Chapter 4

"Missing In Action"

Sitting at the dining room table Deanna breaks the uncomfortable silence that was lurking behind the bulk heads.

"So Lily how was Daycare today? Did you have fun?"

"Oh yes, Miss Gladstone let me tell a story. I told them the story my real daddy told me when I was real little. They really like it. Then we went to our colors Miss Gladstone knew that I knew mine so she asked if I could help the smaller kids learn them I taught them rhymes to help them remember. I was sorry for the day to end but I am also so happy to have a new mommy and daddy."

"How was work today Dee?"

"I had some very interesting cases. One of my patients wouldn't stop talking about what's wrong with his life that I almost was late picking up Lily from daycare. I swear it gets harder everyday, and then I was sad that my friends couldn't be here on this ship with us. I understand that part of Starfleet is saying good-bye to friends all the time. I just miss them, Beverly was the one I would talk to when I had a bad day and now I have to send her a message instead of going to her quarters."

Wil pushed pieces of meat around on his plate. Deanna knew that something was bothering him even if he did try to shield her from it. Something was really wrong and Deanna knew it. Lily finishes the last piece of food on her plate and puts it in the recycling bin.

"Lily honey, why don't you go and play with your toys. Daddy and I need to talk alone. Is that okay?"

"Sure mommy if you need me I'll be in my room."

When Lily was out of sight Deanna got up from her seat and took Lily's seat. She gently placed her hand on Wil's. He looked into her eyes and could tell that she was concerned she didn't have to be an empath to know he was upset about something.

"Wil, what's wrong what happened today? Do you want to talk about it?"

Wil places his fork down and looks are Deanna. How was he going to tell her what was going to happen. He took a deep breath and began.

"Admiral Janeway contacted me with a private message. I had to take it in my ready room. I knew something wasn't right by the tone of her voice. She is a good Admiral but she couldn't keep her feelings hidden in her words."

"Wil what is it?"

"We lost contact with the shuttle Hawkins over a class D planet. Four of the Enterprise crew are reported missing. There were 9 on the trip in two shuttles one shuttle returned safely. Captain Picard was one of the reported missing."

"Oh no, what's happened?

"That isn't the worst or it. The planet they crashed on is in the middle of an intergalactic war. We have to go and see if we can find the missing. The Titan and Excalibur are the only ones in range. Admiral Janeway told me that the planet is in the middle a very dangerous part of the Gamma Quadrant.

Wil looked up at Deanna who remarkably was controlling her true feelings.

"Wil you have to go…we have to go. Captain Picard was a big part of our life especially yours. We need to find him you know he is alive."

Wil laughs lightly

"It's like telling your wife you are going off to war and you may not come back."

"Oh Wil, don't talk like that. When do you have to leave?"

"Right away; you have to stay on the Titan and Lily needs you. I will find him, I promise you, and I will find him!"

TBC…Chapter 5