Chapter 8
Ship's log, or perhaps I should say Acting Captain's log, Lt. Ahmad Madani in command; stardate 54736.4: We are about to begin an operation to free the Mercury from this anomaly. This attempt includes coordinating three starships from two different time periods. The only communication we have with the future starship is via Morse Code using our exterior lights. I do not believe anything like this has been attempted before. If it works, it should free the Mercury. In addition, I hope that all the unconscious crew members of the Mercury will recover.
"Lt. Mirgal, are we ready?"
"Yes, Sir. The shield grid has been modified to act as a magnet, the chronitons should be attracted to our stern, flow over our hull, then out in front of us and towards the two ships outside the anomaly," replied the engineer through the commsystem.
"Good," said Madani. "Computer, transmit to the future ship that 'The Mercury is ready.'" The computer beeped. "Open a channel to the Orion."
"Channel open, Sir," replied one of the bridge crew. And the image of the Orion's bridge crew came on screen.
"Orion, this is the Mercury. We are all set here."
"We are set as well," said Capt. Taylor from the other ship. "This is an interesting theory on the part of our future companions."
"If you're asking me whether I think this will work or not, Captain, you're asking the wrong person," replied Madani. "I am no scientist."
"Nor am I," said Capt. Taylor. "My science team is optimistic."
"Glad to hear it," said Madani. "I fear that if this doesn't work, we may experience damage to our ship and/or injury to our crew." Madani took a significant look at Lindsey Lander seated next to him. She gave him no indication of fear or anxiety over the danger she personally was facing.
"Do you think we should postpone?" asked Capt. Taylor. "We could take the time to further study the situation."
"No, Captain. I think the time for waiting is at an end," stated Madani. "The Mercury is barely holding itself together, and the crew is beyond exhausted. The longer we wait, the greater the chance becomes that mistakes will be made."
"Understood," said Capt. Taylor. "We are sending our message for the future ship though your lights. It reads, 'The Orion is ready.'"
"Good, then we will begin on their countdown," said Madani.
"Their countdown?" came the voice of Lt. Mirgal from Engineering. "Why their countdown?"
"They are the ones to come up with the plan," said Madani.
"It would be much easier for them to match us, then for us to match them," insisted Mirgal. "We are the ones understaffed and exhausted. Less mistakes will be made if they follow our lead and adapt to our needs."
"Also, we are the only ones who can communicate with all ships involve," added Lindsey Lander. "Neither the future ship, nor the Orion can communicate except through us."
"You want me to overrule the commander of the future ship?" asked Madani.
"Yes," said Mirgal definitively.
"I can't do that," replied Madani. "Whoever is over there outranks me."
"No, he doesn't," said Lander. Madani noted the use of the singular masculine pronoun. Was Lander being generic, or was she speaking that way because she knew the future commander? If she was really the captain of that ship, Madani assumed her first officer was currently in command. Lander continued, "You are the acting captain of the Mercury. Your duty is the safety of your ship and your crew. That gives you the privilege, no the obligation to speak up. Any good Starfleet commander will respect your voice."
"I agree," said Capt. Taylor who was still on the viewscreen. "If the future commander doesn't take your advice, you can tell him or her that I agree with your request."
"Alright," said Madani. He had a lot to learn about commanding a starship.
"Incoming communication," said the computer before reading it. "Mercury requesting that we lead the countdown. It will be easier for you and the Orion to adapt to us then vice versa. Additionally, we are in communication with both ships, past and future."
Thrim looked back at his experts. Lt. Cmdr. O'Hara-Grant nodded and said, "It can be done easily enough."
Ens. Rikka Samae agreed. "It makes sense. They are in a better position than we are to direct the parallel-taneous action."
"Parallel-taneous?" asked Thrim.
"Yes, Sir. The term simultaneous does not accuracy describe the situation, as we are at different points in time. However, time is flowing in parallel fashion between the two points, allowing us to coordinate temporally. Hence the term 'parallel-taneous.'"
"Is that even a word, Ensign?" asked Thrim.
"No, Sir," said the young scientist. "But I plan on coining it when I write my detailed report." Thrim smiled. Indeed Ens. Rikka Samae had grown beyond her post.
"I look forward to reading that report," said Lt. Cmdr. Nixx.
"You have found all this to be very interesting, haven't you, Commander?" Thrim directed the question at the first officer applicant.
"This is not your run of the mill operation," was all that Nixx said.
"Indeed not," replied Thrim. "Computer, send the Mercury the following message, 'Mercury, request granted. You have the lead. We will standby and wait for you signal to begin the chroniton draw.'"
Lindsey listened to the computer read the Orion-A's response. Ahmad Madani looked her way as the Orion-A agreed to his request. "I didn't think they would agree," he said.
Lindsey leaned closer so no one else could hear her whisper. "I know the commander of that ship. He is a reasonable man. I knew he would agree."
Madani straightened in his chair. "Computer, inform the future ship that we will begin the chroniton draw in thirty minutes." Madani turned to face Lindsey. "I have a few last-minute details to attend to. Will you accompany me, Lieutenant?"
"Of course," said Lindsey.
Madani stood from the captain's chair. "Ens. Kolm, you have the bridge." Lindsey followed Madani to the turbo lift. They stopped at Engineering, where they got a one-second answer from Lt. Mirgal. They stopped at the cargo bay which had been turned into a temporary medical center. The doctor there gave an update to Lt. Madani. Lindsey was wondering why Lt. Madani wanted her along as they approached the regular sickbay.
"Doctor, how are your patients?" asked Madani.
The doctor in a blue science uniform turned around. Lindsey immediately recognized him, a Mark 1 Emergency Medical Hologram. "They are the same as they have been for the last three days. Unresponsive, but their vital signs are stable. How much longer before we can get some replacement medical staff? My program has been running continuously this whole time."
"Sorry, Doctor. But we need you to hold out a bit longer," said Madani. "We are about to initiate a plan to release us from this anomaly. It may bring our people out of their comatose state as well as reconnect us to the outside world. If we succeed, there is a starship called the Orion which can provide us with medical assistance."
"Good," said the holographic doctor. "It's about time. I've spent enough time babysitting sickbay."
"Doctor, this is Lt. Lindsey Lander from the Orion," introduced Madani. "Lt. Lander this is our Emergency Medical Hologram. He is a…"
"I am familiar with the EMH program," said Lindsey.
"Are you medically trained?" asked the EMH.
"No, not beyond the typical officer's training," answered Lindsey.
"Then why are we having this conversation?" retorted the EMH. "I am a very busy hologram. I have no need for idle chitchat."
"I know you're busy, Doctor," said Madani. "But I need to give you one more patient."
"Who?" asked the EMH.
"Lt. Lander," answered Madani.
"What?!" Lindsey turned towards Madani. "I am not sick."
"But you likely will be," said Madani. "And if what I've been told is true it may be deadly."
"What kind of condition are you referring to?" asked the EMH.
Before Madani answered he clarified. "First, you have to understand, Doctor. That for both medical and security reasons, you cannot share this information with anyone."
"I have been programmed with both Starfleet security protocols and doctor-patient confidentiality," said the holographic doctor with wounded pride.
"Very well," said Madani. "Miss. Lander here is telepathically and temporally displaced."
"What?" asked the EMH.
"Her future consciousness has been placed in her past body," answered Madani. "It is a result from this anomaly. Once we begin our procedure the doctors on the future ship think it will have an adverse effect for Miss. Lander. I want you to monitor her health and neural pathways very closely and do what you can to keep her alive if she should be in danger."
"Captain, I must protest," said Lindsey. "My place is on the bridge. You need me."
"I did need you," said Madani. "And your help to me has been invaluable. But now everything is in place."
"I need to see this through," responded Lindsey, but she knew it was a weak argument.
"I'm not giving you an option," said Madani. "I am ordering you, Lieutenant, to remain in sickbay for the duration of this operation. In fact, I am confining you to sickbay under the watch of the doctor here."
"I…" Lindsey shook her head, then resigned herself to the order. "I understand."
Madani put his hands on Lindsey's shoulders. "Lindsey Lander, I thank you for all that you've done for us. You may have saved this ship. And I thank you personally for helping me in this time. You gave me the confidence I needed to command this ship."
"You always had the confidence," replied Lindsey. "I just helped you find it."
Ahmad Madani nodded to Lindsey, then removed his arms from her shoulders. He turned and left sickbay.
Just as Lindsey was admiring the young man's confidence, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see the EMH nearly in her face. "Now, come and lay down on this biobed," he said none-too-gently.
"Yes, Doctor," obeyed Lindsey.
"Five minutes till the Mercury's start time," announced Lt. Okimoto to the bridge.
"All stations, final check," said Capt. Taylor.
"Engineering here," said Lt. Cmdr. MacDonald over comm. "The deflector dish is set to draw the chronitons."
"Operations is monitoring the ship's status," said a bridge officer.
"Tactical is monitoring the anomaly and the Mercury with all forward sensors," said another.
"Helm, standing by."
"Navigation, standing by."
"Science teams will keep an eye on all the data," said Lt. Okimoto.
Cmdr. Gonzalez looked over at Capt. Taylor. "The Orion is ready, Captain."
"All stations, final check," ordered Thrim.
"Helm, standing by," said Lt. Luke Ryan.
"Navigation, standing by," said Lt. Johnathan Mikkelson.
"Operations, standing by," said Lt. Selina Chaput-Mikkelson.
"Tactical, I have all available sensors ready to monitor," said Sensor Chief Shelton. "The cloak busters are displayed on screen."
"Science station," reported Ens. Rikka Samae. "I am ready to monitor our progress.
"Bridge Engineering station, I'm ready to do the same," said Lt. Melinda Vibee.
"Main Engineering," reported Lt. Cmdr. Alivia O'Hara-Grant over comm. "The deflector dish is ready to go.
"Sick bay," reported Dr. Crusher. "We are staying by to monitor the Captain's health."
Thrim looked to his right and saw Lt. Cmdr. Grant nodding. "The Orion-A is ready, Commander."
Henry desperately wanted to hold his wife's hand, but he gave the doctors their space to work. Dr. Bashir was double checking the neurocortical monitor on the back of Lindsey's head. Dr. Crusher came up to him. "I can't tell you that everything will be okay, but I do promise that Dr. Bashir and I will do everything we can for your wife."
"I know it, Doc," said Henry. "Thank you." He then looked at Lindsey. "Hold on, Sweetheart. You will be back with us soon."
"Sickbay, we are beginning the procedure," Lindsey heard Madani's voice coming from the bridge. "You have access to all the data we are collecting from the sensors."
"Acknowledged, Bridge," said the EMH. "For all the good it will do me," he then said as if under his breath. "Despite knowing over five million surgical procedures and having the medical knowledge of over three thousand cultures, somehow Starfleet has found something I know nothing about."
"You're not building my confidence, Doctor," said Lindsey.
"Building confidence is not my job," said the EMH. "Keeping you alive is."
"Good," was all Lindsey said. From her biobed, she stared up at the ceiling of sickbay for a moment. Then she shut her eyes as she braced herself for whatever would come next.
"Deflector grid is ready on your command," said Lt. Mirgal.
"Final checks are clear, Sir," added Ens. Walmanta Kolm. "The Mercury is as ready as it will ever be."
Acting Captain Ahmad Madani took his seat in the captain's chair. "Computer, signal to all ships: Begin phase one." The computer beeped. Then Madani took a deep breath. "Engineering, raise the modified shields."
Rikka Samae saw the Mercury flash its intention to begin. She then watched her monitor. "The Mercury has raised its temporally polarized shields. The chronitons are beginning to move."
"I see it," said Cmdr. Thrim. Samae looked at the main viewer. Indeed, she could see the chronitons moving through the cloak busting sensors. They were being pulled to Mercury's stern and flowing over the hull and out towards the Orion. They then curved back around the perimeter of the anomaly and back towards the far side, where they again found their way to the Mercury's stern. As soon as the two Orion's powered up their deflector dishes, the chronitons would break their circuit and come to the starships.
"Bridge to sick bay, any change?" asked Thrim. While the Captain's health was not part of Samae's purview in this operation, she listened with concern.
"We are detecting minor changes in the Captain's neural activity," said Dr. Bashir. "Nothing to worry about yet."
"Sir, the Mercury is signaling us to begin phase two," said Lt. Mikkelson.
"Engineering, power up the deflector," ordered Cmdr. Thrim. "Minimum intensity."
"The future ship has activated its deflector," reported Ens. Kolm. They all waited for a signal from the future ship. Kolm watched as the Galaxy class ship gave the light signal. "The future ship has signaled phase two complete."
"Orion," said Acting Captain Madani. "Ready phase three."
"The Orion is ready," said Capt. Taylor, who had half the main viewer. "In anticipation of losing our visual and audio communications, we are prepared to act on your exterior light signals."
"Understood," said Madani. "Signal phase three."
"Phase three signaled," said Luis, whom Capt. Taylor had watching the Mercury.
"Cmdr. MacDonald," ordered Capt. Taylor. "Power up the deflector."
"There's a change in the chroniton flow," said Chief Shelton. Indeed, Thrim could see it on the main viewer. The chronitons were now gently flowing from the Mercury in two streams. One to the Orion-A, the other presumably to the old Orion.
"Confirmed," said Ens. Rikka. "The old Orion's deflector is online."
Thrim stood to face the young scientist. "Is the temporal variance and the chroniton resonating frequency between the two ships in sync?"
Ens. Rikka paused for a bit before answering. "Yes, Sir, they are."
Thrim sat back down in the captain's chair. "Signal phase three complete."
"Both ships have signaled phase three complete," said Kolm.
Ahmad Madani took a deep breath. All had worked well so far, but this was when it was going to become really dangerous.
"Signal phase four; intensity one."
"Phase four, intensity one signaled," said Luis.
"Intensity one, engage," said Capt. Taylor.
"Intensity one, engage," said Thrim.
Samae watched the results. Both Orions had increased the intensity of their deflector dishes. The chronitons in the entity were flowing to the stern of the Mercury, over its shield grid, and then in a pair of streams, each leading to one of the Orions. "So, far so good, Sir," reported Samae.
"Intensity two signaled," called out Lt. Mikkelson.
"Intensity two, engage," ordered Thrim.
Samae returned her attention to her display. She whispered a prayer to the Prophets. "Please let this work. Please let this work."
The EMH was watching the neural scans and the vital signs of the human woman. She put her hands to her head. "I need you to stay still," he said. "Why don't patients actually do what their doctors tell them? It can't be that hard."
"My head hurts," said the woman.
"No wonder. Your neural activity is reaching upper tolerance levels," said the EMH with a level voice. "Maybe there is something to this telepathic-temporal displacement diagnosis."
"Signal intensity four," said the officer from the bridge.
Suddenly the woman's neural levels jumped. She howled in pain, an annoying sound for the EMH to be sure. "I need improvoline immediately!" The EMH shouted to a biologist who was a poor substitute for a nurse.
"Improvoline now!" ordered Dr. Crusher. Capt. Lander's neural activity jumped after intensity four.
"We need to slow down her heart rate," said Dr. Bashir.
Dr. Crusher tapped her commbadge. "Sickbay to bridge. The Captain is going into neural shock. This might be too much for her. I suggest lowing the intensity."
"Lower intensities will not accomplish the objective," answered the voice of the Bajoran scientist. "Without high intensities we cannot clear all the chronitons."
"Then I suggest we stop and try something else," said Dr. Bashir as he was applying a hypospray to Lindsey Lander's neck.
"No!" said Cmdr. Hickensen. "We are not trying anything else. Lindsey wanted this done, and she knew the risks."
"Capt. Thrim, the choice is yours," said Dr. Crusher.
Thrim paused. He could issue the abort signal. Both the old Orion and the Mercury would comply. He rested his chin on his fist, and his antennae were wiggling anxiously.
"Sir, the Mercury is signaling intensity five."
Thrim stood up an ordered. "Intensity five, engage."
This time Henry did jump up and hold his wife's hand. He kept a constant squeeze to let her know that he was there.
"Intensity six, engage," Henry hear Ser'rek's voice over the comm. He squeezed Lindsey's hand tighter.
"Intensity seven, engage."
Henry rested his head on Lindsey's hand. "Hang in there, Lindsey, hang in there."
"Cargo bay to bridge. Every one of our sick patients are reacting," came the voice of the doctor in the makeshift secondary sickbay."
"Reacting how?" asked Madani.
"I don't know. We don't have the medical equipment to monitor them."
"The ones in sickbay are experiencing heighten neural activity," said the EMH over the comm. "They are all within tolerance levels," he said stoically. "The only one here with a problem is Lt. Lander."
"Lindsey," said Madani with concern.
"Sir," Ens. Kolm got his attention. "It's time for another increase."
"Right. Signal intensity eight."
"Intensity eight, engage," said Capt. Taylor. They had lost contact with the Mercury after intensity level two. Now they were dependent the visual signal of the Mercury's lights.
"Captain, the anomaly is changing shape and size!" said Lt. Okimoto.
"Is the Orion in any danger?"
"No, Ma'am," said the scientist. "I just don't know if this is right. We could be hurting this entity further."
"We have to trust the scientists on that future ship," said Taylor. "They are the ones who came up with this plan." But Taylor's mind wasn't on the entity or the future ship. It was on Lindsey Lander. What was happening to her?
The pain was more intense than anything Lindsey had ever experienced. It felt like her head was going to explode. But after a while she didn't feel her head at all. Nor the rest of her body. The pain was still there, but she couldn't feel it in her body. It was like she knew that she was in pain but couldn't feel it.
Then Lindsey understood. The pain wasn't hers. It was the entity's.
Lindsey looked around. She was floating in space. She could see both the Orions. Their deflector dishes were drawing something out of her. No not out of her. Out of the entity. Lindsey was seeing events from the perspective of the entity.
The entity was in pain. Lindsey tried to reach out to it. "Just hold on a bit longer. It's almost over," she said to the entity.
Although she heard no words, she felt the entity respond.
"Intensity nine, engage."
"The anomaly is collapsing!" shouted Samae.
She saw Thrim stand from his chair. "Is that bad?"
"Yes!" said Samae. "If it collapses, it's the equivalent of a patient coding on the operation table."
"What can we do?" asked Thrim.
"We keep going," said the voice of Dr. Bashir. "It's too late to stop the operation. Either the patient survives, or it doesn't. We have to finish the operation.
"I agree," said Samae.
"Sir, the Mercury is signaling full intensity," said Lt. Mikkelson.
Samae nodded to Thrim. He faced forward and said, "Full intensity, engage."
Madani stared at the image on the viewscreen. He saw two starships from two different times with their deflector dishes glowing at full power. He gripped the armrests of the captain's chair. His fingers might create permanent indentations in the chair, but he figured his captain would let it pass under the circumstances. He just continued to stare as the past and the future both fought for him and his crew.
Henry kissed Lindsey's hand and caressed it. "Just a few more seconds, Dear. A few more seconds."
Now Lindsey knew the pain. "It's almost over. Hold on just a few more seconds," she told the entity. It responded with a new effort. Lindsey watched as the last of whatever it was being drawn out of her fled to the two Orion's.
Then Lindsey felt a sensation of huge relief. The pain was gone. In its place was peace. Gratitude filled Lindsey's heart, and she knew it was not her own.
Then everything faded to black.
Samae watched as the last of the chronitons, colorfully illuminated on the Orion's main viewer, were pulled away from the entity.
Then the entity changed shape. Its outlines became more defined. It became elongated. Two appendages appeared. They were like fins or wings, Samae couldn't decide. What seemed to be the head of the entity faced the Orion. For a moment it seemed to look at them, despite having no eyes. Then it and the Mercury disappeared, leaving empty space.
The anomaly changed shape. It became like some kind of fish. At least that was the closest Theresa Taylor could come to describe it. It turned towards the Orion for a moment. Then it seemed to swim away, leaving the Mercury behind. It didn't even travel a kilometer before it disappeared completely.
"What happened?" asked Capt. Taylor.
"I believe it phased away," said Lt. Okimoto. "It no longer appears on any of our sensors. Possibly it has returned to its normal a-temporal existence. I would say that we did it."
Capt. Taylor sat back in her chair. "Power down the deflector dish." Then a new concern entered her mind. "Hail the Mercury."
On the main viewer appeared Acting Capt. Madani. "Capt. Taylor, I think it worked!"
"What's your status?" asked Taylor. She knew that she needed to ask that question first. But she really wanted to ask another question.
"The ship is fine. And the crew are all regaining consciousness," said Madani. "I would like to coordinate with your sickbay for their care."
"Agreed," said Taylor. "Dr. Randle, I want you make the Orion's sickbay and its resources available to the Mercury. And send addition medical personnel to the Mercury to assist them. This is a mass casualty incident. All medical staff are to report for duty."
"Yes, Captain."
"Capt. Taylor," said Madani. "Lt. Lander experienced major neural activity. She passed out in sickbay and has not yet regained consciousness."
"What's her status?"
"Alive," he said. "Our Emergency Medical Hologram says that he will not know if there is any neurological damage until she awakens." Madani paused. "That is if she awakens."
Henry sat next to his wife. Both Dr. Crusher and Dr. Bashir were hovering over her with their medical tricorders. "The energy field that linked the Captain to the entity is gone," said Dr. Crusher.
"Does that mean she's alright?" asked Henry. "Has her neural activity levels returned to normal?"
"No," said Dr. Bashir. "They were extremely high, but now they've dropped below normal levels."
"What does that mean?" asked Henry.
"Neural damage," said Dr. Bashir.
"But not necessarily permanent," said Dr. Crusher. "Her mind may very well recover. She needs rest."
"I agree," said Dr. Bashir. "I suggest a medically induced coma to aid her healing."
Dr. Crusher nodded her agreement. "We might have to keep her this way for a few days and monitor her closely. But I think it is safe to say that she is through the worse of it."
"Thank you, Doctors," said Henry.
"There is no trace of either the Mercury or the entity," said Ens. Rikka.
"Nor chronitons or tachyons or any other indications of a temporal anomaly," agreed Chief Shelton.
"Is that good?" asked Thrim.
"That's very good," answered Rikka.
Lt. Cmdr. Lect Nixx was studying the data closely as he listened to the bridge officers. He was highly impressed by the way they had handled the situation. Temporal mechanics was not an easy area of study. But they seemed to have adapted well to it.
"Are you saying that we succeeded?" asked Thrim of the young scientist.
"There's no way to know for sure," answered Ens. Rikka Samae. "But there are no indications of failure, and the results we can observe are the results that we expected if the entity was healed."
Nixx was most impressed by the young Bajoran scientist. Her grasp of temporal mechanics was superb. But she was wrong in one aspect. There was a way to know for sure. "Excuse me, Captain," said Nixx to Thrim. "I thank you for allowing me to remain on the bridge during these days. It has been very interesting. But now I ask permission to leave the bridge."
"Do you now?" asked Thrim. His eyes were full of suspicion. "Very well. You are dismissed, Commander."
Nixx gave a head bow to the ship's acting captain and took the rear turbo lift down several decks. After a short walk he was at his guest quarters. He powered up his computer and pulled up the subspace communications. When the computer requested his authorization code he spoke. "Lect Nixx, authorization theta, omicron, nu, 2253."
The computer allowed him access to subspace communications. He immediately programmed his intended recipient on Earth and sent out his request. "Lect Nixx submitting a timeline inquiry."
Across from Capt. Taylor was Lt. Ahmad Madani. After the anomaly had disappeared, the young officer had remained on the Mercury for the rest of the day. When evening came, Taylor ordered him to get some sleep. Now, the next day, he was here to be debriefed by Taylor. "Starfleet Command and the Department of Temporal Investigations will want a full report from you," she told the young officer.
"I understand. However, it's a little hard to know what to put in that report," stated Madani. "And what to omit," he added with emphasis.
"I know what you mean," said Taylor. "The topic of Miss. Lander's temporal displacement is a tricky one. I recommend you write up your report, but don't submit it until after you've talked to the people from Temporal Investigations. They can provide guidance."
"Oh, that ought to be a lot of fun," said Luis sarcastically from the couch on the far side of Taylor's ready room. But after a scowl from Taylor, he added, "Even if those agents take themselves far too seriously, they are the experts."
Taylor's commbadge chirped. "Dr. Randle to Capt. Taylor. I request your presence in sickbay. It's about Miss. Lander. She has returned to consciousness."
"I'm on my way," said Taylor. She stood from her desk. "You two can join me." Luis and the lieutenant from the Mercury followed her. They left the ready room and entered the turbo lift. The doors opened to the hallway just outside of sickbay. Together they entered.
Dr. Randle met them. "She's just coming to, and she's a bit groggy."
"Thank you, Doctor." Taylor turned to the men following her. "Let me do the talking." Taylor approached the biobed on which lay Lindsey Lander. The question was whether this was the young Lt. Lander from this time or the future Capt. Lander. Dr. Randle walked past the biobed to study Lander's vital signs. Taylor stood at the foot of Lander's bed, with Luis behind and to Taylor's left and Madani back and to the right.
Lindsey Lander lifted her head. "Captain?"
"How are you feeling, Lieutenant?" asked Taylor.
"I have a headache," replied Lander.
"That's understandable," said Taylor.
"What do you mean? What's happened to me?"
"What's the last thing you remember?" asked Taylor.
Lander stared blankly at Taylor for a long second before answering. "I was on the bridge, standing at the operations station. We were responding to a distress signal. I think…" Lander paused. "I think I passed out."
"Yes, you did," said Taylor. "Do you remember anything after that?"
"No. How long have I been in sickbay?"
"About twenty hours," said Taylor.
"Seems like longer," said Lander.
"That makes sense."
"What do you mean?" asked Lander.
"It's been four days since you passed out on the bridge," answered Taylor.
"Four days? But you said I've only been here for twenty hours."
"For the last four days, you've been on duty," said Taylor. "We didn't realize that you had a problem right away."
"What have I been doing all this time?"
"You've been working with Lt. Madani," said Taylor.
"Who's Lt. Madani?"
"You don't know?" asked Luis from behind Taylor. Out of the corner of her eye Taylor saw Madani step forward.
Lander looked at the young man next to Taylor. "Lieutenant, do I know you? Are you Madani?"
"Yes, I am Lt. Madani."
"He's from the Mercury, the ship whose distress signal we were investigating," added Taylor.
"What happened?" asked Lander. "And why did I end up in sickbay?"
"You will get your answers soon," interrupted Dr. Randle. "Now, you need to rest. Captain, may I speak with you."
"Of course, Doctor," replied Taylor. She paused to speak to Lindsey before following the doctor. "Rest up. I want you back on duty as soon as possible, Captain."
"What? What did you say?" asked Lindsey. "Did you call me 'Captain'?"
"A slip of the tongue, Lieutenant. That's all," answered Taylor.
Dr. Randle led Taylor, Luis, and Madani into his office. Taylor sat down opposite the doctor. "So, we have our Lindsey Lander back."
"It appears that way. I cannot detect any signs of the future brain pattern. It also appears that she has no memory of the time when future Lander was in control of her body."
"That's good," said Taylor. "If she had learned future information about herself, it might have changed her timeline. It is critically important that she does not get any such knowledge."
"We can't just deny her actions these past couple days," said Luis. "She's going to want to know what she's been doing. She will be asking questions."
"No one on the Mercury besides me and our Emergency Medical Hologram was aware of her temporal displacement," said Madani.
"Her contact even on the Orion was limited," said Taylor.
"Yeah, but she disobeyed orders, stole a shuttle, and shot Lt. Grant," said Luis.
"Lt. Grant was merely stunned," said Dr. Randle. "I released him only after an hour."
"It still doesn't explain her behavior," said Luis. "And we can't hide these things from her. What are we going to tell her?"
Taylor believed that she already knew the answer. But she didn't want to express her thoughts yet. It was an experiment, the testing of a theory. To see if future Lander's timeline was still intact.
"Could you come up with some sort of medical explanation, Doctor?" asked Madani. And Taylor was thrilled to hear the suggestion.
"A medical cause for Miss. Lander's unusual behavior and neurological condition? No, not one that would withstand scrutiny."
"It doesn't have to withstand medical scrutiny," said Taylor deciding to interfere just a bit. "It just has to fool Miss. Lander."
"I see," said Dr. Randle. "Well, it would have to be a neurological disorder. One that is temporary and curable. We did just come from Betazed. If Miss. Lander had a case of Beta-meningitis, the inflammation in her brain could explain some of her behavior."
Luis reacted. "But that's…"
"Commander," interrupted Taylor. "Do you have another other idea?" Taylor gave her first officer an insistent raise of the eyebrows.
Luis caught the look on Taylor's face. "No, Ma'am. I don't."
"Then it's settled. Dr. Randle, put in Miss. Lander's official medical file a case of Beta-meningitis. Put her real file in a sealed log for submission to the Department of Temporal Investigations." Taylor stood up from her chair. She, Luis, and Madani left sickbay.
Once they returned to Taylor's ready room, Luis exclaimed. "Beta-meningitis! The future Lander told us she had a case of Beta-meningitis about this time."
"Yes, she did say that," replied Taylor.
"But that was changed," said Luis. "A change in the timeline, she never got the disease."
"Did you ever tell Dr. Randle about the Beta-meningitis?" asked Taylor of Luis.
"No. You choose not to, so I followed your lead."
"You recall that I said it was an experiment?"
"I do recall." Luis looked at Taylor. "What does it mean?"
"I don't believe Miss. Lander ever had Beta-meningitis," explained Taylor. "Neither present Lander nor future Lander. She was told that she had the disease to cover up her temporal displacement."
"But that temporal displacement didn't occur until future Lander came to us," countered Luis.
"Didn't it?" challenged Taylor. "I did not give Dr. Randle the future information on the meningitis. He came up with that on his own. My belief is that future Lander thought she had Beta-meningitis because we told her she did."
"You're saying…" began Madani. "that future Lander had already done these things, but couldn't remember them? A temporal loop?"
"Exactly. Future Lander didn't make any changes when she came back to the past. Everything worked out exactly as it did before. And our present Lindsey Lander will be none the wiser." Taylor leaned forward. "And I want to make sure it stays that way. Commander, have a talk with Lt. Grant. Explain to him that Miss. Lander was not acting in her right mind when she stunned him. And talk to any others who worked with her. Make sure the story of her illness is spread. I want everyone on this ship to believe it."
"If we are covering up future Lander's temporal incursion into our time," said Madani. "Then we better keep this locked up." Madani pulled out a data card.
"What's that?" asked Luis.
"I don't know," said Madani. "But Lander gave it to me. I was supposed to give it to you, Capt. Taylor, in the event that she died. She said it would be unlocked by your command codes."
Taylor looked at the data disk in Madani's hand. She didn't know what information was on that data card, but she could guess. Just an arm's length away was likely information on the future. Perhaps even information on Theresa Taylor's own death. After a second of considering the possibility, Taylor said, "Don't give it to me, Lieutenant. Give it to the Department of Temporal Investigations along with your full report. I will give them the codes to access it. That way neither of us will be tempted."
"That makes sense, Captain." Madani put the data card back into a small pouch on his belt. "If there is nothing more you need from me, I will be returning to the Mercury. I'm still in command until my captain or first officer is medically cleared for duty."
"Go ahead and return to your ship. But try to get some rest before the agents from Temporal Investigations come."
"Yes, Captain." Madani gave her a parting nod of the head and left the ready room.
Taylor got up from her chair and walked towards the replicator. Taylor gave the replicator her order. "Two Scotch whiskeys on the rocks." The replicator made the drinks. The replicator also replaced the normal alcohol with synthehol, so there was no danger of getting drunk. Luis moved forward and sat across from Taylor's desk. She handled him one of the glasses. It was a habit of the captain and her first officer after a particularly long day.
Luis took his drink. "Wow, we've just dealt with a temporal anomaly that turned out to be some kind of atemporal creature; one of our crew was taken over by a future version of herself; Temporal Investigations agents are on their way here; and now we are withholding information, falsifying medical records, and covering up the truth in order to uphold a future timeline."
"All part of the Temporal Prime Directive," said Taylor.
"I suppose," said Luis. "It's just that in these past four days the Orion has seen more excitement than we have for the whole last year."
"It's a change of pace," admitted Taylor.
"Makes you wonder if it's a sign of things to come," said Luis.
"I doubt that," said Taylor. "I'm sure that we'll go back to our routine assignments."
"I am amazed that you weren't tempted to take that data card from Lt. Madani," said Luis.
"Who said I wasn't," replied Taylor. "But as curious as I might have been, sometimes it's best to let the future be unknown. That's what makes the future fun." She lifted her glass in a toast, and Luis matched her.
"To the future."
Lindsey woke up in sick bay. She was still a bit disorientated. "Easy, Captain," spoke a man's voice. "You've had quite the eventful week."
Lindsey opened her eyes fully and looked at the man standing over her. "Dr. Bashir?" He nodded yes. Lindsey remembered the doctor from a joint party between the crews of the Orion and Deep Space Nine about two years ago.
Two years in the past or five years in the future? Lindsey needed to know what year it was. "Doctor, what is the stardate?"
"The stardate is 61542.6," said Dr. Bashir. Lindsey felt a wave of relief. "The entity responsible for your condition has left. We presume it was healed. You've been in a coma for two days. But all signs indicate that your neural pathways are healing just fine."
Another Doctor entered the room. "Oh good, you're awake."
Lindsey looked at the female doctor. "You're Doctor…Sorry, I can't remember your name. But you're the Chief Medical Officer from the Enterprise."
"That's right," said the female doctor. "Dr. Beverly Crusher at your service."
Lindsey looked around to make sure that she was where she thought she was. Indeed, she was in the Orion's sickbay… the Orion-A, her ship. "What are you two doing on the Orion?"
"With the uniqueness of your condition," started Dr. Bashir. "Cmdr. Thrim thought it best to bring in additional experts."
Lindsey nodded her understanding. But there was someone else she wanted to see at that moment. "Where's Henry? Where's Cmdr. Hickensen?"
"He just stepped out," said Dr. Bashir. "I could tell you were about to wake, so I summoned Dr. Crusher and notified Cmdr. Hickensen. He will be disappointed that he missed the moment you woke."
As if on cue, the door to sick bay opened. From her position on the biobed, Lindsey could see the open door. Lindsey froze for a moment. She didn't know if the timeline had been changed. Was she married to Henry? Was her daughter the same Theresa as before? Lindsey's heart pounded for what seemed to be an eternity.
Finally, Henry walked through the door, with a little girl holding his hand. As soon as the girl laid her eyes on Lindsey she screamed out. "Mommy!"
"Theresa, my darling!" responded Lindsey. She opened up her arms, and Henry picked up the little girl and set her in Lindsey's arms. Little Theresa gave her a hug.
"I'm glad you're feeling better, Mommy."
"I'm so happy you're here," said Lindsey. She held her daughter tight. Then Lindsey started crying. Henry came and sat by her side. He put his hand on hers, which was wrapped around her daughter. Lindsey took in the moment. "I'm home."
Lect Nixx was organizing his things. Officially he was going to take a shuttle from Betazed back to the Farragut. But that wasn't exactly true. The door chime sounded, and Nixx returned his other uniform to its bag before giving permission to his guest. "Enter."
In walked Cmdr. Ser'rek Thrim. "Cmdr. Nixx, I thought you would like to know that the agents from the Department of Temporal Investigations are due to arrive within the hour. They will meet with the Captain and myself at 1500 hours."
"That's not really my concern, Commander," replied Nixx.
"Isn't it?" asked Thrim. Nixx looked at the Andorian first officer. There was a smile on his face. So, he knew. Or at least he had guessed. "Well, I must be mistaken," said Thrim. "But if I'm not, then I suppose I can trust that you will be…on time." With that Thrim exited Nixx' guest quarters.
Capt. Lindsey Lander sat in the conference room on board her ship, her Orion, NCC-26532-A. Out the window could be seen the planet of Betazed. She was waiting for the representatives of the Department of Temporal Investigations to arrive. This meeting was specifically about Lindsey's experience. As such Drs. Bashir and Crusher were present to provide the medical details. Ser'rek Thrim was there because Lindsey insisted on having her first officer present. And Henry was there because…because Lindsey wanted her husband there.
The door opened to reveal a human male. His uniform included dress pants, a turtleneck shirt, a vest, and a light suit coat; all of which had the same pinstriping. "Capt. Lander, I am Lucsly, Department of Temporal Investigations."
"Welcome on board the Orion," said Lindsey. "I was told that there would be two members of your department here."
"Yes," Lucsly looked back towards the conference room door which opened again.
In walked the Bolian Lect Nixx. But instead of wearing his Starfleet uniform, he was wearing the same pinstriped uniform as Lucsly. "Greetings again, Captain. I am Lect Nixx of Temporal Investigations. Sorry for my deception. But it was necessary in order to monitor the temporal situation that you were about to experience."
"I'm glad to see you in the correct uniform, Mr. Nixx," said Ser'rek Thrim with a smile.
"Wait, how did you know that we were about to experience a temporal situation?" asked Henry.
Nixx sat next to Lucsly and pointed at Lindsey. "Because of her."
Everyone at the conference table looked at Lindsey. "Did I let some information slip when I was in the past?"
"You did more than that," said Lucsly. "You left a catalogue of all the major events of your life from the time of your past displacement all the way up to the stardate the Orion-A encounter the anomaly."
"The data card," said Lindsey knowingly. "That was supposed to be opened only in the event of the death of my younger self."
"We had to open it," said Lucsly. "For the past seven years we have been watching as the events of your life unfolded. We had to know if there had been any changes to the timeline."
"Were there?" asked Lindsey. In the two days since she had awakened, Lindsey had taken the time to study all Starfleet's records and her old log entries that dealt with the events of her lifetime. They appeared to be in order.
"No," said Lucsly. "The timeline played out just as you described on your data card."
"I have to say," spoke Nixx. "I have never known an incident where someone gave such detailed explanations to preserve the timeline in the event of their death. While the death of your younger self would have severely damaged the timeline, the instructions you gave to those who would continue was very impressive."
"What kind of instructions?" asked Henry.
Nixx answered, "She told Capt. Taylor how to keep the Orion crew alive when you were attacked by the rogue Romulan Colonel Gaiath. She also gave instructions to Capt. Picard on how to stop Sector 31 from starting a war with Romulus. She had a section addressed to Admiral Janeway and Ens. Annika Hanson explaining the methods for stopping the Borg in Romulan space. She had instructions meant for Starfleet Intelligence, Cmdr. Ro Laren, and the Changeling named Odo about stopping a rogue member of the Dominion from attacking Deep Space Nine and killing the Wormhole Aliens. Lastly, she described the day the Orion-A encountered the temporal anomaly. She was quite thorough."
"Those were all major events in my timeline," said Lindsey.
"Indeed," said Nixx.
"Yes, of course," agreed Lucsly with less enthusiasm. "Our only major objection is that you arranged for Capt. Taylor to take your place when she clearly died in your original timeline."
"Someone had to," said Lindsey. "She was already aware of my temporal displacement. She seemed to be a logical choice."
Lucsly eyed Lindsey suspiciously, but Nixx spoke up. "Fortunately, it wasn't necessary. The timeline was maintained due to your efforts."
"Yeah, a timeline in which Capt. Taylor died," said Lindsey.
"I appreciate how difficult this was for you," said Nixx. "Not many would have made the decisions you did." To this even Lucsly nodded. Lindsey received the compliment.
"So, you're telling us," started Henry. "That you have been sitting on future information for seven years?"
"Yes," said Lucsly. "It was vital to maintain the timeline, as per the Starfleet Temporal Displacement Policy."
"We also needed to learn more about the nature of Capt. Lander's temporal displacement," said Nixx.
"What do you mean?" asked Dr. Crusher.
"There are several different ways to interact with the past," said Lucsly. "We had to know which kind this was."
"That seems obvious now," said Dr. Bashir. "This was a predestination paradox. Capt. Lander had to go back in time in order for the timeline to play out as it did. She was meant to go back in time."
"Close, Doctor," said Nixx. "Only, the term 'predestination' implies some sort of cosmic fate. Rather, I think the non-linear entity can sufficiently explain Capt. Lander's 'fate.' Let us just call it a time loop."
"A time loop! That must be exciting," said Dr. Bashir.
"Actually, we hate those," said Lucsly dryly.
"In addition," added Nixx. "We wanted to know more about this creature that caused the time loop. We were concerned that your science team would not be up to the task, but they did a very good job. We will have to speak with them extensively and scrutinize their reports. There is much we can learn from this incident."
"But now that we've reached the part of the timeline where you no longer have future knowledge," said Lindsey. "You will no longer need to maintain the secrets. The Temporal Prime Directive has been upheld. Will you now declassify this event?"
"Correct," said Nixx. "After our interviews with you and your crew, Lucsly and I will submit a report to Starfleet Command and the Federation Council."
"And I will be able to explain the situation to others who were involved but were either sworn to secrecy or not fully in the know?" asked Lindsey.
"With some prudence," said Lucsly hesitantly.
"Any more general questions?" asked Nixx. Lindsey, Henry, Ser'rek, and the doctors all shook their heads no. "Good. Now that the opening comments are done, we would like to do a more formal interview. Let's start from the beginning." Lucsly rolled his eyes, and Nixx made a correction. "The beginning from your perspective, Capt. Lander."
"Alright. It began when we picked up the anomaly on our sensors while on route to Betazed." So began a long meeting with the temporal investigators pressing for every detail of Lindsey's time in the past.
Lindsey was in her ready room at the end of her duty shift. Her door chimed. "Enter." In came Lt. Cmdr. T'Sel. "Come and sit, Commander. Are you recovered from our joint experience?"
"For the most part," said T'Sel. "I am physically well. There are some lingering effects from the mind meld that required me to spend extra time in meditation."
"Would those lingering effects be my emotions?" asked Lindsey.
T'Sel nodded. "Yes, Captain. Our minds were one. Much of your thoughts and emotions temporality became mine."
"I absorbed a bit of your logic as well. I was even accused of speaking like a Vulcan for a while," said Lindsey. "What is it you wished to speak to me about?"
"I wanted to inform you of my decision. I know that you are aware that I was offered the first officer's position on a science vessel."
"Yes, I am aware. Do you intend to take the position?"
"No, Captain. I do not," said T'Sel.
"Really?" asked Lindsey. "It is a great way for career advancement. I would have thought that you would find it logical."
"To those looking from the outside it would seem to be the logical choice," said T'Sel. "But I have private reasons for my decision."
"Such as your pregnancy." To see the look on T'Sel's face was worth it. It was not often that Lindsey got to surprise a Vulcan.
"Captain, how did you know?" T'Sel paused then looked back at Lindsey. "The mind meld. You learned of my pregnancy while our minds were one."
"Yes, in part," said Lindsey. "As you know, I have been pregnant before. I know what it feels like, and I know how I would react if my unborn child was in danger. I don't know whether it was your maternal instincts or mine, but I felt it."
Lindsey continued. "But I did have my suspicions before our mind meld. Considering the leave time I gave you to return to Vulcan."
"I went to Vulcan to visit my family," said T'Sel.
"You mean to visit your husband," added Lindsey. "I am aware of the 'needs' your husband would have every seven years."
T'Sel looked concerned. "Captain, that is a matter for Vulcans only. My people will not appreciate it if Starfleet is giving their captains the details of this very private matter."
"I didn't learn about it from Starfleet," said Lindsey. "I learned about it from another Vulcan. But I cannot tell you from whom. But know that I won't share your private details with anyone else."
"I appreciate that, Captain," said T'Sel. "Yes, my childbearing is one of the major considerations for my decision to pass on this opportunity. A science vessel is no place to raise a child, even a Vulcan one."
"Should I be concerned that you might leave the Orion to return to Vulcan?" asked Lindsey.
"No, Captain. I do not at this time believe that a move to Vulcan is necessary. It will be sometime before my child is of educational age. I have observed that you are putting much effort in building up the Orion's educational facilities. I presume by the time my child is of educational age, those faculties will be up to the proper standards."
"I certainly hope so," said Lindsey. "My own daughter will be educational age before your child."
"I also believe that this ship would be an appropriate place for me to learn some of the skills required for combining duty with motherhood," said T'Sel.
"You're referring to Johnathan and Selina," said Lindsey.
"Yes, in part. I am also reluctant to stray from my duties as godmother to Thomas Mikkelson. But I was also referring to you and Cmdr. Hickensen. How you balance being a captain and a mother is most intriguing for me. If command roles are in my near future, it would be logical for me to observe persons such as you and your husband attempting to be both commanders and parents."
"Well, I will do my best to be a good role model."
"I believe you will. But even your failings will be instructional," said T'Sel.
She seemed to realize that her comment could be taken as an insult, but Lindsey merely said, "Logical."
"Captain. I was going to wait until you were more rested," started T'Sel. "But since we are on the topic, I do have a request."
"What is that?"
"I have already observed the advantage that you and your husband have with both of you being on the Orion to raise your child. Quite often one of you is with your daughter while the other is on duty. I have seen the same with Lts. Mikkelson and Chaput-Mikkelson. I have discussed the matter with my husband, and we both find it to be a logical method for raising our child. We request that he be allowed to come here and live on the Orion with me and our child."
"You are eligible to bring family on board," said Lindsey. "I gladly grant your request."
"Thank you, Captain," said T'Sel. "You can expect my husband's application soon."
"I wasn't aware that your husband was part of Starfleet."
"He is not," said T'Sel. "He is a child and adolescent educator on Vulcan. He has for some time desired to work with non-Vulcans, to experience how other species learn and to adapt the teachings of Surak to be taught to non-Vulcan students. I am not asking for any favoritism, Captain. I expect you to make a logical choice as to whether or not my husband becomes part of your educational faculty on board the Orion."
"I will receive his application and likely interview him when he comes on board," said Lindsey.
"Thank you, Captain," said T'Sel. "This is all that I wanted to bring to your attention."
"I actually have another matter I wish to discuss with you, T'Sel," said Lindsey. "I wanted to talk about this recommendation that Cmdr. Thrim submitted concerning one of your team members."
T'Sel looked at the tablet Lindsey handed her. "As I have been recuperating, I have not had the time to attend to this matter. If you wish I will make it a priority. But if you want my preliminary opinion, it would be in the positive."
"Thank you, T'Sel. I would appreciate you prioritizing this matter, within reason. You are dismissed." The Vulcan woman stood straight and exited Lindsey's ready room with no emotional indication of the personal topics they had just discussed. It occurred to Lindsey that this was the most personal conversation she had ever had with the Vulcan scientist. Now that they had shared a mind meld, Lindsey realized that the two of them had a deeper connection than before.
Lindsey began her end of duty shift routine of putting all her desk items away, clearing away unfinished projects to be resumed tomorrow, and powering down her computer terminal. But before she finished, she paused and considered one more task. It could certainly wait till the morning, but Lindsey was too curious to wait. She powered her computer terminal back up. She also addressed a question to the computer. "Computer, give me current information on Ahmad Madani."
"Ahmad Madani is a lieutenant commander. He is currently the operations and second officer on the USS Mercury. More information is displayed."
After studying Ahmad Madani's file for twenty minutes, Lindsey asked the computer. "Where is the Mercury now?"
"The Mercury is currently docked at Deep Space Nine following the completion of its mission to the Gamma Quadrant."
"Open a channel to the Mercury, requesting Lt. Cmdr. Madani."
"Working." Lindsey turned to her display monitor and waited until the default Starfleet display would be replaced by someone on the Mercury.
The image did change, and to Lindsey's surprise Ahmad Madani answered himself. "This is Lt. Cmdr. Madani," he said dutifully. Lindsey examined him. The past seven years had done him no harm. He looked much the same. He held himself more professionally and he looked more confident. But to be fair, last time Lindsey had seen him, it was during a crisis.
"Hello, Commander. I am surprised I could get a hold of you at this hour. I expected just to leave a message. I am Capt. Lindsey Lander of the Orion-A."
There was a brief look of recognition before he could mask it. "What can I do for you, Captain? I know no reason for your call."
"I just wanted to catch up with you. It's been seven years, since we worked together, although for me it's only been four days."
Madani's eyes widen. "You remember it."
"All of it," said Lindsey. "The Orion-A just encountered the temporally entity in this time. Things apparently played out the same way they did seven years ago."
"And you traveled back in time?"
"My mind did," said Lindsey.
"Wow," said Madani. "You cannot imagine my curiosity about your future. I didn't even know how long I would have to wait. I was greatly concerned when I heard about the Orion's destruction. But when I heard that a new ship had been christened the Orion-A and you were its captain, I figured that the timeline was still intact."
"Yes, as far as I and the Department of Temporal Investigations can determine, the timeline has not been altered."
"You mean that seven years ago you knew that your captain would die?"
"Yes," answered Lindsey.
Madani was speechless for a moment. "I am sorry you have to endure that. I don't think I could have kept my silence about the fate of my captain."
"You underestimate yourself," said Lindsey. "I saw you command the Mercury in a crisis. Your file has only praises for your performance in those days." What Lindsey didn't say was that his file from that point to the present reflected well on him, even if it was rather boring. Madani had been promoted to lieutenant commander shortly after Lindsey's time travel incident. Then his career had stalled on the Mercury, simply falling into the rank and file of Starfleet. Admiral Janeway had once warned Lindsey of such a career trap, referring to such officers as the lose treasures of Starfleet. Was Madani an underutilized officer?
"You helped me to do it," said Madani modestly.
"Perhaps, but you took several steps on your own. Like confining me to sickbay."
"I am sorry about that."
"Don't apologize," said Lindsey. "It was the right call."
"Thank you," said Madani. "I would enjoy the chance to visit with you more about our shared experience, now that we can finally talk about it."
"That sounds good," said Lindsey.
"It's a date," said Madani.
"Careful, Commander," said Lindsey. "I am a married woman."
"Is that so?" said Madani. "To avoid the temptation of calling you, I tried my best not to learn more about you."
"That was sensible," said Lindsey.
"We will have to set up a time for me to visit the Orion-A. I would very much like to meet the officers and scientists who help the Mercury all those years ago."
"The Orion is currently on shore leave at Betazed. You are welcomed to come while the Mercury is at Deep Space Nine."
"That sounds good. I will check with my captain, and let you know." Madani seemed ready to sign off, but Lindsey added one more comment.
"Commander, just for your information, I currently have an opening in my first officer's position. Your record since our last encounter is impressive at first glance. If you are considering a career in the command track and are willing to give up the Mercury, you might consider sending me your application. No promises of course, but I will look at it." Just as Admiral Janeway had pushed Lindsey once, so perhaps Lindsey could push Madani.
Madani raised his eyebrows. "Really?"
"I've seen you command a starship before," said Lindsey. "The way you handled the Mercury is the way I would hope my first officer would handle my ship in my absence."
"I suppose that I will consider it, Captain."
"Good, I look forward to future contact with you."
"I've looking forward to future contact with you for seven years," said Madani. "I'm glad it's finally happening."
After her call with Lt. Cmdr. Madani, Lindsey left her ready room to retire for the night. When she returned to her quarters, she, Henry, and little Theresa ate dinner. After that they played one of Theresa's favorite games. They let her win, of course. Then Henry said, "Time for bed, Theresa."
"I'm not tired," said the child. But her big yawn said otherwise.
"You might not be tired, but I am," said Lindsey. "Mommy is going to bed." It was only 2100 hours, but Lindsey was still not fully recovered from the strain the temporal displacement had on her mind.
"Can I sleep with you and Daddy?" asked Theresa.
Henry was about to say no, but Lindsey stopped him. "Yes, you may, my sweet little daughter. Now, Daddy is going to get you ready for bed. Brush your teeth and put on your jammies."
"Okay." Theresa ran to her room. Henry followed after her. Lindsey entered the room she and Henry shared, washed her face, brushed her teeth, and put on a warm fuzzy set of sleepwear. By the time she was done, Henry and Theresa ran into the room.
"I get to sleep in the middle!" shouted Theresa as she jumped onto the bed. Lindsey came to the left side of the bed and crawled under the covers. She tucked Theresa in next to her. Henry went to wash up and get ready for bed. Theresa handed Lindsey the book she had brought from her room. "Read to me, Mommy."
Lindsey felt her heart melt. "I would love to." She then began to read page after page. By the time she was done with the short book, Theresa was asleep next to her.
Henry came and joined them. As he slid in next to Lindsey and Theresa, he gave Lindsey a kiss. "I am so glad to have you back."
"I am so very happy things are the way they are meant to be," said Lindsey.
"Are you?" asked Henry. "You don't wish that Capt. Taylor was still alive?"
"Of course, I do. Having to uphold the timeline was like watching her die all over again," said Lindsey. "But it was good to see her, and to talk with her one last time."
"I don't know if I could have done it," said Henry. "It was very unselfish of you."
"No, you're wrong," said Lindsey. "If I would have saved Capt. Taylor, then perhaps you and I would have never bonded during the original Orion's crisis. Maybe we would have never gotten married, or maybe we would have married at a different time. Maybe little Theresa here would have never existed." Lindsey put her arms around the child between her and her husband. "I didn't want to lose this family."
Henry responded with another kiss. Lindsey put her head on his shoulder as Theresa squirmed a bit in her sleep. Lindsey spoke again. "And I don't want to miss out on the future of this family."
"The future?" asked Henry.
Lindsey looked her husband in the eye. "You were right about growing our family. Theresa should have a younger brother or sister. I want us to have another child."
Henry kissed Lindsey again. As the three of them lay there, it didn't take long for Lindsey to fall asleep.
"Commander, I was wondering if you could look over my report," said Rikka Samae. The past several days since the temporal anomaly was healed and the Captain returned to normal had been grueling. Samae had spent them collecting and organizing all the data she had collected on the anomaly, being interviewed several times by Temporal Investigations, and now finally compiling her final report. "I've never submitted a report directly to the captain before. Nor have I ever reported to the Department of Temporal Investigations."
Lt. Cmdr. T'Sel took the data pad from Samae. "I also have never submitted a report to Temporal Investigations. But I will look at your report. I will begin by studying its formatting and vocabulary to ensure that it is fit for submission. Then I would like to read it more in depth. I was unconscious for much of the time. I am greatly curious to see your perspective."
"Thank you, Commander," said Samae. "It's crazy to think I, a mere ensign, am submitting a report on behalf of the whole science team."
"It is not 'crazy,'" said T'Sel. "I chose you to work with me because you are an intelligent scientist. When I became incapacitated, you were the logical person to take over the study. Your study of non-linear entities also made you uniquely qualified."
"Thank you, Commander," said Samae again.
"Ensign, I have noted that many non-Vulcan species feel the emotional need to express gratitude, but even compared to many others I've observed you seem to be thanking me more than usual. But I have not done anything a good team leader would not have done."
"Sorry, Commander," replied Samae. "It's just that I'm experiencing a lot of emotions right now. Excitement mostly."
"So, excess gratitude can be a sign of excessive emotion?" asked T'Sel. Samae nodded. "Is apologizing when there has been no wrong or offense committed, as you have just done, also a sign of excessive emotion?"
Samae smiled, and a bit of her tension eased. "Yes, it can be."
"Hmm, fascinating. Are your heightened emotions going to be a problem?"
"No, Commander. I've never taken the lead before. I am just feeling the responsibility. It makes me both excited and nervous, which is a normal reaction for an emotional being such as myself."
"I'm glad to hear that, Ensign," said T'Sel. "I will return your report to you tomorrow. It is now the end of my shift. I believe it is for you as well."
"Yes, Commander."
"Indeed, it is," said Alivia as she and Frank entered the science lab. "And you are coming with us to the Orion's Club for drinks, remember?"
"Yes, I remember," said Samae. It hadn't been her idea. She was not much of a socializer. But Frank and Alivia were her friends, and she had not talked to them much since their trip back to the Sol System. "Should I change into off duty clothing?"
"No," said Frank. "We're not. It's the Orion's Club. Everyone wears their uniform there."
"Come on, before the night is over," said Alivia. Samae powered down her station, put a few things away, and then followed her friends.
They entered the Orion's Club, the ship's off duty lounge. The massive statue of the Greek hero Orion with his club raised greeted them as they walked in. Alivia led them to their normal table, while Frank got their first round. He returned with synthehol drinks. "What, no Kentucky bourbon or Irish whiskey tonight?" asked Samae.
"Maybe later," said Frank.
"So, how was Earth?" asked Samae.
"It's home," replied Alivia neutrally.
"That's all you have to say?"
"That's about it," added Frank. "We stopped to visit both our parents and a few of our siblings."
"And you stopped at Utopia Planitia," said Samae.
"Yes, we did," said Alivia. "I interviewed there."
Samae looked back and forth between Frank and Alivia. They seemed reluctant to talk about it. Samae leaned against her chair's back rest. "You've already made your decision, haven't you?"
Alivia and Frank looked at each other. Frank took a gulp of his drink before answering. "Yes, we have. But we haven't told anybody yet."
"You're taking the job, aren't you?"
"Yes," said Alivia. "We don't want to leave the Orion, but it's the opportunity we've been looking for. Both for our careers and our family."
"Family?" asked Samae with excitement. "Are you…?"
"No, no," answer Alivia quickly. "I am not with child."
"But we are considering adding to our family," said Frank. "Perhaps once we've settled down on Earth."
"Are you looking into fertility options? You might want to talk to Dr. Bashir before he returns to Deep Space Nine. He has some experience with inter-species reproduction. He once began the process of helping a Klingon and Trill couple conceive. It didn't work out, but that wasn't his fault."
"We appreciate the suggestion," said Alivia. "But we are leaning towards adoption. Listen, we weren't planning on talking about this tonight."
"Why not?" asked Samae. "Is there something else going on tonight?"
As Samae asked the question, she saw Capt. Lander and Cmdr. Hickensen enter. The Captain wasn't a stranger to the Orion's Club, but something seemed different. Samae's suspicions grew when Cmdr. Thrim and Lt. Cmdr. T'Sel were following behind them. Samae looked around and noticed that the entire science department was here, as were several members of Engineering and the bridge crew. And all were in their uniforms. Orion's Club grew silent.
"May I have your attention," said Cmdr. Thrim. "The Captain would like to recognize one of her crew."
"Who could that be?" asked Samae. But Frank and Alivia were smiling at her. "No, no, not me."
"Ensign Rikka Samae, please come forward," said Cmdr. Thrim. Samae got up from her table and walked to the place in front of the Captain. Thrim and Hickensen stood on either side of the Captain. T'Sel was next to Thrim, and Frank and Alivia took positions behind Samae. Everyone else stood at attention.
"Ens. Rikka Samae, reporting, Ma'am." Samae stood at attention.
"At ease, Ensign," began Capt. Lander. "Miss. Rikka, you have been twice honored for valiance and bravery by Starfleet. Both times were for situations outside of your normal duties as a science officer. But today we honor you as a scientist. Your work in studying the temporal entity and directing this ship's crew in it actions was exemplary. You took upon yourself a leadership role beyond your standing on board this ship. And on a personal note, with my own life at sake, your knowledge and instruction were greatly appreciated. In response to such service there can only be one appropriate thing for a captain to do."
"At attention," said Thrim. And Samae stood straighter.
Capt. Lander spoke in a formal voice so all could hear. "In recognition of your advancement as an officer and as a scientist in your time serving on the Orion, especially of late, and at the recommendation of your immediate superiors, I hereby grant you this promotion with all its duties and responsibilities." Lt. Cmdr. T'Sel approached Samae and attached a hollow pip next to her already existing solid pip, adding to her previous rank of ensign. As T'Sel finished, she gave her an approving nod, and Capt. Lander said, "Congratulations, Lieutenant."
"Thank you, Captain," said Lieutenant Rikka Samae.
The whole of Orion's Club erupted in applause.
After offering her less formal congratulations, Lindsey pulled away from the crowd surrounding the newly minted Lieutenant Junior Grade Rikka Samae. She saw Frank and Alivia at the center of the crowd. Dr. Bashir was also congratulating her. Many other members of Lindsey's crew were there.
Lindsey leaned back against the bar. Her thoughts traveled back seven years to the old Orion and especially Capt. Theresa Taylor. How Lindsey wished that she was here. Lindsey imagined her former captain and mentor being there when Lindsey was promoted to captain. But it was not to be.
Then, as if Capt. Taylor could hear her, Lindsey said quietly to herself, "Captain, I'm sorry I couldn't save you. I wish you were here. Here to see my ship, to see my crew. I've tried to treat them as you treated me. In that way, maybe you are here with me. Everything I know about being a captain, I learned from you. And I promise that I will take care of my crew, as you did yours." Lindsey lifted a glass in a toast to Capt. Theresa Taylor.
"Goodbye, Captain."
Coming soon, the final installment of the series
Star Trek: Orion VI
Fleet Commander
In the wake of the destruction of Romulus, the Federation extends its aid to the devastated Romulan Empire. But when a Starfleet captain and his command crew are kidnapped by the Tal Shiar, Starfleet sends a small fleet into Romulan Space, commanded by Captain Lindsey Lander.
Featuring Captain Geordi La Forge and Captain Beverly Crusher.
Also read these other stories in the Orion Series. Available on FanFiction.
Star Trek: Orion
The USS Orion, a little known starship with a little known crew, has for its many long years of service in Starfleet avoided major action. But now the Orion been assigned to patrol the Federation side of the Romulan Neutral Zone, and soon the Orion and its inexperienced crew will be drawn into a much larger conflict. Set after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis.
Star Trek: Orion II
Intrigue
Captain Lindsey Lander was just getting used to her new command, when a secret mission pulled her away from the Orion. But her new mission is not what it seems. Soon, Lindsey will find herself in a battle between a Romulan terrorist and the amoral shadow of the Federation: Section 31. The stakes? War with the Romulan Star Empire.
Also featuring Jean-Luc Picard and Worf.
Star Trek: Orion III
Resistance
When Captain Lindsey Lander requested that the Orion be pulled off Neutral Zone duty, a trip deep into Romulan territory was not what she had in mind. But when a distress call from Romulus claims that the Borg have invaded their territory, Starfleet sends the Orion as part of a small fleet of starships under the command of the one Starfleet officer best equipped for the task: Admiral Kathryn Janeway.
Featuring Kathryn Janeway and Seven of Nine.
Star Trek: Orion IV
Stellar Sprint
With its high-profile missions completed, the Orion begins to settle into mediocrity. But when a weapons dealer tries to sell one of Shinzon's thalaron weapons to the highest bidder, three of the Orion's crew are called upon to don their undercover identities and command the Stellar Sprint in a chase that begins in the Romulan Star Empire and ends at Deep Space Nine.
Featuring several characters from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.