''I wondered when you would arrive.''

Guinan's voice greeted me as I entered Ten-Forward. I had decided to take Deanna's advice, both because I wanted to see the famous lounge and because I wanted to speak to the person that may shed some light on my 'situation'. The room was a hive of activity; the buzz of conversation accompanied by the clinking of glasses at the bar. My mouth dropped in awe while the automatic doors hissed shut behind me, and I almost jumped out of my skin when I noticed the woman in question stood next to me.

''Oh, yes, hi.'' I took a moment to compose myself. ''I'm Willow… though I guess you already know that?''

Guinan tilted her head, her UFO-shaped hat putting part of her face in shadow. ''Yes, I do. And you already know my name is Guinan. I tend bar, and I listen.''

I laughed at the familiar phrase, and Guinan smiled back. Then she held back her arm to indicate the bar, and we made our way over to sit at adjacent bar stools.

''How are you finding the ship?''

''It's great! Exactly as I imagined, though you never get to appreciate the sheer scope of it through a lens.''

''How about the crew? That's what you're most interested in, isn't it?''

Looking into her knowing eyes, I knew nothing but the absolute truth would ever do. ''Well… I guess so. But that's only expected, right? People are always the most fascinating thing. And the crew are particularly… intriguing.''

When the bartender looked ahead of her, she didn't appear to be looking at the colourful bottles. ''Yes, some more so than others. They are the ones we tend to pay the most attention to, and those that develop into personal favourites.'' Did she have a magnifying glass to my soul?

My answer was vague, and anyone that didn't understand the context of our conversation – perhaps even anyone but Guinan – wouldn't comprehend the affirmation I was giving to her insights. ''Of course. Everyone has a favourite, though many share those preferences. I think some are more popular than others because they have multiple things going for them aside from any special abilities, like compassion. Kindness. Goodness of heart.''

Her reply was equally cryptic. ''Some would say that they don't possess those traits.''

''There will always be doubters.'' I automatically became slightly more defensive, as I always do when arguing in support of someone else. Especially for a particular someone. ''However, even if you were to cast any personal beliefs, and faiths, and gut feelings aside and just focus on logical arguments, you would still find plenty of support. Sometimes evidence and observations mean much more than technical schematics.''

My mini rant earnt me an appraising eye. ''You argue well, and you understand people. Those things give you credibility in any century.''

I flushed. ''Yeah, well, I probably won't be here long. Data's working on it, so I'm bound to be home soon.''

''Don't be so sure.'' Those four words made me doubt everything, and remember that anything can happen.

We spent a while in companionable silence, during which Guinan ordered a synthahol drink for me. It was bright lime green, and aptly named ''Welcome to the Galaxy''. The flavour surprised me; sweet but sharp with a hint of fizz, a drink that brings your taste buds alive until they seem to dance around your mouth. There was nothing like it in my time.

''You know, Guinan'' I said, setting down my glass and turning to face her, ''it's not just the main characters that people love. There are those in the background that just seem to bring the series alive, that make you think about the wider universe and what else goes on. People especially love the mysterious, enigmatic characters that you don't understand or know much about.''

I was rewarded with a show of white teeth. She didn't say anything, but I could tell Guinan was gratified to know she was appreciated. ''What's this television show called, anyway?''

I laughed. ''Oh yeah, I never told anyone. It's called Star Trek.''

''An apt name. Simple but effective.''

Silence descended again, and I realised the conversation was probably the longest anyone had ever had with the El-Aurian. She had been pretty open – for her – so I decided to bite the bullet, plunging in with the question I really wanted answering.

''Do you know what brought me here?''

Raised eyebrows. ''Does that matter?''

Confused, I very nearly said ''I do not understand'', but managed to put a contraction in there just in time. ''Isn't that the big mystery?''

''It is a mystery, yes.'' Once again, Guinan looked like she was asking the universe itself for guidance. ''Sometimes in life, it's not about how something happens, but why it happens. Many believe that life has a purpose, and if you too hold that belief then you should be asking the question ''Do you know why I am here?''

Just when I thought me and the bartender were on the same level, I realised we were worlds apart. ''I wish that were true. They say faith is an integral part of life, but I've lost all mine. I've never been religious, but I did have faith in certain things. Like love, or that life would get better. But as I've got older, become a teenager…. that's all gone. What purpose could life possibly have?''

Standing up, Guinan looked at me with a small smile. ''You will find your way, but you must reach that place on your own. Just consider this: perhaps you have already identified the answer to the question.'' With another small head bow Guinan walked off to chat – if she could ever do something so casual – with a group of junior officers sat near the giant window into space.

No sudden realisation came, but I stored the conversation in the back of my mind, sure that every word was vital. Instead, I swivelled on my stool and simply gazed at the flashing rainbow of stars whizzing past the transparent aluminium.

Not much was going on. Ten-Forward had cleared; I guessed it was changeover time, when those on the night shift made their way to their stations, and others wandered back to their quarters or to the lounge for the evening. I had felt like a prat sat there on my tod, with officers giving me confused glances and whispering about who I might be. An older child of one of the senior staff that had come to visit? An undercover alien spy that really has three green heads, a tail that shoots laser beams and hair that can ignite a warp core with one strand? Perhaps not, considering, but you never know.

Taking advantage of the stillness, I slipped off my stool and out into the corridor. I was thinking of a scene in the very first episode, where Riker is sent to one of the Holodecks to find Data. He asked the computer how to get there and dots appeared on the black screens, directing him to his first meeting with the android.

I had used that service so casually earlier to find the Counsellor's office, not even thinking about it. Almost as if I actually lived here every day. Perhaps that said something about my state of mind, but I chose not to analyse it at that moment. Could I try it to find my quarters? I had no idea what deck guest quarters might be on; all I knew was that the senior staff (except Data) lived on Deck 8.

Unnecessarily addressing the wall, I said loudly ''Um… computer?''

The characteristic bleeping noise told me that the computer had, well, heard.

''Have guest quarters been assigned to Willow Cooper?''

''Affirmative.''

''Could you show me the way, please?'' No harm in being polite.

''Please follow the route indicated. It will lead you to your chosen location.''

Sweet. I soon discovered that there were multiple decks for both standard and VIP guest quarters, and that mine were located on Deck 7.

I guess they were pretty basic by 24th century standards, but to me my quarters looked awesome. Okay, they weren't the huge multiple-room suites that VIP guests get, but they were airy (recycled air certainly isn't stale), comfortable and had every modern convenience. Who needs a whole kitchen when you have a replicator?

I liked the completely open-plan style of the main room, where I could lie in bed and still be next to the dining table and simple desk. I even had one of the ridiculous boxy computers with the giant on button that Picard has in his Ready Room, though access would likely be limited to entertainment and basic research. They had always made me laugh when I watched the show, because they had anticipated such mind-blowing technology for the future – that we probably wouldn't reach until centuries after they had depicted – yet they had computers that my time would scoff at. No doubt they were superior in many ways, but it seems the two timelines went about technical aesthetics very differently.

Sadly, the walls were painted in the minimalistic, suitable-for-everyone style that seemed to be commonplace around the ship, and I had no window, but couldn't have reasonably expected more. A different captain may well have kept me in the Brig, or confined me to these digs and stopped me talking to anyone lest I corrupted them.

I was still giving my new space a once-over, peeking into the small bathroom at a sonic shower I was desperate to try when the door chimed. I quickly walked towards the door, wondering how to make myself appear relaxed. How do you invite someone into your space when you're completely new to it yourself?

''Uh, come in?'' the statement came out as a question, and I felt both more and less nervous when the doors opened to reveal a golden figure.

''Data!'' I desperately hoped I wasn't grinning at him like a hyena.

''Willow, it is a pleasure to see you. I hope my visit is not an inconvenience?''

''No no, not at all! Come on in. Would you like to sit down?'' I knew full well that he didn't need to, but hoped it would make the atmosphere more casual.

''Thank you. I have some information I must relay to you concerning your… stay here.''

We both sat simultaneously on the grey two-seater sofa, though my slumped back was in stark contrast to his ramrod-straight posture.

''As you are doubtlessly aware, Starfleet security is a top priority aboard starships. It is essential that any potential breaches are reported and… confined.'' Data started his mini speech with his business-like inflection, as though he was reading from a script. But the last word contained something… more. Almost like he was being sympathetic or apologetic for objectifying me as a hazard.

''Let me guess; I have to stay in my quarters?'' It seemed a pretty logical step, and something Starfleet would approve.

''No. The Captain has decided that such a step is unnecessary. However, there are certain areas of the ship that are restricted to you without the permission and accompaniment of a senior officer. You are not to enter the Bridge, Main Engineering, the Science Labs, Cargo Bays or any of the Transporter Rooms.''

I smiled. ''Don't worry, Data, I wouldn't have done so anyway. I'm not Starfleet, and would just have been in the way.''

His brows quirked, and he looked like he wanted to say something reassuring. Apparently he changed his mind, because he moved the conversation on. ''I have studied the emerald ring that took you to the Holodeck.''

''Oh? It was unremarkable, right? No concealments or clues?

''You are correct. Aside from its large size and value, the ring appears to be quite ordinary.'' He paused. ''What made you reach that assumption?''

''I just didn't think it would be that easy. Whatever's going on is something bigger than just a temporal distortion or crossover between alternative universes. I just have a feeling that I was sent here, for whatever reason. The fact that your universe is portrayed within mine as something make-believe can't just be a coincidence.''

''I concur. It is certainly something that has never been experienced before. May I ask more about the way the Enterprise and crew is described?''

''Sure. The show was created by a man called Gene Roddenberry. It shows his ideas for a future where equality is gained: no racism, sexism, homophobia or class divides. All Earth starvation, diseases and wars have been stopped, and this has been spread to lots of other planets that have joined together in a great Federation. So far, everything seems to be the same here.''

''You describe the show as if it focuses more on social aspects of the future rather than the science. Was that typical of other 'science-fiction' in your universe?''

''Some others had aspects of it, but not nearly as much. It's about broadening your mind and covers a lot of the issues we face today… er, in my time. Somebody once said that Star Trek is psychology, sociology and philosophy disguised as science fiction. I wouldn't go that far: there's lots of action and adventure and awesome technology, it's just that there's more to it than explosions and space battles.''

I realised that I had unconsciously sat up straighter and lifted my chin during my explanation. I was proud to watch Star Trek.

Data looked intrigued. ''Star Trek? Is that the name of the television series?''

I laughed. ''Ah, yes, I only told Guinan. That's the name. Apt, isn't it?''

''I am inclined to agree. How long did this show 'air'?''

''Well, there were seven seasons over seven years, follow by four films. Each season spanned an actual year in your time, while the movies…'' I trailed off, a dawning shock evident on my features.

''Willow?'' Data had leant slightly forward, and his eyes were fixed intently on mine. ''Is something wrong?''

''I… yes, I suppose so. What's been happening around now? Any big events?''

''The legendary Kahless allegedly came back to life, and subsequently tried to take over the Klingon empire. Why do you ask?''

I was struggling to say it, bowled over by the obvious thing I should've considered immediately. ''Time, Data! What I have seen covers 2364 to 2370 in detail, and then the four films are spread out between 2371 and 2379. Right now we're near the end of 2369, correct?''

''Yes.'' Usually the definition of calm, there was an urgency and severe concentration in the way Data asked his next question, as if he was focusing more of his processing power. ''Are you saying that you know what will happen in the future?''

I swallowed, and half-whispered a still-dazed 'yeah'.

My guest sprang up, then turned to me. ''Please stand up. We must inform the captain immediately.''

Author's Notes: I am sorry (again) for the delay in posting. I know how annoying it is! I had the first half (with Guinan) written before Easter, but then became very busy and couldn't finish the rest. I also had to spend a little while thinking about where the story is going in more detail, as this is the start of a turning point. Willow is going to have some tough choices to make.

The Kahless episode referenced is Rightful Heir, season 6 episode 23. From now on the story will follow canon, though not closely enough to be a close-canon AU. Thank you to everyone who is reading my story, particularly those that review. It is greatly appreciated. I'm also pleasantly surprised at the number of people that have favourited this story - thank you. I'll try to be quicker next time! Woody xxx