The Hour of The Wolf
Chapter Nine

Authors note:-

Quick point. I want to dedicate this story to a hero of mine, and I hope of a lot of you, that passed away earlier this year. Mr Nimoy. I hope it's not presumptuous of me to do so.

Picard looked out of his window, not at the fleet but the stars beyond. This close to Earth there were a couple of familiar constellations. Stretched and distorted, but still familiar. He'd watched the stars for as long as he could remember. All his life he'd been fascinated by space. He'd dedicated it to joining starfleet, pushing the boundaries of understanding.

When he first set foot on a ship he knew he had to be Captain. Studying the adventures of famous captains to learn from them. He'd followed every rule, pushed himself passed every limit. Now though, now he'd done all that was that all he was?

The door to his quarters chimed. 'Enter.'

'Captain?' It was Deanna. 'I was hoping we could talk.'

'Of course. Please come in, Can I offer you a cup of tea?' he asked politely. He knew he couldn't hide the flicker of irritation he felt at being disturbed, but Picard hoped she'd ignore it. Or at least understand.

She smiled. 'Thank you.' She smiled warmly. Picard, in his youth, had spent some time acting. Much like archeology his teachers had told him he had a future in it, still to him it was just a step on his way to Starfleet acceptance. Still he'd gotten good at it, he'd also become very good at spotting when someone else was pretending.

Deanna was worried about something, and since he'd made it quite clear that he wasn't taking the Captain's chair away from Riker he could guess what it was. 'What did you want to talk about Counsellor?'

'Well that was what I was going to ask you.' She admitted. 'After the last few days I certain you have a lot to process. Sometimes talking, saying your problems aloud, can help you to process them.'

Picard chuckled slightly, not even trying to hide his amusement. 'You mean being kidnaped by the Borg, assimilated into their collective, being stripped of my free will and forced to slaughter my fellow Captains. That is until the vessel I was on was blown out from under me by that warship out there.' He pointed out the window. As the pot of earl Grey materialised in the replicator, along with two cups, he picked up the tray and took it to the table. 'Of course the only reason I'm standing here, whole hale and hearty, is because of Q. A being of immense power and intelligence that chose to save me at the last moment. Why, for what reason? Who can say. There is the reason he gave me, the one I told you, but if that's the truth your guess is as good as mine.'

Taking a long sip Picard could see the Counsellor gathering her thoughts. 'You're taking all this very well.' She said carefully.

Sighing he sat down on his favourite seat. 'Deanna, for you it's only been a couple of days. For me I've had weeks, maybe months.' He could see she didn't understand. 'During my… debriefing shall we call it, with Q I had time to think and while he wouldn't exactly be my first choice for father confessor he did give me a chance to process what happened.'

Deanna raised a skeptical eyebrow. It was the truth, as far as he'd gone. It was not just him and Q but John had been fairly clear that his inclusion was to be kept a secret. Picard trusted his crew, but rumours had a way of spreading a lot further than they should. Especially on this ship. 'I see. I didn't know Q had a qualification in psychology.'

'Neither did I and I don't want to ask.'

Deanna was polite enough to laugh at his joke. 'So, seeming you've had the time I haven't to think about all this, would you mind telling me?'

'Of course.' Picard took a moment to swallow a good mouthful of tea. 'I was a tool. Helpless in a way I never thought possible. No matter how hard I fought back I got nowhere. If I was flattering myself I could say I was an irritation, a pinprick, but the truth is I wasn't even that.

'Should I have fought harder? Should I have been stronger? Yes. Could I? I don't know. I'd like to think I had one last reserve of strength, something that would let me win. Or at the very least slow them down when the time came.' Picard stood up. He could feel himself getting angry, but knew that was pointless. 'Do I hate the Borg? Again yes. What they did to me they do to thousands. To millions across this galaxy and even beyond. They must be stopped, but not now. There are more important things.'

'Like these Cylons?' She asked. 'Are you sure they're coming?'

'Maybe not today, but eventually. We have to be ready.'

Again she looked at him. He could almost feel her bringing all her training into play. 'I still would like to see you, for a professional talk. Sometime soon. Everyone's still a bit shocked that you're not on the bridge.'

'No more than me Counsellor.'

'Well I'm sure a few more discussions like this one might help with that. One way or another.'

'Any excuse to share a cup of Earl Grey.'

Adama sat at his seat at the head of the Council of Twelve. Sire Gellar was droning on about the great struggles and triumphs of the fleet. Heaping lavish praise on Adama and his warriors. If he was any more transparent Adama would be able to see through him.

The Council were looking to one another and nodding. Agreeing with everything Gellar was saying. Once again they had all collectively forgotten that while Adama was a Warrior he was also a leader and knew more than enough about politics to play their games.

Gellar smiled at everyone sat around the table. 'Have we quite finished?' Adama asked during the pause.

'We are honoured for you to address us.' Sire Domra said extravagantly. He knew the trap, Adama had to step very carefully now. They were waiting for a chance to jump on him.

'My fellow Councillors, I am moved by your gratitude. I am sure I speak for all our Warriors when I say we are humbled to accept your thanks. Our journey has been long, our people have suffered greatly and many of us have died in the struggles behind us. We can only hope that those deaths will be the last.' The eleven others around the table frowned. They couldn't see where he was going. Gellar sat down, his face troubled.

'The next few yahren will be critical for the future of our people. Now that we have found our brothers and their allies we can rebuild our civilisation.'

'On Earth?' Siress Tinia asked. 'Are you sure they will welcome us?' Adama smothered his grin. Tinia was perhaps the only one he could count on as a friend.

'The truth is they cannot.' he admitted. 'Earth is too crowded. A civilisation that numbers in the billions.' The Councillors gasped, grumbling between themselves in shock. 'Earth's allies, the Federation, is vast. Hundreds of worlds. Ten's of billions of people and that the smallest fraction of this galaxy as a whole.'

'What does that mean for us?' Domra asked, his old voice shaking.

'It means we must be strong.' Adama told them firmly. 'The Federation will respect and accept us for who we are. They have already promised us help and extended the hands of friendship, but to think our struggles are over is a mistake. We here must be seen to be united, by our people and others.'

Domra stood up. 'Then I formally propose that we officially agree to end the state of emergency that this Fleet was founded upon. However, the special powers granted should continue until such time that the Fleet has found a new home and established a new colony.' Adama was shocked. That was more than he could have hoped for. 'All those in favour?'

They voted. It was a formality as Adama still, technically, only had to take the Council's decision on advisement. According to the rules Domra couldn't vote as he raised the motion and Adama didn't as his executive powers could sway the decision. Still the vote went in favour with eight for the motion and two choosing to abstain along with Adama.

'I thank the council for their wisdom.' Adama announced after a moment. Gellar wasn't happy with the decision, but he was enough of a politician to know he had to go with the majority for now. 'I also have a motion to bring before the council. Admiral Hanson, my counterpart amongst the Federation ships, has sent word to what he calls the Federation Diplomatic corps. They will be sending ambassadors and representatives here, soon. I request they be invited to a full, special, meeting of the Council as soon as possible. Are there any objections?'

There were none.

With a curse Geordi swore and tried to shake some feeling back into his hand. 'You alright?' A colonial engineer asked, poking her head out from between to deck plates.

Aurora had been giving him a tour of her ship. It was supposed to be a repair vessel, specialising in electronics, but as afar as Geordi could tell it was in worse shape than most. They were passing a power junction when his visor picked something up. He was trying to get a closer look when a charge arced. 'Fine, just caught a shock. Shouldn't that junction be shielded?'

'Not as long as I've been onboard.' She laughed. 'That converter's always fracked. We've pulled it so often replacing the shielding would just be a waste of time.'

The chief engineer shook his head. 'How is this tub even flying?' he asked. 'Sorry. I didn't mean to insult anyone.'

'She might not be the Galactica, but the Celestra no less important than any other ship in the Fleet.'

'I can't imagine flying on this ship for years. Being hunted, low on resources and equipment.'

'We made do.' She told him. 'Early on it was a bit difficult, especially on this ship. We had a commander that… well he wasn't kind.' With a shrug she moved on. 'But that all cleared up. I guess we just got used to it being like that. I'm having a hard time thinking of how it's going to be different. I've spent so long fixing broken computrons I can't imagine doing something else.'

Geordi understood what she meant. 'Well I've got a good idea what you'll need here. I'll add it to the list.'

They headed back to the landing bay. After a moment or two of silence Aurora asked 'What's Earth look like?'

'I wouldn't know.' Geordi admitteded.

That seemed to shock her; 'Haven't you been there?'

'Of course I have. Starfleet Academy's based there.' He told her before understanding and tapping his visor. 'I'm blind. This let's me see, sort of, but not like you.'

'Oh, I guessed it was a visual sensor but I thought it was part of your inspection kit.'

'No, sometimes I wonder…' he shook his head. 'From what I'm told Earth's pretty normal. Blue sky, clouds, trees. About two thirds of the surface is water.'

'I remember clouds.' Aurora said quietly. 'When I was girl I imagined all the little birds were sitting on them, laughing at people trapped in their ships while they had all the open sky above their heads. Now I'm the one trapped.'

'Only for a little while. We'll find somewhere for you. I promise.' Geordi told her.

'Even if it's not Earth?' she asked. Geordi didn't have an answer.

Apollo entered the Enterprise's main medical bay. Federation med-techs were busy rushing around. Most of them were checking what looked like medical supplies and distributing them. They appeared to be highly trained and efficient. Off to one side he could see Cassiopeia and Dr Salik talking with Ogawa, the federation med-tech that saw to Sheba.

Cassiopeia looked up and waved him over. 'Where is she?' he asked

'We've moved people from recovery to empty quarters. Sorry, we needed the space.' Ogawa told him. 'Her father's with her.'

Apollo sighed with relief. 'I'm going back there soon, I'll show you the way.' Cassiopeia offered.

'Is something wrong?'

'No. Nothing serious.' Salik waved off his concern. 'A minor mineral imbalance. Alyssa here reached into her magic box of tricks and found just the thing.'

'You sound jealous doctor.' Ogawa smiled

'Jealous? My dear I've been chief medical officer of the entire fleet for decades. Making do with short supplies, overworked staff and overused equipment. Seeing your people work I've almost nothing left to do. I'm almost bored and loving every centon of it!' Salik chuckled. 'You'd better take our Captain here to his family. I'll stay here with Cassiopeia if you don't mind.'

Navigating the Enterprise was relatively easy. Wide, open corridors that were well lit and a transport tube system that responded to voice commands. A few choice words and it took you anywhere onboard. Ogawa took him to what she called deck seven. 'The top half of the saucer section is given over to quarters for passages and crew.'

'And the lower?'

'Schools, recreation areas and science labs.' she told him. 'The engineering section is mostly the power generation, secondary cargo and more research labs.'

Apollo thought about this for a moment. Schools and research, he was having a hard time classifying the ship; was it a leisure craft, executive transport or even a cargo hauler? 'We're an Galaxy class, like all Federation ships it was made for exploration so it's a little bit of everything.' she explained.

That was interesting and made a lot of sense. Operating on the fringes, pushing the boundaries you'd need to take home with you. Dedicating a whole ship to one purpose would be a waste of resources. Especially in a galaxy this big. 'We tried to do that with our ships in the fleet. We knew if we relied too much on any one ship losing it would be a disaster. Our problem is they just weren't designed for multiple uses, or this long.'

'I suppose you had to make do with a lot of things.'

'We did our best. The real challenge is going to be rebuilding our civilisation. We've all been nomads and refugees for so long it's almost become second nature to us.' He smiled at the irony of it. 'Strange, we want nothing more than to find a home but probably won't know what to do with it when we have it. While you can't wait to see what's over the horizon, but won't leave home behind.'

'I never thought of it that way.' Ogawa admitted with a frown.

'I doubt many people have.' He agreed.

The med-tech opened the door they had stopped next to. All thoughts about philosophy and the future of the fleet left him as, inside, was his wife and tiny daughter.

Will was with the Admiral, Beverly and Deanna in the ready room. Outside he knew that the bridge crew were still busy co-ordinating the fleet wide survey, but he was more focused on a problem closer to home. 'Officially Jean-Luc is still a casualty of the Borg.' Admiral Hanson told them. 'I'm more than willing to reinstate him, but I need a signed report from Doctor Crusher. Confirming he is Jean-Luc.'

'Are we sure he is?' Will asked. It was the question no one wanted to ask.

Deanna answered it; 'It is Jean-Luc Picard. I don't sense any deception.'

'And I checked his bio-signature from the transporter and compared it to our records.' Beverly pointed out. 'They match. It's defiantly him.'

'I'm sorry, but I'm having a hard time believing that the man I've known for the last three years isn't back on the bridge where he belongs. Instead he's sitting in his quarters, waiting for something. Whatever that is.' Will snapped and stood up.

'Like it or not Captain, Jean-Luc has made it clear. He want's you to remain in charge of the Enterprise. You can turn it down if you want, but its your choice now. Personally I trust his judgement.

'We have to remember he's been through some very traumatic experiences.' Deanna told them professionally. 'He claims to have had the time, thanks to Q, to put it behind him. Still it will take some time, and these experiences could have a lasting effect on his personality.'

'I don't like the idea that Q was involved.' Beverly admitted. 'But it's good to have him back. Deanna's right Will, give it time. Jean-Luc might be back on the bridge soon. If not you're the right person.'

The Admiral nodded 'Agreed. Captain Riker, for the time being you will you will remain officially in temporary command while Captain Picard is on, shall we say, medical leave.'

'I'm up to my ears in sickbay. I don't know when I'll be able to complete a report.' Beverly told them. She looked it too.

'How are things down there?' Will asked

'Bad, but nothing extreme. So far most of the problems are connected to malnutrition, cramped conditions and some minor hygiene issues. Everything you'd expect from refugees. I've also got some broken bones to treat from one or two fights.' Beverly seemed to remember something. 'I think some of the security on a couple of the ships is a little bit lacking. One of our patients was hurt trying to defend a young lady from what I guess was a gang of thugs. I passed it on to Data and Worf. They said they'd try and look into it.'

'Security issues, I hadn't thought of those. Beyond our own people that is.' Will cursed under his breath. 'We're spread too thin to keep track of everything.'

'I'll have my ships send some teams over.' The Admiral offered before frowning. 'Doctor, you've spent some time looking over the biology of these people. I want to try and get some more evidence for their claim we are just a colony of their people. Do you have any information that could help.'

Beverly sat up and pulled a face, 'That's a difficult question Admiral. Yes and no is the best answer I can give. Genetically there are a lot of similarities, but still differences. Enough to point to parallel evolution on an Earth like world. That would be the most likely scientific explanation.'

'I see...'

Beverly hadn't finished. 'Physically though points to something far closer. As you know bone structures are unique to individual races. People that appear human can have radically different endoskeletons. Most importantly in this case is the structure of the ear. Humans have three bones in the ear, Vulcans five and Klingons one for example. Even in the case of parallel evolution those bones will be different. Either a different number or physical arrangement. With the people of the fleet the bone structures are all but identical. Right down to the feet, again humanity is unique amongst every different race we've met. Undeniable similarities, closer than any other example I've come across. The same is the case for the eye. There are tiny differences between their eye structure and ours, but nothing significant. Parallel development doesn't rule out this possibility, but we've never seen such a close match before. Scientifically I couldn't honestly tell you, but my instinct and the circumstantial evidence would say yes. They are an offshoot of humanity.'

'Or humanity, as we know it, is an offshoot of them.' the Admiral finished.

End Chapter Nine