Lost Past; A Star Trek Story

Paramount Global owns the Star Trek franchise. This is a piece of fan fiction based on Star Trek the Next Generation characters. 

Debris

    Data walked onto the bridge. “Data, how are you feeling today?”

    He glared at Counselor Troi for a minute, studying her question. “Empty,” came his reply. He took his seat at his station.

    “I didn’t think you had the ability to feel,” Westerfield snapped. He was sitting on the right side of the Captain where Wil normally sat.

    Data ignored him.

    “A lot has happened to Mr. Data in the past two years.” Captain Picard voiced. 

    Data spun around in his chair glaring at Westerfield. “I have a better grasp for feelings than you.”

    “I have been feeling my entire life. I have years of experience over you dear boy.” He chuckled.

    “Experience such as, trying to push yourself off on people that would prefer not to have anything to do with you; or sending people off on missions without the proper authorization. Experience indeed.”

    “I will have you court marshaled for this if you don’t pipe down.” Westerfield was half in his chair, half standing.

    “You do not have proper authorization. According to Star Fleet you have officially retired.”

    “I am not finished yet.”

    Deanna thought the old Admiral would burst into tears.

    “No, you are not. You are to rescue the damsel in distress. Get your metal. And walk away from the Federation with pride and joy. It is not going to happen that way.”

    “I have had about enough of you.”

    Data laughed, “really?”

    His console beeped, he spun back around. “Captain, sensors are picking up debris off the port bow.”

    “Debris!” Westerfield shrieked, jumping out of his chair.

    “Sensors are detecting iridium and platinum.”

    “Right,” Westerfield scoffed.

    “Captain, platinum is a mixing agent for iridium.” Data’s attention didn’t waver from his console. “There are also trace elements of Americium.”

    “That is radioactive.” Geordi remarked.

    “What is it doing out here?” Westerfield chimed in.

    Data didn’t hesitate to say, “we recognize it as Americium; however, a different culture may call it something else.”

    Westerfields’ mind wondered, platinum was very expensive. It was a very useful element. Dollar signs jumped before his eyes. At the same time he gave an outward sigh of relief.

    “Isn’t iridium a strange medal to build a starship with?” Geordi asked.

    “Yes it is. However, this compound is extremely strong. We are assuming this debris is from a starship. If it was, it was built well.” Data answered.

    “And the Americium?” Picard asked.

    Data got up from his console to walk back to the science station where Geordi was. “Since it is a radioactive element, it would be a safe assumption it was used as a propellant.”

    “Number One to the bridge,” moments later Wil stepped onto the bridge. “I will be in lab 3.” Picard stated.

    As the captain began to leave, Westerfield called after him, “I will join you Captain.” He followed the captain into the turbo lift. Once inside he spoke. “I don’t know how you do it Jean-Luc. It has been years since I have been on a starship this long. Already I am weary.” 

    “I guess that is where we are different Charles, I love this. I want nothing more. Stop turbo lift,” Picard instructed as the turbo lift slid to a stop. “What is the friction between you and Lieutenant Commander Data?”

    “I am not sure. But he sure does have a problem with me.”

    “Have you done what he accused you of?”

    “He has been reading my personnel file. I did something bad a long time ago. I got what I deserved.”

    “Is this mission a throwback from that ‘getting what you deserve’?”

    Charles didn’t answer. “Hasn’t Counselor Troi organized a party?”

    “Easter, she thinks it will raise spirits. They have been dragging lately. Everyone is on pins and needles around here.”

    “Easter?”

    “Yes, the children are having an Easter egg hunt in the Arboretum. Later everyone will be in Ten-Forward for Easter treats.”

    “Sounds interesting.”

    “Yes it does.” Jean-Luc smiled.

    “Can we move now?”

    “Start turbo lift.” It slid back into motion.

*

Ten-Forward

https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Ten_Forward