Title: By Her Side

Summary: For all the Doomsday preppers...this is not what really happens in a "pole reversal" so don't worry. Trust me I'm an Earth science teacher : )

Chapter 2: Pole Position

1 hour earlier.

The Enterprise sustained orbit around Galos IV.

"Captain's Log stardate 44311.71 We have arrived at Galos IV, a stunning "M" class planet, on a brief mission of research and diplomacy for the federation in the Degama System. The peaceful people of this planet have constantly been terrorized by the Cardassian empire and are seeking to join the Federation of Planets in pursuit of a harmonious existence for them and the neighboring planets of this solar nebula. I have asked our Engineer to study some of the rich resources the planet possesses while we explore some of the outstanding Earth-like amenities this unusual planet has to offer."
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"What exactly am I looking for?" the young Ensign asked, his long legs making it hard for his commanding officer to match his steps.

"Wes, you're looking for any type of raw materials similar to what the Cardassians or Ferengi may try to steal from these people. We want to know what they have so we can help them protect themselves."

"Right, got it." Wesley closed up his tri corder and placed it on his side. As they reached transporter room three he was surprised to see his mother standing on the transporter pad.

"What are you doing here?" she asked as she smoothed an invisible wrinkle out of his uniform. Wesley stood on the pad next to her as he swatted her hand away.

"Research." he smiled. "I guess we are working together for a change." she returned the smile.

Counselor Troi, Commander LaForge, Ensign Crusher, Captain Picard, and Dr. Crusher stood in place as the captain gave his command.

"Energize."

The five of them began to vaporize before the transporter attendants eyes but something was wrong. As he waited for their signals to dissapate he noticed that their signatures still remained partly on the Enterprise and partly scattered in space.

He released the lever and brought them all back, as they swayed back and forth with the sudden jolt.

"What the devil is going on Lieutenant?" the captain demanded.

"I'm sorry sir, I am picking up some strong magnetic interference from the planet. I will attempt to transport you again." The five of them waited patiently as the blue particle energy surrounded them again and the beam continued to struggle to transport them off the ship. The attendant increased to maximum power as the five life forms flickered and wavered and suddenly three disappeared from the pad as two rematerialized.

Counselor Troi and Lt. Commander LaForge stumbled into one another and were shocked to find themselves alone on the platform.

"Where is the captain, the others? " she demanded heading towards the terminal.

"They're on the surface."

"Do you have a fix on their location?"

"No sir. The planet appears to be undergoing some type of magnetic changes in its mesosphere. I am not sure of their exact location but they were beamed to the correct coordinates. I will keep attempting to retrieve them."

"LaForge to Captain Picard?" the reply was an intermittent crackle of static.

He tapped his insignia again.

"Ensign Crusher, do you read me?" a snarl of contempt was hurled a the transporter attendant as his eyes quickly averted to the computer working furiously to get a lock on their location.

Counselor Troi felt an immediate sense of foreboding as she pressed the comm. panel on the wall.

"Counselor Troi to the Bridge."

"Bridge here, I thought you were leaving Counselor."

"Commander Riker, we have a problem. We attempted to beam down to the planet's surface, but due to interference all of us did not make it. We believe Dr. Crusher, the Captain and Wesley are on the planet, and we are unable to contact them."

"Acknowledged." he stammered, his attention suddenly averted. "You two better get up here...now!"

Laforge and Troi exchanged worried glances and made their way to the bridge.

Commander Riker stood up from his chair and saw the on screen image of the planet in front of him as the rest of the bridge looked on in terror. Before their eyes a great pulsing wave of energy seem to race from one end of the planet's pole to the other and back again. As the wave expanded a shock wave was hurled through the planet's exosphere and a tremor rocked the Enterprise urging the red alert klaxon to life.

"Mr. Data! Report?" he demanded scrambling for his chair.

"A massive seismic event is occurring on the planet sir. I believe it to be some sort of polarity reversal. A planet-wide upheaval of tectonic nature."

"Transporter room, do you have a lock on our crew?"

"Negative sir. We lost them."

Riker slumped heavily in the chair.

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Beverly has spoken...Up Next...Their fate is revealed and Picard unravels a secret.

I know...it's short, but Vignettes are not meant to be long! Reviews Please! I am writing this as I go, so you can decide what happens : )