[Captain's Log]: The Continuing Mission

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

Captain's Log, Stardate 43294.1: We are no closer to understanding the strange appearance of lifeforms from a variety of worlds and times on the Enterprise. There does not seem to be a pattern that links them all together. Whatever Q's plan is, he did not deign to make us privy to it.

It has been some days now, and things have passed with minor incident. I have called a meeting with the senior officers to discuss how we should proceed...

Comments

[mr_laforge]

"None, sir." Geordi looks and sounds apologetic. "We've tried everything to get systems back on-line, but whatever Q has done is thwarting us at every turn. At least he hasn't tampered with life support systems."

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"Yes, quite," Picard agrees. Small mercies. "But drifting as we are is bad enough. We have a ship full of people who do not want to be here, and an outpost to see to."

He rocks back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Lieutenant Worf, what has the status been on Deck Seven?"

[ten_fwd_npcs]

The security chief straightens. "There have been no incidents to report, sir. Many of the ... visitors arrived with possessions, though none have tried being aggressive. I still suggest we keep them quarantined, perhaps even in the brig. If anyone were to attempt violence—"

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"Captain, if I may?" Troi interrupts. "I do not think that would be wise. Our guests are already feeling anxious. Inhibiting their freedoms even further could push them into a panic. They might do well to be trusted with a little freedom."

[ten_fwd_npcs]

Worf snaps his attention to Deanna. "Trusted? Captain, we can no more trust anyone on this ship than we can trust Q himself."

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"I still think they should all be scanned for disease," Dr. Crusher interjects. "If many of these people are from as far back in time as you say, captain, they could be carrying countless viruses we no longer vaccinate against. The Enterprise could be a breeding ground for a pandemic!"

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Captain Picard raises his hand to silence the room.

"I thank you all for your concerns," he says, a touch sharply. "I believe Counselor Troi may be right, Worf. I have had dealings with a number of these people, and they do not seem the kind to take well to being imprisoned. As far as they are concerned, they already are."

He ignores the disgruntled sigh from his security chief, turning instead to regard the doctor. "I trust, doctor, that you have the skills to take care of any potential pandemics. I have already arranged it so that our 'guests' visit the sickbay in an orderly fashion. Though, I'm sure it won't surprise you to learn many are not happy about this arrangement. Have you given further thought to what I have told you about Dr. McCoy?"

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"Bones McCoy?" she says with a sigh. "If true, having Dr. Bones McCoy assist in the sickbay would be ... well, it would be an honor. But are we certain he is who he says he is? And can we know he himself isn't carrying something?"

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Picard smiles tightly. "Then he shall be your first patient. It may even give him the opportunity to see how medicine has progressed in the years since he last served."

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"All right," she sighs. "But only on a trial basis!"

She's firm about this. If 'Dr. McCoy' gives her any trouble, she'll have Worf lock him in the brig.

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

"Yes, of course. Sickbay is still your domain, Dr. Crusher."

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"And what of their requests for information, sir?" Data speaks up, sensing an opportunity. "Many whom I have encountered have expressed interest in visiting a 'library', or accessing star charts. No doubt to learn what they can about the Enterprise's relationship to their home worlds."

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Picard nods.

"Yes, I have been asked the same questions." He steeples his index fingers and presses them to his lips in thought. "If what Counselor Troi has said is correct, then they may be trusted to use our computers without putting the ship at risk; however, I would like to wait a little longer before such access is granted. As Lieutenant Worf pointed out, we do not know these people or what their true motivations may be. We cannot be certain they won't try to cause further upset. Until such a time as we are certain, we shall continue to lodge them on Deck Seven with limited access to the ship. Transporter rooms, communications, ship functions are all off limits. Though, we should begin educating them on how to use the replicators and other basic amenities."

There are nods of agreement around the table.

"We can revisit the topic of library access and permanent accommodations at a later time. If only we knew how long they will be here," he says.

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"Still nothing from Q?"

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"Not even a whisper," he frowns. "Usually, by this point he would have appeared to gloat, if nothing else. I will not prostrate myself before him to soothe his ego again. If he wishes us to find our own way out of this occurrence, then so be it."

Number One nods in agreement. The rest of the table is full of mixed reactions.

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"Will there be anything else, sir?"

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

"No," he says, leaning forward. "You are all dismissed. Though, Deanna, I will need you to continue observing our new 'guests', and inform me if anything changes."

She inclines her head deeply before rising from the table. Picard glances over to Beverly, who is still watching him intently.

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"Shall I begin with the examinations, captain?"

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

"By all means. Worf, please escort Dr. McCoy to sickbay. You may then begin bringing the rest in as Dr. Crusher sees fit," he says, rising from his seat.

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"Yes, captain."

[ten_fwd_npcs]

"Yes, captain."

[tea_earlgrey_hot]

Picard watches as everyone files out of the room, the last to leave himself. Pursing his lips, he draws in a rallying breath and lets it back out again, glancing out the observation deck windows.

Wherever Q is hiding, he's certain it isn't far. No doubt he is having a good laugh at everyone's expense.