A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART X
INT. WIZARD'S CHAMBER – Continuous
Q slowly circles the QUARTET before sitting on the edge of the platform, his legs freely swinging over the edge.
Q
Any volunteers to go first?
Data bends forward to better see the others next to him. When none of them make a motion to speak up, Data returns to his original position.
DATA
I will volunteer.
Q
Excellent!
(Pauses.)
Would you lie to a friend if it meant sparing that person's feelings?
DATA
Many people have informed me that honesty is the best policy in any
situation, but ...
(Thinking a moment.)
... if I found myself in the specific situation you have described,
I believe I would want to protect my friend's feelings at all costs.
Of course that is assuming that the lie I would tell my friend would not
be detrimental to either of us. If the lie could possibly prove harmful
in any fashion I would be obligated to tell the truth in that instance.
Q
(Cutting Data off.)
That response was more than satisfactory, Commander.
(Curtly.)
I'm looking for quick and efficient answers here.
DATA
(Cocking his head.)
Then yes.
Q shakes his head out of frustration.
DATA
Is that not the answer you were expecting from me?
Q
(Changing the subject.)
Let's move on, shall we?
(Looking at Beverly.)
Doctor Dorothy!
(Leaning forward, his hands on his knees.)
What's more important to you – family and friends or your medical career?
BEVERLY CRUSHER
Family and friends, hands down.
Q gives Beverly a nod and shifts his position to more easily address the remaining two officers.
Q
(Pointing a finger at La Forge.)
Do you prefer the simple or the complex?
La Forge crosses his arms and rocks back on his heels.
GEORDI LA FORGE
That depends. What kind of context are you referring to?
Q
(Opening his arms wide.)
The context of life.
GEORDI LA FORGE
Too broad.
(Thoughtfully.)
I can't definitively answer the question with reference to life in
general. There are times I want to be challenged and then there are
times I'd rather take the easy way out.
Q stares at the ceiling and releases a sigh.
Q
(Mumbling.)
There's always one ...
Q slides down from the platform and stands in front of La Forge.
Q
Could you answer the question in the context of solving a problem in
a given amount of time?
GEORDI LA FORGE
Yeah. I'd want to find a solution as quickly as possible, which
would mean looking for the simplest answer that's feasible.
Q
Very well.
(Turning his attention to Deanna.)
And last but not least, the feisty Counselor Troi!
(Antagonistically.)
Perhaps you'll enlighten us all with another fun-filled outburst in
response to your question.
DEANNA TROI
I can't give you an answer without a question.
Q
This lion get-up really brings out a whole new side of your personality.
(Mischievous grin.)
You know, I could make arrangements for you to wear it during your
next bridge shift. I bet the Enterprise crew would get a kick
out of that.
DEANNA TROI
(Dryly.)
As tempting as the offer sounds, I'm going to have to decline.
Q
(Sitting on the platform again.)
Darn. I was so looking forward to it too. The expression
on Picard's face would have been priceless!
(Winking.)
Not to mention Commander Riker's response to your more animal
traits.
Sensing Deanna's growing hostility, Q moves on to the question.
Q
(Making eye contact with Deanna.)
From a psychological point of view, is it possible for a person to
unconsciously deny their true feelings for a specific person, place or
thing?
DEANNA TROI
(Thinking a moment.)
Depending on the person, I think it would be quite possible.
Especially if the person isn't totally in tune with their emotions.
Q
(Running a hand over his mustache.)
Those were some very interesting answers. And, for the record
...
(Indicating Data and La Forge.)
... you two need to take lessons from your colleagues on how to give
short answers when asked to do so.
Data opens his mouth to respond but Q prevents him from doing so.
Q
(Condescendingly.)
Seeing as how none of you seem to have had an epiphany in the last
few minutes, I'm going to assume that the point of this little Q and A
session has quite obviously passed you by.
GEORDI LA FORGE
Huh?
Q
(Gesturing to La Forge.)
Thank you for illustrating my point so vividly, Mister La Forge.
(Pauses.)
By answering my question, each of you has done a little soul-searching
in relation to the problem you're facing.
– End Part X –
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.