A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART III
INT. PICARD'S READY ROOM – Same Afternoon
Reading a leather-bound novel, JEAN-LUC PICARD sits in a chair with his feet resting on a corner of his desk. The door chime rings.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Turning a page.)
Come.
The door slides open to reveal DATA. He walks into the room and stands in front of Picard's desk with his hands clasped behind him. Picard removes his feet from the desktop and closes his book, setting it down.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
What can I do for you, Mister Data?
Data steps forward and gingerly lifts the edge of Picard's book to read the title imprinted on the spine.
DATA
To Kill A Mockingbird? Is it an instruction manual?
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Smiling.)
No, Data. It's a wonderful twentieth-century novel that deals
with human prejudice on several levels. I highly recommend you read
it.
DATA
I shall do that, sir. And since prejudice is something I have
experienced on multiple occasions, in many different contexts, I believe
I will be able to identify with the characters in the novel.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Nodding.)
Hmmm, yes. Prejudice, unfortunately, is an almost innate human
trait that is difficult to escape. Even nowadays.
DATA
Yes, sir.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
But I assume you didn't come here to analyze literature and its practical
application in today's society, did you?
DATA
(Cocking his head.)
Although that would be a more interesting conversation – one that I
would enjoy discussing with you in the future – it is not the purpose of
my visit.
(Pauses.)
Commander La Forge and I regret to inform you that our most recent
attempt to upgrade the transporter system's reliability in moments of interference
has failed. As Geordi stated, we are once again at "square one" with
our brainstorming.
Picard leans back in his chair and places a contemplative finger over his lips.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
I'm sorry to hear that Commander. Don't let the results discourage
you from finding a viable solution though. If it is an achievable
task I have complete faith that the two of you can discover a solution.
(Sitting up.)
Inform Mister La Forge that I'd like a report of the previous attempts
made along with possible reasons for their failure.
DATA
Aye, sir.
Data turns to leave. Picard's voice causes him to stop just before reaching the door.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Opening his book.)
Let me know what you think of To Kill A Mockingbird when you've
had a chance to complete it. We can have a philosophical talk about
the book's themes and how they apply to the current societal dynamics in
which we live.
DATA
(Facing Picard.)
I will look forward to that discussion, Captain.
Data exits the room as Picard returns his feet to the desktop and
continues reading.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE – A Few Hours Later
Members of the SENIOR STAFF are seated around the conference table. JEAN-LUC PICARD is standing at the head of the table with several data PADDs stacked in front of him.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
In anticipation of the upcoming crew rotation, I had Commander Riker
draw up a list of incoming and outgoing officers.
Picard circles the table handing a PADD to each officer. When he returns to his starting position, Picard sits and places his hands on the tabletop.
WILL RIKER
Each of you should have the pertinent crew information for your respective
areas and departments.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
We shouldn't be docked at Starbase six-two-eight for any real length
of time. Only long enough to transfer the necessary officers.
When that is complete, we'll be departing for the Rocleus system.
DEANNA TROI
Regarding the Rocleus system ...
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Turning to Deanna.)
Yes, Counselor?
DEANNA TROI
What type of system are we looking at? I'm not familiar with
Rocleus at all. Is it a possible first contact situation or are our
observations aimed more toward ecological prospects?
DATA
(Glancing at Picard.)
If I may, Captain?
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Gesturing in Data's direction.)
By all means.
DATA
(Addressing Deanna.)
The Rocleus system consists of five planets of various sizes orbiting
a central star that provides heat and light. According to what I
have studied thus far, none of the planets are inhabited but that does
not mean they are not of class-M status. There is little information
currently available about the planets' soil and atmospheric composition
at this time, hence the reason the Enterprise is being sent to explore
the system.
Picard looks toward Deanna, who nods to indicate Data supplied an adequate answer.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
Very well then. If there are no further questions the ...
Picard is interrupted by a flash of white light in the lounge. Appearing in the middle of the table is Q, dressed in a Starfleet captain's uniform. Lying comfortably on his side, head propped up and one leg bent, Q is facing Beverly.
Q
I have a question, mon Capitain. Why does this ship always
seems so damn boring until I grace you with my presence? Crew
rotation, ecological surveys ... really!
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Standing.)
Q! What are you doing here?
Q
(Ignoring Picard and focusing his attention on Beverly.)
Well if it isn't the good doctor herself. How is every little
thing, Bev? Good, I hope.
WILL RIKER
Cut the chitchat Q.
Q sits up and crosses his legs Indian-style.
Q
Always the serious one, aren't you Riker?
(Pauses.)
I figure I'm allowed to catch up on the lives of the Enterprise
crew. After all, it has been a long time since my last visit.
(Scanning the faces around the table.)
In fact, I feel the need for a "Welcome Back, Q" party!
Q snaps his fingers and the observation lounge is transformed into a room decorated for a party. Balloons and streamers cover the walls and hang from the ceiling. Party hats adorn the heads of the officers and peppy dance music fills the air. Q stands and jumps down from the table.
Q
(Gesturing about the room.)
Now that's more like it.
(To Beverly.)
Care to dance, Doctor?
Without waiting for a response, Q pulls a surprised Beverly toward him and they begin spinning around the room. Except for Data, the officers remove their hats and exchange glances ranging from slightly amused to slightly angered.
DATA
(Extending a hand to Deanna.)
Counselor?
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Quickly looking in Data's direction with a serious expression.)
Data.
DATA
(Dropping his hand.)
Sorry.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Setting his hat on the table.)
Q, my observation lounge is not the appropriate location for you ...
festivities.
Q halts his dancing and looks at Picard. He tilts his head and displays a small frown.
Q
All work and no play makes Jean-Luc a very dull boy.
(Pauses and smiles.)
But have no fear! I'm here to add a little spice to your otherwise
dull existence.
The background music crescendos as Q and Beverly continue dancing.
– End Part III –
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 any of the aforementioned individuals.