Lost – Chapter 10
USS Enterprise – Conference Room B
Captain Picard watched as the last of his command crew arrived with their Klingon allies. He sat silently as they took their seats and simply nodded to acknowledge the greeting from D'Mek. L'kor was the last to enter and as she took her seat Picard gestured to Worf who sealed the door. With a tug on his uniform to adjust it he stood and cleared his throat.
"Before I begin this briefing I would just like to personally acknowledge and thank Commander D'Mek and through him his crew for their assistance. The situation could have been much worse save for their help." D'Mek inclined his head toward Picard who returned the gesture before continuing "With that being said I'll pass this briefing over to Lieutenant Commander Data who has been working on a technical analysis of the situation we find ourselves in."
Data stood and activated a visual of the Romulan vessel that had been camouflaged as a Starfleet ship.
"A review of the data from both ships sensors has revealed a number of anomalies. The Romulans appear to be using an advanced camouflage technique to disguise themselves from our sensors. This advantage has been the deciding factor in engagements. There is however a flaw in their technology. Objects and people hidden using this method emits a very small amount of radiant energy. This energy is similar in nature to chronotrons and is readily identifiable by our sensors."
D'Mek turned to Picard "So their ships are vulnerable?"
"Yes Commander we can now track ships with this technology aboard but more importantly we can also identify when the use their 'magic' as it also creates a small but identifiable energy signature."
There was silence in the room as those present processed Data's breakthrough.
"Data can we block their magic?" asked Riker
"I am unsure if we can adapt technology to do so or if we shall have to engage the talents of Mister Black."
Picard stood and addressed his second officer "Data I want you to continue your work on finding a way to protect ourselves from their abilities. We cannot hinge our defence on two civilians one of whom should be in school."
Picard sat and addressed the group.
"Which leaves us with the third part of this puzzle; how do we deal with an enemy who appears to have Starfleet infiltrated, Romulan assistance and the ability to attack us directly with little or no notice."
Riker frowned before he spoke "Are we saying that we are assuming that Starfleet is compromised? I mean there must be resources we can use to root out and infiltrators."
"But who do we trust enough to ask?" finished Troi.
"You could seek assistance from the Empire." D'Mek offered looking to Picard.
"How do we know the Empire isn't compromised, or the Klingon military?" asked Troi.
"Damn, your right Deanna, we don't know."
"Ok so we take it slowly and I'll keep the Enterprise here for repairs while I sound out some old friends and try and raise awareness of our situation." Picard paused a moment before continuing "Until further information is at hand we shall remain at yellow alert."
"We shall stay this course as well Picard, we are allies in this and besides the High Council will want answers as much as the Federation council." D'Mek stood as he spoke nodded to Picard and left the room followed by the Klingon command crew.
Once the Klingon's had left Troi grabbed Doctor Crusher and approached the Captain.
By unspoken agreement Troi spoke for them both "Captain we wanted to speak to you about Harry Potter."
Picard raised an eyebrow in enquiry "Is he still recovering well in sick bay?"
"Physically" answered Doctor Crusher "he is coming along well but Deanna and I are concerned about his emotional health."
"How so Counsellor?"
"Sir Mister Potter is a remarkable young man. He was touted as a 'hero' among his own people and has had a number of dangerous, indeed deadly encounters which he survived. But I am beginning to wonder about how this has affected him. From listening to his history or at least the part we have been told it appears that people he cares for have been injured and killed around him for as long as he can remember; I believe that he is beginning to feel as if he is to blame."
"Survivors guilt can be a dangerous thing, Can you help him counsellor?" asked Picard.
Troi frowned slightly "Perhaps but we will need his guardian's permission."
IKS Kaveth Nar – Engineering
"Sirius you mangy human, Sirius have ahh there you are. Harry is on the comm. channel" L'kor pointed to a comm unit mounted on a bulkhead.
"Thanks L'kor, Hey Harry what's up pup?"
"I want to move back to the Kaveth Nar can you organise it Sirius?"
Sirius noticed that Harry's face looked tired and his eyes were red and frowned at the viewscreen.
"What's the matter Harry? You look upset." Sirius's voice was low his expression concerned.
"It's nothing Sirius I just would like to be back on the Kaveth Nar with you and L'kor."
"Well I suppose once you get a clean bill of health and we can move you back onboard. I thought you were enjoying visiting the Enterprise?" Sirius didn't want to push but to help he needed to know what the problem was.
"Yeah I was, anyway can you?" asked Harry.
"I'll see what I can do Harry." Sirius smiled at his Godson as the transmission ended. What they hell was that about? Sirius asked himself.
Romulan Scout Ship "Maelificus" – Sector 342
"How long overdue is their check in?" asked the Romulan Commander.
"Over three standard hours Sir" responded the human officer currently manning the helmsman's position.
"Very well send the signal then plot a course for the Alpha base we need to get some guidance from the master."
"Transmission sent, course plotted and engaged Sir" replied the helmsman.
"Very well, notify me when we arrive or if we receive new orders" ordered the Commander; who then turned and left the pilot alone on the small bridge.
USS Enterprise – Sick Bay
"Harry I know your not asleep could I talk to you for a minute" Emma had been released several hours ago and had left Sick Bay with her family. Concerned about Harry she had decided to visit him only to be ignored as her feigned sleep.
"You shouldn't be here Emma, It's dangerous for you to be here" Harry's voice was soft but Emma could hear the emotion in it.
"Harry I…..what I mean is that…..oh bugger it Harry I wanted to thank you for helping me, for saving me."
"Emma" began Harry.
"You owe me one promised explanation Harry Potter." Emma sounded annoyed so against his better judgement Harry rolled over to face her.
"Are you sure Emma, me telling you could put you in more danger" Harry was not sure if he was worried about a yes than a no.
"Yes" was her simple reply.
For Emma the next 2 hours were a mix of fascination and horror as Harry told her about his life and the world of magic. As Harry finished she sat quietly watching him recover his composure. Neither she nor Harry noticed Deanna Troi standing silently near the Doctors office.
"Harry would you answer one question for me, and promise to answer it honestly?" asked Emma.
"Okay."
Emma laid her hand on his arm. "Were you going to distance your self from me and walk away from our potential friendship to keep me safe?"
"Emma I wouldn't….." he began before she cut him off.
"You promised me an honest answer Harry" she reminded him.
"Yes" he whispered refusing to meet her eyes.
"Harry" Emma lifted his chin to look at her 'Harry I am your friend, did you think I would be angry that you saved me? That I would condemn you because you were different or because you were brave" Emma slowly lent forward and kissed an unresisting Harry on the lips.
"What was that for?" asked Harry who was blinking with a stunned look on his face.
"A thank you Harry" replied Emma as she stood up "and an invitation to keep me around. See you later."
Emma walked out of Sick Bay head held high and if she was being honest a bit of extra swish as she walked. As she passed Troi she winked and gave the counsellor a small smile.
USS Shepparton - Bridge
Captain Jordan Hayes was just about to hand over command to Beta shift when a personal subspace message arrived. He acknowledged it and routed it to his ready room before he gave up the centre seat for Leutenant Vrall. He grabbed a coffee from the replicator and sat down to see what Jean-Luc had to say. Ten minutes later he called his 1st and 2nd officer to his ready room.
Starbase Gamma 4
Commander Edwina Scott was bored with the day to day drudgery of her job important as it was to the efficient running of merchant shipping in the sector. If she was honest she would admit that she hated running this boring bloody station give her a starship any day. Her communications console beeped and she noted a brief subspace message from her old CO. Now what could Jean-Luc want? She quickly browsed the first few lines and her expression changed. Quickly she read the rest of the short message.
She activated a secure link to the stations computer core. She needed information and if this wasn't some kind of exercise then going through official channels would be a big red flag. Her console beeped as it established a data channel.
If she wanted to leave a small electronic fingerprint she needed to move fast. Typing quickly she sent the data packet on to three Starfleet captains before shutting it down and erasing her presence.
Starfleet Intelligence – Sector 6
Commodore Bryce Culloven was getting very, very worried. Something was going on at Starfleet Intelligence. Something his was not privy to and as a major player in the directorate he should have been privy to just about everything. He had just sat back and closed his eyes trying to let his well organised observant mind find the discrepancy, when a beep from his communication console disrupted his thoughts. It was a subspace packet from an old shipmate Jean-Luc.
Six minutes later and the Commodore left his office a phaser tucked in to his pocket.
USS Enterprise – Ready Room
Picard looked up as his first officer entered his ready room "Well Will I have judiciously spread word of our concerns among some old comrades. I can't see any of them being double agents or infiltrators. Although it may be some time till we hear from them if we are to maintain any sort of operational security."
"Very well Sir, will we maintain yellow alert?" asked Riker at Picard's nod he gestured toward the door.
"Mister Black is waiting to see you Captain."
"Send him in number one" ordered Picard.
Picard waved Sirius to a seat and offered him tea before passing several minutes engaged in small talk. Eventually Picard steered the conversation back to the reason for requesting a meeting with the wizard.
"Sirius I know that we have been slowly building trust and I hope that we have been achieving that goal" Sirius nodded so Picard continued on "But I am also hoping that you can help us with one of the major problems we have encountered in our recent engagement."
"I'd be happy to help Captain as long as it doesn't put Harry at risk" Sirius's tone was pleasant but Picard could hear the underlying suspicion in his voice.
"I understand Sirius and no this should not put Harry at risk in fact if it works it should enable us to provide better protection for Harry and for everyone else."
Picard watched as Sirius mulled over what he had said.
"Alright Captain what is it you suggest?"
Picard explained their plans to track magical energy and their search for a technological solution to protecting themselves. Sirius was quiet for several minutes as he stood up and paced around the ready room.
"Captain, L'kor and I have been working on the tracking problem since the first attack and she has I believe made some good progress with the theory but knowing her she won't mention it till she has a solution. As to defending your crew from magic I may be able to help there at least we can make it harder for magic to be used to attack you but it's only a temporary solution. I know very little about your technology so I'm not sure what we can do with it."
"Would you be willing to work with Mister La Forge and Mister Data on any new technologies we develop?" asked Picard.
"That would be fine captain and I'll have a think about some sort of wards for the ships."
"Thank you Sirius" Picard stood and shook Sirius's hand.
Kelly Family Quarters
Emma sat down as her mother ordered three cups of green tea from the replicator.
"Who is this boy Emma?" asked Michael Kelly his tone of voice was normal but his face told a different story. He was concerned and a little bit angry.
She had known that question was coming. To be honest she had expected it earlier considering what had happened.
"He's just a friend daddy"
"A friend that has almost gotten you killed, twice!"
"A friend" replied Emma hotly "that has SAVED my LIFE twice!"
USS Enterprise – Sick Bay
"Harry can I sit and speak to you for a moment" Troi watched as the young man looked up from where Emma had left Sick Bay.
"Oh okay Counsellor" replied Harry as Troi sat in the chair Emma had vacated.
"How are you feeling Harry?" Troi asked.
"Pretty good I'm just waiting to find out if I can leave sick bay."
"Excellent, I also wanted to let you know that you can speak to me any time if you feel the need. You have been involved in a number of traumatic experiences lately and these can affect you in different ways. It often helps to talk to someone about what you experienced."
"Have you got a week or two" Harry responded with a bitter smile to match his gallows humour.
Over the next hour Harry gave Troi an outline of his life so far. What she heard shocked her. No wonder Harry had trouble trusting and had issues with forming relationships. What was worse though was the fact that she was positive that he was editing out the truly bad things. It was somewhere in the order of miraculous that he was still able to function and form relationships. This was a young man with burdens and as a counsellor she would like to help but first she needed permission both from the young man in front of her and his guardian.
USS Enterprise – Bridge
Picard had just walked back on to the bridge as Data looked up.
"Captain we are detecting a ship on long range scanners" announced Data.
"Can we identify the ship?" asked Picard.
"Federation design, Akira class but the ship is not transmitting a registration beacon." Data's hands flew across his console as he tried to get more information.
Riker shifted in his seat, turning to face Picard "Should we raise shields?"
Picard didn't respond as he considered the tactical situation he had no choice "Shields up, notify the Kaveth Nar" it was a breech of protocol to meet an ally with raised shields but he was sure the Starfleet vessel would understand, if indeed it was a Starfleet vessel.
"The Kaveth Nar has raised their shields and is powering weapons" reported Worf from tactical.
"Sir it is the USS Shepparton"
"Acknowledged, Worf hail them" ordered Picard.
"They are responding Captain."
"Onscreen" the bridge of the Shepparton appeared along with its captain.
"Hello Jean-Luc" The Shepparton's captain began "We got your message, now I believe we have something of a situation here?"
USS Enterprise – Ready Room
"Jordan it is good to see you my friend" Picard gestured to a seat.
"You to Jean-luc now what in blue blazers is really going on?" asked Hayes as he sat down.
Twenty minutes of explanation later and Captain Hayes was trying to decide if Picard was mad or if he himself had slipped in to insanity.
"Are you serious Jean-Luc? Magic I mean I could understand some weird alien energy manipulation but come on magic!"
"I can arrange for a demonstration if you like. No Jordan it's not the magic that worries me it is the implication that Romulans have been using it to infiltrate the Federation. I saw a member of the admiralty murdered by uniformed Starfleet officers in his own office. A senior officer who's death has yet to be reported. The Romulans seem determined to cover up something."
"And they are seeing this as important enough to commit acts of war. Even they wouldn't be able to cove something like that up" continued Hayes.
"You need to meet Sirius. I have just begun to understand that magic may indeed make it possible." Picard advised his expression pensive.
"Sirius is this so called wizard?" asked Hayes.
"Wait and see Jordan wait and see."