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. 

Admiral not admirable 

    Picard was in his quarters sipping on a steaming cup of Earl Gray tea. His door chimed. “Come.” He sat the cup on the coffee table in front of him. “Mr. Data, please come in.”

    “You wanted to see me sir?”

    “Yes, I did. Have a seat.”

    Data sat down across the coffee table from him. “Data, I was hoping to talk to you about Admiral Westerfield.”

    “What about him sir?”

    “I have known Charles for a very long time. He has a lovely wife, two great children and an energetic granddaughter.” He smiled, “he is at the end of his career, with a wonderful outlook on the rest of his life. I have never known him to have an ill word to say about anyone. As a matter of fact, that is what kept him from being an Ambassador. Star Fleet felt that he wouldn’t be able to show aggression when the situation called for it. What is bothering me is what Counselor Troi shared with me. Data she feels very hostile feelings from him toward you. Do you know him?” 

    “Not personally sir.”

    “You have never worked on something directly for him. Maybe at some point been too honest with him?”

    “No sir.”

    “I just have a hard time believing that he would harbor ill feelings toward anyone.” Data just stared at the captain. “What are you not telling me Mr. Data?”

    “I cannot explain a situation to you that I do not fully understand.”

    “Try,” Picard encouraged.

    “These dreams that I have been having; Admiral Westerfield’s name has been mentioned. The Admiral is not an admirable person, Captain.” There were several minutes of silence between them. “Anything else, sir?”

    “Yes,” Picard got up. “I can’t understand this. It is one thing my mind can’t comprehend. This is very disturbing.”

    “Did Counselor Troi tell you our entire conversation?”

    “Yes,” Jean-Luc sighed.

    “Do you not believe he made advances toward her?”

    “Counselor Troi would have no reason to lie about that. But how in the world did you know?”

    “I am very observant Captain. She needs to stay far from him.”

    “See there you go, bringing a shadow of doubt and disseat on the issue. Where is this coming from?”

    “He is a disgrace to the Federation.”

    “He said that he had been reprimanded for something but he wouldn’t tell me what.” Jean-Luc scratched his head. “What?”

    “Read his service record sir. If I can get access to it, you can as well. I am sure you will be able to read more than I was allowed.”

    “I have no desire to read his service record.”

    “Afraid it might confirm what we are telling you?” Jean-Luc stared at Data. “It is hard to think that an old friend can be the right hand of Satan and still be our friend.”

    “The right hand of Satan?” He almost fell in the floor. “Charles!”

    “One form of evil is no different than any other.”

    “Evil, Data what are you talking about?” He moved to the opposite end of the couch beside Data.

    “Captain, I know the regulations behind deploying a Goodwill Ambassador. You saw his reaction. I am not supposed to know that. Why?”

    “Do you think he has sent one out in the cosmos without proper authority?”

    “I am not sure what to think.”

    “Let’s just explore the possibility that he did. Is that who we are going to get? A Goodwill Ambassador that has been assigned to a planet that isn’t ready to join the federation?”

    “Or willing? Keep an eye on your old friend sir.”

    “Data, that isn’t fair.” Picard’s sentence was cut short as Data closed his eyes and gasped. Picard watched as Data’s chest moved abruptly with each breath. His head weaved slightly on his shoulders. Every so often Data would grunt as his chest sunk in with a breath. “Data,” Picard reached out to touch him but Data raised his hand to stop him. 

    Q appeared on his knees in the floor in front of Data. He watched intently as Data almost rocked on the couch. When Data fell over on the arm of the chair, Q cursed and disappeared. 

    Jean-Luc rose to his feet and tried to help him. “Data,” he called to him.

    Data opened his eyes, “what happened sir?”

    “I was hoping you could tell me.”

    Data just shook his head. “I think I should leave sir.”

    “Do you need some help?”

    “No.” Data almost made it to the door. Jean-Luc watched in horror as Data went to his knees in the floor. 

    “Data,” he tried his best to help the android up. Q appeared again and together they supported Data as he got to his feet. In the blink of an eye, they were standing next to Data’s bed. They helped him lay down. As quickly as he appeared, Q was gone.