STARDATE 57898.7
It was said a long time ago that in space, nobody could hear you scream. However, in the case of Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship Enterprise, that was not the case. The Enterprise - NCC-1701-E - had just finished repairs shortly after a catastrophic battle with the Romulan secret agent Shinzon. There were mary losses in that battle, but one year later, one loss still haunted Picard to that day,
"Data..."
Picard suddenly arose from a deep slumber. It was just a dream. In his dream, he had watched the Enterprise's navigator - an android with hauntingly yellow eyes and grey artificial skin - being blasted out into the cold vastness of interstellar space, and presumably killed, while shouting "CAPTAIN!"
"CAPTAIN!"
The voice shouted from his computer terminal on his desk. Groggingly, Picard arose from his bunk and made his way to the replicator.
"Tea, Earl Gray. Hot. " Picard momentarily waited as the replicator created a perfect cup of Earl Grey tea. He took the hot beverage and took a sip of the delicious drink as he made his way to the terminal, Upon sitting down, he pressed a button on the touch sreen.
'Picard here." On the screen showal a familiar face. "Admiral Jawway. Is something wrong?"
"I could ask the same of you, "said the hauntingly beautiful yet elderly and battle-worn admiral who was one year removed from bringing back the Voyager from the Delta Quadrant. "Are you up for another adventure?"
"Admiral, " replied the aging captain, "I think my days of gallivanting across the galaxy are done."
"Nonsense, Jean-Luc, We have found the perfect candidate to act as your ship's navigator." Before Picard could protest, Janeway interrupted. "This is a direct order from Starfleat Command"Admiral," replied Picard, "I would prefer an android. They engage in perfect examples of duty and logic "
"And a Vulcan doesn't?" Picard was puzzled at the admiral's questioning reply, "Juan-Luc, you are to embark to Vulcan. There is a Vulcan scientist there who has shown remarkable aptitude for ship navigation, And he is also well-versed in other aspects of ship control and ship protocol." Janeway produced a rare smile that emphasized the crow's feet on the sides of her eyes. "You know, Jean-Luc. He could very well be a prime candidate for ship's captain. Janeway out."
As Janeway ended the transmission, the screen reverted to its normal image of the ensignia of the United Federation of Planets. Picard noticed that his tea had become cold from being neglected for too long. He chugged the rest of the tea and he rose to put on his standard captain's uniform. After looking in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable,he exited his quarters and made his was to the turbolift and entered.
"Bridge." With that single word, the turbolift made a rapid ascension to the bridge. After the turbolift stopped, he stepped onto the bridge and saw familior faces he had not expected to see on his ship again. "Will. Deanna, This is a pleasant surprise Why are you here?"
"As ordered by Janeway, sir," said the bearded Will.
"Captain Willian T. Riker. I knew you would rise to the captain's chair, son," Picard beamed with pride.
"That's because I had the best teacher," Riker replied. "So what is on Vulcan?"
"Our new ship's navigator," said Picard. "Although nobody can ever replace our sorely-missed Commander Data." Suddenly, Picaes heard a female's voice speaking to him.
"He will return…"
"Deanna?" Picard looked at the strikingly beautiful Betazoid who was also the wife of Riker. "Deanna Troi, did you say something?
"No, sir, "replied Trol. "Captain, I sense much confusion and anger in you."
"Why would I NOT be angry?" Picard's voke took on a sense of agitation, "The Romulans sending in secret agents cloned from me, one of whom attacks my ship and causes the deaths of many crewman, including...Data. So excuse me if I seem confused and angry."
Picard head another voice.. a gravelly yet high-pitched voie. "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate, Hate leads to...suffering."
Picard looked at Troi. "No. That wasn't you talking. I apologize for my emotional outburst."
"Don't worry yourself, Captain," The beautiful empath said. "Do you need somebody to navigate to Vulcan? If so, I still hold my qualifications for navigation."
"Then take your station, navigator - and counselor - Deanna Troi of Betazed," replied Picard. Troi and the rest of the bridge crew assembled at their respective stations.
A voice came over the bridge's intercom. "Commander LaForge reporting from engineering, sir. Ship engines at full capacity. Warp speed at your discretion."
"Thank you, Geordi." Picard sat in the captain's chair and looked at the new helmsman - a male Bajoran. "Ensign, impulse speed."
"Aye sir," replied the ensign.
"Course laid in for Vulcan, Captain," said Troi.
"Warp speed at my mark, ensign." As the ship moved out of the Sol system, familiar planets passed by. Once the Enterprise moved past Saturn, Picard knew it was time. "Warp speed now."
With that single command, the warp drive was engaged, and the Enterprise moved many times faster than the speed of light. "Thank you, Zeframe Cochrane," Picard said to himself, giving praise to the person who brought Earth out of the despair of post-World War III trauma and into a new era of discovery and enlightenment. "And thank you, Lily," once again said to himself, remembering the Earth woman who helped him to get over the trauma of his assimilation by the Borg.
