Temporal Echoes: A Star Trek: The Next Generation/Voyager Crossover Fanfiction Story

Part 3:

With a warning glare... Wesley assumes, "Q? What did you do this time?"

Mischievous Q scoffs.

He implies, "oh please. It's not so simple, supervisor boy."

Wesley tensely calls out, "we don't have time for your games, Q! Now I might not know everything that's going on yet. But, I do know this: If we don't stop your son soon from causing more chaos in time and space? We might not be able to reverse it. We need answers now."

On the last part? Mischievous Q and Lady Q smirk.

The four of them are all standing by Kes's cosmic mirror.

Lady Q suggests, "it would be simpler for you half mortals to understand if we just showed you."

Wesley comments, "I'm not sure if I should feel insulted or not."

Kes turns toward her cosmic mirror.

She casually tells Lady Q, "be my guest, Lady Q."

Lady Q smiles wide. She is turning toward Kes's cosmic mirror.

Kes whispers to Wesley, "don't let them get to you, Wesley. They really are not superior. They just feel like they are. They have superiority complexes."

They both smirk.

Lady Q somewhat cluelessly adds, "manners for a change. I'm starting to like you, Kes."

Lady Q and mischievous Q don't even hear what Kes whispered to Wesley.

Lady Q snaps her fingers.

And... Kes's cosmic mirror shows relatively recent events in the Badlands.

Some tears fall from Wesley's and Kes's faces. They sniffle hard.

With mixed feelings... Kes concludes, "I... I sensed great potential power in Tom Paris. I... Hard sniffle. I had no idea until today it was in part from having Q powers for however short of a time it was. Hard sniffle. It doesn't change how I feel about him. I just... Hard sniffle. I wish I knew sooner so I could help him discover himself sooner."

Wesley just somewhat shakily nods. He's not sure what else he can say about it.

Kes just whispers, "thank you."

She and Wesley solemnly look to each other.

Lady Q starts to say, "not that this isn't heartfelt. But... Speaking of discovery... Six Q couples have told me and my wife Q that their adopted Q children haven't run off with Q Junior."

Kes adds, "well... We only have half of a Q generation to worry about. That's good."

Kes and Wesley smile a little. The teariness in their eyes is starting to dry up.

Mischievous Q explains, "true. However... Some of those Q have reported to us that there have been two more attacks on the central timeline from Q Junior's revolution of Q children."

Wesley realizes, "which is why you're going to need our help to stop them in time. That must annoy you: Turning to us for help."

With a slight smile... Mischievous Q remarks, "not as much as you might think, Wesley. You have no idea how raising a son can make many things seem easy."

Kes and Wesley chuckle a little.

Suddenly... Lady Q senses a shadow figure in a dark red battlesuit like spacesuit in the cosmos.

She makes a nervous face.

Mischievous Q asks in concern, "what's wrong, my darling? What did you just see?"

Lady Q concludes, "um... I know this might sound slightly strange to you, dear. But... I think me and Wesley should stop the attack on the central timeline in the year 2364 in the Vandor system. You and Kes can stop the attack on the central timeline in the year 2377 in bipedal warp range of a Hirogen outpost."

Mischievous Q points out, "I've known you for billons of years, Q. There must be more going on. What aren't you telling me?"

Wesley and Kes make nervous faces.

After a bit... Lady Q states, "let's just say there's a cosmic enemy of yours in the year 2364 you don't want to tangle with, Q."

Mischievous Q guesses, "Trelane." Lady Q says, "yes."

With a smirk... Mischievous Q lightly comments, "well, why didn't you just say so instead of dancing around the issue? You almost had me worried there."

With a awkward smile... Lady Q reasons, "well... After the Great Barrier fiasco he caused in the 23rd century with Captain Kirk and his crew? I could understand if just saying his name would annoy you. It's a wonderful surprise to me that you're taking it well."

Lady Q and Mischievous Q chuckle.

Meanwhile... Wesley and Kes are talking.

Wesley suggests, "Kes? I don't think she's telling her husband Q the truth."

Kes figures, "I agree with you, Wesley. Something is troubling her."

Wesley plans out, "when I have the chance in the year 2364? I'll ask her what she's really hiding. It could be a important clue to stopping Q Junior's revolution."

Kes adds, "I understand. Good luck." Wesley adds, "thank you."

Soon... Kes, Wesley, and Mischievous Q agree with Lady Q's plan.

Kes and Mischievous Q say goodbye to Wesley and Lady Q. They say goodbye back.

With a snap of Lady Q's fingers? She and Wesley are vanishing from the Nekrit Expense.

A big swirl of bright red to white octagon orbs briefly appears around them.

In the Vandor system, in the year 2365...

Wesley and Lady Q appear in a debris field of asteroids and temporal anomalies. They're standing on one of the asteroids. Their powers keep them breathing normally in space.

And... The U.S.S. Enterprise is hovering between two temporal anomalies.

Wesley points out, "Lady Q... This isn't 2364."

Lady Q explains, "before we go to 2364? We need to find out exactly what caused Doctor Manheim's remaining quantum lab to explode along with Lieutenant Commander Data. A Q child is responsible because the explosion is not supposed to happen in the central timeline. The temporal chaos that was already coming out of the quantum lab before the Q child showed up gives off too much interference to sense through it in a typical Q manner. Without more information to go on? It is too dangerous for either of us to walk into the quantum lab. Heavy sigh. Yes: Even for a highly advanced being like myself. So... You're going to talk to Doctor Manheim to help us figure out the exact time, place, and cause of the explosion."

Wesley brings up, "there's one problem with your plan. How would my younger self at this point in time have gotten a chance to talk to Doctor Manheim? I was on vacation with friends on Earth for a few months. I wasn't back on the Enterprise until after the crew of the Enterprise left Doctor Manheim and his wife Jenice Manheim to continue space-time research in peace. It would lead to space-time scanners reserved for Starfleet Intelligence and for the Time Police."

With a slight smirk... Lady Q concludes, "you know your history well. However... In this new timeline? Your younger self and a old friend of Captain Picard come back today to investigate the temporal anomalies around the Enterprise-D. You find Captain Picard and his crew have been suspended in time for six months. It won't be hard for me with my powers to swap you with your younger self for a day. Because... Well, you can see for yourself."

As if on cue... The starship the U.S.S. Horatio has come in orbit of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Two familiar figures wearing Starfleet spacesuits beam into the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Everyone on the bridge is frozen in time.

Captain Walker Keel deduces, "my...god. They're almost like ghosts. Wesley... Are you sure they're still alive?"

He turns to a alternate Wesley. He is scanning the bridge with his tricorder.

With a wide smile... Alternate Wesley reports, "lifesigns are stable, captain. They're all just suspended in time from the fallout of the quantum lab. Wow. Chuckle. I can't believe they're still alive myself. Yet, here they are. Captain Picard, my mom, Geordi..."

He is checking scanner readings on the ops console on the bridge.

Suddenly... His smile starts to fade.

Captain Walker Keel asks in concern, "what's wrong? Is there a non-corporeal enemy coming?"

Teary eyed... Alternate Wesley realizes, "no captain. But... I'm detecting android parts in the debris. It could only be Data. He's... Hard sniffle. He's gone, captain."

Captain Walker Keel somewhat shakily nods.

Captain Walker Keel figures, "this won't be easy to tell Captain Picard or his crew. But... There's a lot we need to discuss with him before we can pull them out of the temporal anomaly field. Starfleet has had too many casualties already. Heavy sigh. We need to be sure if there's another enemy before we get Jean-Luc's crew and their passengers home."

Alternate Wesley just says, "I understand."

Over his spacesuit's comlink... Captain Walker Keel orders, "transporter chief? Beam me, Wesley, Captain Picard, and Doctor Crusher directly to my ready room."

The transporter chief says, "yes, sir."

Captain Walker Keel, Alternate Wesley, Captain Picard, and Doctor Crusher are beamed to the ready room on the U.S.S. Horatio. Time begins to resume around all four of them.

Not long after, on the U.S.S. Horatio...

Captain Picard somewhat nervously concludes, "don't get me wrong, Walker. I'm glad you and Wesley came to rescue me, Beverly, our crew, and our passengers from the wreckage of the quantum lab. But... What you're saying of the current state of the Federation sounds impossible."

Alternate Wesley nervously states, "I'm afraid it's all true, sir. You've been in a frozen temporal state for six months. Mom? Your last will and testament said Walker Keel is my godfather: That he'd look after me until I'm 18 if no one else could. Heavy sigh. A lot has happened."

Captain Walker Keel has just told Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher that a quadrant wide battle with bluegill mind controlled Starfleet command officers and the Borg has wiped out all other Starfleet command officers. A generation of ensigns has become the new leaders of Starfleet.

Alternate Wesley and Captain Walker Keel aren't wearing their spacesuits now. Captain Picard, Doctor Crusher, Wesley, and Captain Walker Keel are all teary eyed.

Captain Walker Keel reveals, "Wesley was instrumental in discovering the conspiracy of the bluegill monsters taking over Starfleet command officers. He designed a countermeasure to protect me and my crew. We had cryogenic chambers in escape pods to fake our destruction and a holographic simulation of my ship being destroyed to seal the deal. The remaining Borg Cubes in the battle with the bluegill monsters were down to 50 percent or lower. It was my idea to ready the cryogenic escape pods as unmanned cryogenic torpedoes against the Borg forces. The Borg preferred to retreat than have all their forces in the Alpha Quadrant be captured overnight. Beverly... You should be very proud of your son."

Doctor Crusher assures, "I'm proud of both my son and you, Walker. Thank you."

She puts a comforting hand on Alternate Wesley's. They all bittersweetly smile.

Captain Picard assures, "we all are. Well done, Wesley."

Alternate Wesley concludes, "thank you Captain. Thank you mom. But... It'll be good to be back on the Enterprise. Permission to come back onboard, Captain?"

Captain Picard figures, "granted. I wish Data could be here too. Hard sniffle. We'll have more time to grieve after we get our time displaced passengers home."

Everyone else in the ready room shakily nods.

Captain Walker Keel somewhat tensely concludes, "Starfleet assumed my crew and your crew were destroyed. Jean-Luc, Beverly... I know what I'm going to ask of you is very risky. But... Heavy sigh. The new high ranking Starfleet command officers are misguided but well meaning. They'll do almost anything to secure more technology for Starfleet in the interest of protecting the Federation from galactic threats. Romulan quantum singularity engine cores in exchange for more Romulans on Starfleet ships. Bynar supercomputers running Starfleet ships with personalities of their own at a time when fear of the Borg is high."

Doctor Crusher and Alternate Wesley very nervously gulp. Captain Picard makes a nervous face.

Captain Walker continues, "our Federation leaders on Earth are about to make into law this new incentive. It would leave us wide open to a invasion from the Romulans. The Klingons and the Vulcans are having serious talks of pulling out of the Federation because of this. If there's any hope of saving the Federation? You should at least hear out my plan to save everything."

Captain Picard, Doctor Crusher, and Wesley give each other solemn looks.

Doctor Crusher considers, "Walker? You've been close friends with me and Jean-Luc since the Academy. You and Wesley know more about the last six months than we do. The very idea of fighting against the current Starfleet Command makes my stomach turn. But... Despite that part? Heavy sigh. Your plan might be the only best plan to save the Federation."

Captain Picard assures, "go ahead, Walker. We're listening."

Back with Wesley and Lady Q...

Wesley reflects, "yikes. That's a lot for Captain Picard, me, and the rest of the crew to go through. But... I'm also proud of all of them: My younger self too."

Lady Q adds, "you're welcome."

Wesley wonders, "and... What are you going to be doing while I talk to Doctor Manheim?"

Lady Q deduces, "simple. I have to stop Trelane before he can make things worse."

Wesley challenges, "you're not getting off the hook that easy, Lady Q. Your husband may buy that part of your story. But, I'm not buying it. Who are you really trying to stop here?"

Lady Q makes a nervous face.

Lady Q considers, "hmm. We're running out of time to reverse the damage to the timeline. So... I'll get to the point. My husband would try to get in the way of fixing the timeline here if he knew who else has time travelled to the Enterprise-D. Can I trust you not to tell my husband?"

With no hidden contempt... Wesley comments, "yes. Frankly? I don't trust him much at all."

With a smirk... Lady Q voices, "oh yes. Q and his games. Chuckle. I know why you and your crew from your stargazing days would have a hard time trusting him. I trust him. But, I understand too well why you wouldn't. Very well, Wesley. I'll tell you who I have to stop."

Lady Q whispers something to Wesley.

After a bit... Wesley remarks, "wow. And I thought I had a history of failed relationships."

All too lightly... Lady Q sums up, "Q may be tempted sometimes to run away with other women. But... Me and Q amuse each other too much to really get away for long. But... I don't play mind games with mortals or half mortals. If I'm putting humanity on trial? I'd tell exactly what is at stake before the questions come."

Wesley concludes, "noted. But... Lady Q? I know just what kind of person this time traveler is. Maybe you don't have to destroy her to stop her."

Lady Q smirks wider.

She figures, "that is a interesting thought. What did you have in mind?"

Wesley smiles.

Several hours later...

Captain Walker Keel's crew has pulled the U.S.S. Enterprise out of the temporal anomalies field with the U.S.S. Horatio's tractor beams. Both starships are set on a course for Earth at Warp 6.

It's night now. Both captains are sitting at a table in Captain Picard's quarters.

With a slight smirk... Captain Picard concludes, "it's a brilliant plan, Walker. I hope the modifications my senior staff made to it aren't too much trouble for you and your crew."

Captain Picard had assembled a senior staff meeting to explain the situation to his main crew.

With a slight smirk... Captain Walker Keel assures, "no. It's no trouble really, Jean-Luc. You have a admirable crew: Beverly included."

Captain Picard adds, "thank you." Captain Walker Keel adds, "you're welcome."

Captain Walker Keel supposes, "a toast. To old friends and to friends gone too soon."

They each hold up a glass of nearly colorless liquid.

Captain Picard replies back, "to old friends and friends gone too soon."

They clink their glasses together.

They start casually drinking together.

Suddenly... In a shower of red and yellow lights... A figure in a dark red battlesuit like spacesuit appears in the hall by Captain Picard's quarters.

She is Vash from the future of this timeline. Her spacesuit is the time machine.

With a smirk... Future Vash is thinking to herself, "two lonely captains. It's almost too easy to lead them...astray."

She's about to go to Captain Picard's quarters...when she sees Lady Q standing in front of her.

With a smile... Lady Q darkly remarks, "yes. Men can be like stray dogs. But, this game you're about to play? It's not going to be nearly as good as the life I'm about to offer to you."

Lady Q has just frozen time around her and Future Vash.

Future Vash voices, "if Captain Picard and Captain Walker succeed in overthrowing the current Starfleet Command? My time machine spacesuit in the 27th century won't be built and gifted to me by my descendent daughter. I'm flattered you want to give me a good life. But, what greater life could you give to me as a gift?"

She raises a eyebrow. She also crosses her arms.

Lady Q chuckles.

Lady Q explains, "you live for adventure, Vash. I'm a highly powerful being called a Q. And... There are many timelines to choose from where you can have adventures beyond your mortal dreams. You're married to Captain Picard in some of them. Is that more than enough for you?"

Future Vash looks stunned.

After a bit... Future Vash admits, "wow. You have to be a goddess: Because you're absolutely right. It's more than enough for me. Miss Q? Thank you for this wonderful opportunity."

She smirks wide. She offers a hand to Lady Q.

Lady Q replies, "you're welcome Vash. Let's pick out a new timeline for you."

Lady Q puts a comforting hand on Future Vash's. Lady Q uses her free hand to snap her fingers.

They both vanish through a mostly blue swirly portal. Time resumes behind them.

From cosmic lava like swirls... Bubbles of space-time tears show two divergent central timelines.

One set of space-time tears shows the Future Vash and a second Vash hugging each other close in a Risa styled mirror, of Future Vash as another voice for the second Vash showing a report that Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott was found alive on one of the U.S.S. Enterprise's missions...and of a smiling Captain Picard with a comforting arm around a smiling Vash while she's cradling their baby boy named Cass on a couch.

The second set of space-time tears show a alternate Vash leaving Deep Space Nine to explore the Gamma Quadrant on behalf of the Ferengi Quark, of Deanna Troi trying to comfort a teary eyed Captain Picard after hearing about the loss of his brother and his nephew, of a embittered Admiral Jean-Luc Picard running his family's vineyards...and of Admiral Picard meeting a mysterious android that would lead to a path of redemption for him and many others.

The following morning...

A conference on a new Starfleet treaty with Starfleet command officers, Bynar diplomats, and Romulan diplomats is beginning at the Starfleet Headquarters orbital station.

Captain Picard's crew uses the Enterprise's saucer separation to separate the saucer section and the battle bridge. Most of the crew, including a Alternate Wesley, are taking the saucer section to bring time displaced passengers from Earth back home. Captain Picard, Worf, and Commander Riker are taking the Battle Bridge to Starfleet Headquarters.

Captain Picard is about to go to the Battle Bridge from a transporter room...when Jenice stops by.

Jenice observes, "you're having second thoughts, Jean-Luc. I know that look."

Captain Picard somewhat nervously reflects, "well... Chuckle. Waking up from six months in temporal stasis can do that to anyone."

With a bittersweet smile... Jenice highlights, "you're worried someone else you care for will be lost on your watch. But... You don't have to keep worrying yourself sick over this. How do I know? Because Wesley knows something is wrong with this timeline, and me and my husband believe him. My husband is a expert on space-time. As long as he's protected? He'll find a way to fix the timeline, and your temporal stasis will be gone like a bad dream."

Flashes go by: Of Wesley theorizing about this timeline with Doctor Manheim and Jenice.

With a bittersweet smile... Captain Picard explains, "I wish I could believe it's that simple, Jenice. It is somewhat comforting to know it's not just me that thinks something is wrong with this timeline. But... Heavy sigh. In case the timeline isn't fixed today? I have to proceed with Captain Walker's plan to save the Federation before it all crumbles down."

Jenice just says, "I understand why. But... You're still welcome."

She puts a comforting hand on one of his cheeks.

Captain Picard says, "thank you."

Jenice kind of slowly pulls away. They're both still bittersweetly smiling.

Then... Captain Picard finally beams down to the Battle Bridge.

Not long after...

Captain Picard is steering the Battle Bridge toward Starfleet Headquarters. The red alert system is already going off on the Battle Bridge.

On the viewscreen... A Starfleet Captain is seen standing at a podium holding a ceremonial pen.

He had medium black hair. His name is Fred Montano.

Captain Montano somewhat cluelessly concludes, "as soon as I sign this treaty? We'll usher in a new kind of Federation. No more worries about alien invasions."

Romulan diplomats are all too lightly smiling. Most of Starfleet's command officers are smiling.

Commander Riker assumes, "we're too late."

Captain Picard determinedly goes, "no, we're not. Number one? Prepare three emergency beam outs. We'll beam down when their shields go down. I'm setting a collision course."

Commander Riker smirks. Worf looks slightly annoyed.

In seconds... The Battle Bridge collides into Starfleet Headquarters.

Debris is raining down. A red alert system is going off with emergency force fields in place. Shields around the Battle Bridge and Starfleet Headquarters are going down.

Captain Picard lightly calls out, "now!"

Commander Riker beams himself, Worf, and Captain Picard down to Starfleet Headquarters.

Just then... The U.S.S. Horatio comes out of warp within orbit of Starfleet Headquarters.

Everyone is evacuating Starfleet Headquarters. Captain Walker's crew is beaming the Starfleet command officers to cryogenic escape pods.

Suddenly... A Romulan diplomat hurls Captain Montano out of range of a transporter beam.

Captain Montano groans hard. He gets up.

And... Captain Montano sees the same Romulan diplomat aiming a Romulan disruptor for him.

The Romulan diplomat is heatedly glaring at him. Captain Montano looks shocked.

The Romulan diplomat threatens, "you're not going anywhere. Sign the treaty, or I fire now! !"

Captain Montano incredulously goes, "what the hell?! I trusted you."

The Romulan diplomat insists, "you heard me. Decide now! !"

Suddenly... Worf comments, "I don't think so."

At the same time... Worf fires his phaser at the Romulan diplomat.

He falls unconscious. He drops his disruptor.

Worf, Captain Picard, and Commander Riker smile. Captain Montano sighs in great relief.

Captain Montano says, "thank you. Maybe this treaty was going to do more harm than good."

Captain Picard points out, "indeed. If you and your fellow command officers feel running Starfleet is too big of a job for you? Maybe you should consider new leadership."

Captain Montano admits, "honestly? I think you would make a better leader, Captain Picard."

And... As Captain Montano is beamed to a cryogenic escape pod by Captain Walker's crew?

Captain Montano and Captain Picard bittersweetly smile to each other.

Emergency force fields are holding. No more falling debris. No red alert now.

Relatively not long before, in the year 2364...

Lady Q and Wesley appear in Doctor Manheim's lab. A big swirl of bright red to white octagon orbs briefly appears around them.

The lab looks like a really big transporter room with blue to gray arcade styled consoles. There's a mirror room styled temporal distortion coming from a dark gray pad.

Lady Q checks, "are you sure you have the exact time and cause of the temporal explosion?"

Wesley deduces, "yes. But... Doctor Manheim could only narrow down the cause to three theories. So... I subtracted ten minutes from his calculations to figure out a plan."

Lady Q nods. She makes a nervous face.

Wesley asks in concern, "what's wrong?"

Teary eyed.. Lady Q reflects, "the cosmic war with the Vorsoth... The Q civil wars... Heavy sigh. I thought bringing a new generation of Q children with Q would end the cosmic wars. After Nick Locarno became Tom Paris? I... Heavily sigh. I'm not sure if peace is possible. What's the point of cosmically creating children that will rebel on everything you care for?"

Wesley highlights, "Adolescence is...complicated. I grew up without my father. But... Heavy sigh. I'd give almost anything to see my father Jack Crusher in person. At least your Q children have you, Q, and adoptive Q parents to turn to when they're ready to ask for help."

On the last part? He faintly smiles.

Lady Q figures, "the Q children that aren't a part of Q Junior's revolution are with their adoptive parents. Moderate sigh. What if the rebellious Q never come back home?"

Getting teary eyed... Wesley solemnly reflects, "this is hard for me to admit. But... I should tell you. Hard sniffle. My father was lost in the line of duty on a Starfleet mission with Captain Picard. When I was young? I blamed Captain Picard for it. But... When I was older? I realized he was facing a very hard choice of who could be saved on the mission. Heavy sigh. I forgave him for it. And... If I had to make the same choice? Hard sniffle. I would have done the same thing. If there's any hope of peace with the rebellious Q? It begins with just talking."

With a slight smile... Lady Q considers, "Captain Picard is a great diplomat among mortals. Maybe you're not far off for a half mortal."

Suddenly... A drawer with antimatter canisters closes kind of loudly.

Wesley and Lady Q turn to face a woman with curly medium brown hair. She wears a mostly blue leather jacket with lightning bolts across it.

With mixed feelings... The woman cries out, "Captain Picard?! He hated children. That hypocrite wouldn't look for his own biological son until reality bit him in the ***! ! He loves regulation to the point of almost becoming Data himself. Leaders like them don't really care for anyone else but people like themselves. Any rule breaking, and you get sent to a brig. I have to alter the timeline to make the good children happy. To give them freedom. So what if I had to destroy a whole generation of Starfleet to do it? Everyone else will be happier without them! !"

Lady Q whispers to Wesley, "Laura. This Q daughter calls herself Laura. She was hoping for peace before she went down this path."

While Q Laura has been talking? Lady Q has been telekinetically sending her toward the temporal anomaly.

But... At the last second... Q Laura realizes what Lady Q is trying to do.

And... Q Laura spin kicks Lady Q hard...right into the temporal anomaly.

Lady Q coldly mutters, "Vorsoth? Here?! Get away from...! !"

And... There's a very distorted laughter coming from the temporal anomaly.

With a warning glare... Wesley tensely mutters, "what did you do to her?!"

Getting teary eyed... Q Laura figures, "I had no idea the Vorsoth were in there. But... Hard sniffle. I can't let the good children down. Not when I've come so far! !"

The gate to the lab opens halfway. Data is coming in to try to seal the temporal anomaly.

Before Data or Wesley can say something? Q Laura snaps her fingers.

Several minutes earlier...

The present Q Laura and Wesley appear in a vacant cargo room around the lab. A big swirl of bright blue to white octagon orbs briefly appears around them.

Wesley tries to assure, "Laura? Look. I understand you're angry at most of Starfleet. But... Moderate sigh. Don't you see? You're oversimplifying growing pains, and it won't only be Lady Q that will suffer the consequences of your new timeline. Children don't get sent to a brig just for breaking a rule! Time outs aren't the same thing."

Q Laura cries out, "liar! !"

Tears are falling from her face.

At the same time... She fires bright blue laced octagon blasts from her hand.

In a shower of orange lights and white lights... Wesley super speeds past all the octagon blasts.

Q Laura swing punches both fists at Wesley.

Wesley blocks one of her punches.

But... Q Laura backhand punches him hard into a laser turret.

The laser turret explodes in a temporal energy charged burst of fire.

Wesley coughs hard against the floor. He's starting to fluctuate.

Q Laura is about to pick him up to hurl him hard at a wall.

Suddenly... She looks wide eyed in shock.

While Wesley has been on the floor? He has been concentrating on shaping the temporal energy charge into a literal open window to the year 2365.

He pinpoints, "this is the timeline you're about to create, Laura. Does this look happier to you?!"

In Wesley's temporal window... Flashes go by: Of recent events of things crashing down at the Starfleet Headquarters orbital station.

By now? Wesley has gotten back up.

Wesley challenges, "do you really want to become as oversimplified as you think Captain Picard and Data are?"

After a bit... Q Laura admits, "no. I... I don't want to."

More tears fall from her face. She lowers her arms.

Laura somberly concludes, "I'm really sorry: For everything. I... Hard sniffle. What do I do now? The extra antimatter I snuck into the antimatter canister is about to...explode..."

Three time displaced Datas are becoming one to release the antimatter canister into the central temporal distortion. A time distorted countdown from five.

Q Laura realizes, "wait. I know how to make it up to you, Lady Q, and others like you."

Q Laura snaps her fingers.

And... They appear back at the lab at the time Q Laura first appeared there.

Present Q Laura doesn't touch a antimatter canister or a drawer this time.

With a bittersweet smile... Q Laura says, "you're right about Wesley, Lady Q. He showed me there has to be a better way than destroying Starfleet. Let's get out of here. I'm now on your side: If you can forgive me."

Wesley tells Lady Q, "it's true, Lady Q. I was there."

They both smile wide.

And... In a big swirl of bright red to white octagon orbs?

Q Laura, Lady Q, and Wesley vanish from Doctor Manheim's lab.