Chapter 3

"Sir, I am detecting an energy source at the edge of our sensor range." Worf announced in his deep voice.

"Can you determine the point of source?" asked Data, while at the same time consulting his own scanners attached to the command chair. With his eyes fixed intently on the readouts he observed the fluctuations. He raised his eyebrows in an expression that echoed his new personal feelings, "fascinating!"

"Although I cannot tell for certain, I believe it is some kind of probe," observed Worf.

Data nodded in agreement. "And it appears to be heading rapidly in our direction."

Worf's barely audible growl preceded his statement, "It is of no known configuration. Possibly something new from the Romulans."

Within seconds the object sped its way through the cold of space, its identity puzzling the Starfleet crew. Without warning a screeching series of pulses echoed though the ship.

Data cocked his head and in a confident voice, "Mr. Worf please tie these pulses to the audio transponder, level 4.6." The android rose from the command chair and walked over to the science station. His fingers flew across the panel, and once more he mused, "fascinating!" Turning to Deanna, he asked, "Counselor, do you sense any life forms?"

Deanna usually kept a sort of mental screen around her empathic ability. On a ship this large it just wasn't possible for her to constantly be filtering any undesirable thoughts. By placing an almost permanent wall to protect herself she could use the ability only when she desired. At Data's request she allowed her guard to drop, her senses to detect something. "I sense a united consciousness, an awareness, but somehow different."

Data was intently listening to what seemed an erratic series of beeps and clicks, his head cocked in a manner that signaled his concentration. "I believe that this may be a form of communication Lt. Worf." To no one is particular, Data announced, I am tying in these sounds to the universal translator."

Deanna sat ramrod straight, her hands clutching the padded arms of her seat. Her senses were being bombarded by something totally foreign. The alien sounds filled her being and with incredible effort she freed her left hand and moved her long slender fingers to her temple. "I must block them out!"

Data, still at the science station, turned and regarded the Betazoid. "Counselor, are you able to receive communication from this probe?"

Before she could answer, Worf announced, "Probe is within visual range."

Data turned and walked slowly as he studied the image that filled the forward screen.

A hazy almost perfect elliptical shape virtually filled the entire forward screen. It looked finely webbed, and as the form moved through space it flowed and ebbed almost as a single organism. Sound waves emanated from the shape.

"Lieutenant, please correlate parallel numerical values to each sound. Tie in the video alternating matrix and put on screen," he commanded with urgency in his voice.

What appeared on screen was a series of letters, but in positions and combinations without sense. A hush fell over the bridge crew as they stared at the screen, one by one muttering they didn't understand the gibberish.

Deanna stood, her hands clenched into fists and moved towards Data. She gasped and faltered in her stance. "Data, whoever or whatever is in that object, they are savage and desperate."

"Desperate for what Counselor?"

Deanna wavered once more and reached out to grasp Data's steady arm. She sank to her knees and her head drooped as she responded to his question, "They are desperate for freedom."

As Data kneeled to help the limp Counselor, "Computer, "transpose the numerical value to read on an opposite pole axis while grouping in familial sequences."

The screen blinked for an instant as he helped Troi to her seat and the letters re-appeared. To most it seemed that there was very little difference between this and the previous screen.

After settling Troi in her chair, he turned and once more approached the forward screen. "Computer, rearrange these letters reading left to right and rearrange familial groups to produce sequential phrases."

Once more the screen blinked, as the letters were re-arranged. Before the others could comprehend the message, Data tapped his communicator and urgently summoned, "Captain Picard to the Bridge."

* * * *

He awoke with a start and looked around the room realizing he was still crumpled on the floor. Not sure how long he had been sleeping he struggled to his feet and smoothed his uniform. "Tea. Early Gray. Hot," he ordered, stumbling to the replicator.

The tea burned his lips as his shaking hands held it to his mouth. He sipped on the liquid, trying to shake off the ominous feelings within him. Carrying the cup of tea, he settled into a comfortable leather chair. Picard's large new living quarters were bare and sterile. There were precious few ornaments or personal items here. Leaning back and closing his eyes, he recalled what the holodeck figure of a young Kirk had told him. As he finally began to relax, he thought more and more about what had been imparted by the Kirk image. After many moments he decided he would try to speak to an older version of the captain.

Not hearing or maybe hearing, but not acknowledging Data's urgent call he made his way to holodeck three, pausing only to throw his communicator badge on the floor as the doors slipped noiselessly shut. He strode feverishly through the ships corridors and finally arrived at the double metal doors of the holodeck With a sigh of relief, he realized that it was unoccupied.

"Computer, when was the last formal public speaking engagement by James T. Kirk?"

"James T. Kirk gave the commencement address at the Starfleet Academy graduation Earth date June 20, 2292."

Picard thought momentarily before requesting, "Computer, please recreate the Starfleet Academy Ballroom on that date, just after Kirk addressed the assembly. Place him near the bank of windows overlooking San Francisco Bay."

"Program complete, enter when ready."

The doors opened and Jean-Luc stepped just inside the entrance to the speakers' lounge, main ballroom, south wing, Starfleet Academy. As he looked around at the holodeck recreation he muttered, "Impressive!" He had heard that the new holodecks were better than they had ever been. Programs were supposed to be more realistic, more interactive and now he could see they were so close to real it almost made him think he really was back here on earth.

He sauntered slowly around the room he so vividly remembered. Even though the room seemed somewhat quaint and staid in comparison and although the furnishings had been quite different in Picard's time, he instantly recognized it.

Jean-Luc had been Valedictorian of the class of 2327 and he remembered pacing in front of this exact expanse of window overlooking San Francisco Bay. He also remembered the excitement and even his nervousness at this occasion.

Engrossed in his memories, it took him several moments until he noticed Kirk at the far end of the room sitting on one of the plush divans.

Kirk was alone and was quietly gazing out over the bay, deep in thought. Jean-Luc walked nonchalantly over to Kirk thinking to himself that Kirk hadn't changed that much from the man he had met only a month ago and who had died a few precious feet from him.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Picard said in a hushed voice.

Kirk's face took on an almost sad smile and without moving his eyes from the magnificent scene, he answered, "It's my favorite place in the entire galaxy. I've been to incredible places in our universe, and this is still the one I prefer."

Jean-Luc sighed deeply and thought almost reluctantly of the home in Labarre where he had finally felt a sense of belonging, a sense of family. "I know what you mean Captain Kirk, I feel the same."

Kirk looked up, momentarily contemplating Picard's strange uniform, "You seem to have me at a disadvantage sir. You know who I am, but I am not familiar with you," Kirk looked Picard up and down, "or your uniform."

"I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Ent... umm, I umm, am here on a special leave," he answered taking a deep breath.

"And I suppose those are the new uniforms I've heard about?" Kirk asked.

Picard looked down at what he was wearing and realized that he should have obtained a uniform from the period. Trying to change the subject, Picard continued, "Yes Captain, I um, wonder if I could spend a few minutes talking to you or were you about to leave?"

Hearing no objections, he sat next to Kirk. He was unsure how to begin. Taking a quick glance at the vista before him, he turned once more to Kirk and took a steadying breath. "I have read a great deal about you, about your life and the voyages of the Enterprise and I am interested in some of the least known aspects of your life."

"My life!" Kirk said, surprised. "My life? Why would you find my life so intriguing?"

"You have accomplished a great deal and have spent a most interesting life in Starfleet. While all your battles and missions are well documented, there are certain personal aspects I wondered if I might discuss with you, Captain?"

Although Picard normally would have never intruded on someone else's space, he now had the overwhelming desire to speak to this person whom he had once studied.

"Well, actually, I was about to leave for home," Kirk answered standing up to face Jean-Luc. "I guess anyone who is interested in listening to an old man spin yarns about his life shouldn't be turned away. Would you care to join me for dinner, Captain Picard?"

"Well, yes, I believe that would be very nice, thank you." He wasn't sure if Kirk intended on eating in the lavishly appointed Academy dining room, or if he wanted to go elsewhere to eat.

"Fine. My flitter is just outside." Obviously Kirk had other intentions.

The two men walked out of the lounge and through the large building foyer. The sun was bright and Picard found himself believing the scenario in which he was taking part. He stole a sidelong glance at Kirk and smiled when he thought what the Captain's reactions would be when he would hear about their recent meeting.

The parking area was just beyond the lawn in front of the building and as Jean-Luc walked, he looked around at the familiar scenery. The sun was warm on his face and he could smell the scent of the flowers that lined the chip stone walkway. It was obvious that the computer had chosen a time period when the grounds had recently been mowed. He could detect the wonderful scent of cut grass mingling with carnation and rose.

As the two men climbed into Kirk's air car, Picard could not help but to take a quick backward glance with a momentary stab of regret that all this wasn't real.

Kirk started the engine and deftly maneuvered the vehicle out of the parking dock. The car rose easily and hovered temporarily. As they flew, both men remained quiet, immersed in their own thoughts. Picard looked down at the city below and murmured, "This program is nothing short of extraordinary."

"Did you say something, Captain?" Kirk asked.

"No, no nothing. I was just wondering where we might be going for dinner" Jean-Luc hastily retorted.

"Oh, I thought I would take you back to my place. That is if you want?" Kirk asked glancing briefly at Picard. "Unless you would prefer to go somewhere else? Maybe downtown?"

Picard thought "his place, my god, this is just too extraordinary!"

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