Chapter 1
The flash lit up the new viewscreen of the Enterprise-E like a hundred suns. Standing, mouths slightly agape, temporarily breathless, the bridge crew watched, unable to do anything. Captain Jean-Luc Picard stood in front of his chair, a sick feeling of déjà vu creeping over him. Only a few months ago, he'd lost Data in a similar fashion. The only difference was that William T. Riker wouldn't be walking through the turbolift doors like he'd done after the Scimitar had exploded. Captain Picard turned around and faced the doors, hoping against all hope that his former first officer would surprise him and bravely saunter in like nothing had happened.
Picard turned around again and watched the small pieces that used to be the USS Titan dissipate into space. His gaze drifted from the stars to the brunette standing just in front of him.
Bringing a trembling hand up to her face, Deanna Troi collapsed to her knees. Deep, uncontrolled sobs shook her. Her soul had been torn apart. Even amongst dear friends, she's never been more alone.
