Title: The Web That Ties
Chapter: Stars that Laugh
Disclaimer: If you have any doubts about whether or not I own Star Trek, read the last chapter.
Note from the author: I hope that I will be able to get another chapter out by the end of the weekend. Please review. It does my ego great wonders.
Thanks to CrusherJaneway for reviewing. I hope it ends up being somewhat Star Trekish. But isn't that every authors greatest wish J.
And on with the story:
Captain Picard was resisting the urge to go retreat to his quarters and read. The bridge was rather boring but there was no way he was going to leave the night crew without a commanding officer, especially after the sudden attack last week.
A ship had come out of no where and opened fire. Thankfully Riker had been there to take control of the situation and call for shields and defensive maneuvers. The Enterprise reacted quickly and no serious injuries had been reported. Unfortunately they were unable to damage the enemy vessel's warp drive and they escaped.
Which is why I'm here, thought Picard, everyone is too nervous and high-strung. Weighting the options in his head, Jean Luc decided that nervous or not, he needed to eat and sleep, both he'd been avoiding for the last eighteen hours. Standing, and adjusting his uniform at the same time, Picard looked walked to the turbo lift, leaving Ensign Arthur in charge of the bridge.
Counselor Troi woke with a start. She usually did not have nightmares of her own, instead she felt them from other people, but tonight seemed to be an exception. Troi searched through her mind looking for any wisp of the dream that might have been left. Finding nothing she decided that being alone in her quarters wasn't right, and Troi donned a uniform, her mind bent upon a hot fudge sunday waiting for her at Ten Forward.
Guinan had a hot fudge sundae ready for Troi as she stepped through the door. The counselor gave her a smile as she gladly took the treat and sat down at a small table. Following her, Guinan became even more concerned about Troi. Outwardly nothing seemed wrong, but Guinan could tell- something was bothering the counselor.
Taking a set, Troi began to dig into the ice cream, hoping it would take her mind off her dream. However her hope was cut short as Guinan, standing beside her, noticed.
"Troi, you seem unusually tense. Is anything wrong?" Guinan asked, concern shone clearly on her face.
Troi glanced up from her sundae and scanned Guinan out of habit. Pushing back her empathic abilities, Troi gestured to the seat across from her, which Guinan gladly took.
"Guinan," Troi began, not knowing exactly how to phrase how she felt. "I just haven't been sleeping well lately. I've had dreams that have reoccurred for days now and I can't seem to remember them."
Guinan's facial expression did not change, but Troi was able to sense concern and even a little bit of fear.
"Maybe you should go see Doctor Crusher. She'll prescribe something that will help." Guinan added helpful, a slight smile showing her genuine concern.
Troi saw that logic in the suggestion and was about to agree when a ship-wide announcement came, "Will all Senior Officer report to the Ready Room." Troi stood to leave, thanking Guinan for the sundae, but Guinan didn't hear her.
Guinan knew that Troi was leaving and even heard a thank you, but her mind was someplace else, away from the ship. Her gaze lingered on the passing stars and the beauty of deep space. She could get lost for hours looking into those stars. So many people, cultures and races among lived those stars. Guinan shut her eyes. She knew that something was wrong. In an unknown part of the galaxy the balance of favor was being tipped. Somewhere, somehow events were occurring that would alter the course of history. Opening her eyes again Guinan shivered at the thought of what may happen, and again she was lost in the beauty and magnificence of space, and the stars that knew the secret seemed to be laughing at her.
