Episode 28 - Ensign Ro
Stardate: 41416.2
Earth Standard Date: June 1, 2364.
Location: USS Enterprise-D in Orbit of Relva VII, Relva System, Beta Quadrant.
Tyson stood in Transporter Room Eight alongside Riker, Picard, and Doctor Crusher as Wesley entered.
Picard began, "Wesley is about to be tested for entrance into Starfleet Academy. And to my great surprise, I have just learned that my old friend Admiral Gregory Quinn is on Relva Seven and has requested to be beamed aboard the Enterprise immediately."
Doctor Crusher reached out, straightening her son's collar. "You've got this, Wes," she said. Wesley mumbled his thanks as he stepped onto the transporter pad. In a shimmer of light, he vanished.
The transporter chief barely had time to adjust the controls before Picard spoke again. "Prepare to beam up Admiral Quinn and his companion."
Moments later, two figures materialized on the transporter pad. Admiral Gregory Quinn stood taller than Picard, but his wrinkles and silver hair betrayed his years. Beside him was another officer, younger, probably in his thirties, with a high forehead.
Picard greeted, "Welcome aboard, Admiral."
Quinn's eyes swept the room, taking in the assembled officers. "Thank you," he gestured to the officer with him, "This is Lieutenant Commander Remmick."
Picard gestured to each officer in turn. "Allow me to introduce my staff. First Officer William Riker, Chief Medical Officer Beverly Crusher, Lieutenant Tyson."
Remmick's gaze lingered on each of them. "Sir," he acknowledged with a curt nod.
An awkward silence fell over the room. "Well, what can we do for you?"
Quinn's response was immediate and firm. "I need to speak with you."
Picard nodded, already turning towards the door. "Certainly. This way. Number One."
"Alone."
Picard paused. "Is this a personal matter?"
"Official business," The Admiral replied.
Picard's gaze flicked to Riker for a moment before returning to Quinn. "Well then, my First Officer—"
"Alone, Captain."
The tension in the room ratcheted up a notch. Tyson's enhanced senses detected the subtle shifts in body language and tone. Something was off about this visit. It signaled that the events of an episode were likely to come. But this Admiral's arrival didn't trigger anything in his metaknowledge. He hoped it wasn't something significant that he'd forgotten, but he assumed it was just another filler episode.
Riker's jaw tightened, but he remained silent, his eyes darting between Picard and Quinn. Picard's face was a mask of professionalism, but Tyson could see the faint lines of concern etched around his eyes. "Very well, Admiral. If you'll follow me to my ready room."
As Picard and Quinn moved towards the exit, Remmick fell into step behind them. The door hissed shut behind the trio, leaving Tyson, Riker, and Crusher with unasked questions.
"What do you make of that?" Riker asked no one in particular.
Crusher shook her head. "I don't like it. An unannounced visit from an Admiral, demanding a private audience? It's not standard procedure."
"I've never known the Captain to be caught off guard like this. Whatever's going on, it's big." Riker remarked.
"Should we inform the rest of the senior staff?"
The first officer shook his head. "Not yet. Let's see what comes out of this meeting first. It may turn out to be nothing."
The transporter chief's voice interrupted, drawing everyone's attention. "Commander Riker, sir," he said, "I'm receiving a request for one more transport. It seems a new officer has been assigned to the Enterprise."
Riker's eyes narrowed. "We don't have any new incoming crew scheduled," he said suspiciously.
Crusher asked, "Could it be a mistake? Maybe a mix-up with another ship's roster?"
"Unlikely. Starfleet doesn't make those kinds of errors, especially not with a flagship. Belay that transport." Riker ordered.
"Aye, sir. Transport request on hold."
Inside his Ready Room, Captain Picard sat across from Admiral Quinn, and Commander Remmick stood off to the side. The unexpected visit had thrown the Captain off balance.
"Commander Remmick is with the Inspector General's office."
Picard's eyebrows raised slightly. "Oh?"
"He'll be conducting a full investigation of the Enterprise," Quinn continued.
"What are you looking for?"
"I have reason to believe there may be something very wrong on this ship."
"Tell me what you suspect," Picard pressed.
"It's inappropriate to discuss it at this time," the Admiral deflected. "Mister Remmick, Starfleet is counting on you. You will find out what is wrong on this ship."
"Yes, sir. Nothing and no one will stand in my way."
Quinn faced Picard again. "And you, Captain, and your crew, are ordered to cooperate in every way necessary with this investigation. Is that clear?"
Picard's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Mister Remmick, unless there are any further questions."
"No questions, sir."
"Get on with your duties," Quinn ordered.
"Yes, sir," Remmick acknowledged before leaving the Ready Room.
As the door hissed shut behind Remmick, Picard's combadge chirped. "Riker to Captain Picard."
"Go ahead," the Captain responded.
"Have you approved the transfer of a new officer to the Enterprise?" Riker asked, sounding confused.
Picard frowned. "Negative."
"Well, we've got one. Waiting to beam aboard complete with orders." After a pause, he continued.
"Ensign Ro Laren."
Picard's eyes widened in recognition. "Ro Laren? From the Wellington?"
"The same one, sir. Shall I tell her there's been some mistake?"
Picard hesitated. "Stand by, Commander." He looked at Quinn.
The Admiral elaborated, "The order comes from Starfleet Intelligence. Someone was impressed with your Lieutenant Tyson and decided he should have a subordinate officer to see how he handles a taste of command."
Picard's brow furrowed. "Admiral, respectfully. I would appreciate consulting rights on the assignment of a new officer, especially one with the record of Ro Laren."
Quinn shook his head. "I discussed this exact situation with Starfleet Intelligence, and they're convinced that she is the right one. Hell, if I know why, but I've no good reason to deny them."
"After what happened on Garon Two, she has no business serving on any starship, let alone the flagship, my ship."
Quinn's expression remained stern. "You're taking her, Captain. It's been arranged. I can't tell you how difficult it was to get her out of prison."
"It's that important?"
"According to Starfleet Intelligence, it is," Quinn replied.
Picard tapped his combadge. "Picard to Riker."
"Go ahead," Riker responded.
"Proceed with the transport," Picard ordered, his voice tight.
"Sir?" Riker's surprise was evident even over the comm.
"I'll fill you in shortly," Picard assured him.
"Yes, sir," Riker acknowledged.
Picard turned back to Quinn. "I hope you and I don't regret this, Admiral."
Quinn's expression softened slightly. "Your Lieutenant Tyson can handle her if anyone can. That is, if Admiral Jameson's reports are to be believed."
"His abilities are every bit as remarkable as the reports say. I'll monitor their progress. However, let's return to the purpose of your visit. We have known each other for years. Tell me what you believe is wrong."
Quinn's face hardened once more. "Captain, it is vitally important that my orders be followed exactly. I'll be staying on the ship."
Picard recognized the Admiral's tone and the futility of further argument. Keeping things professional, he replied, "As you wish, Admiral."
Within Transporter Room Eight, Riker ordered, "Disengage transporter lockout. Signal the surface that we're ready to beam her up."
A shimmer of light coalesced on the transporter pad, revealing a young woman. Ensign Ro Laren had a container cylinder strapped over her right shoulder. Her straight, brown hair was short and slicked back, revealing an intricate earring adorning her left ear. Riker's face was a mask of displeasure, his jaw set and eyes narrowed. Ro, for her part, looked uncomfortable, her body language tense and guarded.
"Ensign Ro Laren reporting as ordered, Commander," she said, her voice crisp and professional. She held out a data chip containing her orders.
Riker took the chip and handed it to the transporter chief. "Report?" he asked.
The chief held the orders over the console, scanning them quickly.
Riker turned to Ro as he waited. In a stern voice, he ordered, "You will follow Starfleet uniform code aboard this ship, Ensign."
Laren looked away, her expression showing frustration and barely concealed insubordination.
The transporter chief spoke up, "Sir, Ensign Ro's orders are to report directly to Lieutenant Tyson as her commanding officer."
Riker's gaze shifted to Tyson, who had remained silent throughout the exchange. Ro followed his gaze, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the man she assumed was her new superior officer. "Tyson, are you sure?" he asked skeptically.
The transporter chief responded, "Yes, sir. The orders are clear."
Riker turned back to Ro, his voice harder this time. "I said, Ensign, you will follow Starfleet uniform code aboard this ship."
Ensign Ro reluctantly reached up to remove the earring, but Tyson interrupted before she could unfasten it, saying, "Excuse me, Commander. I want to make a request on Ensign Ro's behalf as her assigned superior officer."
Riker's expression remained displeased, but he said, "I'm listening."
"Sir, I haven't met Ensign Ro before today, but unless I'm mistaken, she's Bajoran. Bajor is not a member of the Federation, so many are unfamiliar with its customs. Their earrings symbolize their religious faith. While I understand that there is no religious exemption for jewelry within the uniform code, I respectfully request one on Ensign Ro's behalf."
Riker mulled over the request. The silence stretched for several long seconds before he finally answered, "Uniform exemption granted."
Relief flickered across Ro's face, quickly masked by her previous guarded expression.
"Lieutenant, Ensign, come with me," Riker ordered. "We're going to see the Captain. You'll wait on the bridge while I speak with him."
Tyson and Ro fell into step behind him as they exited Transporter Room Eight. When they reached the bridge, Admiral Quinn had already left the Ready Room. Commander Riker stood before Picard's desk, outwardly displeased.
"There will be members of this crew who will not want to serve with Ensign Laren, sir."
"They'll have to learn to live with it."
"I intend to demand the highest level of performance from her," Riker stated firmly.
"I would expect nothing less," He paused, considering. "But this appears to be a test for Tyson, more so than it will test us, Will. I'm inclined to take a hands-off approach here. If he's going to advance in Starfleet, he does need to learn Command, including leading others. He's been remarkable in the field. We need to nurture his growth as best we can, just as we do other aspiring officers."
The door chimed, and Picard called out, "Come."
Tyson entered with Ro Laren close behind. The Captain gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Yes, Ensign Laren, Lieutenant Tyson, please have a seat."
"Ensign Ro, sir," the young woman corrected.
Picard's brow furrowed. "I beg your pardon?"
"The Bajoran custom has the family name first, the individual's second. I am properly addressed as Ensign Ro," she explained.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know," Picard apologized.
Ro's expression softened a fraction. "No, there's no reason you should. It's an old custom. Most Bajora these days accept the distortion of their names to assimilate. I do not."
Picard leaned forward, his hands clasped on the desk. "I wish to be candid with you, Ensign."
"Please," Ro encouraged.
"I'm fully aware of your Starfleet record, your problems on other ships, and the incident on Garon Two that led to your court-martial. And I'm concerned about your presence on this vessel," Picard stated plainly.
Ro met his gaze unflinchingly. "I don't want to be here any more than you want me to be here, sir."
Riker, still standing, interjected, "Then why did you accept this assignment?"
"If I may be equally candid?" Ro asked, though she didn't wait for approval before continuing, "It's better than prison."
Riker's face darkened. "Better than prison? Some officers wait years to serve on this ship."
"Being called back into Starfleet was not my idea," Ro shot back.
"Nor ours," Riker said, his voice rising.
"It was mine," Tyson interrupted.
All eyes in the room turned to him, surprise evident on every face. He quickly came up with an explanation, hoping to smooth over the tension without drawing too much suspicion. "I had a discussion with the Starfleet panel after the evaluation when I was promoted to Lieutenant. One of my shortcomings was starship command and leadership experience. I mentioned that it would be unusual for me to be placed as a superior officer to many of those on the Enterprise. Especially since my time within Starfleet has been short." He paused, then added with a touch of self-deprecating humor, "I believe I said, 'I'll take anyone, even those who no one wants to work under them. Hell, just give me an ex-con.'" Seeing the skeptical looks, Tyson elaborated, "Back in my time, it was hard for ex-convicts to get jobs, even after serving their time. Besides, research showed incarceration was not an effective form of rehabilitation. I didn't expect Starfleet to take my words so literally, but here we are."
Picard turned back to Ro. "Nevertheless, we will all be serving together. Commander Riker and I have expectations of you."
Ro's voice was cold as she replied, "Captain, I know the routine. You don't have to worry about me. We're stuck with each other. So let's get this over with as quickly as possible, and we can go our separate ways, okay?"
Without waiting for a dismissal, Ro stood and left the Ready Room.
Picard watched her go, then said unnecessarily, "Dismissed." He turned to Tyson, his tone carrying a hint of reproach. "Lieutenant, it seems you have your hands full. Perhaps you should be more mindful of letting your mouth run away from you."
Tyson responded with a chuckle, "Perhaps, Captain. In the meantime, I'll try to move my body fast enough to keep up with my mouth." His joke fell flat in the tense atmosphere. He gestured towards the door where Ro had exited. "If I may?"
"By all means. Good luck, Lieutenant."
Tyson reached the turbolift on the bridge before the doors shut. He slid in. Ensign Ro leaned against the back wall. As the doors closed, Ro commented, "You lied."
Tyson nodded. "I do that, on rare occasions."
"I was told you requested me specifically." Ro's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"Because they didn't need to know," Tyson said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Besides, you were assigned directly to me. Any explanations for why Starfleet would do such a thing, that came from me, are more of a respectful courtesy than a necessity. So I respectfully lied... with courtesy."
Ro gave him a deadpan look. "Why me?"
"I wasn't lying about incarceration not being proper rehabilitation. However, I'm not sure if you need to be rehabilitated. What I do know is that you're being wasted sitting in prison."
Ro's posture stiffened. "You don't know anything about me."
"I know enough," Tyson countered. "I knew enough to recognize you're Bajoran. I knew enough to recognize the significance of your earring. I know you were court-martialed and sent to prison. And I know that I had the opportunity to get you out, so I took it."
Ro's eyes flashed with anger. "You have no idea what happened on Garon Two."
"You're right, I don't," Tyson agreed. "But I'd like to hear your side of it whenever you're ready to tell me."
Ro scoffed. "Why? So you can judge me too?"
Tyson shook his head. "Have I judged you since you came on this ship? No. I might be the only person on this ship who doesn't have a negative predisposition toward you. Look, Ro, I'm not your enemy here. I'm not trying to be your superior officer in the traditional sense. Think of me more as... a partner."
"A partner?" she parroted skeptically.
"Yes. We're both outsiders here, in our own ways. I'm different. You're... well, you're you. We can help each other."
Ro crossed her arms. "I don't need help."
"Everyone needs help sometimes. Even if they don't want to admit it."
The turbolift stopped, and the doors opened. Tyson gestured for Ro to exit first. "Come on. Let's find your bunk, then ignore it and get you settled in the Housing Complex, and then we can talk more."
Ro hesitated for a moment before stepping out. "I don't recall seeing any areas marked as a 'Housing Complex' in the ship's layout provided in my debrief." They walked down the corridor, and when Tyson didn't answer her indirect question, she asked him straight out, "What exactly is your role on this ship, Lieutenant?"
Tyson chuckled. "That question is less straightforward than it seems on the surface. Officially, I'm an Operations Officer with Sub-Specialties in Communications, Engineering, and Piloting. Unofficially... I'm a problem solver."
"A problem solver?" Ro repeated.
"Let's just say I have a unique skill set that comes in handy in unusual situations," Tyson explained. "Which, believe it or not, the Enterprise encounters quite frequently."
They reached Ro's assigned bunk on the lower decks. It was a hole in the wall where she slept, with a drawer beside it to hold her belongings.
"Home sweet home," he said with a mocking grin. Ro frowned at the thoroughly unimpressive living space. "I know you didn't ask for this assignment. And this bunk is probably no better than what you had in prison. But I don't think you joined Starfleet to sit in a cell."
Ro turned to face him, her expression guarded. "You don't know what I've done."
"No, I don't. Luckily enough, I've been able to give you this opportunity, regardless. What you do with it is up to you."
Ro searched his face for any sign of deception. "Why do you care?"
"Because I believe in second chances. And because I think you and I could make a hell of a team."
"You're either very naive or very foolish."
"Probably both," Tyson admitted. "There was this Orion woman—"
"I'm not sure where this story is going, but let me stop you right there," Ro interrupted. She shook her head, but some of the tension had left her shoulders. "So what now?"
"You just really like interrupting your superior officers, don't you?" Tyson asked rhetorically, "Now, I'll show you the Housing Complex."
"I thought this was my bunk?"
"The hell with this. Ship this big, and they hoard the nice cabins for senior officers and visitors." He scoffed. "I might still be a little bitter that they took my guest quarters and gave me junior officer quarters. They're no longer using the space. Such a waste. But lucky for you, I've got a workaround."
Ro raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed over her chest. "You're the strangest commanding officer I've ever had."
A mischievous grin spread across Tyson's face. "Girl, you ain't seen nothing yet."
Ro's eyes narrowed, her mouth opening to retort at the casual, slightly demeaning way he addressed her, but before she could speak, Tyson waved his hand at a nearby door panel. The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a sight that made Ro's words die in her throat. A pristine beach stretched out beyond the doorway, golden sand under a warm sun, and Crystal-clear water lapping gently at the shore.
Tyson turned to Ro, his grin widening at her stunned expression. "How's that for strange?"
Ro blinked, her mind struggling to process what she was seeing. "A holodeck?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Nope, just me being strange. Come on."
He stepped through the doorway onto the sand, his boots sinking slightly. Ro hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between Tyson and the impossible beach. Finally, curiosity won out, and she followed him. The moment she crossed the threshold, warmth enveloped her. The artificial lighting of the Enterprise corridor gave way to bright, natural sunlight. A gentle breeze caressed her skin.
She called out, "Computer. Freeze program," but nothing happened. "This is impossible," Ro muttered as she took in her surroundings.
Tyson chuckled, walking backward as he faced her. "I get that a lot. Told you this wasn't a holodeck. Trust me, this is very real."
Ro knelt down, scooping up a handful of sand. It felt warm and grainy between her fingers, just like real sand. She let it trickle back to the ground, watching as it joined the rest of the beach.
"How?" she asked, looking up at Tyson.
"Let's just say I have some unique abilities. This," he gestured around them, "is part of my Personal Reality. It's a... well, let's call it a pocket dimension that I can control."
Ro stood up, brushing the sand from her hands. "A pocket dimension? That's not possible with any technology I know of."
"I try not to think too hard about how any of this works. Come on, let me show you where you'll be staying."
Ro followed, her mind reeling. The sand was warm beneath her feet, the sun pleasantly warm on her skin. It all felt so real, yet she knew it couldn't be. They were on a starship, light-years from any planet with a beach like this.
Tyson pointed to a large building. "That's the entrance to the Housing Complex. Well, one of them, anyway."
The facade was crafted from warm, honey-colored stone with graceful columns lining the entrance. A terracotta-tiled roof sloped gently, reminiscent of traditional island dwellings. Terraces and balconies extended from each floor, offering inviting outdoor spaces to bask in the Cretan climate.
"And over there," Tyson gestured to a smaller structure nearby, "is a more intimate villa." He turned to Ro. "Take your pick. All the rooms are individualized and customizable. They look different on the exterior, but it's mostly just flavor. The Housing Complex itself is like a pocket dimension within a pocket dimension."
Ro's eyes darted between the two buildings. Confusion and skepticism warred on her face. After a moment's hesitation, she pointed to the smaller villa. "That one, I guess."
The door swung open, revealing a luxurious suite beyond. Ro stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in the opulent furnishings, amenities, and a space that seemed larger than should be possible given the exterior.
"These are my quarters?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. She spun around. "Are we even on the Enterprise anymore?"
Tyson leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "Nope. Like I said, we're within my Personal Reality, which I can access through any door, including the one we walked through on the Enterprise. So technically, no, we're not on the ship, but we're only one door away."
Ro ran her hand along the back of a plush sofa. "I'm not quite sure I understand... or maybe I just don't want to accept it." She turned back to Tyson. "You're definitely the strangest superior officer I've ever had."
"I'll take that as a compliment. Feel free to explore and make yourself at home. You can adapt the suite to your preferences."
"And what's the catch? There's always a catch."
Tyson's expression grew serious. "The only catch is that I need to let you in and out of this place. I don't trust you enough to give you the keys to the castle just yet. Otherwise, consider this an opportunity. I told you, I believe in second chances. This," he gestured around the room, "is part of that. A fresh start, in a way."
Ro's posture relaxed slightly, but wariness still lingered in her eyes. "And what do you expect in return?"
"I expect you to use this opportunity to be the officer I think you can be. To prove to yourself and everyone else that you deserve to be here."
Ro nodded slowly, her gaze drifting back to the window. "I still don't understand how any of this is possible."
"Sometimes, it's better not to question everything so much and just enjoy it." He stepped back into the doorway. "I'll let you get settled. If you need anything, the combadges still work. Vicky monitors all communications between here and the Enterprise."
"Vicky?" Ro asked.
"Eh, we'll get to her later on," Tyson said, then turned to leave.
But Ro called out, "Wait." He paused, looking back at her. "Thank you," she said softly.
"You're welcome. And welcome aboard, Ensign Ro."
— Star Jumper —
Tyson sat across from Commander Remmick in one of the Enterprise's various meeting rooms. Remmick leaned forward, his hands clasped on the table. "Let's start on Stardate 41209. Why did Captain Picard cede control of the ship to a child?"
Tyson narrowed his eyes and tilted his head in confusion. "Commander, did you read the reports around that incident in its entirety?"
"I did, Lieutenant. Answer the question." Remmick's voice carried a sharp edge.
"The Enterprise's crew was infected with a contagion that affected everyone's decision-making. Captain Picard did not cede control. Wesley Crusher falsified the Captain's voice and took control of the main console in engineering. The captain had no part of it. It was closer to a mutiny than a change in command."
Remmick's eyes bore into Tyson, searching for any sign of deception. "And where were you when this all started?"
"Reading in 13-Forward."
"So you had nothing to do with the contagion?"
"Not initially."
"Elaborate, Lieutenant. What do you mean by 'not initially'?"
"Again, this should all be documented within the reports, logs, and my most recent assessment by Admiral Jameson. As the situation unfolded, I became aware of the crew's erratic behavior. I took steps to investigate and contain the spread of the contagion, working alongside Dr. Crusher. I have access to a separate Medical Bay that was able to cure the crew."
"And yet, you weren't affected?" Remmick asked pointedly.
"When I realized there was a contagion spreading, I was the first to undergo treatment. Afterward, I wore a spacesuit to prevent reinfection."
Remmick's eyes narrowed. "Convenient. Tell me, Lieutenant, how did you come to be stationed on the Enterprise?"
"I was brought to the ship by the entity, Q."
Remmick's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Have you noticed anything unusual about Captain Picard's orders or any shifts in his command style since you arrived?"
"No."
The simplicity of the answer seemed to catch Remmick off guard. He blinked, then pressed on. "On Stardate 41250, Captain Picard was possessed by an alien entity. What was your role in that situation?"
"I helped remove the entity from Captain Picard using the medical bay."
Remmick's eyebrows rose slightly. "Captain Picard made several questionable orders during that time. Are you certain he was possessed?"
"Quite certain," Tyson replied without hesitation. "Myself and Counselor Troi both sensed the entity, and I was in the medical bay when it was removed from the captain."
"Was Captain Picard particularly susceptible to control by the entity?"
Tyson shook his head. "Not to my knowledge. The entity jumped between several crew members. But Doctor Crusher would have a better explanation."
A moment of silence stretched between them, broken only by the soft hum of the ship's systems. Remmick's gaze was calculating as if trying to piece together a complex puzzle.
"Let's talk about you, Lieutenant Tyson."
"Sure."
"Have you ever used your abilities to manipulate Captain Picard?" Remmick's tone was sharp, accusatory.
"No," Tyson replied without hesitation.
Remmick leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Could you?"
"No," Tyson answered.
The commander's fingers drummed on the table. "Could you usurp control of the ship from Captain Picard?"
Tyson paused for a moment, considering. "Most likely, yes." Remmick's eyebrows shot up, but before he could speak, Tyson continued. "What's the point of all this?" Tyson's voice carried a note of frustration. "You're just asking redundant questions. Answers to all of these are already on file. I sat before a Starfleet panel with an Admiral and officers from both Starfleet Intelligence and Starfleet Security less than a month ago. Do you have any questions that are pertinent?"
The room fell silent. The soft hum of the ship's systems seemed to grow louder in the absence of conversation. The tension between them was palpable, like a taut wire ready to snap. Finally, he asked, "If an alien entity was controlling Captain Picard, would you be able to determine that?"
Tyson's eyes narrowed slightly, considering the question. "Almost certainly. If it was something that had any kind of emotional or psychic presence, I'd pick up on it. If it was something purely physical, it could be discovered with the Medical Bay."
Remmick nodded slowly, processing the information. "When was the last time Captain Picard was examined within the Medical Bay?"
"When the alien entity possessed him two months ago, stardate 41250, as you mentioned," Tyson replied.
The commander's gaze sharpened. "Can you access the Medical Bay from Sickbay?"
"Yes."
Commander Remmick tapped his combadge. "Admiral Quinn, your presence is requested in Sickbay." He paused briefly before continuing, "Captain Picard, report to sickbay." Lastly, he turned to Tyson, his expression stern. "Please come with me."
The group made their way through the Enterprise. As they entered Sickbay, they found Doctor Crusher already present, her brow furrowed with concern.
Admiral Quinn stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Tyson. "Commander Remmick has informed me of his findings." His voice carried the weight of authority as he continued, "Lieutenant Tyson, access your Medical Bay."
"No, sir, I don't think I will."
The Admiral's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and indignation crossing his features. "You would disobey a direct order?"
"My Medical Bay and Personal Reality are mine, not Starfleet's," Tyson replied calmly. "I'm under no obligation to grant you access to my personal property."
Commander Remmick interjected, his tone sharp. "Reports suggested that you've volunteered the use of your Medical Bay to assist Starfleet in the past."
"Keyword there is volunteered. Captain Picard has asked for my assistance. Dr. Crusher has asked for my assistance. No one has ordered me to assist until now. And I refuse."
The Admiral and Commander Remmick exchanged glances, their expressions hardening. Captain Picard spoke up, "Lieutenant Tyson, may we use your Medical Bay?" His gaze swept across the room, taking in the taut expressions of those present. "Whatever the Admiral has planned, I prefer to allow it to transpire so that we might end this charade."
"Sure, Captain." He waved his hand, and a shimmering portal materialized in the air, its edges rippling like disturbed water. Beyond the portal, was the Medical Bay.
One by one, they stepped through the portal. Admiral Quinn wasted no time. He turned to Picard. "You will submit yourself to a full medical scan."
Picard sat on one of the biobeds, and sensors began to hum to life around him. Dr. Crusher moved to the main console. The room filled with the soft whir of scanning equipment as data began to pour across the screens. Minutes ticked by in tense silence. The others watched as Dr. Crusher's eyes darted back and forth, taking in the wealth of information before her. Finally, she straightened, turning to face the group.
"Everything looks normal," she announced. "The results are in line with his previous exams."
Admiral Quinn asked, "No evidence of symbiotic or parasitic lifeforms?"
"No," Crusher replied firmly. "There's nothing out of the ordinary in these scans."
The Admiral's gaze shifted to Tyson. "And you don't sense any other entities besides us?"
He paused for a moment, as if conducting his own internal scan of the room. Then, without a word, he shook his head.
"Mister Remmick," Quinn said. "Proceed with your report."
Commander Remmick straightened. "Admiral, I've done my best to be thorough during this investigation."
"Continue," Quinn prompted.
Remmick took a deep breath before speaking. "I couldn't find what you asked, sir. I spoke to officer after officer, at length. I pried into the ship's log reports. And yet I could find nothing wrong. Except, perhaps, a casual familiarity among the Bridge crew, but mostly that comes from a sense of teamwork, and the feeling of family." He paused, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I'm sorry, sir. I did my best."
"Quite. You're dismissed. Doctor Crusher, you are dismissed. Commander."
"Yes, sir," Remmick replied. He turned to Picard, his tone softening. "Captain Picard, my tour in the Inspector General's office will be up in six months. When I'm finished, this is where I'd like to serve, sir."
Picard didn't reply, his gaze fixed on Quinn as Remmick and Doctor Crusher left through the portal.
Quinn turned to Tyson. "Lieutenant Tyson, can you close the portal for privacy?" Tyson shrugged and waved his hand, the shimmering portal vanished. Quinn's gaze softened as he looked at Picard. "Don't judge the young man too harshly. He's a good officer."
"It's not him I'm inclined to judge."
"Don't judge me too harshly either, until I've finished," Quinn said. "We had to be very sure of you. Some of us at Starfleet Command became suspicious of certain problems in the Federation."
Picard's eyebrows rose. "What kind of problems?"
Quinn's expression grew grave. "Something or someone is trying to destroy the fabric of everything we've built up in the last two hundred years."
"What's your evidence?"
Quinn shook his head. "I can't go into that. There are too many people involved."
"What do you want from me?"
"I don't know whether the threat comes from the inside or whether it's from outside. I need people I can trust in strong positions throughout the Federation."
"You have my complete support. You know that," Picard replied.
"That's not enough," Quinn countered. "I want to promote you to Admiral, and I want you to take over as Commandant of Starfleet Academy."
Picard's eyes widened in surprise. "The Academy."
"Yes."
"The Academy?" Picard repeated in disbelief.
Quinn nodded. "I need you close."
Realization dawned on Picard's face. "Then there was never a problem with the Enterprise."
"No," Quinn admitted, "but I had to be sure you hadn't been co-opted."
Picard's expression tightened. "Greg, this is politics, and I'm not good at politics. Surely, there are others who are better suited."
"All right. Even if I am wrong, and I hope I am, you're still the best man for the job."
Picard's posture relaxed slightly, but his expression remained guarded. "I appreciate the value of what you're offering. It's not a decision I can make quickly."
"I need an answer soon," Quinn pressed.
"All right. You'll have it tonight, Admiral. Thank you." He turned to Tyson. "You dismissed the others, but not him. Why?"
"There are few I trust in Starfleet Security that trust him. It's also part of the reason why we've assigned Ensign Ro Laren under him. He's one of the few that would catch the kind of thing we're worried about. While we have other concerns regarding this Personal Reality and his capabilities, we don't have any concerns with his corruption."
Admiral Quinn straightened his uniform. "That is all. Thank you for your assistance, Lieutenant Tyson. Please return us to the Enterprise."
Tyson nodded, waving his hand to open a shimmering portal back to Sickbay. As Admiral Quinn and Captain Picard exited, their hushed voices fading down the corridor, Doctor Crusher approached him. Her brow furrowed with concern as she studied his face.
"Are you feeling alright, Tyson?" she asked.
"Fine, why?"
Doctor Crusher gestured towards his face. "You're sweating."
Tyson lifted a hand to his brow, surprised to feel moisture there. He wiped it away, mumbling, "That's strange." As he looked back at Crusher, he found himself suddenly aware of her. The soft curves of her face, the way her uniform hugged her figure, the vibrant red of her hair. He shook his head, trying to clear the unexpected thoughts. "The hell is wrong with me," he muttered under his breath.
Crusher's frown deepened. "Let me get my tricorder," she said, turning towards a nearby medical station.
Tyson had managed to keep his Augment nature hidden so far, and he wasn't about to let that change now. "I'll be fine, doctor," he said quickly, forcing a smile. "Medical Bay will fix me right up."
Before Crusher could protest, Tyson waved his hand, opening another portal to his Personal Reality. He stepped through, and the gateway closed behind him, leaving a perplexed Doctor Crusher in his wake. All the talk with Remmick about stardates had stirred something in his memory. He did some quick mental calculations, a growing sense of dread building in his chest. It had been three months since he was pulled into the KOTOR universe, which meant...
Tyson's eyes widened as the realization struck. It had been three months since the Blood Fever.
"Ugh. Not again."
The pieces began to fall into place. The sudden awareness of Doctor Crusher's attractiveness and the unexplained sweating were symptoms of the beginning stages of Pon Farr.
Tyson stood up abruptly, pacing the room as he tried to think through his options. The fever would only intensify, potentially leading to madness or even death if left unresolved.
Thankfully, there was an easy solution. All he needed was to seek out a partner to help him through the Pon Farr.
Episode: Star Trek The Next Generation - Coming Of Age Complete!
+100 RP
Reality Points: 1300
T'Pol had offered to assist him during his last cycle, and since then, they'd grown closer. It seemed like a simple solution to his current predicament. With a wave of his hand, Tyson opened a portal to his Control Room. He strode purposefully towards the Antechamber, where the Inter-Reality Connecting Door leading to T'Pol's quarters was located. As he stepped through, his Gray Goo Suit shifted seamlessly, adapting to match the uniforms of the Enterprise era. He glanced around T'Pol's quarters, immediately noticing her absence. Frowning, he activated the tricorder function within his Gray Goo Suit, scanning for Vulcan life signs.
To his surprise, he couldn't detect any.
Determined to find her, Tyson made his way to the bridge of the Enterprise NX-01. As the doors slid open, he spotted Commander Trip Tucker hunched over an engineering console.
"Commander Tucker," Tyson called out, approaching the chief engineer. "Do you know where I can find T'Pol?"
Tucker straightened up, wiping his hands on a rag as he turned to face Tyson. "T'Pol? She's on a mission with Captain Archer. Left about two days ago."
Tyson's frown deepened as concern etched itself across his features. "I see. Thank you, Commander."
With a nod to Tucker, Tyson turned on his heel and headed back to his Personal Reality. As the portal shimmered closed behind him, he found himself standing in the familiar surroundings of his Control Room.
"Vicky," Tyson called out, his voice tinged with frustration. "Where are you?"
There was a moment of silence before Vicky's disembodied voice responded through his suit, her usual chipper tone replaced by one of concern. "We have a problem."
Tyson's brow furrowed. "What now?"
"All the Soong-type androids are offline," Vicky explained. "And I'm not able to form my body from my nanobots. I'm stuck as a Gray Goo."
"What the hell," Tyson muttered, his mind reeling from this new development. "That shouldn't be possible." He paused, a sudden realization dawning on him. "Unless..."
"Q," Tyson said aloud.
As if on cue, the disembodied voice of Q filled the room, dripping with amusement.
"Come now, Tyson. I already watched the story where you break through all those layers of Vulcan logic and where you turned the android into a real girl."
Tyson's eyes narrowed as he scanned the room, searching for any sign of the omnipotent being. "Are you hiding because of my Q This Perk!"
Tyson said, "Fine, I'll just go find something to kill."
Q's voice echoed through the room, dripping with sarcasm.
"Good luck. Remember, it has to be a worthy kill. With a little more foresight, you could've saved Revan for this moment, but no. Now you're going to be hard-pressed to find a challenge."
Tyson frowned, realizing Q was right. He cursed under his breath. Opening a portal to the village within his Personal Reality, he stepped through into the idyllic setting.
Q's disembodied voice followed him.
"I warned you, things seemed like they were getting a little easy."
Tyson sat down on a rock overlooking the sea. He needed to have sex or kill a worthy opponent. Revan was dead, Malak was dead. That left him with few options.
He pulled up the Drawback's description to be sure, reading it carefully:
Amok Time/Blood Fever
As a result of your racial hybridization, you now suffer from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Once every three months, this imbalance starts to get out of whack. You will have emotional outbursts followed by extreme desire and a fever. You will die within a week of this period beginning unless you procreate or at least make a damned good attempt… Or kill a worthy opponent in single combat. And no cheating! Using a holodeck won't fix the chemical imbalance.
"I have a week. It doesn't say I need to kill someone sentient. So, I'm not limited to finding a Sith worth fighting. Maybe I could go back to Tatooine, find another Krayt dragon, or something."
As Tyson mulled over his options, a figure approached him from the village.
"Lieutenant, everything okay?" a familiar voice asked.
He turned to see Ensign Ro approaching. Thankfully, she wasn't wearing a bathing suit or any cliché that might be compromising; she still wore her uniform.
Tyson shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Admittedly, I'm having an issue, but I've got time to resolve it." Standing from the rock, he brushed off his uniform. Tyson knew he couldn't just sit around, not with the clock ticking on his condition. "We should probably return to the Enterprise."
Ro didn't press for details, which he appreciated as he wasn't sure he could explain his situation without raising more questions than he was prepared to answer. With a wave of his hand, Tyson opened a portal into the corridor of the Enterprise. He stepped through, Ro following close behind. He moved towards the nearby turbolift, and she fell into step beside him.
"Bridge."
The turbolift began moving, its soft hum filling the small space. As the doors slid open, both officers stepped forward, expecting to see the familiar layout of the Enterprise-D's bridge.
Instead, they found themselves in a dimly lit, dilapidated cargo bay.
The air was thick with the scent of rust and stale recycled air. Stacks of crates loomed in the shadows. Overhead, flickering lights cast an eerie glow across the room, revealing patches of corrosion on the metal walls.
"What the hell," Tyson muttered as he scanned the unfamiliar surroundings.
Ro turned to him, her brow furrowed in confusion. "You didn't mean to do that?"
Tyson shook his head. "It wasn't me."
He raised his hand, attempting to open a portal back to the Enterprise or his Personal Reality. Nothing happened. No shimmering gateway appeared, no ripple in the fabric of space.
"This isn't right," Tyson said. He tried again, focusing his will, but still, nothing happened.
"Where are we?" Ro asked.
Tyson's eyes darted around the cargo bay, taking in every detail. The technology, what little was visible, seemed outdated.
"I don't know," he admitted. "This isn't any part of the Enterprise I've ever seen."
"Can you get us out of here?" she whispered.
Tyson closed his eyes, concentrating. He reached out, trying to connect with his Personal Reality. He asked aloud, "Vicky?"
The AI within his Gray Goo Suit responded, "I'm still here, but I'm locked out just like you are. And I still can't manifest."
"Something's blocking me," he said.
Ro's eyes widened slightly at this admission. "So we're trapped here?"
Tyson took another look around their surroundings. The air hung heavy with the scent of stale metal and disuse, a far cry from the pristine conditions Tyson had grown accustomed to on the Enterprise-D. The flickering lights lit the scattered debris and abandoned crates. The flickering lights caught Tyson's attention, a detail that seemed both trivial and deeply significant. In all his time on the Enterprise, he couldn't recall a single instance of malfunctioning lighting. It was a small thing, but it spoke volumes about the state of this place he now found himself in. Catching sight of the scuffed com-panel beside the door, he moved to examine it and noticed the ship's designation.
ISS Stargazer.
He recognized the name of the ship. It was Captain Picard's first command. But the "ISS" prefix puzzled him. Almost all Federation ships had the USS designation. Then, the realization struck him.
ISS stood for Imperial Star Ship. And not the Galactic Empire like in Star Wars. Or even the Klingon Empire.
He was still in the Star Trek Universe, but not the one he became familiar with. This was the mirror universe, where the ruthless Terran Empire had replaced the benevolent Federation, driven by the pursuit of power and profit.
He muttered, "God damn it."
The mirror universe was a dangerous place, filled with ruthless counterparts to the people he knew. Every interaction could be a potential threat, every familiar face a possible enemy. He turned to Ro, who stood nearby, tense and alert. "Ensign," he said, keeping his voice low, "we're in a very precarious situation. This isn't our universe."
Ro's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean, not our universe?"
Tyson took a deep breath, considering how much to reveal. "We've somehow been transported to what's known as the mirror universe. It's a parallel reality where the Federation doesn't exist. Instead, there's a brutal regime called the Terran Empire."
Ro's hand instinctively moved to where her phaser would normally be, only to find it missing. "How do you know all this?"
"Let's just say I've encountered some classified information during my time in Starfleet."
Drawbacks Added!
[+100 CP] The Science Directorate Has Determined... (Drawback)
...that alternate universes do not exist, evidence to the contrary notwithstanding. And where you're concerned, they might as well be right. At least sometimes. For the duration of your stay, you are completely incapable of intentional dimensional travel by any means, be they technologies or events seen in this setting, or by using powers or methods from elsewhere.
Character Points: 650
[+1100 SP] Spoils Of War (Drawback)
Your ship might be powerful... but it's not your ship. Not yet, at least. Rather than beginning this jump with a ship, you lose access to any ships you own and will need to claim one from a group that doesn't want you to have it. Much like Archer had to fight tooth and nail to steal the 24th-century Defiant from the Tholians, so too will you have to infiltrate or fight a hostile faction to take what's rightfully yours. Expect fierce opposition, but then... the reward is worth the cost, isn't it? Oh, and you should have gotten 1000 SP to create a ship when you arrived, but with this Drawback, you didn't… so enjoy the extra SP usable only within the Mirror Universe.
Ship Points: 2650 (+1100 Mirror Universe)
Tyson's brow furrowed as he processed the new limitations on his abilities. He pointed to the far corner of the cargo bay, concentrating. To his relief, a shimmering portal opened between there and where he stood.
"Okay, I can still open portals, I'm just restricted here. That's something," he said with a hint of relief. "Also, no access to my ship," which drew a heavy sigh.
"How did this happen?"
"Quick version? There's an omnipotent being named Q. He likes messing with me. He stranded us here and locked me out of some of my abilities."
Ro's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "How do we get back to the Enterprise?"
"Usually by entertaining Q," Tyson replied dryly.
"How are you going to do that?" Ro pressed.
Tyson hesitated for a moment before answering. "By fighting and killing someone strong, or..." He trailed off, his gaze shifting away from Ro.
Ro took a step closer, her eyes narrowing. "Or?"
Tyson cleared his throat. "Or being intimate with someone."
Ro's eyebrows shot up, her mouth opening slightly in surprise. She stared at Tyson for a long moment. Then, to his surprise, she let out a short, sharp laugh.
"You're joking, right?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "This is some kind of weird Starfleet hazing ritual?"
Tyson shook his head, his expression serious. "I wish I were joking, Ensign. But this is our reality right now."
Ro's laughter faded, replaced by a look of concern. "So, let me get this straight. We're trapped in some parallel universe, on a ship that's not ours, and the only way out is for you to either kill someone or... have sex?"
Tyson nodded grimly. "That's the gist of it, yes."
Ro paced a few steps, her mind clearly racing. "And this Q person, he's like some kind of god who's just watching us? Like some kind of Divine Voyeur?"
"It sounds dumb, but that's exactly right."
— Star Jumper —
Tyson
Origins: Human, Humanoid, Drop-In, Space Pirate, Bad Guy, Officer (Lieutenant)
Race: Augment Human-Betazoid (Hybrid)
Character Points: 650, [250 KOTOR (Vicky)]
Reality Points: 1300
Ship Points: 2650 [1100 Mirror Universe]
Credits: 115,350
Status Effects: (none)
Drawbacks:
Gauntlet (Locked)
Ensign Marty Stu
A Simple Re'Q'uest
Hybrid (Betazoid)
Amok Time/Blood Fever
Outlawed
Divine Voyeur
Black Coat Society
Alien Threat
The Science Directorate Has Determined...
Spoils of War
Perks:
Cosmic Awareness
Out of Nowhere
Going Native
Live and Let Live
This is (Not?) Rocket Science
Kinda Bland
Determinator
Painted On
Snakeskin
Adaptable
Duelist
Master with your Hands
Best of the Best
Everything Is A Weapon
Augment
Force Specialization: Intelligence
Tactical Info
Sever Force
Specialty: Operations; Sub-Specialties (Communications, Engineering, Piloting)
Speedy Promotions
Untainted
Q This
Items:
Laser Blade
Spacesuit
Agony Booth
Cloaking Minefield
Lightsaber
Gray Goo Suit
Transwarp Beam Equation
Iconic Item: Iconic Interceptor
Companions:
(Vicky) V-KO IV Nursedroid: Access Key, Artificial Intelligence Upgrade, Gray Goo Upgrade, Master With Your Hands, Light Weapon, Jumper's Master Key, Scaling Cloak, Origin: Jedi, Force Specialization: Intelligence, Enhanced Mind, Lightsaber, Armored Robes, Battle Meditation, Origin: AI, Origin: Elite, Memory Banks, Social Algorithms, Above Law and Reason, Pedigree, Planetary Domicile, Photonic Rapier, Security Features, Quantum Locked BUS, Adaptive Personal Force Field, False Star Forge.
T'Pol: Access Key, Origin: Rubber Forehead, Origin: Elite, Above Law and Reason, Pedigree, Distinct Feature, Everone Likes Green Chicks, Planetary Domicile, Photonic Rapier, Protector Drones, Space Elf, Space Wizard, Symbol
D'Lavina
Personal Reality:
Access Key (Additional Keys, Key Link)
Control Room
Security System
Antechamber
Warehouse
High-Security Inter-Reality Connecting Door (Star Trek Enterprise, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic)
Medical Bay (The Nano-Medical Lab, The Bio-Synthesis Lab, Microbiome Replacement Lab, The Counseling Bay)
Housing Complex (Basic Nutrition, A Little Less Basic Nutrition, A Lot Less Basic Nutrition, Choice Apartments, Luxury Apartments, Who's Got the Powa, Pipes Pipes Pipes)
Playing With Portals (Portal Link, Portal Control Rod, Free Portal, Portal Aperature x4)
The Mystical Menagerie
Guardian's Greenhouse
Ship Sections (Cryo-Chambers)
Personal Mini-Reality (The Village, Wildlife for Your Wild Life, The Meaning of Life)
Digital Extranet (Voice Over Wharehous Protocol Cellular Service)
Spaceships:
Tramp Freighter (Destroyed - Respawn on 02/28/2365)
Sith Interceptor (Destroyed - Respawn on 04/18/2365) (Bridge Upgrade)
Automated Repair Station (Ship Size Rating: IV, Station, Bridge, Space Hulk, Artificial Gravity, Cryo-Chambers, Auto-Repair System, Synapses, Distributed, Automated Ship, Analytic Suite, Docking Port, Transporter Room, Matter Printer, Negentropy Reactor, Deflector Shields, Clarketech Module, Production Lines, Hangar, Cargo Bay, Living Quarters)
Narada (Ship Size Rating: IV, Artificial Gravity, Alcubierre Drive, Auto-Repair System, Exotic Materials (Nanomaterials), Cargo Bay, Hangar, Hyperdrive (Transwarp), Antimatter Reactor, Navigation Suite, Analytic Suite, Deflector Shields, Missiles, Cyber Warfare Suite (Mining Drill)
Interdictor (Destroyed - Respawn on 04/18/2365) (Ship Size Rating: III, Artificial Gravity, Hangar, Hyperdrive, Fusion Reactor, Navigation Suite, Point Defense, Deflector Shields, Jump Suppression Field, Beam Weapons, Follower Crew)
False Star Forge (Destroyed - Respawn on 05/01/2365) (Ship Size Rating: III, Station, A.I. Core, Entertainment Deck, Exotic Materials: Nanomaterials, Modular, Secure, Nanite Shroud)
Symbol (Ship Size Rating: II, Station, Distributed, Battery Banks, Physical Armor, Beam Weapons, Gravitic Shields, Exotic Materials: Crystal, A.I. Core, Modular, Inertialess Drive)
Iconic Interceptor (Ship Size Rating: IV) (General Upgrades: Articial Gravity, Auto-Repair System, Bridge Upgrade, Modular, Exotic Materials: Nanomaterials, Exotic Materials: Crystal, Secure) (Sections: Cargo Bay, Cryo-Chambers, Hangar, Living Quarters, Production Lines) (Controls: A.I. Core, Distributed, Synapses) (Crew: Follower Crew, Automated Ship) (Propulsion: Alcubierre Drive, Hyperdrive (Transwarp), Hyperdrive, Inertialess Drive) (Reactors: Battery Banks, Fusion Reactor, Antimatter Reactor, Negentropy Reactor) (Sensors: Navigation Suite, Analytic Suite) (Shields: Physical Armor, Point Defense, Deflector Shields, Gravitic Shields, Jump Suppression Field, ) (Utilities: Docking Port, Entertainment Deck, Transporter Room, Clarktech Matter Printer) (Weapons: Beam Weapons, Missiles, Cyber Warfare Suite (Mining Drill), Nanite Shroud)