Epilogue

PLANTERS PLANET

TWO MONTHS AFTER THE HEARINGS

Nefe Paoto and his wife Lrnta were walking out to the landing strip where their stripped-down shuttles were slowly falling apart. Just about everything had been stripped out of them, one of them was completely cut apart. Erily was running along playing as they were walking out to the runway. The Raptor popped out of the clouds, Paoto judged the cloud ceiling was about four thousand feet. They watched as the Raptor descended and flew a flight pattern and landed. The Paotos walked up as the Raptor shut down and the door opened. Captain Jacobs stepped out followed by several officers.

"Captain Jacobs! We've been looking forward to this ever since you called in! What a great surprise, how did things go with that hearing?"

Jacobs shrugged, "It went ok."

Lrnta eyes narrowed, "And that wicked Senator? Did he give you any problems?"

Jacobs said, "No. Everything worked out. Let me reintroduce my First Officer."

Nefe reached out and shook his hand. Erily came running up and said, "Captain!" She gave Jacobs a big hug, and Jacobs hugged her back.

Lrnta saw Maya step out, "Maya! It's good to see you. Your insignia changed!"

Maya walked up and gave Lrnta a hug with a smile. "I've been promoted! I'm now a Lt Commander."

Jacobs added, "And Chief Science Officer for the ship."

Lrnta smiled, "I knew there were great things for you Maya! I'm glad you found your place!"

Maya nodded, "I've found my family."

Nefe asked, "Where is the guy with the ears?"

Jacobs chuckled, "Mr. Hotchner? He's been promoted and now is teaching at the Academy." Jacobs looked at Erily, "How are you doing Erily?"

"It's great! I've been adopted by Mom and Dad!" Lrnta and Nefe smiled. "Things are so great here! And it's so nice to see the babies, Mom and Dad have me helping out and I love it!"

Jacobs returned the offered hug. He looked at the Paotos. "This is more than just a social stop for us."

Nefe Paoto asked, "What is it?"

Jacobs said, "I'm sorry Senator Jameson involved you in our messy business."

Lrnta eyes narrowed a bit. "What was all that about?"

Jacobs said honestly, "It was a review of our first year in space. The commissioning of the Wisconsin was controversial, and Senator Jameson wanted a review of the decisions I've made this past year. That and more."

"The battle with the Klingons?"

Jacobs nodded, "Yes. How did you find out about that?"

Nefe said, "You gave us unrestricted access with the subspace transmitter. Some other races have contacted us, and we exchange information. I believe you say, 'I heard it through the grapevine'."

Jacobs chuckled, "Yes. Basically, the hearings were about all of that. What we are here is to follow through with some good will. Senator Jameson promised you a colonization package."

Nefe said, "Except we didn't travel to the Federation. We didn't really answer what he wanted."

Lrnta added, "It was clear he wanted more. He even had the time for a follow-up and basically tried to bribe us to 'throw you under the bus'. I told Nefe I do not like this man."

Jacobs nodded. "The Federation council has authorized to grant you what Jameson promised. We have in our cargo bay a basic colonist package. It isn't extensive, like what we normally give our colonists, but it will help."

Nefe asked, "Are there any requirements you have of us?"

Jacobs shook his head no. "No, there aren't. The Federation thinks a gift is just that, a gift. Anything else is what we call 'Quid pro quo'. That's old Earth for … something. It basically means I'll give you this if you give me that. There are no attachments with this package."

"What is in this 'package'."

Jacobs said, "Pre-fab structures for one. One for each family. Each structure is a totally self-contained unit. Power, shelter, sewage treatment. You literally can place these anywhere. Finding water is up to you, although that's not a problem here."

Lrnta enthusiastically said, "We need that badly."

"We've done many off-world colonies and have a good idea what you need. Other things include a machine shop, tooling which will allow you to produce anything from axes to computers based on the raw materials you have, and of course, books. This all should help you with maintaining your existing heavy equipment and building higher tech items such as vehicles. There also is a machine that will help you produce some medicine. Lastly, there are communicators, tricorders, and civilian phasers for everyone in your colony."

The Paotos looked at each other, "How can we thank you?"

Jacobs smiled, "Just be yourselves. You've started a new life for your people. That's something that doesn't happen that often. Personally, please keep in contact. I'd love to see how your colony grows. Who knows where you'll be in a hundred years?"

CONFERENCE ROOM

CITY HALL

PLANTERS PLANET

80 YEARS IN THE FUTURE

The screen went dark. The room was quiet. Ensign Kenn sat quietly waiting. Prime Minister Falgo asked, "Ensign? What happened to your Great-Grandfather?"

"He continued with the Starfleet Marines. He cruised a couple of times. Fought the Klingons, Romulans, Norsicans, and a half dozen other species you've never heard of."

"Fought Klingons? I thought now they were your friends." Falgo asked.

Picard explained. "It was a beginning step. Kang, Kor, and Ambassador Gorkon were the beginning of friendship. Ambassador Gorkon returned to the Klingon Homeworld and won the presidency, which for some reason was changed to a Chancellorship. He led the High Council honorably but there were still High Council members that wanted a war with the Federation. They supported the Black Fleet and under General Chang, built and continued hostilities against the Federation."

"How did the hostilities end?"

Riker said, "The short answer is that General Chang assassinated Gorkon and made it look like Starfleet did it. A war almost broke out until Captain Kirk and the Enterprise were able to expose the whole plot. That got rid of the Black Fleet for good."

Picard earnestly added, "And the Klingons are an ally of the Federation."

Falgo nodded, "Any of you have questions?"

Councilmember Tria asked, "What happened to Admiral Adama and Starbase 5?"

Picard said, "Starbase 5 continued to grow. The civilian population grew tremendously and eventually applied to be considered a full-fledged planet, not a colony, which the Federation granted. They now have direct representation in the Senate and Legislature. Admiral Adama retired a couple of years later and went to work for a group of corporations. The corporations that were responsible for helping Starbase 5 against the invasion allied themselves with each other, Admiral Adama basically coordinated trade between the corporations."

"Who were the owners?"

"That piece of information has always been kept private. Each of the companies recovered nicely and are pillars of commerce in the Starbase 5 system." Picard said.

Elfson asked, "What of the Organians?"

Picard said, "It was later confirmed that the 'Pinwheel' aliens that Captain Jacobs described did in fact kill off the Organians. No Pinwheel or Organian has been encountered since that time. Starfleet Science was later able to seal up that anomaly, and the Federation has quarantined the system. We have left observation satellites in case anything happens, but we don't anticipate it."

Falgo nodded, "Captain Jacobs and the Wisconsin did come and visit us from time to time, and we are grateful for the supplies that the Federation has given us. I see now how he was treated, why would he not tell us these things when he visited us?"

Riker and Picard looked at each other. Picard said, "A Federation Captain wants to put the Federation in the best light. Captain Jacobs certainly had cause to complain, but he wouldn't complain to you, because that would be unprofessional."

Falgo nodded and looked at Ensign Kenn, "So what ended up with your Great-Grandfather?"

Ensign Kenn said, "He served and trained many future Marines. He ultimately retired a one-star General. He was very proud that he was able to prove himself and successfully distance himself from his uncle, Senator Jameson."

Falgo asked, "So, what was the influence of Captain Jacobs on your Great-Grandfather?"

Kenn said, "Life-changing."

Falgo shifted in his seat. "He was on a ship with a lot of Christians…"

"You mean was he saved? Yes. He was."

Falgo asked, "Ensign, did you inherit that?"

Kenn looked at him, then at Picard and Riker. Picard had a stern but interested look. Riker had a neutral expression. "No Prime Minister, I did not."

"I was hoping you could explain this salvation."

Kenn said, "Sir, I can. But it is not something you inherit. Each person has their own relationship with Christ, it is not inherited. It is a decision you make on your own." Kenn was unsure how to proceed. He took a risk, "Prime Minister, do you want to know Christ?"

Falgo nodded, "Yes I do."

Picard and Riker watched as Kenn talked with Falgo and the others. Picard observed, "That magic of Jacobs continues on today."

Riker quietly disagreed, "Captain, it's not magic. That is the whole point."

"Don't tell me you're falling for this." Picard said.

"You think of a lot of ideals we have in Starfleet, and the Federation. They came from the United States. My ancestors. The United States was formed so people could worship God freely. Those people followed the Bible."

"Are you considering what was said?" Picard asked amusingly.

"Yes sir, I am. You got to admit, Captain Jacobs' first year was amazing. How do you explain it?"

Picard said, "That Mind Sifter business, I never accepted that it was real. It does not sound like science to me."

Riker quietly replied, "Captain, its science, not hocus-pocus. The Klingons measured the amount of energy that went into Captain Jacobs' head. Look at how many other miracles we saw on that tour. It does make you think."

Picard said, "There is a perfectly reasonable explanation behind all of this, we just haven't found it."

Riker replied, "And there were many who tried to debunk the claims that happened. But they could not. Tell me sir, would you jump out of a building to save someone?"

"No, that is foolish." Picard said.

Riker smiled, "That makes me think of a verse Jacobs or somebody quoted. Something about God using the foolishness to overthrow the smart. Jacobs did it and survived. That feat has only been repeated a couple of times, and only in recent years. And the Wisconsin did it 80 years ago for the first time. Captain, you got to admit…."

Picard quietly amusingly said, "It sounds like you're falling for this."

Riker said, "When we get back, I intend on having a good talk with Ensign Kenn."

Prime Minister Falgo walked up. Kenn was talking to a few others in the back. "That is a tremendous young man."

"Was he able to answer your questions, Prime Minister?" Picard asked.

"That, and more. Picard, tell the Federation you can have your base. We will work out the details. I request that part of the Starfleet contingent have young Ensign Kenn assigned here."

Picard put on a big smile, "Splendid! I'll be willing to transfer him, but he may not want to come here. It may not be good for his career."

Falgo said, "That too we can work on. Tell me Captain, now that you have seen all the hearings, does it not sway you?"

Picard kept the smile on his face. "I prefer something more tangible. To believe in what Jacobs believed in is more faith than what I have."

Falgo nodded, "I understand. We are not trying to kidnap him, merely to have him help us understand more of the God of Jacobs. This Jesus Christ we need to learn more about."

Picard nodded. "Ensign Kenn?"

Kenn turned around and said, "Captain?"

"Do you have anything that can help these people out?"

Kenn nodded. "Please tell Lt. Worf to go in my room, on the desk's left side is my Bible. Have him transport it down."

Picard saw an opportunity. "I will."

Shortly later, Lt Worf walked in with a book. He walked to Picard. "The Book the Ensign requested."

Picard motioned to Ensign Kenn. Worf walked over while Kenn was talking to a few council members. "Ensign."

Kenn turned and took the book. "Thank you, Lt Worf." He took the book and made sure it was the right one. "Can we make copies of this book?"

Worf said succinctly, "Yes. In their language? I don't know."

Falgo said, "Who is this?"

Picard, anticipating this was nearby. "This is Lt Worf, my chief of security. He is a Klingon."

Falgo and the others looked amazed. "And he is your chief of security?"

Picard nodded, "Yes, he is."

Falgo asked, "What happened to the Marines?"

Picard explained, "They were disbanded about twenty years ago. It was determined they were not needed anymore. The training lives on."

Falgo nodded, "And so the cycle repeats." Falgo looked at Worf. "Tell me what you know of Kang, Kor, and Ambassador Gorkon."

Worf said, "Kang and Kor are two of our greatest heroes. They are Dahar Masters, sworn to protect the honor of the Klingon Empire. Ambassador Gorkon became Chancellor and led the council Honorably. He was assassinated by General Chang. General Chang's family bear the dishonor of Chang. Gorkon's daughter became our leader for a time."

Falgo asked, "And what of Captain Jacobs?"

Worf said, "He was a great human warrior. He was also a Jup-qorDu to Kang, and adopted into the house of Kor. That feat has not been matched by any human, ever."

Falgo nodded. "I digress. Captain Picard, I think we should talk about the agreement for the Starbase." Picard nodded. Falgo turned to Kenn. "Ensign Kenn, I would like to invite you to be part of the Starfleet contingent. Your presence here would be most beneficial."

Kenn looked self-conscious. He looked at Picard, "Captain, I'm an engineering specialist. I'm not trained for diplomacy."

Picard nodded, "I know, Ensign. From what I've seen in the last ten minutes, you will have no problem with diplomacy. You would also still be helping with Starship maintenance as Starships pull in for routine maintenance, along with the unique engineering challenges of building a Starbase. Now that I'm thinking of it, I don't think this will hurt your career at all. It may even enhance your career."

Kenn thought a little bit. He could see that this place was going to be work, in more ways than one. Translating writing from one form to another he never had done before. However, before him was an open door. "I accept."

Picard looked at Falgo, "Prime Minister, I believe we should start planning out an agreement. I am pleased to see your willingness in agreeing for us to establish a Starbase."

Falgo smiled, "And I'm glad on your loaning us Mr. Kenn." Falgo turned to Kenn, "Ensign, I understand it's not what you planned, we will make sure you are well appreciated for your choice."

Kenn smiled, "I'm looking forward to it Prime Minister."