- TWO -
An Old Friend
- November 30th, 2380 -
The year is 2380. The United Federation of Planets is experiencing a recent surge of turmoil. All is not well. Although the Dominion War ended 5 years ago, suspicion and fear continue to flow freely throughout the Federation. The peace established has once again become a fragile entity. One day, a mysterious package was delivered to the Federation Council. In it contained evidence of negotiations held between the Tal'Shiar and Starfleet Intelligence. In exchange for samples of Captain Jean-Luc Picard's genetic material, the Romulans offered Starfleet an experimental weapon capable of enormous power. Yet, the identity of this weapon was strangely erased from the records, and thus remained a mystery.
Outraged and shocked by this development, a paranoid-stricken Federation Council immediately took action. Even though there was nothing to prove the authenticity of the recording, there was also nothing to indicate that it was not real. A Federation devastated by war could take no chances, and in a tense vote the Council elected to handle the matter by removing a number of officials from Starfleet Command. Thus, began what is known as, The Great Purge.
The Purge dramatically increased tensions between the two entities. A number of Starfleet captains voiced their anger in protest, calling the Federation an unjust and corrupt organization. In the ensuing days, several Starfleet vessels mysteriously disappeared, despite all attempts by Starfleet Command to locate them. Rumours began to circulate that these ships had fled to create a new militant force, whose purpose would be to overthrow the Federation.
In the midst of this chaos, Admiral Kathryn Janeway received an unexpected promotion due to the lack of officers remaining in Starfleet Command. Doing her best to keep tensions from boiling over, she maintained the fragile relationship that remained between the Federation and Starfleet. In an attempt to put to rest the incriminating evidence that threatened the peace in the first place, she summoned Captain Jean-Luc Picard back to Earth. It is hoped that his presence, and years of diplomatic experience can keep the Federation from the brink of civil war.
This was all in Picard's mind as he exited the turbolift that had deposited him on the proper deck. Admiral Janeway's desperate summon had arrived only the day before, without hesitation he ordered the Enterprise-E to return to Earth at best speed. Even then the trip would take just over a week alone; he was heading to Deep Space Nine to help celebrate Bajor's entry into the Federation. But what worried him the most would be everyone's obvious question. How did Picard's genetic material end up on the dealing table? For one, that might go further to explain why the Romulans had it in the first place. The thought of Shinzon sent a chill down his spine. It was something he did not want to think about ever again.
The past two years hasn't been exactly... picturesque for him. After the whole incident with Shinzon, Jean-Luc lost four members of his family. Riker and Deanna had gone to take command of the Titan; Beverly decided to return to Starfleet Medical. And B4... he handed him over to Starfleet Command who promised to do all they can for him. But since that day, he hasn't heard a thing. By now, he has come to term with Data's "death", although it still hurts him some at the thought of loosing a great friend.
Picard let out a sigh. He was tired as he walked down the ship's empty corridor. At this hour, there were few crew members still up and about. He continued his short trek towards his quarters when his stride was interrupted by a familiar chime.
"Madden to Captain Picard." The voice came from a hidden speaker in the corridor.
"Picard here, what is it Commander?"
"Sorry to disturb you sir, I just thought you'll like to know that we passed a Federation convoy consisting of four ships a few minutes ago." Picard decided to let his commander continue. "One of the ships in the convoy is the U.S.S. Midway, she replied to our hails with an automated message stating they were on a priority mission for Starfleet." Automated? Now that was a bit odd.
"And the other vessels?" Picard inquired.
"Nothing sir. I checked with Starfleet Command however, and they confirmed the convoy's on a classified mission. I'm sorry to have bothered you about this sir, but with the way things are going around here, I thought you should be aware of any unusual activity." Picard had to agree with Madden's logic, the situation was very tense and it was best to be on top of everything that's going on.
"Thank you Commander, I'll make a note of it." Madden acknowledged and ended the conversation. Picard made a mental note to check with Janeway about this "classified" mission and resumed his journey. Picard continued down the corridor a short way before making a swift turn into his cabin, cloaked in a veil of darkness.
"Computer, lights." He muttered without giving it a second thought. Nothing happened. Don't tell me those damned things are broken again.
"Computer..." Picard started, but the shadow of a figure sitting on the sofa caught his attention. He swiftly tapped the communications badge pinned to the chest of his uniform.
"Picard to security..." But before he could even finish, a strangely familiar voice cut him off.
"Don't bother mon capitaine." Picard was startled, and it took a few moments for the words to sink in, but once they did he knew at once who it was. And he found it difficult to hold back his annoyance.
"Q... what the devil are you doing here?" The figure rose from the seat and moved forward from the shadows. It was indeed Picard's old nemesis, fully dressed in Starfleet attire complete with the Captain's pips and his trademark grin.
"Why Jean-Luc, I was expecting a warmer reception than that." Q replied, sounding quite serious. Picard moved off towards his desk. "After all, it's been what... 10 of your years since I've paid you a visit?" Picard turned towards his replicator.
"Tea, Earl Grey, hot." The computer responded as a china cup spewing steam materialized from thin air in the replicator. Q stood directly in front of Picard's desk, still wearing his smirk. Finally Picard replied.
"What do you want?" It was almost more of an annoyed grunt. Q's grinned expanded.
"Just a friendly visit for an old friend." Picard's stare could have frozen a deer in its tracks. "You know Jean-Luc, in all the time we have known each other, I have never told you something.
"I am just dying to know." Picard answered.
"Your sarcasm is wholly unnecessary here." Q continued, "But I've always had a... certain respect for you." This caught Picard off-guard, as his face indicated.
"Don't be so surprised. You have passed my trials time and again, and you're the only one who even comes close to matching my incredible wit." Before Picard could speak, Q cut him off with a wave of his hand. "But I'm not here just to tell you that; certainly would be a waste of time for the both of us."
"For once Q, I agree with you on something." Q reared his head in laughter. "Ha! That's exactly what I'm talking about Jean-Luc." Q pointed to Picard.
"But to the point. I'm here to deliver a warning... to you." Picard frowned. Q shook his head. "Don't give me that look. I'm here to do a good deed for once, and I think you should appreciate it."
"So, what is this warning then?" Picard's patience was thinning. Q leaned closer, and spoke in a hush tone.
"You, capitaine, are about to face the greatest trial of your life..." Picard frowned, and once again Q held up his hand. "Give me a chance to finish; you'll be grateful to me one day." Now it was Picard's turn to laugh. But Q's tone remained the same.
"Everything you have faced before will be nothing compared to what is about to happen. This trial, it is not a trial of humanity... it's not even a trial of you, Picard. This is a trial for all life in this galaxy. And it is up to you capitaine, if this galaxy survives or not." Although Picard was skeptical, Q definitely had his attention now.
"As a personal favour, I will give you a clue. Apokalypto... find out what that means Jean-Luc, and perhaps you will be able to complete your ultimate accomplishment." Picard started to speak, but once again Q cut him off.
"That's all I can tell you. The rest is up to you. Take heed, because there are dangerous times ahead."
"And you're doing all this as a favour?"
"Hard to believe isn't it?" Q grinned again as he took a step back. "You might be able to thank me one day. It's been quite a ride, you won't have to worry about me bothering you again though, this will be my last visit and the last time you will ever see me again." Q flashed one last smile. "Au revoir mon capitaine." And with one quick snap of his fingers, Q vanished for the last time.