Paint and Powder
A Star Trek anthology by Andrew Joshua Talon
DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan based work of prose. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager et al are the property of CBS Television, and creation of Gene Roddenberry. Please support the official release.
Written by Nohvarr, a bit on "Strange New Worlds".
Captain Pike was reading over Una's report when he saw the Enterprise AI shimmer into existence in his office's Holo-tank. Pike noted the nervous way she chewed her bottom lip, clearly uncertain about something. He set the PADD down, smiled at her warmly and waited.
Seeing this, Enterprise took a deep breath then stood at Parade Rest "Captain… " she began "… I have concerns about how you are handling the Commander's recent revelations about her history."
Pike allowed his warm smile to shift into something more serious but not judgmental as he laced the fingers of his hands together in his lap "Go on, Enterprise."
Enterprise nodded before continuing "Sir… " she began "…. Should we not get ahead of this by telling Starfleet command she's an augmented Illyrian? If we do so NOW we won't be accused of trying to hide it later, and we can site her recent actions plus her service record as reasons she should be kept in her current position… " Enterprise slowed as she saw Pike lean forward, some of that smile returning, his clasped hands resting atop his desk. "… I'm, sure Admiral April would be willing to support us in that case as well."
Pike nodded but couldn't keep a slight grimace off has face at the mention of Admiral April "Unfortunately, Enterprise, Admiral April spent a LOT of political Capital to keep us out of trouble in the aftermath of my bending General Order 1."
Enterprise tilted her head "The Prime directive should not apply in that situation as the inhabitants of Kiley 279's development was already altered by Starfleet's previous actions."
Pike shook his head in amusement, muttering about something 'never catching on.' "It's a gray area and the Federation Council is looking to make it VERY black and white." Pike sighed and leaned back in his seat. "Unfortunately, Enterprise, despite what this ship and crew have accomplished we are still in the dog house with the Federation Council, and some of it's members would love nothing more than to rake this ship and crew over the coals for any perceived infraction of regulations. April, just doesn't have the influence to shield us from that right now. However, given a little more time for Council member's passions to cool plus being out here gives Una a chance to continually prove how vital she is to Starfleet."
Enterprise paused, he dipped in thought then nodded as she looked up "I understand sir."
Later In Sick Bay
CMO M'Benga smiled at his daughter before triggering the medical transport. His sweet girl giving him a smile and wave before she disappeared into the pattern buffer in a shower of light and sound. The smile fell from M'Benga's face, replaced by sadness and a little shame. He shook his head and reached for the controls to the room's, currently blocked windows.
"She's cute."
M'Benga's outstretched hand froze in place and he turned to see The Enterprise staring at him from her holo-tank "I certainly think so… " he began cautiously "… but I am biased." M'Benga watched as Enterprise pulled down her 'professional mask before speaking."
"Doctor, I fully understand the desire to protect one's offspring but your actions endangered everyone aboard this ship."
"I know… I know." M'Benga said, hands dropping to his side as he moved to sit on the medical bed his daughter had just vacated. "I had never imagined my modifications would affect the biofilters as they did."
"You also don't know the ins and outs of my systems, Doctor. You should've talked to someone, ME, for example."
M'Benga focused on the features of Enterprise "You would've helped?"
At this something like a smile tugged at the corner of Enterprise's lips "She is part of my crew now, Doctor. Of course I would and will do all that I can for her."
Because hey, she's not heartless.