Star Trek: Constellations
Westfall/Star Trek TNG Crossover Fanfiction #1
Scene 4
Stars zipped by the wide windows of the conference room. Just off the bridge, the narrow room was used for meetings of varying importance where decisions great and small were made. Today, it was occupied by the captain and four of his senior officers.
“You’re joking,” Dr. Beverly Crusher leaned forward. “Earth wants nothing to do with them?”
“It’s been over two-hundred years,” Jean-Luc Picard’s hands were steepled over his chest as his elbows rested on the armrests of his chair. “According to the Federation, the entrepreneurs who set up the colonies on Braecia are long dead, and no one wants to pick up the responsibility.”
“Or the guilt,” William Riker cocked an eyebrow. Beside him, Gemini Inova rolled her eyes.
“‘Guilt’, sir?” Data turned to him.
“They went from five-thousand settlers to seventeen,” Beverly’s voice was caustic. “If no one owns up to it, no one will feel responsible for those who’ve been lost due to their negligence.”
“But, don’t worry,” the captain lowered his hands. “Since Braecia is within Federation space and was settled by a Federation planet, its residents are also considered citizens of the Federation. Therefore, to protect our fellow citizens, we have been granted the task of transporting them from here to the nearest starbase for relocation.”
Beverly leaned back in her chair. “Thank goodness.”
The captain glanced to Gemini. “And I would like Ms. Inova to lead this mission.”
Gemini almost missed his words. “Sir?” She popped up in her chair.
“You said yourself you’re well-equipped to sympathize with the residents here,” Jean-Luc was grinning. “Therefore, I believe you to be well-equipped to lead this particular mission. Form a team that can help you get them on board, settled, and relocated, then report to me your plans.”
Gemini noticed her colleagues giving her similar glances of support and approval. She finally nodded to the captain. “Aye, sir. Thank you.”
“You are dismissed,” the captain announced.
The small group stood and exited the room. Back on the bridge, Jean-Luc relieved Worf from command and took his seat, and Will took his place beside him. Gemini eyed Worf as he returned to tactical, but she hesitated before taking her place beside him. “Data,” she reached for the android as he attempted to return to his post at the helm. “I’d like for you to be on my team. I need a good information officer.”
Data nodded succinctly. “Of course.”
“And you, Doctor,” she stopped Beverly before she could exit the bridge by way of the turbolift. “The refugees will need a proper checkup once they get here.”
Beverly nodded with a smile. “Absolutely. I’ll be preparing a team of my own in sick bay. Keep me informed of their arrival.”
“I will; thank you.” Gemini turned to find Counselor Deanna Troi at her seat beside the captain’s chair. “Counselor, I’d like your help, too.”
Deanna was on her feet before Gemini could finish her request. “Absolutely,” she smiled wide.
With her main team in place, Gemini explained her assigned duties to her commanding officer. Worf approved in his usual stiff manor, though Gemini could see a hint of pride in his eyes to know one of his officers had been assigned to lead the task. The lieutenant then led Data and Deanna to one of the science stations at the back of the bridge. “Data, would you mind finding out how far we are from the nearest starbase?”
“Searching.” Data’s fingers pattered across the panel.
The Aravasti turned to the dark-haired counselor at her side. “These people have been through a lot, and I know they’ll need some guidance once they get here. It’s going to be overwhelming.”
Deanna smiled as her arms crossed against her chest. “It will be, but they’ll also have you to help them.”
“Well, you were a huge help when I was in their shoes.”
“I have been able to sense their anxiety, but it has subsided somewhat. There is now determination, and even some hope among them.”
“And once I inform them of our decision to take them with us, their emotions may shift again. More hope—I hope,” she grinned, “but I’m betting there will be some uncertainty of where their future will lead.”
The outline of a multi-tiered station emerged on the screen in front of Data. “Starbase 203 is the closest starbase to our area. At a cruising speed of warp five, we should arrive within six weeks, four days, and eleven hours.”
Gemini blinked as the number sunk in. “So, we’ll need these accommodations to be fairly long-term,” she fingered her bottom lip. “Okay. Can you inform Starbase 203 of our mission?”
“I will contact Starbase 203 now.” Data nodded.
“Thanks, Data. Deanna, would you like to come with me to Westfall?”
She nodded. “I would be happy to.”
The two women exited the bridge by way of the turbolift as Data glanced over his shoulder after them.
Scene Notes
- Captain Picard always knows when to push his officers a little further--for their own benefit, of course. Gemini's getting her chance at a leadership role!