A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART XI
INT. WIZARD'S CHAMBER – Continuous
Q stands and walks to the far side of the platform while the QUARTET considers his last comment.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Addressing the group.)
I think he may be right. The choice about possibly working in
San Francisco has suddenly become a lot clearer to me now.
DEANNA TROI
(Light laughter.)
How could Q be right about something so ... so serious? His personality
has always been the exact opposite of how he's acting now.
(Moving her thumb and forefinger close together.)
I'm this close to being worried about him.
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Removing his hat.)
Maybe Q's done some soul-searching of his own.
Beverly and Deanna give La Forge looks of disbelief.
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Holding up his hands in defense.)
Hey, stranger things have happened. All examples escape me at
this exact moment but I'm sure there's some out there.
Data returns his attention to the group after watching Q's actions.
DATA
He is returning now.
The group breaks up their huddle as Q approaches them carrying a velvet bag.
Q
(Nonchalantly.)
Under normal circumstances I, as the Wizard, would ask you to perform
some sort of task to prove yourselves worthy of my inspiring advise but,
in the interest of time, I've decided to bypass that step this time around.
Q hops down from the platform and begins to pace in front of the officers who are lined up before him.
Q
(Announcer-style voice.)
For being such great participants in The Wonderful Game of Oz,
each of you is entitled to a lovely parting gift. Show them what
they've won, Q!
Q snaps his fingers and is once again wearing a Starfleet captain's uniform. He is still holding the bag.
Q
(Normal voice.)
Don't mind if I do.
The group members exchange curious glances as Q reaches into the bag and hands each of them a black box accented by a glittering green ribbon. When no one moves to open their box, Q tosses the now-empty bag on the platform and crosses his arms.
Q
Open them.
(Rolling his eyes.)
I didn't put anything dangerous inside.
The officers slowly open their boxes and remove the items from inside. Once the boxes are empty, Q collects them as each person examines their gift more closely. La Forge unrolls a blueprint displaying part of the transporter system. Data reads a hand-written quote displayed inside a silver frame. Deanna holds a red ribbon attached to a metal key with a heart-shaped top. Beverly receives a miniature model of the Enterprise.
DATA
(Looking at Q.)
I do not understand the meaning of ...
Q
(Tapping the side of his head with a finger.)
Just think about it.
After that final comment, the quartet vanishes in a flash of white
light.
INT. BRIDGE – Continuous
JEAN-LUC PICARD and WILL RIKER stand in the command area talking. Picard begins to walk to his ready room when the QUARTET suddenly appears in the middle of the bridge, still wearing their Oz costumes.
DEANNA TROI
(Quietly.)
He didn't.
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Slight cringe.)
I'm afraid he did.
Deanna, La Forge and Beverly release a groan at the realization that the entire BRIDGE CREW, including Picard and Riker, is staring, and snickering, at their unbelievably unusual appearance.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
(Smiling.)
It's nice to have the four of you ... returned safely.
(To Riker.)
Isn't it, Number One?
WILL RIKER
(Eyes twinkling.)
Yes, sir, it is.
(Trying to stifle a laugh.)
Although I wasn't aware Starfleet had issued new uniforms. Are
these part of the "classic literature" collection?
Beverly follows Riker's gaze and sees that he's staring at Deanna. She moves next to Riker and places a hand on his shoulder.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Whispering.)
Don't get her started Will. Trust me.
(Leaning closer to his ear.)
I'll fill you in on everything later.
Riker's smile widens slightly as Beverly pats his shoulder and rejoins the others. Mere seconds later the quartet is enveloped in white light. When the light dissipates they are wearing their Starfleet uniforms again. Q is standing between Deanna and La Forge, his arms casually draped around their shoulders.
Q
As promised, mon Capitain – no worse for wear and hopefully
a bit more enlightened to boot.
(Pulling Deanna tighter to him.)
I'd be careful around this one though. She can be quite the spirited
individual if you place her in the proper environment.
Q wiggles his eyebrows and gives Riker a devilish smile. Riker unconsciously straightens his posture and clears his throat.
JEAN-LUC PICARD
I think it's time you said good-bye, Q.
Q
(Sighing.)
So be it.
(Pauses.)
Good-bye, Q.
Snapping his fingers, Q disappears in a flash of light. Picard makes eye contact with Riker before heading to his ready room. Riker sits in the command chair and address the HELM OFFICER.
WILL RIKER
Helm, set course for Starbase six-two-eight. Warp seven.
HELM OFFICER
Aye, sir.
– End Part XI –
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.