MISCONCEPTIONS
A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky

PART V

INT. BRIDGE - Continuous

JEAN-LUC PICARD exits his ready room and briskly walks to CADET GAIRETH and DEANNA TROI at the helm station.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
What did you find, Cadet?

CADET GAIRETH
Well sir, according to the sensor readings, it appears as though Boturlia Three is in for one heck of an electrical storm. The long-wave and short-wave pulse patterns have been on the increase for the past few minutes. However, as you can tell from the viewscreen, the storm isn't visible, which is unusual.

Picard nods in understanding and glances at the viewscreen.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Eyes not leaving the viewscreen.)
Am I correct in assuming this storm will interfere with the away team's return?

DEANNA TROI
It's more than likely, Captain.

Moving to his chair, Picard contacts the away team (WILL RIKER).

JEAN-LUC PICARD
Enterprise to away team.

WILL RIKER (COMM)
Riker here.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
Commander, we're picking up an electrical field flux on the sensors that is going to interfere with the transport system. Collect your officers and equipment for immediate return.

WILL RIKER (COMM)
Data picked up a passing atmospheric anomaly when we first arrived, but I assumed it was a tricorder error because it was extremely short-lived.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
We'll discuss it when you're aboard.

WILL RIKER (COMM)
Aye, sir.

As the transmission ends, a fog-like mist begins to cover Boturlia III. Sparks of lightning are visible from time to time.

DEANNA TROI
(Looking at the viewscreen with wide eyes.)
Captain, I think the storm is rapidly increasing. Clouds are starting to cover the planet.

Two large energy discharges spark in the storm cloud, violently shaking the Enterprise and her crew.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
(To CHIEF MAGUIRE in the transporter room.)
Chief Maguire, get a lock on the away team and beam them aboard now!

CHIEF MAGUIRE (COMM)
I'm trying, sir, but the storm is blocking their signals.

Another storm discharge rocks the Enterprise, plummeting the bridge into darkness.

* * * * * * * * * *

EXT. BOTURLIA III – Immediately Following Picard's COMM Transmission

WILL RIKER taps his communicator badge, ending the transmission. He walks toward the other members of the AWAY TEAM, who are during surface studies several yards away.

WILL RIKER
Quinnen, Lashant – pack up the equipment. There's a building storm that's going to affect our departure unless we leave now. Data, see if you can get a reading on the interference.

Quinnen and Lashant scurry to gather the equipment while Data points a tricorder to the sky.

WILL RIKER
(Pointing to the growing cloud cover.)
There it is, Data.

DATA
I see it, sir. The tricorder is picking up extremely strong energy discharges, the likes of which I have never experienced before.
(Closing the tricorder and putting it into the pouch at his waist.)
I believe one or two large surges would have the capacity to short-circuit any electrical system in the vicinity.

LT. QUINNEN
(Speaking from a few feet away.)
Everything is collected, Commander.

WILL RIKER
(Tapping communicator badge.)
Away team to Enterprise. Four to beam aboard.

When no response is heard, Riker looks at Data with a somewhat concerned expression.

WILL RIKER
(To Data.)
Could the storm knock out power to the Enterprise?

DATA
(Thinking a moment.)
It is conceivable.

WILL RIKER
(Trying to contact the Enterprise again.)
Enterprise, come in.

At that moment, Boturlia III is affected by the atmospheric storm – thick lightning bolts pierce the sky, sending tremors through the ground.

DATA
(Tilting his head.)
I fear the storm has blocked communication for the time being. We may not be able to contact the Enterprise until the storm passes, or at least loses some strength.

WILL RIKER
(Bracing himself from another tremor.)
I think you're right.

* * * * * * * * * *

INT. BRIDGE – Minutes After Storm Impact

The auxiliary power kicks in, bringing the bridge back to life. JEAN-LUC PICARD quickly rises from his chair and turns to the tactical station manned by LT. PARKER.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
Status, Lieutenant.

LT. PARKER
(Quickly scanning the read-out from his console.)
Phaser banks, communication and the transporter system are down. Auxiliary power is currently supporting all vital systems until main power can be restored. Ship damage is minimal. No major personnel injuries reported.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
Work on getting the transporters up and running.

Other members of the BRIDGE CREW move about, trying to correct the after-effects of the electrical discharge just as a smaller "aftershock" shakes the ship.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Looking toward the ceiling.)
Lieutenant Commander K'Jared, please report to the bridge.

CADET GAIRETH looks up from the helm console. After a few seconds, LT. CMDR. K'JARED enters the bridge via a turbolift.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
(To K'Jared.)
Commander, take the helm.

K'Jared gives Picard a quick nod and heads toward the helm. Gaireth rises from the seat and moves out of the way.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
(To Gaireth.)
Cadet, I'm temporarily relieving you of your duties.

CADET GAIRETH
(Slight disappointment in her eyes.)
Yes, sir.

Gaireth exits the bridge with a small amount of reluctance.

LT. PARKER
Captain, main power has been restored. All systems are fully functional except for the transporter system. Chief Maguire is reporting that the storm surge has affected the system more severely than he initially thought. It could be some time before it's functional.

JEAN-LUC PICARD
Damn.
(Pauses.)
Contact the away team and apprise them of the situation.

INT. GAIRETH'S QUARTERS – Same Afternoon

CADET GAIRETH sits in an armchair looking at a data PADD. She sighs and tosses it on the table in front of her, frustrated with boredom and the feeling of uselessness.

COMPUTER
Incoming COMM link from Cadet Adam Gaireth.

Gaireth jumps to her feet and moves to the desk in the next room where a desktop viewer is set up. The screen flickers to life showing the Federation logo before switching to a picture of a fresh-faced engineer cadet (ADAM GAIRETH).

ADAM GAIRETH
Hey, sis! How goes life on the Enterprise?

CADET GAIRETH
(Mustering a small smile.)
It goes. Ups and downs, but it goes.
(Pauses.)
Why are you calling? No offense, of course.

ADAM GAIRETH
(Mock gasp.)
What? I can't talk to my big sister for no other reason but to have a friendly conversation to find out what's going on in her life? I'm appalled you'd think I have an ulterior motive.

CADET GAIRETH
(Laughs.)
Gimme a break. You always have an ulterior motive, little brother. It's second nature to you.

ADAM GAIRETH
(Big smile.)
Elyse, Elyse, Elyse. Just humor me. All I want to know is when you'll be back at the Academy.

Gaireth leans back in her chair and narrows her gaze.

CADET GAIRETH
And why would you want to know that?

ADAM GAIRETH
Oh, no reason in particular, just curious.

CADET GAIRETH
Uh-huh ...

ADAM GAIRETH
(Putting his hands behind his head.)
Okay. Don't tell Or'cala I told you, but she's planning a welcome home party for the star cadet of the Academy.

CADET GAIRETH
(Rolls her eyes and shakes her head.)
Adam, you know I hate parties. Try to talk her out of it.

Gaireth's door chime rings.

CADET GAIRETH
Look, I gotta go – someone's at the door. I'll be home in a couple of days. Until then, please try to sideline Or'cala's plans. Please.

ADAM GAIRETH
I'll do my best, sis.
(Smiles.)
Try to stay out of trouble.

The viewscreen shows the Federation logo once more before going blank. A second later, the door chime rings again.

CADET GAIRETH
Come in.

DEANNA TROI stands in the open doorway.

DEANNA TROI
(Looking around the empty main room.)
Elyse?

Gaireth enters the room and looks at Deanna with a surprised expression.

CADET GAIRETH
Counselor.
(Pauses.)
Uh, come on in.

Deanna enters the room as the door closes behind her.

CADET GAIRETH
Is the away team aboard yet?

DEANNA TROI
(Shaking her head.)
Not yet. The transporters are still down. Apparently the "conventional" means of returning power to the system are failing. There's an engineering team trouble-shooting it as we speak. At least communications are working so we're in constant contact with those on the planet.

Gaireth nods in understanding, obviously thinking of something.

DEANNA TROI
(Tilting her head to the side.)
I can tell something's bothering you, Elyse. Would you like to talk about it?

CADET GAIRETH
(Suddenly moves a hand to the top of her head, running her fingers through her hair.)
Geez, where are my manners? Please, have a seat, Counselor.

DEANNA TROI
Deanna.
(Gaireth gives her a wary glance.)
At least when we're not on duty.

CADET GAIRETH
(Gestures to the couch against the far wall of the room.)
Deanna.
(Pauses.)
Can I get you anything to drink?

Deanna offers Gaireth a smile and takes a seat on the couch.

DEANNA TROI
Hot chocolate would be great, thanks.

Gaireth retrieves two mugs of hot chocolate from the replicator and sits in an armchair next to the couch. She hands one of the mugs to Deanna and sets her own on the table in front of her. Deanna takes a sip of her drink.

CADET GAIRETH
(Breaking the awkward silence.)
So ...

DEANNA TROI
What's on your mind, Elyse?

CADET GAIRETH
Honestly, I hate to admit what I'm thinking, but I also know that your Betazoid abilities can tell if I'm lying ... meaning there isn't much use in doing so.

DEANNA TROI
(Gives Gaireth a small smile.)
You are right – there's no point in lying to an empath.

CADET GAIRETH
(Leaning forward, putting her elbows on her knees.)
In that case, I'll put it all out on the table.
(Sighs.)
I feel like nobody trusts me when I'm on duty. Among other things, Commander K'Jared is constantly standing over my shoulder pointing out things I already know and interrupting me when Captain Picard asks for a report. It makes me feel useless and out-of-place.

Deanna sets her mug on the table and crosses her arms.

DEANNA TROI
What did you expect to gain from this program? Did you expect to be considered an equal on the bridge?

CADET GAIRETH
When Commander Kosanic approached me about this assignment I immediately knew it'd be a phenomenal learning experience – one that very few cadets would be allowed to be a part of. I was completely honored to be chosen. And no, I didn't expect to be considered an equal officer simply because I'm not a full-fledged officer yet.
(Takes a deep breath.)
I did, however, expect the opportunity to prove myself trustworthy and competent during my duty shifts. It never even crossed my mind that I'd have someone literally staring over my shoulder after three days.
(Slumps back in her chair.)
I don't mean to sound egotistical, but I have confidence that I've performed my duties to the best of my abilities. I really don't think I need Commander K'Jared two steps behind me.

DEANNA TROI
But can you see the situation from Captain Picard's point of view? Understand his trepidation about having an inexperienced student onboard, even if you do consider yourself capable?

CADET GAIRETH
Of course I do, Counselor. And please don't think I'm ungrateful for the opportunity to serve in this program because I'm not. I'm just ... I don't know what I am.

DEANNA TROI
Don't be quite so hard on yourself Elyse. The captain is just being cautious – and he has every right to be.
(Smiles.)
But I've witnessed how hard you can work and I'm positive that hasn't gone unrecognized by other bridge officers.

CADET GAIRETH
I'm glad someone's noticed. It means a lot to me, hearing you say that.
(Making eye contact with Deanna.)
And thanks for listening to my childish ramblings. I know Starfleet officers aren't supposed to complain like this ...

Deanna rises from her seat.

DEANNA TROI
(Placing a hand on Gaireth's shoulder.)
Don't mention it – that's what I'm here for.
(Crossing the room.)
I really should get back to the bridge. I'll try to speak to Captain Picard about giving you some room, but I'm not making any promises, especially with the Boturlia situation.

CADET GAIRETH
(Standing.)
I appreciate the thought, Deanna, but I don't want you to get yourself into an unfavorable situation because of me. I'll be gone in a few days anyway.

DEANNA TROI
Like I said, no promises.

Gaireth suddenly snaps her fingers and darts into the next room, sitting at her desk.

CADET GAIRETH
Computer, set up a COMM link to Commander Owen Gaireth on the U.S.S. Neptune.

COMPUTER
Establishing link.

CADET GAIRETH
(To Deanna.)
Could your return to the bridge wait a few minutes, Counselor? I may know someone who can help re-establish power to the transporter system.

– End Part V –

All "known" characters (c) Paramount, Star Trek: The Next Generation and all other relevant parties. This story was written for the enjoyment of other TNG fans and is not meant to infringe upon the copyrights of the aforementioned individuals.