans?" Kes asked. She inspected one of the planet beds as Tuvok declined to answer. "I think I'd like to live nearby so I could easily stop by after my other duties. We are between the bridge and Sickbay here, right?"
"Correct, in a manner of speaking." Tuvok replied, "The Occampan Quarters extend throughout decks 6 through 11, as it was designed not to interfere with key ship systems." He indicated a central section above without windows, "For example, that is the main computer core."
"I see." Kes said, she looked around with a more careful eye. "So.. many of these windows are to quarters.."
"That would otherwise be windowless as they are located on the interior of the saucer." Tuvok replied, "Though many races do not care either way, some find it aesthetically necessary to open onto a larger space, where accomodations are limited, to provide a sense of freedom."
"I see." Kes considered, "Even Though my people have lived underground for generations, we still prefer to have open spaces that have natural appearing light." They walked a bit further and Kes recognized where they had first entered was now below her, they had walked at least one circuit around.
"Perhaps we should now make our way to the bridge, so that we are not late." Kes nodded. "There is a turbolift access up ahead." Tuvok told her
"Tuvok.. why are you doing this?" she asked as they changed pace
"As the ship's chief of security, it is my responsibility to see to the security needs of any high ranking dignitary." Tuvok replied.
"Not the tour, this." She gestured around her. "You rebuilt the inside of your ship just to make us more comfortable, after agreeing to take us with you to find our lost brethren who may be years, if not decades away in who knows what direction!"
"We were in fact, able to extrapolate a likely course using data from the array." Tuvok replied, "Data that we were able to obtain through negotiation with the Caretaker, before it's passing. That knowledge will aid us greatly on our journey home." He studied her, "Was that not a fair exchange?"
"It was for us." Kes replied, "after you drove the Kaizon out of our system and helped my people regain access to the surface world. Some of you are even staying behind to help us restore it, you've already done more for us in a month than the Caretaker did in hundreds of years." Kes told him, "You've started training programs on my world, given us the ability to build and maintain ships..."
"You will eventually need to defend yourself." Tuvok replied, "And we have not 'given' you anything without federation involvement, as you are no doubt aware from the past several weeks of negotiation. We have acted in keeping with the best traditions of the Federation." Tuvok told her. He seemed mildly perturbed by what he was about to say.
"Though I am quite attentive to the limitations on our resources and supplies, I must admit, we have managed to secure a formidable supply of those resources utilizing the technology of the array, and the resources in your system. Many other captains would have handled this situation quite differently, however Captain Picard is a respected and capable leader among our people."
"Captain Laforge told me that you had a Prime Directive." Kes commented.
"Indeed." Tuvok said neutrally, "I am not certain that it was observed as it is stated, but ai have found that humans often create rules to refine what they must do, rather than to define what they cannot. Captain Picard found himself obliged to take action in a situation where the Caretaker had violated the precepts of the Prime Directive millennia ago, and had allowed other warp faring races to interfere further with your development.. arguably creating a paradigm where repeated intrusion became the norm." Tuvok turned to her. "Perhaps he concluded that the only way to avoid interfering with the dynamic he found, was to further contribute interference." Kes shook her head.
"You of all people must know that isn't really logical." She pointed out. "Captain Picard is grieving, he's very sad, and I think inside he blames himself for the crew members he lost."
Tuvok regarded her appreciatively.
"You are a very astute observer." He told her. "However, I submit that my theory regarding Captain Picard's reasoning holds internal logical consistency. The Captain has a profound sense of justice. I believe he felt that the only way to honor the prime directive in the scenario we became involved in, where declining to intervene was no longer an option, was to commit us to partnering as equally as possible."
"I overheard some crew members saying they thought the Captain might have just been stalling." Kes told him, "That the Enterprise has been sent tremendous distances in the past but that somehow a solution for returning home usually presented itself within a few days."
"Do you suspect that Captain Picard was insincere?" Tuvok asked her. Kes shook her head.
"No, but he seems like he is something of an idealist, and I get the impression he could be a bit more confident with the vast resources of your federation behind him."
"Captain Picard has encountered many situations, with and without the resources of the Federation to call upon." Tuvok replied, "And he has prevailed."
"But he had his crew, didn't he?" Kes observed, "He had close friends and comrades for years to help him find his way, now we are all relying on him. Who does he have to rely on?" Tuvok was thoughtful.
"The Captain has a particularly distinctive career." Tuvok observed, "Prior to commanding the Enterprise, Captain Picard commanded the Stargazer for nearly 20 years. The approximate equivalent of two Occampan generations." Tuvok told her. Kes' eyes widened. "The Captain first assumed command as a lieutenant, when his own captain, and the ships first officer were killed. He continued to command for twenty two years when ultimately his ship was attacked and suffered significant casualties, yet still he lead the survivors home." Tuvok finished concluding, "His record suggests he will preservere"
Kes said nothing more, and they continued walking. She could understand Tuvok's logic, to a degree but she remained positive that there was a deeper internal logic at work, one motivated by respect for institutions that were now far distant, and admiration for a man who carries tremendous burdens.
Captain Picard was grieving, but charismatic enough that evidently everyone from his half of the galaxy admired him enough to try to change the world for him, in every literal sense, if it was what he thought he needed. She just wasn't sure that it was.
. *.*.
Chakotay entered the forward lounge and looked around. The ship was pretty quiet, since the Hera had returned and the Captain had reassigned nearly a third of his crew to that vessel. Chakotay looked around and sat at the bar. A dark skinned woman in an outrageous hat approached him.
"First time in Ten Forward?" She commented. He nodded. "You look like a man on a mission." Chakotay folded his hands on the bar.
"I am." He said, impressed. "The Captain said I should come down here and look for Guinan. I'm Commander Chakotay"
"Ah, our new first officer.." she replied, "You must know you have some big shoes to fill." Chakotay nodded. "Is that a part of your mission?" Chakotay thought about that.
"I suppose it is." He acknowledged. "I have a responsibility to my crew as first officer, but I also have a habitat of finding my own way to do things."
"The Maquis way, versus the Starfleet way." Guinan answered understandingly, "What did the Captain say about this.. Guinan?"
"He said you were 'a good listener'." He told her. "Maybe even a good ship's counselor."
"I've been accused of worse, I suppose." She said, with a. wry grin "Did he also tell you I've been told a hundred times I would make a good counselor, and that I always reply, "I'm happy right where I am'?"
"No, but I figured it would go something like that." Chakotay replied, "He's been in command of the Enterprise for years, and I assume you've been here most of that time, if not all." He drummed the bar. "If anyone could have persuaded you, it'd be him, so why ask me?"
"Maybe he's testing you?' She asked intrigued.
"Maybe, but the question is for what. Is this a test for his first officer or... a test of a more personal nature." Chakotay replied musing, "I'd made an observation earlier that he was closed off, sent his most trusted officers and comrades away, and that I didn't know him well." He frowned, "Suddenly I have the impression I'm in some sort of audition."
"Well as I hear it, his former first officer made similar observations when he first met the Captain as well. He doesn't easily trust others, but he's got a good instinct about people when he does." Guinan said, "And as I hear it, you've worked hard to earn his trust the last few weeks. I think what the Captain has always valued most, are people who can help him make this great big ship more than just a vessel. Jean Luc has the heart of an explorer, but when that heart is broken, he needs a family."
"We all need family." Chakotay agreed, "But my impression of the Captain is that he's a very formal man."
"First impressions aren't always the best ones. Sometimes we make a fool of ourselves, sometimes we come across as too perfect." Guinan replied
"I doubt anyone has ever made a fool of the Captain and I doubt he has a particular appetite for anyone who does." Chakotay commented. Guinan cocked an eyebrow. "He seems very unforgiving towards anyone he places in a position of authority." Chakotay replied, "Maybe he didn't take kindly to the suggestion he needed a new shoulder to cry on." Chakotay frowned, "Or at least one with a few less complications I think."
"Am I his proof, then, that he still has a shoulder to cry on, should be need it, or am I the proof that there isn't a need for one to cry on?" Guinan asked bemused
"You tell me." Chakotay replied, he thought of saying more but thought better of it, "When's the last time he actually came to you as a friend?" Guinan gave him a long look.
"He's a difficult man to get close to." Chakotay commented, "At least as a fellow officer. I've never met anyone so saturated with a sense of duty. It makes me wonder what it takes to get past the uniform."
"Hot chocolate." Guinan said. Chakotay looked at her uncertainly.
"What?" he asked.
. *. *.
Picard steeled himself as the turbolift arrived at it's destination. Main Bridge. For a moment he allowed himself to imagine that the doors would open on a familiar scene, he had at once come to cherish unknowingly, and had taken for granted. Riker standing his post, Troi seated at her station, Data at Ops, Worf looking protectively over them all, Wesley..." He blinked. Wesley had not served on the bridge in some time. As his focus wavered, the doors slid open, and reality came rushing in.
Picard had deliberately selected the lower portside lift, still unready to emerge nearly on the spot where he had almost lost his life. His ready room was before him but he squared his shoulders and turned as he took in his new reality.
It was darker, was his first thought, lacking the browns and the tans he remembered. He noted the additional command stations to either side of the bridge, that replacing isolinear computer banks with bioneural gel packs were to have made way for, at their next visit to a starbase.
He glanced at the great domed ceiling that had been torn away, it had been restored with more muted lights, the carpet seemed a bit more red, and he noted blue highlighting the raised command section.
"Captain on the bridge." Chakotay said quietly. He stood before the Captain's chair, arms behind his back. His voice carried, despite it's volume, and Picard paused as all on the bridge stood at attention. Chakotay wore the new Starfleet uniform black with red shoulders, he saw Ro behind him, standing where counselor Troi's place had been, Kes stood beside her, the small bench seats on the perimeters had been returned.
He swallowed.
Lieutenant Commander Tuvok stood at one of the new stations, a few feet from where Picard stood, the new tactical station. He thought, he'd never quite liked having to stand and and turn, to address the former tactical station. After a few years, he'd realized one day that he hardly bothered too, any more, and had considered how Worf must have felt about that too. Often the security officer standing there had been the unfortunate target of bridge incursions. He noted the expanded station beside Tuvok for better tracking sensor data and communication, Lieutenant Sito manned that station. He glanced accross the bridge to the other side and noted Lieutenant Commander Gomez at the engineering station, with the secondary Ops position behind it.
Primary ops was still nearest him at the forward station, with Lieutenant Lavelle at attention, Starfleet had felt that too many situations causing damage or injury could affect the critical position and had spread the stations out. Picard noted that Tuvok, like Chakotay wore the updated starfleet uniform as did Lavelle, McKnight and all bridge officers. Kes wore civilian clothes as the Occampan liason. Picard absorbed the scene. "At ease." He declared at last. He gave Chakotay an appreciative look.
"I know Starfleet was phasing the old styles out over time, but I thought with all we've been through, we might build a little unity." Chakotay explained holding out his arms to examine his uniform. " Laforge is sticking with the traditional starfleet uniforms a bit longer on the Hera, but with the Val Jean and the Equinox all using the new standard, I'm sure they will come around when they are ready." He stepped to his right as Picard slowly approached, stepping up the dais.
" I take it the Val Jean has completed it's patrol?" He said to Ro. He was gratified to see her wearing a Starfleet uniform again as well.
"Aye sir." She replied, somewhat formally. "While we are docked below the Calypso, I am at your disposal as Chief tactical officer, while Lieutenant Tuvok will focus on ship's security." Picard nodded to the Vulcan, and looked at his chair, then at his own uniform.
"Well it appears my uniform is a bit.. outdated." He commented. He descended from the command platform. "I'll be sure to change before my shift begins, until then, Number One, he said turning to Chakotay, "You have the Conn." His ready room doors closed behind him. Ro leaned towards Chakotay.
"Better than I expected." She offered.
'Rome wasn't built in a day." Chakotay replied, "but it's a start." He turned to Gomez. "Lieutenant Gomez, I think this is the first we have met formally. Welcome to the bridge." He nodded to the Ensign standing beside her
She covered her face, shaking with laughter as the young office produced a hot chocolate and handed it to her.
"I'll never live that down..." she said in mock despair.
. *. *.
Picard heard laughter outside as he stood just inside his ready room. He too, was shaking.
"Q." He said quietly, "Let this be one of your illusions, one of your tests... one of your games. Let them be alive" There was no answer. The laughter died off following some inaudible comments from Chakotay, no doubt encouraging everyone to resume their work. Picard continued standing where he was, and whispered once more.
"End this Please..."
Authors note: I referenced this article and the work in the attached YouTube done by EC Henry /article/star-treks-enterprise-d-size-video/