CHAPTER FIVE

 

 

                "Odo, you look flustered, which I must admit is quite gratifying," Quark said as he approached the security chief in the Promenade.

                "I am not flustered," Odo snapped. "Just preoccupied."

                "With the Captains' meeting?"

                "What captains' meeting?"

                "Come on, Odo, give me a little credit. The meeting Sisko is calling for the Enterprise captains."

                "I have no idea what you're talking about."

                "Alright," Quark smiled as he walked away. "But I'm inviting all of them to my bar for a celebration as soon as the meeting is over." He turned and looked behind him. "And believe it or not, you're invited."

                Odo stopped his gait, shook his head and decided to walk in another direction.

 

                "It is agreed then. The meeting will adjourn on Deep Space Nine at 1350 hours."

                "Fine. I'm looking forward to it," Kirk said.

 

                "Enterprise out," Picard's image vanished from the Enterprise-A's viewscreen.

                "The Enterprise-D has resumed orbit," Chekov reported.

                Kirk nodded and turned back to Uhura. "Have Doctor McCoy meet me in my quarters. Mr. Chekov you have the conn. Spock with me."

                When they entered the turbolift, Kirk turned to first officer.  "Well, what do you think?"

                Spock raised an eyebrow. "If we are to learn anything more about our situation, it will be necessary to meet with the others as Captain Picard suggests. In addition, as we have witnessed, we may have to rely on the newer class starships for future conflict."

                "What about the time flow conflicts?"

                "History has apparently already been seriously compromised, considering I have no personal recollection and Starfleet records show no indication of NCC-1701 ever undergoing our current situation."

                Kirk nodded as the turbolift opened. Spock was right, but he didn't enjoy the idea of having to reset history. It reminded him of Edith, and threatened to unleash the emotional turmoil tied to her memory.

                When they arrived at his quarters, Dr. Leonard McCoy was waiting.

                "Well, it about time you decided to clue me in," he said.

                "Let's go inside," Kirk responded waving his best friends through the doorway. "Would anyone like a drink?"

                Spock shook his head.

                "For God's sake, Jim, dispense with the pleasantries and start talking. I hate to be in the dark."

                "Sorry, Bones." He sat on his bed. "Well, it seems that we are here due to an imbalance in the powers of an entity named Q."

                Bones shook his head, "Don't tell me. All-knowing, all-seeing, self-righteous..."

                Kirk nodded. "Yes, Doctor, One of those."

                McCoy plopped down on a chair, "Wonderful."

                "It seems this Q entity was attacked," Kirk continued, "by an even more powerful being. This second entity has immobilized the Q and has erased Earth."

                McCoy did a double-take, "Come again."

                "Doctor," Spock began, "Earth has apparently been deleted from the time stream."

                McCoy stared blankly for a moment, "Well then how the hell are we here?"

                Kirk shrugged, "According to Captain Picard, the Q entity currently on Enterprise-D's bridge has had previous encounters with her crew. Q felt Enterprise could help in banishing the other entity. The rest of us are here because Q's powers were unfocused and dragged every Federation Starship Enterprise along for the ride."

                McCoy stood, "And you're going over to the station to meet with the other captains."

                "Yes. Captain Pike, Captain Picard and Captain Rachel Garrett... along with station Commander Benjamin Sisko and this Q. And you and Spock, of course."

                "And we are all are gonna talk about ...what? Finding another home?"

                Spock folded his hands together. "It would be logical to assume the topic will be rescuing Earth."

                Bones stood up, "Oh sure. Maybe if we say to this super-entity 'pretty please' it will change its mind and give us our planet back. Damn it, how are we going to combat an entity that can alter history at will?"

                Kirk joined them in standing, "How did we combat Apollo, or Trelane, the Kelvans... or Charlie Evans ... or Gary? We did it because we are the best crew in Starfleet. We did it because we never lost confidence in ourselves or each other."

                McCoy shook his head, "Maybe we are the luckiest group of people in space. Maybe our luck is running out."

                Kirk walked up and clapped his hands on the doctor's shoulders. "You don't believe that, Bones. Now we've got a job to do, and I'll need you both. Let's show these next generation Enterprises why our crew is in the history books."

                "Agreed," Spock said.

                "Nice pep talk, Jim," Bones said.

                "Thanks," Kirk grinned as they left his quarters.

 

                Benjamin Sisko was getting ready in his quarters.

                Sisko hated the dress uniform, but felt compelled to wear it. After all, he was about to meet some of the greatest heros of the U.F.P. The dress uniform was the least he could do to honor them. He had read about the missions of the Starships Enterprise at the academy, some were assigned readings.

                However, Cadet Sisko made Enterprise his unofficial hobby, soaking up library disc after library disc full of log reports and summaries. These stories of adventure and exploration drove him to space. However, in all his readings he never came across the logs describing this situation. Surely, it would have been recorded by Captain Pike and Captain Kirk, for they kept extremely detailed log entries. But it wasn't. Sisko double checked the records hours ago, no mention. He planned to make this a point at the meeting.

                "Excited, Dad?"

                Benjamin turned to see his son smiling in the doorway to his bedroom. He smiled, "Absolutely, Jake. The people coming on the station are the reason your old man joined Starfleet."

                Jake looked down and frowned, "I see. That is exciting, I guess. Well, Major Kira is in the living room waiting."

                Now, what was that look all about? Sisko put his hand on his son's shoulder. "Jake?"

                The boy looked up and smiled. "It's nothing, dad. I just ...get into moods sometimes."

                So that was it. Mentioning his entrance to Starfleet reminded Jake of his mom and her death aboard a starship. Sisko reprimanded himself, he had to be careful about what he said, the boy still hurt as much as he did, perhaps more in some ways. "Hang in there, Jake. We can talk when I get back."

                Jake shrugged, "It's no big deal, Dad. Don't worry."

                "That's a dad's job, Jake. I'll be back soon."

                Benjamin walked out into the living room to meet his first officer.

                "Snazzy, Commander," Major Kira Nerys said, looking at his attire.

                "Shall we go."

                "Of course, the members of the Enterprise are aboard. Dax and Odo have escorted them to Mrs. O'Brien's classroom."

                "Excellent," Sisko said. His staff had decided the school was the least conspicuous and most secure area to hold the meeting. Odo, in fact, had already began the security planning before the others had finalized their decision. And Sisko trusted the Constable's instincts, so the classroom became the site.

 

                James Kirk shook Christopher Pike's hand. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Captain," Kirk said.

                "Indeed, Captain. It's good to see the promising young man from the Farragut has done so well."

                "Thank you, Sir. What do you think of all this?"

                "I think this is an extraordinarily unusual and dangerous  situation. Any wrong move on our part -- however that may be defined -- can have disastrous repercussions."

                "The fate of Enterprise-B may have already caused irreparable repercussions."

                "True, but we must deal with our immediate futures, Captain Kirk. As long as there is an Enterprise-A there will be a B. The Federation can be restored."

                "I agree, Sir."

                Spock of Enterprise-A came into the promenade and approached the two men with whom he held the most loyalty. "The meeting is ready to begin, Captains."

 

                The chairs will set up in a circle. At the top sat Jean-Luc Picard. Then around clockwise were Q, Riker, Pike, Number One, Spock, Kirk, McCoy, Sisko, Kira, Garrett and her first officer Alexander Okuda. Outside the room, Odo and Worf led the security team.

                Sisko stood first, "As commander of this station, I would like to welcome you all to Deep Space Nine. This is an unprecedented meeting of some of the most important citizens ever to represent Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets. We are honored by your presence and know that with all of us working together, we can return the time stream and the universe to its proper alignment. Thank you." He sat.

                Q leaned over to Picard, "Not an elegant speech maker, huh, Jean-Luc?"

                Picard brow creased, "Q, please..."

                "Excuse me," James Kirk said, standing. "These pleasantries are time consuming and pointless. No offense, Commander Sisko, but if you hadn't been so arrogant as to lock a tractor beam on my ship and the others, 500 important Federation citizens wouldn't be space dust now. Now, I think we should cut to the chase and stop treating this like a mutual admiration society. We've got a universe to set right."

                "Bravo," Q said clapping, "I like this one, Picard."

                Kirk took two steps toward the entity, "You must be Q."

                "Greetings and felicitations, Kirk," Q smiled.

                "I have no use for super-powered egotistical know-it-alls, Q," Kirk said. "Now do you have something useful to offer or are you just here for comic relief?"

                Q smiled and nodded, standing and clapping Kirk on the shoulder. He laughed as Kirk recoiled. "I have more to offer than your puny mind can comprehend, Kirk. The question is when do I feel like offering it."

                Kirk took another step toward Q. Picard jumped up and put himself between the two. "Q, Captain Kirk," Picard said. "It would be unfortunate if this cordial meeting degenerated."

                "If I find you are withholding important information, Q..." Kirk said staring the entity in the eyes. They locked gazes for a long moment, then they went back to their mutual seats.

                "Good combative spirit, Kirk." Q called out as he was facing away from the Captain. "Definitely old school."

                "I hope you don't mind if I interrupt," Christopher Pike called over Q's remarks. "There are obviously going to be some personality clashes. However, Starfleet Academy, in my day, emphasized accomplishment of goals over dispositions. I hope that still stands with today's graduates."

                "Of course, Captain," Picard said. "We are in a unique scenario obviously, and I feel Q is most qualified to introduce the situation."

                "Ah, correct, Jean-Luc, " Q said standing and straightening his tunic, "I'll try to make this as easy to understand as possible." He turned and smiled at Kirk.  "You see, the Q, an omnipotent race of which I am very highly ranked, have been invaded, caught off guard, actually, by a very powerful -- and bullying -- entity or entities. I was the only Q to escape their grasp--"

                "And the others?" Pike's Number One asked.

                "They, my lady, are immobilized back in the continuum."

                "Not so omnipotent after all, eh," McCoy said.

                "Watch your tongue, little man," Q blurted.

                Kirk jumped out of his chair, "The doctor's right. And if this entity was able to take the rest of the Q out, I don't see how you can help us."

                Q's face grimaced, "As if you understand anything about the nature of the universe, Kirk."

                "That's how he's gonna help us, Jim," McCoy chortled. "By hurtling insults."

                "The degree of our understanding the nature of the universe," Spock said, "seems to have little to do with our

current scenario."

                Q laughed, pointing toward Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. "You boys have a few puny success stories over a quarter century --less than infinitesimal in universal measure-- and you think everyone should bow. The great exploits of the Starship Enterprise." He laughed louder.

                "That's enough!" Christopher Pike yelled. "Mr. Q, if you have something worthwhile to tell us, fine. Do so, without interruption and insult, or else turn the meeting over to someone else."

                Q's eyed widened. "Fine, see if you insignificants can solve this without me. After all, you'd all be less than spacedust  without my help. So, go ahead. I've done my share already, anyhow." He crossed his arm and closed his eyes.

                Picard turned to him, "Q, this is childish."

                He nodded and whispered, "Tell them when they stop acting like children, maybe I'll be willing to help." Seconds later he was quietly snoring.

                "According to Q," Pike was saying, "This new force is very powerful -- it would have to be to annihilate Earth and alter history. So, we need to find allies who can help us."

                "Q ... on a good day," Riker intoned.

                After a moment of silence Kirk whispered, "All is as it was before."

                McCoy looked at his captain and a flash of recognition crossed his face. "Many such journeys are possible. Let me be your gateway."

                "Gentlemen...," Spock started but McCoy jumped in.

                "The Guardian of Forever. Great idea, Jim." He let his head fall into his palm. "Ohh, but just thinking of that

portal gives me a headache."

                Q perked up, "The doughnut? You guys know about the doughnut?"

                Kirk gave Q a hard stare.

                "Hmmm. An elementary school science project gone awry," Q said smirking.      

                "Elementary school science project, in a pig's eye," Bones McCoy snorted. "This Q is either a super being or

certifiable."

                "Probably close to both," Kirk replied. He, Bones, and Spock were walking through the promenade of Deep Space Nine. "Spock, what's your opinion about the meeting?"

                The Vulcan raised his right eyebrow. "Captains Picard and Garrett and Commander Sisko seem to be competent Starfleet officers. However, to solve this situation will require a substantial leap beyond competency. I cannot say from our meeting whether or not these officers are up to the task at hand."

                "And we, of course, are," McCoy said dryly.

 

                Kirk shrugged and was about to reply when a voice called from behind them.

                "Admiral Kirk! Admiral Kirk! We meet at last..."

                Kirk turned around to see a little man with a large head and very exaggerated ears. He was from a race Kirk didn't recognize. The little man jogging toward him was holding a drink. He offered it to the 'admiral.' "Saurian Brandy?," the man said.

                Kirk didn't take the proffered beverage. "And you are?"

                "Me? I am Quark, owner of the entertainment capital for this section of the galaxy, Quark's."

                Kirk exchanged glances with his officers. "A bar?"

                "Not simply a bar, Admiral. An oasis," he grabbed Kirk's sleeve. "Allow me to show you and your men."

                Kirk stood his ground and yanked his arm back. "It's Captain Kirk, Mr. Quark, and I'd thank you to not manhandle me."

                "Quark!"

                Kirk recognized the new voice belonged to Deep Space Nine's Security Chief.

                The shapeshifter marched up to the group and grabbed Quark's arm, lifting him half-way off his feet. "I am sorry if this Ferengi pest was annoying you, Captain Kirk."

                'Ferengi?', Kirk thought. 'Another  new race for another century, amazing!' He glanced from Quark to Odo and shook his head. "No problem, Odo. We'll just be on our way."

                "Stop by any time," Quark called out as Odo dragged him off.

 

                "Your opinion, Commander?"

                Sisko looked into the penetrating eyes of Jean-Luc Picard. "My opinion, Sir, is we have no choice but to try to restore the Federation and the universe the way it was before."

                Picard nodded. "I concur. I sincerely hope we have the means necessary." The two officers arrived at Sisko's quarters, when they heard laughter. They turned to see Q leaning against a bulkhead.

                Picard scowled, "I thought you said your powers were nullified."

                "They are, Mon Capitan. However, my powers of stealth are fully operational. You boys are doubting if you have the proper muster? You are wise to question. This is larger than all of us."

                "Q..."

                "Hold on, Picard. I always let you have your speeches, now return the courtesy." Q stood tall and straightened his tunic in a blatant parody of the Enterprise-D captain. "You know, we talk about resetting the universe to its ... proper ... flow. Maybe this is the proper flow. Who's to say? Maybe we've stumbled upon reality here. No Earth, no Federation, no Q continuum. Sobering thinking, wouldn't you say? Maybe there never was any where to boldly go." Q smiled at his listeners.

                Sisko grimaced and turned to Picard, "You do have quarters arranged for him on the Enterprise."

                Picard nodded.

                "Thank goodness."

 

                "Christopher, is it?"

                "Yes, Captain."

                "Oh, please. Rachel."

                "Very well. Rachel."

                Rachel Garrett reached out and shook hands with a legend, Captain Christopher Pike. But, she'd be damned if she'd act like a star-struck girl. She was a Captain of the Enterprise as well and would act with proper decorum. "Can we talk for a moment before returning to our ships?"

                "Of course."

                "Christopher..."

                He smiled, "Chris."

                "Chris," She smiled back. "I have to say that I've studied the history of my ship. Of the Enterprises past. They have got into their shares of crises. Your crew, Robert April's crew before you and Captain Kirk's..."

                "What's on your mind, Rachel?"

                "Well, I took over the reigns of Enterprise-C on Stardate... well I guess that doesn't ... five months ago. My crew is a bit untried. Certainly not as seasoned as the other Enterprises orbiting Deep Space Nine."

                "You're nervous."

                She gulped unconsciously and then cursed herself, "A bit."

                "So am I."

                "Sir?"

                They strolled through the promenade and sat down at a table near the entrance of Quark's. A strange little man with ears came up to them. Obviously the bartender. Pike waved him off, and the man left with a look of disgust on his face.

                "Rachel," He continued. "Being a starship captain doesn't mean you check your feelings at the dock. However, you must learn to use those feelings advantageously."

                She nodded. "I had served as a starship captain for eight years before getting the Enterprise. But, he's not just any ship."

                'He? A female captain and a male ship,' Pike thought. 'Number One would appreciate this woman.' "From what I can see, the Enterprise of any era is a force to be reckoned with. Rachel, I recently dealt with a personal struggle. My CMO told me to face it head on and lick it, or turn my back and whither away. Just transfer your strength to your crew. Show them that this is the Enterprise. That they are the Enterprise. A proud legacy. They'll follow you."

                She nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Sir."

                "Uh-uh. Chris."

                Her smile broadened. "Chris."

                "Now, I think its time we get back to our ships."