Paramount Global owns the Star Trek franchise. This is a piece of fan fiction based on Star Trek the Next Generation.
Cleaning is good for what ails you
Data had returned to the Jormungand. He felt the need to be there. Sher’s private quarters were still a mess. He knew that she would not want anyone in there with it looking the way it looked. He rolled up his sleeves to start cleaning.
The longer he cleaned the better he felt. The sick feeling at his stomach went away. He got a good look at the pictures as he cleaned. He saw a picture of Q that he had not noticed the first time. She and Q were snuggled up on top of a tower.
“We have known each other for a long time.” He heard Q from behind him.
“Where was that picture taken?” Data didn’t turn around.
“Torre Pendente Di Pisa, we are on the very top. That was the day we first met. The war with Genoa was over, people where moving around again without fear. I bumped into her at the bottom.” He smiled. “She raked me over the coals for being rude. I wasn’t watching were I was going. We ended up racing to the top, getting there at the same time. She was,” he paused. “is amazing. I have never met anyone like her.” He stepped beside Data. “I had heard of the Turritopsisians but had never met one.”
Data finally spoke. “Why has the Continuum forbidden you to get involved?”
“There are some civilizations that it is best to know that they exist and hope that your paths never cross. You give them a wide breath when you do meet.
The Continuum and the Turritopsisians, we are aware of what the other can accomplish. It has been our policy not to get involved in each others affairs. Sher is my friend. I can’t stand by without getting involved.”
“That sounds a little human to me.”
“I was mortal for a while.”
“What would happen if the two peoples got into an altercation?”
“We would destroy the cosmos before we knew to stop.”
“Are Betazoids the only civilization that has naked wedding ceremonies?”
“To my knowledge they are. Why?”
Data pointed to a picture. It was of a wedding where the entire wedding party was naked. There was a beeping sound in the suite. Q disappeared. “Yes.” Data looked around confused. The door from the kitchen opened, Geordi and Deanna entered.
“Wow! Data, did you do this?” Geordi asked in amazement.
“Yes, I was astonished that it made me feel better. Counselor since you are here, I wish to show you something.” She and Geordi walked into the living room where Data was. He pointed out the picture of the Betazoid wedding. “Do you know these people?”
Deanna studied the picture. “It is a Betazoid wedding. That looks like it was taken in the Garden of Pina. I have never seen the couple before. May I borrow the picture?” Data slid it out of the pocket it was in. There was nothing on the back of it. She took a closer look at it. “That is the Garden of Pina.”
“What is the Garden of Pina?” Geordi asked.
“It is a private garden when nobles refresh themselves. So this couple was either very important in Betazoid society or they knew the right people.”
“How hard would it be to find out who they are?”
“I will see what I can find.”
“Thank you.”
“We came to tell you that the filter could be taken out now. I knew you wanted to dismantle it so I wouldn’t let any of my staff remove it.” Geordi spoke.
“Good.” They left.
Data was in Cargo Bay 1. He had an area blocked off to work on the filter. So that the radioactive material it contained wouldn’t contaminate the ship. “What have you found,” Geordi asked from behind him.
“I am amazed this contraption worked.”
“Someone is very clever.” Geordi walked around the covered table. Data had taken the filter apart into six little piles and had them numbered. “Each pile of parts is made by different civilizations.”
“So that no one civilization could be blamed for making it.”
“Right. Though someone had to assemble it. In order to find the right parts to fit together, it took a great amount of time.”
“Do you think someone has been planning this?”
“For a long time.”
“This entire mission gives me the willies.”
“Sorry.” Data questioned.
“Makes me nervous. I get the feeling we shouldn’t be here.”
“There are many people aboard the Enterprise that share your feeling of discomfort.”
“What about you?”
“I have not finished formulating my opinion. However, I do agree that ‘the game is afoot, Dr. Watson.’ Geordi smiled. “I do agree my dear Holmes. There is a mystery to be solved here.”
Data smiled in spite of himself.
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