Chapter Six
Commander Riker made himself comfortable behind the controls of the shuttlecraft Justman. He had requested this particular shuttle because it was the most powerful of all of the shuttles- being a type-six personnel shuttle, and one of many that the Enterprise carried. Commander La Forge and an engineering team had been busy re-fitting the shuttle with extra shielding and better radiation control systems, so that Riker could make it safely out of the nebula and to DS9.
Riker manipulated the controls and called Data on the bridge to ask permission to depart. The shuttle bay doors began to open and the vastness of space became apparent with the nebula surrounding the ship, it looked like the ship was stuck in some sort of gigantic pink candyfloss. Riker swiftly got the shuttle out of the bay into the nebula towards what he hoped would be the answers to all of Beverly's problems.
He pierced the Enterprise's shields and was released into the soup. Immediately the shuttle began to rock slightly as Riker powered up the extra shielding and engaged the warp engines. If the journey went well he would reach DS9 within three hours, and hopefully only have to stop off for minor repairs and to collect Dr. Bashir. He remembered the orders that Captain Picard had given him to give to Captain Sisko. He picked them up from the seat beside him and read over them so he would know exactly what to say when he arrived at the station.
The journey would probably seem to be long due to the fact that he was in a hurry, and things always seemed to go slower when that happened. Riker engaged the autopilot and sat back in his chair waiting for the journey to end.
Troi sat very still on the chair beside Beverly's bio-bed with her eyes closed and trying to concentrate as much as possible. She was still holding the doctor's hand and trying to communicate with her telepathically. Troi had been inside Beverly's mind for almost half an hour and Dr. Selar had been monitoring Troi's readings from the terminal at the back of sickbay. Everything had been going well so far.
Deanna was keeping some of her strength by not communicating with Beverly directly, instead she sat contently in the back of Crusher's mind, watching past events as they unfolded before her. It was quite strange for Troi to be in this sort of situation. She had never received images as clear and as strong as this before, and it was like she was experiencing a dream; not being able to control feelings and actions, and being somewhat disjointed from reality.
Troi had watched as Beverly had been intimidated and chastised by a superior officer at the Academy, and had watched her stand up for herself and then be let off the hook by a young version of an old friend of theirs; Dr. Dalen Quaice. It was turning out to be very interesting, and Troi was learning things about her friend that she might have never found out otherwise.
She knew that Crusher had seen her sitting a few rows back from her in the lecture hall. She hadn't recognised her though, and Troi didn't see that it had done Beverly any harm to have seen her. Right about now it was the only touch with reality that Beverly had, and that couldn't do her any harm; it could only serve to help her in some way. Troi however felt the need to withdraw from the deep connection; somehow she was being pulled away and she didn't know why.
Deanna sat up in the chair and opened her eyes, blinking a few times as her eyes became used to the light again. Dr. Selar came over to her and noting the puzzled expression on Troi's face, began to explain.
"I gave you a stimulant to bring you out of your psychic state. Dr. Crusher's life signs suddenly went erratic, and that may have harmed you in someway had I left you linked to each other. I saw that the only logical thing to do was to bring you out."
"Yes I felt something strange happen when I was in there. It was like a dream and Beverly looked straight at me, she didn't recognise me but..." She sighed and shook her head, rising to her feet and stretching. "It's all a bit confusing, I need some time to reflect on what I've seen."
"That does explain what happened, maybe she felt anxious seeing you for the first time and knowing that she should have recognised you. I think that you should rest before you attempt to engage her with your telepathic link again." Troi nodded and turned to leave. "You can come back when you feel ready to try again." Selar said and Troi turned back again to speak with her.
"I will do that, Doctor." She said smiling, then added a thought that had just come to her. "Dr. Selar. I think that you should try to meld with her. I have heard that sometimes a meld can be enough to correct many mental disorders, maybe it could work for Beverly."
"It would not be wise for me to try anything like that, Counsellor. The meld is very complex and could be potentially dangerous should she choose to resist me in someway. A mind meld is usually only used with other Vulcans and I am not trained in a way that would allow me to communicate with Dr. Crusher." Selar explained.
"Oh well, just a thought. I'll come back in about an hour." Troi said, dropping that idea straight away; the point was to help Beverly and not to make her more ill.
"That would be quite acceptable, Counsellor." Selar replied simply, "Captain Picard told me to inform you that Commander Riker has left for Deep Space Nine, and that he would like to speak with you when you are free."
"Thank you." Troi said and left sickbay.
Captain Picard was in his quarters trying to relax but under the circumstances, it was proving to be very hard. He looked up from the book he was browsing through when he heard the door chime. Feeling relieved to actually have something to focus on; he called for his visitor to enter. Counsellor Troi stepped through the door and approached Picard.
"Don't get up, Captain," she said holding out her hand. He put down his book and shifted in his seat. "I'm pleased that you are actually following my advice and relaxing for a change."
"It's not doing any good though, Counsellor. I can't concentrate on much and I've read these books so many times that I know them backwards." He said with a slight chuckle. "Oh, please sit down." She sat opposite him on the couch and made herself comfortable.
"I was surprised to find you here and not on the bridge." Troi said.
"I relinquished command to Mr. Data when Commander Riker left. He threatened to relieve me of duty if I didn't come down here." He smiled understanding that the crew were only looking out for his best interests.
"Is there something specific that you wanted to see me about, Captain?"
"Just a progress report, Counsellor. Is Beverly responding to your efforts at communication?"
"Not really, Captain, no. It's like she's just totally withdraw into her unconscious mind and is letting her sub-conscious take over. She is re- living the past in different stages of her life, and to me it's like a dream that you have and then can't remember when you wake up."
Picard nodded trying to understand. "Is she dreaming though or is she actually experiencing re-surfacing memories?"
Troi took a moment before commenting. "I've seen images that I don't understand, partly because they are from her past and a time when I didn't know her, and also because I really don't know whether or not these images are actually memories, or something that her mind is conjuring up. Whatever it is though seems to be coming in waves every now and then with no sort of logic to them; that I can see anyway."
"Has it proved to be anything of a success?" Picard asked her, hoping that it was because they were fast running out of options.
"I think so, Captain. I'm trying to take a back seat in all of this for a while though. Dr. Selar had to give me silosinen to enhance my telepathic abilities, which helped a great deal. She warned me that I have to conserve my strength though or I'll end up in a coma also." She paused for a second, still trying to make sense of what she had seen. "I was beginning to make some headway but when I was in Beverly's mind and she was playing out a specific memory- I don't know what else to call it, she looked right at me. She didn't recognise me but I felt something-strange happen-, which I can't explain, and the next thing I knew I was looking at Dr. Selar. Apparently she had to bring me out because Beverly's readings became erratic." She added without pause, "Beverly is alright now though. Dr. Selar and I both agree that it occurred because Beverly had seen me and didn't recognise me, but felt that she should have; which may have caused her to panic. It's all a bit confusing, Captain." She took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly.
"So it is worth trying again then?"
"Yes, Captain. It's certainly not doing her any more harm than good. I said I would go back in an hour."
"Alright but don't overdo it, Counsellor, you're not infallible either you know." Picard said; one officer down was quite enough.
"You can talk, Captain." She said with a small laugh, this was kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. "I do understand though and I will take every precaution." Picard nodded in approval.
"Well, I've sent Commander Riker to get Dr. Bashir so hopefully he can give us some answers to all of this. Maybe you can both work in conjunction with one another when he gets here." Picard suggested; two heads were better than one after all.
"Yes, that might be best." She paused and thought for a moment, "Captain, have we anymore leads as to the whereabouts of the Washington?"
"Not yet. Commander La Forge and Lieutenant Worf are busy re- calibrating the sensors to penetrate the nebula; they should have a report due soon. At the moment I have Commander Data have the Enterprise change course, as the warp signature we've been following changes, hopefully that will lead us somewhere though it is a slight possibility. And as for the nebula itself, we may not be able to stay here much longer. The radiation levels are still building up and we can't let them become too critical for our own safety."
"Is there any hope of finding Voyager as well?" She asked.
"No. We've lost all trace of Voyager and the debris on the planet was of a shuttlecraft. It is sad that the Federation lose such a fine captain and crew, and its newest most advanced starship. It will go down in the history books as being lost on its maiden voyage, which is a shame really. I've met Captain Janeway once before, she was a formidable strong willed woman, brilliant in her field of science and well respected, she will be a great loss to all who knew her." Picard told her, thinking back to a time long ago.
"I had no idea that you had met her, Captain."
"Yes, back when she was on the Constellation."
They talked for over an hour when Troi rose from the seat and informed Picard that she must go back to sickbay. "Of course, Counsellor. I shall be down a little later but good luck and I hope you get some where this time."
"Thank you, Captain." She said turning slightly.
"Is there something else, Counsellor?" Picard asked.
"I don't know, Captain. It's something I've just remembered. When I initiated contact with Beverly's mind I felt something dark and very far below the surface of her mind. It seemed like a shadow but I don't understand what it could be or why it's there. Like I said it is far below the surface- I almost didn't even notice it, it is very discreet whatever it is though."
"Does it pose any immediate threat?" Picard asked her.
"I don't think so, Captain."
"Could this be the cause of her coma then?" He asked, trying to get as much information from what Troi had discovered.
"I really can't tell at this point, Captain. Maybe I can delve a little deeper and get some answers to your questions. I will keep on trying because I think that whatever it is holds the clues I need."
"Very well. Keep me informed, Counsellor." Troi nodded and left Picard's quarters.
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Commander Riker made himself comfortable behind the controls of the shuttlecraft Justman. He had requested this particular shuttle because it was the most powerful of all of the shuttles- being a type-six personnel shuttle, and one of many that the Enterprise carried. Commander La Forge and an engineering team had been busy re-fitting the shuttle with extra shielding and better radiation control systems, so that Riker could make it safely out of the nebula and to DS9.
Riker manipulated the controls and called Data on the bridge to ask permission to depart. The shuttle bay doors began to open and the vastness of space became apparent with the nebula surrounding the ship, it looked like the ship was stuck in some sort of gigantic pink candyfloss. Riker swiftly got the shuttle out of the bay into the nebula towards what he hoped would be the answers to all of Beverly's problems.
He pierced the Enterprise's shields and was released into the soup. Immediately the shuttle began to rock slightly as Riker powered up the extra shielding and engaged the warp engines. If the journey went well he would reach DS9 within three hours, and hopefully only have to stop off for minor repairs and to collect Dr. Bashir. He remembered the orders that Captain Picard had given him to give to Captain Sisko. He picked them up from the seat beside him and read over them so he would know exactly what to say when he arrived at the station.
The journey would probably seem to be long due to the fact that he was in a hurry, and things always seemed to go slower when that happened. Riker engaged the autopilot and sat back in his chair waiting for the journey to end.
Troi sat very still on the chair beside Beverly's bio-bed with her eyes closed and trying to concentrate as much as possible. She was still holding the doctor's hand and trying to communicate with her telepathically. Troi had been inside Beverly's mind for almost half an hour and Dr. Selar had been monitoring Troi's readings from the terminal at the back of sickbay. Everything had been going well so far.
Deanna was keeping some of her strength by not communicating with Beverly directly, instead she sat contently in the back of Crusher's mind, watching past events as they unfolded before her. It was quite strange for Troi to be in this sort of situation. She had never received images as clear and as strong as this before, and it was like she was experiencing a dream; not being able to control feelings and actions, and being somewhat disjointed from reality.
Troi had watched as Beverly had been intimidated and chastised by a superior officer at the Academy, and had watched her stand up for herself and then be let off the hook by a young version of an old friend of theirs; Dr. Dalen Quaice. It was turning out to be very interesting, and Troi was learning things about her friend that she might have never found out otherwise.
She knew that Crusher had seen her sitting a few rows back from her in the lecture hall. She hadn't recognised her though, and Troi didn't see that it had done Beverly any harm to have seen her. Right about now it was the only touch with reality that Beverly had, and that couldn't do her any harm; it could only serve to help her in some way. Troi however felt the need to withdraw from the deep connection; somehow she was being pulled away and she didn't know why.
Deanna sat up in the chair and opened her eyes, blinking a few times as her eyes became used to the light again. Dr. Selar came over to her and noting the puzzled expression on Troi's face, began to explain.
"I gave you a stimulant to bring you out of your psychic state. Dr. Crusher's life signs suddenly went erratic, and that may have harmed you in someway had I left you linked to each other. I saw that the only logical thing to do was to bring you out."
"Yes I felt something strange happen when I was in there. It was like a dream and Beverly looked straight at me, she didn't recognise me but..." She sighed and shook her head, rising to her feet and stretching. "It's all a bit confusing, I need some time to reflect on what I've seen."
"That does explain what happened, maybe she felt anxious seeing you for the first time and knowing that she should have recognised you. I think that you should rest before you attempt to engage her with your telepathic link again." Troi nodded and turned to leave. "You can come back when you feel ready to try again." Selar said and Troi turned back again to speak with her.
"I will do that, Doctor." She said smiling, then added a thought that had just come to her. "Dr. Selar. I think that you should try to meld with her. I have heard that sometimes a meld can be enough to correct many mental disorders, maybe it could work for Beverly."
"It would not be wise for me to try anything like that, Counsellor. The meld is very complex and could be potentially dangerous should she choose to resist me in someway. A mind meld is usually only used with other Vulcans and I am not trained in a way that would allow me to communicate with Dr. Crusher." Selar explained.
"Oh well, just a thought. I'll come back in about an hour." Troi said, dropping that idea straight away; the point was to help Beverly and not to make her more ill.
"That would be quite acceptable, Counsellor." Selar replied simply, "Captain Picard told me to inform you that Commander Riker has left for Deep Space Nine, and that he would like to speak with you when you are free."
"Thank you." Troi said and left sickbay.
Captain Picard was in his quarters trying to relax but under the circumstances, it was proving to be very hard. He looked up from the book he was browsing through when he heard the door chime. Feeling relieved to actually have something to focus on; he called for his visitor to enter. Counsellor Troi stepped through the door and approached Picard.
"Don't get up, Captain," she said holding out her hand. He put down his book and shifted in his seat. "I'm pleased that you are actually following my advice and relaxing for a change."
"It's not doing any good though, Counsellor. I can't concentrate on much and I've read these books so many times that I know them backwards." He said with a slight chuckle. "Oh, please sit down." She sat opposite him on the couch and made herself comfortable.
"I was surprised to find you here and not on the bridge." Troi said.
"I relinquished command to Mr. Data when Commander Riker left. He threatened to relieve me of duty if I didn't come down here." He smiled understanding that the crew were only looking out for his best interests.
"Is there something specific that you wanted to see me about, Captain?"
"Just a progress report, Counsellor. Is Beverly responding to your efforts at communication?"
"Not really, Captain, no. It's like she's just totally withdraw into her unconscious mind and is letting her sub-conscious take over. She is re- living the past in different stages of her life, and to me it's like a dream that you have and then can't remember when you wake up."
Picard nodded trying to understand. "Is she dreaming though or is she actually experiencing re-surfacing memories?"
Troi took a moment before commenting. "I've seen images that I don't understand, partly because they are from her past and a time when I didn't know her, and also because I really don't know whether or not these images are actually memories, or something that her mind is conjuring up. Whatever it is though seems to be coming in waves every now and then with no sort of logic to them; that I can see anyway."
"Has it proved to be anything of a success?" Picard asked her, hoping that it was because they were fast running out of options.
"I think so, Captain. I'm trying to take a back seat in all of this for a while though. Dr. Selar had to give me silosinen to enhance my telepathic abilities, which helped a great deal. She warned me that I have to conserve my strength though or I'll end up in a coma also." She paused for a second, still trying to make sense of what she had seen. "I was beginning to make some headway but when I was in Beverly's mind and she was playing out a specific memory- I don't know what else to call it, she looked right at me. She didn't recognise me but I felt something-strange happen-, which I can't explain, and the next thing I knew I was looking at Dr. Selar. Apparently she had to bring me out because Beverly's readings became erratic." She added without pause, "Beverly is alright now though. Dr. Selar and I both agree that it occurred because Beverly had seen me and didn't recognise me, but felt that she should have; which may have caused her to panic. It's all a bit confusing, Captain." She took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly.
"So it is worth trying again then?"
"Yes, Captain. It's certainly not doing her any more harm than good. I said I would go back in an hour."
"Alright but don't overdo it, Counsellor, you're not infallible either you know." Picard said; one officer down was quite enough.
"You can talk, Captain." She said with a small laugh, this was kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. "I do understand though and I will take every precaution." Picard nodded in approval.
"Well, I've sent Commander Riker to get Dr. Bashir so hopefully he can give us some answers to all of this. Maybe you can both work in conjunction with one another when he gets here." Picard suggested; two heads were better than one after all.
"Yes, that might be best." She paused and thought for a moment, "Captain, have we anymore leads as to the whereabouts of the Washington?"
"Not yet. Commander La Forge and Lieutenant Worf are busy re- calibrating the sensors to penetrate the nebula; they should have a report due soon. At the moment I have Commander Data have the Enterprise change course, as the warp signature we've been following changes, hopefully that will lead us somewhere though it is a slight possibility. And as for the nebula itself, we may not be able to stay here much longer. The radiation levels are still building up and we can't let them become too critical for our own safety."
"Is there any hope of finding Voyager as well?" She asked.
"No. We've lost all trace of Voyager and the debris on the planet was of a shuttlecraft. It is sad that the Federation lose such a fine captain and crew, and its newest most advanced starship. It will go down in the history books as being lost on its maiden voyage, which is a shame really. I've met Captain Janeway once before, she was a formidable strong willed woman, brilliant in her field of science and well respected, she will be a great loss to all who knew her." Picard told her, thinking back to a time long ago.
"I had no idea that you had met her, Captain."
"Yes, back when she was on the Constellation."
They talked for over an hour when Troi rose from the seat and informed Picard that she must go back to sickbay. "Of course, Counsellor. I shall be down a little later but good luck and I hope you get some where this time."
"Thank you, Captain." She said turning slightly.
"Is there something else, Counsellor?" Picard asked.
"I don't know, Captain. It's something I've just remembered. When I initiated contact with Beverly's mind I felt something dark and very far below the surface of her mind. It seemed like a shadow but I don't understand what it could be or why it's there. Like I said it is far below the surface- I almost didn't even notice it, it is very discreet whatever it is though."
"Does it pose any immediate threat?" Picard asked her.
"I don't think so, Captain."
"Could this be the cause of her coma then?" He asked, trying to get as much information from what Troi had discovered.
"I really can't tell at this point, Captain. Maybe I can delve a little deeper and get some answers to your questions. I will keep on trying because I think that whatever it is holds the clues I need."
"Very well. Keep me informed, Counsellor." Troi nodded and left Picard's quarters.
A/N: Please leave a review. Thanks