Chapter V
The Klingon entered the conference room and nodded at the Captain before taking a seat beside the other Ambassador. The woman glanced at him significantly as she stroked her cat, clearly also wondering what this meeting was about. He'd never been fond of such animals, especially considering the fact that he was allergic to felines in general.
He shuffled uncomfortably and then stated, "Captain, if I may-"
"I believe that the Ambassador would like to remind you about his aversion to his colleague's pet. Perhaps it would be best if you returned him to your room?" Data said, cutting him off.
"And kept him there this time," Picard stated. "You're the not the one who has to deal with him when he gets lonely; isn't that right, boy?" she said, cooing to the animal. The Captain sighed in irritation and Worf decided that he had to deal with this for now.
He paused, glancing at Deanna where she sat next to Data; her thoughts obviously elsewhere as she focused on all the emotions in the room yet appeared to not be watching the cat.
The Klingon turned to the animal, noting that the feline didn't seem to be particularly interested in anything or anyone… except Data. "Very well, perhaps it would be best if I explained why I've called you here," Picard stated and then went on, "After I met with you earlier today, Miss Lincoln; Counselor Troi told me that she experienced several temporal disturbances. Mister Data, how many have you been able to record since then?"
"Based on a preliminary analysis of the sensor readings; Geordi has concluded that we have experienced roughly seventeen, sir," the android replied. Worf cocked his eyebrow in suspicion. For a period of only half a day, that is quite a lot, he thought.
"Is this going to interfere with our mission, Captain?" Lincoln asked calmly. Apparently, this didn't seem to faze her as much as the others. Perhaps she had experienced such things before? he wondered.
"At this time we can't be certain, but my chief engineer is continuing to perform a diagnostic as we speak. However, there is another matter that we must discuss as well. When he began scans for chronoton particles, Lieutenant Commander La Forge found an unwanted guest close to the plasma conduits who claims to be from Section 31," Picard explained. Troi seemed intently interested in this fact.
He recalled that Doctor Bashir had been involved with that group during his time on Deep Space Nine. They never did explain many things, but are definitely dangerous to deal with, he thought. "What proof did he have?" Lincoln asked in concern.
"I haven't had the opportunity to question him yet, but he asserted that we should stay away from Cardassia Prime. Are either of you aware of any reason to call off this mission?" Picard asked. "No, we should continue on course. This… saboteur is obviously lying and we need to stay on top of things. Who knows? It could be that the Obsidian Order has placed agents within the Federation," Lincoln suggested.
Worf scoffed at the idea of such a traitor, but knew that the gray-skinned aliens had disguised themselves as other species in the past. Deanna was listening to every word that Lincoln said and then the Captain stated, "For now I have to agree with you, Ambassador. But we must keep these things in mind and be cautious." "I understand," she said and then exited the room without another word, her cat clutched in her arms.
"Permission to speak, sir?" Data asked.
Worf turned to see what the android had to say as the Captain gave a nod of approval and then his old friend began, "I would like to offer a few observations that I have made regarding Ambassador Lincoln."
"Very well, Data; we're listening," Troi prompted him. "First, these temporal anomalies we have been experiencing did not occur until the Ambassador's arrival upon the ship. Also, I am not certain; but apparently she does not seem to have been bothered by the experience herself. However, this does not coincide with her previous statement in regard to her travel upon a starship," the android explained.
"She did say this was only her second trip in space," Picard recalled. "Yes, sir and the first was as a civilian. In her statement, she referred to Sector 001 as the solar system; a term which can apply to any star which has planets orbiting it. Actually, the phrase has not been commonly used since the early part of the twenty-second century," Data stated.
"What are you getting at, Mister Data?" the Captain asked.
"Her nonchalance about the temporal anomalies would suggest that she has encountered them before, sir. If that is the case, then she is clearly lying about her other voyages," he answered.
"Counselor, what are your thoughts in this regard?" the Captain asked, turning to Deanna.
"She did seem very distant, more so than before. But this time I gathered something else; she was clearly not blocking my attempts to probe her emotions. Only the cat seemed unaffected by my scan," she said in concern. "I have also gathered that the feline seems especially interested in me," Data stated and then added, "Perhaps I should introduce him to Spot?"
"That will be fine and we should also see to it that Doctor Crusher performs a routine physical on the Ambassador which can also confirm whether or not she is telepathic," the Captain stated. Worf nodded and then said, "But why would the cat be able to block your attempts?"
"I don't know," Troi admitted. "One thing is for certain, Ambassador Lincoln isn't telling us the entire truth," Picard decided. "Then will we continue on course to Cardassia Prime?" Mister Data asked.
"Yes, for now we can only hope that engineering can handle the situation. The rest is up to us," he answered.
"There is another matter, sir," Data added. Worf paused, he'd been eager to return to his quarters; but apparently that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. "Yes, Mister Data?" Picard asked, also wondering why the android had failed to mention this earlier.
"It is about our supposed saboteur. If I am correct, he is wearing a uniform that is two hundred years out of date. The only place I have personally seen one was in the Starfleet museum," the android stated.
The Captain nodded and then said, "Very well, then we'd best discover exactly who he is and why he is here. I suspected that he was lying as well." The android rose and left them to continue his duties. Worf sighed and then said, "Captain, I do not wish to be bold; but it might be best to inform Doctor Crusher of this situation. Many of the crew could be experiencing temporal psychosis."
"I agree, Counselor could you also see to it that the Ambassador is ready for her physical by this evening?" Picard asked. Troi nodded, leaving and then added as she passed him, "Don't forget about our appointment." The Klingon nodded and then rose as well, but before departing stated, "Sir, permission to speak freely?" "Have you ever needed it, Mister Worf?" Picard countered.
"I've noticed the behavior of the crew towards me and while I appreciate their attempts to console me over my loss… I wish to assure you that there is no need for it. I have already put the death of my wife behind me," he stated.
The Captain nodded slightly and then said, "It's not something anyone should face alone. I remember when I lost my nephew; I wished to shut off the galaxy and those within it. I've never really been that close to anyone before or since. I haven't taken such a risk as you did. There are times when we may put on a brave face to the world, but inside our sorrows consume us."
"There is no need for old wounds to be brought up and reopened," Worf asserted. The Captain nodded and said, "I'll see to it that the Counselor and others know of your feelings. However, I'm fairly certain that it's already apparent." The Klingon nodded and said, "Thank you, sir."
"Mister Worf, one more thing," Picard added. He turned in question as his former superior smiled and stated, "It might be more honorable for you to keep your word anyway." He nodded, leaving the room and then heading towards the doors at the side of the bridge. Entering the turbolift, he called out, "Deck five."
The transport responded to his direction, moving him deeper into the vessel. Worf considered what they had learned, noting that both of the facts which Data had mentioned contained a common thread.
He wasn't sure what to make of it, although experience had shown him that any number of things could be the cause of their problems. Stepping out of the lift as it came to a stop, he considered retiring to his room as he'd been wishing to do and then recalled the Captain's admonition. Altering his path, the Klingon located the proper door and hit the button beside it.
The barrier parted and Counselor Troi smiled faintly and gestured towards a couch on the far side of the room. Worf took a seat, striving to remain calm despite his reluctance to have this discussion. "How do like your new job?" Deanna began.
"I did not anticipate difficulties like these when the Chancellor requested that I accept the post. However, I feel that I must attempt to carry out my assignment come what may," he answered. "I know how seriously you take any task given to you. I don't feel that the Chancellor will hold it against you if circumstances fail to permit the success of our mission," she stated.
"My honor is at stake, Counselor. I have been entrusted with representing the Empire and I will not settle for anything less than my best," he countered. "We both know this isn't the first time that matters have been out of your hands," Troi observed.
"I would appreciate it if you got to the point," the Klingon requested. "Well, after the accident which left you paralyzed; for a time you wanted your life to end rather than agree to a risky procedure. But, eventually you discerned that there was greater honor in surviving. I think you are aware that we can't control everything around us and the Chancellor knows that too. And don't try so hard to shut us out. We're your friends and want to help you, whether you like it or not. I know that your people prefer to grieve in their own way, but we usually demonstrate it by offering support. Don't turn it down, because it might not be there when you need it," Deanna advised.
"I will keep it in mind, Counselor," Worf told her, rising and leaving the room; then moving along to his quarters where he could prepare himself for whatever lay ahead.