Paramount Global owns the Star Trek franchise. This is a piece of fan fiction based on Star Trek the Next Generation.
Decisions
Picard was watching Westerfield. He had been moved to a room much like the interrogation room. Picard could watch him, however, he couldn’t see Picard. The room was drab at best. Westerfield wasn’t moving. From the meters on the
wall, he was still alive, barely.
“I take it now that the trial is over, you will be going home? Sher questioned.
Picard continued watching is old friend. “Yes.” He sighed.
“I know you feel pity for your friend. It is understandable. You knew the only
good side he had.”
“It seems such a error in judgment. I am in no way making light of what happened to you. I cannot fathom the Charles I knew making such horrible mistakes.”
“It is difficult to see the bad things when we are close to them.”
“I know.”
“What is your estimated departure date?”
“I am looking at a week. That will give everyone enough time to get back to the Enterprise. I have crew all over your planet.”
“Take your time. We are in no hurry.”
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Thank you for your indulgence.”
“Did we have a choice?”
“You always have a choice Captain.” She walked away, leaving Picard dumbfounded.
He had called a meeting of his senior staff in the ready room. Once everyone was settled, he called the meeting to order. “I think we should be able to leave in a week. Does everyone agree?” Over a matter of minutes everyone agreed. “We have been ordered to return to Earth when this mission is officially over. In light of what had happened, I believe this mission is over. Dismissed.” Everyone left except Data. “Something wrong Mr. Data?”
“Yes sir.” He twisted his thumbs. “One week?”
“I realized this isn’t going to be an easy decision for you. You have much to leave here. I am sure you will make the right decision.” Picard left him to his thoughts.
This couldn’t be happening. One week. He had one week to say all the things he needed to say to Sher. One week to be with his grandchildren. One week was too short. He started to panic. What was he going to do?
He found Sher in her suite. She was wearing a light blue pants suit with matching heels. “What are you doing all dressed up?”
“Have you ever known me to be triggish?”
“Only when you feel poorly, even then you are well groomed.”
“Thank you.”
“You are right?” He looked around.
“About what darlin’?”
“Your suite does look like the Arboretum.” She had plants and trees everywhere.
“It is very green.”
“I am happy with it.” She walked into the next room. He followed her. “What is
on your mind?”
He hymn-hawed around before answering her. He took a deep breath, “we are departing in a week.”
“I am aware of that.”
“How did you know?”
“Picard and I had a little chat. You did say we.” He couldn’t tell by the expression on her face if she was mad or indifferent.
“I do not know what to do.”
“I am sure you will make the right decision.”
“You are not going to ask me to stay?” Data was confused.
She walked over to him caressing his face with her soft fingers. “DaTa, I don’t have to ask you to stay. You have an open invitation. It is up to you if you want to stay or not. You have family here. And you could have more family here. It all depends on what you want out of life.”
“This is going to be a hard decision.”
“No dear, it isn’t going to be a hard decision. Either you’re going to stay or you’re going to leave.”
“Do you not see the struggle here?”
“I know there will be lots of deliberations leading up to your decision. Making the decision is the difficult part, the decision itself is easy to make.”
“You really do not seem to care if I stay or if I go.”
“If you believe that, you are indeed a fool. I told you before that if you ever lost me again, it would be entirely up to you. No hidden meaning in my statement. No riddles to figure out. It is your decision.”
“I wish you would make it for me.”
“No, I will not. I will not have you resenting me if you stay, or if you leave. No matter what you decide, you need to spend some time with Lal and the kids. If you do leave, you will be the only person aboard the Enterprise that remembers being here.”
“That seems a little extreme.”
“No, precautions.”
She turned away from him, “by that action, I am to understand this conversation is over?”
“I have nothing more to say.”
Data left, furious that she wouldn’t give him more input.
“You are truly jaded my daughter.” Thor brought her around. She was crying.
He held her while she cried. “This front you put up is amazing.” He smiled. “Why were you so mean?”
“It is his decision. I want him to stay. I need him to stay.” She sobbed. “I will not beg any man to stand by my side.
“If his future stays on its present course, you know what is going to happen to him?”
“I do. I will not interfere.”
“This is poetic justice you know.”
“I know.” She continued crying.
Poetry & More 