Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Picard enters Transporter Room 1 with Commander Riker and Lieutenant Worf at his side. The technician is prepared to beam their guests aboard at Captain Picard's order.

"Ready, Lieutenant Worf?" Picard asks.

His Chief of Security clasps his hands behind his back, and nods. "As ready as we will ever be, sir."

Picard nods. "Engage."

Captain's Log: stardate 44371.2.

It has been a few weeks since Q's last appearance on the Enterprise, and all of those who were affected by his influence have by this time returned to normal. It has, however, raised some serious concerns among the crew. Up until now, Q has abided by his promises to ensure the ship's safety and operation, but this time he has pushed the boundaries too far...

Captain Picard has called a meeting among his chiefs of staff, now that all imminent danger has passed. The ship has returned to normal, or what passes for it in recent days, and thus no longer in a state of emergency it is high time they had a more serious discussion of where to go next.

"During the beginning stages of all this, I believed it was in our best interests to humor Q," Picard says, hands folded in front of him. "After all, he has shown in times past that he not only tires of his time here once he is done with his games, but that any attempts we make to resist can result in more damage and threat to life."

He pauses, recalling to mind Q's "penalty box". Lifting his eyes, more serious of countenance now, he continues.

"That was not a risk I was willing to take with the guests he was bringing aboard. We who have come to the Enterprise by choice are prepared for such eventualities, but what do we really know about the people who keep arriving day by day? There is no common world among them, no common time, experience, race, disposition; they are as unknown to us as we are to them in many cases. But his recent interference has shown that I can no longer afford to wait for him to tire and leave of his own volition."

"Damage to all decks appears to be completely reversed," Riker interjects, glancing around the room. "Though, as it was happening, several breaches of security were reported, including the escape of a dangerous criminal from our brig and attempts to compromise Main Engineering."

"Q's interference with the ship's operations goes beyond what can be 'fixed'," Worf growls in protest. "Sir, this breach of protocol is unacceptable. Many members of security sustained serious wounds during this event—"

"Of that I am very well aware, Lieutenant," Picard cuts in, eyebrows raised. Worf reluctantly concedes. "And that is precisely why I believe our days of negotiation and waiting are over."

"What's your plan, sir?" Riker asks, with a gravity that is unmistakeable.

Picard nods, leaning back in his chair. "We all must assume that any discussion we have may at any time be overheard by Q, who will doubtlessly work against us so long as his intentions for the Enterprise do not change. While I am eager to rid the ship of his presence, I believe the more pressing matter is returning our guests to their home worlds."

A few gathered nod, while others consider this decision thoughtfully.

"That may be a difficult task to take on, sir," Lt. Commander La Forge says.

"I am sure it will be," Picard answers. "But is it possible, Commander?"

"Yes," he replies hesitantly, inclining his head. "At least, in theory. I'm not ready to rule it out, but we're talking about dimensional travel; something we have yet to reliably harness. We know it's possible, but developing the technology to utilize it isn't going to be easy."

Deanna leans in on the table, “Captain, might I add something?”

The captain turns his attention to Counselor Troi. "By all means, Counselor."

“There is the option of our passengers, themselves, as well.” Deanna's gaze stays mostly on the captain, but it moves briefly between those sitting with her, too. “We know that there are a number of those transported to the Enterprise by Q for whom the technological advances we’re speaking of are normal, either for their races or for their worlds or, simply, themselves.”

"Indeed," Picard admits, nodding. "That has occurred to me, but few of our guests are members of Starfleet, or even the Federation."

"We've collaborated with non-Federation worlds before," Riker says.

"Yes, but we're not just talking about allowing access to certain non-civilian areas of the ship, but rather the simple fact that many of these people are not even familiar with the basic technologies we take for granted. They may have their own advanced sciences, but these were developed independent of where our sciences have led us."

"Not always, sir," Data adds. "I have found in my discussions with many of our 'guests' that, in some cases, their world's development coincides with our generally recognized Earth history, up to a certain point."

“They could be taught,” Deanna suggests, thinking of the many who’d come to transition sessions and follow up sessions with her, expressing their desires to do more, both those with and without already possessing the skills necessary. “Several of them would jump at the option.”

"Teach them?" Picard repeats.

"Couldn't that be considered a breach of the Prime Directive?" Riker asks.

“This situation is already a breach of the Prime Directive,” Deanna says to Riker.

“Several of their cultures haven’t advanced as far as we have, but they’ve been here nearly a year already. Because they cannot leave, they’ve already had long term exposure and adjustment to all of the small things we take for granted that are installed in all of the areas they are permitted access to.

“I’m not suggesting we induct them into the Federation, or send them to the Academy. Those would be decisions for Starfleet High Command.” Deanna’s hands make a graceful gesture upward. “But I do think that they present a resource we have that is presently untapped and might help with the situation Q has created.

“I, also, think it will do them some good, having a say in their own survival and return home. I think you’d be surprised at just how many of them would volunteer both what they know already and a willingness to learn more to help themselves. It would give them a sense of purpose for a goal they all feel very attached to, rather than struggling to accept the fate they have currently or trying to struggle against the lot they don’t want.”

"You raise a compelling point, Counselor," Picard admits. "However, we do have to consider the effects whatever decisions we make will have on the universes belonging to our guests, should they be returned home. And we still don't know much about them."

“I have to disagree. Respectfully, sir,” Deanna adds the second part, sincerely, maintaining her place, but not giving up her point. “I believe we know more about them than we have presently taken into consideration. The greater portion of them have been here almost a year, and in that time we have ample examples of all of their character.

“They’ve followed our rules, even though almost none of them find familiar. Even during our last emergency, several of these same people we’re discussing, jumped into action and helped, without waiting for someone to ask them or tell them to. They reported on the doubles and even helped to corral those found.

“Choosing all the while to act from a sense of duty both toward the situation and ourselves, as well as for themselves. I believe—” Deanna says firmly, trying to catch the eye of everyone at the table while she is explaining. “—they could be an asset to all that we are considering, if we would just let them.”

Captain Picard cradles his chin in his hand, not replying for several moments. His chiefs of staff look to him as they wait, some keeping their expressions neutral, others freely showing their opinions on the matter. He considers them all before at last nodding.

"All right, Counselor," he says, folding his hands together once more. "The longer Q's guests stay aboard, the likelier it is they will discover things beyond their universes regardless of our interference. We cannot simply confine them or leave them on some planet. There's no guarantee Q wouldn't step in and return them, regardless."

He touches the table, shoulders straight, having come to his decision. "Commander, designate a team and start preparations to include our guests in whatever way they may be of use. Consult some of our instructors aboard, perhaps some basic learning courses may be arranged."

Riker looks hesitant, but he nods. "All right, sir."

"Mr. La Forge, I expect you can begin preparations on a plan to get everyone back to their proper places?" the captain goes on.

"Yes, sir," Geordi nods, glancing at Data.

"I would be glad to assist Lieutenant Commander La Forge in this endeavor, sir," he says.

"Very good, Data," Picard nods. Before he can finish what he was about to say, the bridge sends him a comm.

"Captain, there is an incoming message from Admiral Namimby at Starfleet Command. It's marked urgent, sir."

"Thank you, ensign," Picard responds, returning his attention to the room. "Meeting adjourned. We will continue this later."

"Aye, sir."

Each officer stands from their seats, leaving the observation lounge until all who remain behind are Commander Riker and Counsellor Troi. As Picard exits, they exchange glances.

Captain's Log, stardate 43956.5: the mood aboard the Enterprise continues to be a cause for concern for me and my chiefs of staff. While Q's mischief of more than a month previous amused some, it did not ingratiate him any more to the grand majority of passengers aboard. I have not seen him since, no doubt because he is off somewhere licking his wounds; though, whether he truly cares about the people on this ship is still something I have not at present any reason to believe.

Counselor Troi has advised me that many aboard the Enterprise suffer from feeling 'cooped up'; as if they are trapped, and unable to realize their full potential so long as they are within this gilded cage. While our last attempts to offer some shore leave to the visitors ended in disaster, it has been agreed that a stop at a planet that is known to us for being peaceful and relatively safe may do everyone some good — the crew included. Since the Enterprise is not currently engaged in any mission of import, I find myself without reasonable argument to Commander Riker's all-too-eager suggestion of the planet Risa, a world known for its ... comforts.

It occurs to me that such distractions may not satisfy everyone, should they continue to reside with us. The next time I see Q I will once again make my case for sending the travelers home, but should he disagree, which I no doubt expect he will, I may have to offer our guests a sense of more permanence here. Counselor Troi has prepared a small list of jobs and activities that may suit, and the longer these people remain here without incident, the more inclined I am to entertain the notion. Luckily, that is a thought I won't have to entertain until after the Enterprise departs from Risa—

"Oh, don't be such a stick in the mud, Jean-Luc! Why wait when you could have super-humans, cowboys and Indians, and even more of those androids you're so fond of running the place?"

"Computer, end recording!" Picard commands, swiveling his chair to face the window in his ready room. The computer responds with a mild chime, ending the log he was trying to record. Q has perched himself against the windowsill, and is watching him with a smirk.

"Did you miss me, Mon Capitaine?"

"Oh, yes," Picard nods. "The way I miss a toothache."

Captains Log, Stardate 43497.8: Patience is growing thin with our current situation. Despite the best efforts of our chief engineer, the Enterprise remains adrift, all the while new and strange lifeforms keep appearing on board. While no one has yet shown hostility toward the ship or her complement, the scientists and engineers we were tasked with transporting to Alemar III are growing understandably anxious. I have called a meeting with the lead scientist, Dr. Johanna Sk'Amor, in the hopes that I can allay this growing unrest.

The Almarians are not so different from humans, save for a reverse prognathism that gives them a distinctive jawline, and a small ridgeline between their brows. In fact, the dour look Dr. Sk'Amor gives Captain Picard as he enters his ready room would be at home on any Starfleet admiral.

"Thank you for meeting with me, doctor," he says, smiling politely and taking a seat.

"What other choice did I have, captain?" she responds civilly, inclining her head. "Until the ship starts moving again, I am rather at your mercy."

Picard's smile turns tight, until it is practically a grimace. "And you have my continued apologies. The delay has caused complications for many on board."

"None so much as I," Sk'Amor interjects. "The Enterprise was supposed to deliver us to Alemar III many weeks ago, along with needed supplies for our outpost. You understand why it is I am so eager to return, don't you? The importance of our assignment?"

"I know that you are working with geothermal energy," he responds cautiously. "And that you have asked for assistance from the Federation to accomplish your assignment, namely the supplies and scientists you have already mentioned. If I am not mistaken, you have spent a year training this relief team, while leaving your station in the hands of your partner, Dr. Nantor."

Sk'Amor gives him a bitter twist of a smile. "Did you learn all that from a Starfleet dossier? I assure you, captain, our work on Alemar III is much more than that. You know that I and most of my crew are from Alemar IV."

"Yes," he says, rubbing his chin. "I am aware that Alemar IV is inhabited, while Alemar III suffered a catastrophic event many hundreds of years ago, one which wiped out all life."

"Super volcanoes," Dr. Sk'Armor nods. "They turned the planet into a wasteland. You could not breathe the air or drink the water; all colonies were buried under ash and molten rock. Our sister colony was among those to be destroyed. There are only four bases on the entirety of Alemar III, one of which is a terraforming operation."

Picard arches his eyebrows. "You wish to recolonize the planet?"

"We do," she says. "And uncover what happened to our sister colony. We lost contact with them long before the volcanoes wiped them out. My area of expertise is geothermal drilling, as you know, but my partner, Dr. Nantor, is in charge of excavation work as lead archeologist of our team. Before I left Alemar III, they had just uncovered the ruins of what we suspect was our sister colony's capital city. It's delicate work, made even more so by the inhospitable conditions. The whole planet is surrounded by a dust cloud of highly charged particles that, along with the ash and pollution, distort sensor readings and communications."

"Leaving you blind," Captain Picard surmises. "As if you were hunting in the dark for a single grain of sand."

"Exactly," she says. "The geothermal energy fields will go a long way to powering not only our operation, but operations spanning the planet. That includes those tasked with removing the dust cloud and making the planet livable again. But it's not only that we have to contend with; smaller eruptions continue to this day, and the planet suffers devastating earthquakes. We just lost a drilling facility not very long ago to one such quake. It took out everything, and believe me, captain, it was a secure facility. We're still not sure how the damage ended up being so great."

"But if that is the case, how can you hope to re-establish a society on Alemar III?" he asks.

"That is why I have been working with your scientists," she says, happy to be to the point at last. "The team you are ferrying back to Alemar III consists of some of the best engineers and paleoseismologists in the quadrant. Our hope is to better understand what is going on beneath the surface and correct it, so that our work may continue. In the meantime, fortifying our existing stations is absolutely fundamental to our continued work there. In the time my engineers are stuck out here, our facilities could be succombing to yet more disasters. They need us to return with these supplies, post-haste."

"I better understand your hurry, doctor," Picard interjects. "And I assure you, we are doing everything in our power to correct our current predicament."

"But are you, captain?" Sk'Amor presses. "Are you?"

Picard purses his lips, thinking upon the last conversation he had with Q. He is reminded of what Ms. Gemini said: perhaps everyone here has a part to play in realizing a 'Perfect Possible Future'. The one who holds the answers to that question is the only one who can set them back on course, and the few times he has deigned to honor them with his presence, Picard has been nothing short of combative. He sighs, returning his attention to the doctor with one more smile and nod.

"You have my word," he says. "And my assurance that the Federation will fully support your endeavor. But I would like to discuss, please, how we may keep relations between us positive in the meantime. If there is any way in which my ship might better serve you, then it is I who is at your disposal, Dr. Sk'Amor."

She appraises him stiffly for some time before she smiles at long last. "Well, then. Do you have a means of writing all of this down?"

Picard's eyebrows arch. Ah, so there is a long list. The things he must do in the name of diplomacy. "Yes, indeed."