TF01 3,Revenge Or Honor - Part 2 4,by Mark Slater As with most of the pieces in the BBS section, I have left this story unaltered with the exception of layout (to make the piece fit in with the LCARS screen layout) and a few minor spelling mistakes with character names etc. - Simon --------------------------------------------------------------------- Star Trek: The Next Generation -------------------------------- "Revenge Or Honor?" by Mark Slater ------------------------------------ Chapter III ------------- Picard was sat in the quarters he had been confined to on board the Taupag. Sela had told B'Etor that as a Captain, Picard was not to be placed in the brig. However, compared to a Klingon ship, the Enterprise's brig was far more comfortable than the Taupag's quarters. Picard suddenly got up. Instinct told him that the ship's condition had changed. At that point, Sela enter his room. "You will be pleased to know that we have rendezvoused with my ship and that we are transferring to it now." Without waiting for Picard to say a word, Sela pulled out an object that Picard assumed was a communicator. He was right as Sela spoke into it, "Ra'Pan, beam 2 over to the Victor" The next thing Picard saw was the Transporter Room of the Romulan Warbird, Victor. The Romulan standing in front of the transporter control panel stepped forward and saluted the Commander. Sela looked at the Transport Officer behind the panel who instantly snapped to attention and saluted. "That's better" said Sela, "After all we do have a guest." She smiled. "Captain Picard. May I introduce my Second in Command, Sub- Commander Ra'Pan." "Sub-Commander" acknowledged Picard. "Captain" responded Ra'Pan, saluting. Ra'Pan noticed the slight look of annoyance on his Commander's face at his salute and immediately stopped. 'So the Terran's not a guest after all' he thought, 'What is she up to now?' "Ra'Pan. Have Lursa and B'Etor transferred over from the Taupag yet?" enquired Sela. "Yes Commander, they have." "Good. Captain, will you accompany me to the Bridge. I'm sure you'll find it interesting." Picard got the feeling that this was an order, not a request, but he decided it was best for the moment to play along, after all, there was the opportunity to get more information on a Romulan Warbird to add to that Counselor Troi had gained on her enforced visit to a Warbird, 'Assuming I get back' thought Picard. He also got the feeling that Sela's 'request' was not standard Romulan practice. Although neither Officer in the Transport Room questioned their Commander, their reaction was one of shock. "I would be delighted" responded Picard with a slight smile, sarcasm evident in his voice. It seemed only a short walk from the Transporter Room to the Bridge. When they arrived, Lursa and B'Etor were present. The exchanged glances as the saw Picard enter with Sela, evidently they were surprised also to see him on the Bridge. "Good" said Sela, looking at the sisters, "You are both here. Ra'Pan. Arm the Disrupters, destroy that Klingon ship!" Both Lursa and B'Etor started to protest, but they were too late. On the screen, the Taupag exploded into a mass of sparkling cinders that expanded to fill the space they occupied. After about 5 seconds, all that was left of the Taupag were a few pieces of debris, some exhibiting arcs of static electricity resulting from the energy of the explosion. "Why?" demanded Lursa. "We don't want any witnesses, now do we?" smiled Sela. "But they were all loyal Klingons" put in B'Etor. "And there will be more, when we are successful" countered Sela. "But if _you_ fail, then at least they died with honour, at the hands of the enemy. Isn't that what Klingons want, to die with honour?" By now, Sela's words were dripping with sarcasm. It was obvious even to Picard that Sela knew where the fault would lie if this venture proved unsuccessful, so did Lursa and B'Etor, judging by the look on their faces. "Set course, 192 mark 036, warp 2" order Sela. From behind Sela, a Romulan repeated Sela's order as it was carried out. On the screen, the starfield shifted to that of a ship at warp speed. "Good" said Sela, "Now Picard, time to assign you some more comfortable quarters than any Klingon ship can offer, at least for now. Lursa, you may send you request." Again, Sela had used a sarcastic tone for request. Picard got the distinct impression that she did not altogether like the Duras sisters. "Picard if you'll follow me" and Sela headed off the Bridge. Picard had no choice about following, as when he didn't responded quick enough to Sela's request, he was pushed towards the exit by a Romulan Security Guard which had just appeared to his right. -+-+- Sela, Picard and the guard entered what was to become Picard's new 'cell'. It was much more comfortable than the one on the now destroyed Taupag and compared very well with the guest quarters back on the Enterprise. Sela turned to the guard, "Leaves us. Assume you station." The guard left to take up his position outside Picard's quarters. As the door closed, Sela looked at Picard. "I expect you're wondering what I'm going to do with you Picard?" "Well, actually" started Picard, "I was wondering what you hoped to gain from this charade?" "Charade!" exclaimed Sela. "Charade." She started to laugh. "No my dear Captain. This is no charade. This has been long in the planning. That virus took us almost a year to develop and when we learned of your assignment to the Lapier sector, we then added the last portion. Didn't your doctor tell you that the virus was perfectly suited for the Lapians?" Sela stared at Picard for a moment, then she realised, "Dr. Crusher didn't even realise it was a genetically synthesized virus did she?" Sela laugh, "That's better than we could have hoped for." Sela paused as something else dawned on her. She laughed again, "Then she won't know about ths sting in it's tail!" "What do you mean?" asked Picard concerned. "Ah well, the virus may have loved Lapians, but it will simply adore your Klingon, Worf! You see, it had to prove fatal to the Lapians in order to attract your attention and bring the Enterprise to Lapier III, but it had to be simple enough to cure, to get both you and Lieutenant Worf down onto the surface. You, so that we could invite you on this little trip, Worf, so that..." she left Picard hanging for a bit, and Picard knew it. "OK, I'll bite. Why Worf?" he asked. "So that the Duras sisters could extract their revenge on him for killing their brother and interfering with their attempts to gain control of the High Council. They failed to beat Worf in a fair fight, so they asked us for help. You see, when that virus comes into contact with Klingon blood, it mutates into a far more deadly form than before. It will prove much harder for your Dr. Crusher to cure, and if she's unaware of it's nature, she doesn't stand a change. Neither does Worf. I estimate he will be dead in 3 days at the most." "But that's....." started Picard. "War Captain!" finished Sela. Picard turned away, pain evident on his face. "And the Duras sisters claim to want to restore honour to the Klingon Empire," he said, "They don't know the meaning of the word" he ended savagely. "Ah. Now there we agree Picard." After a moment's silence Picard returned to face Sela. "How does this help your government gain control of the Klingon High Council?" "Now that's where you come in" she answered. "At this very moment, Lursa is sending a demand to Gowron, Leader of the High Council, to release Duras' son Toral in exchange for your life." "He'll never do that!" retorted Picard. "Oh, but he will Picard. You were his 'Arbiter of Succession'" replied Sela. "Yes, but my responsibility ended for Gowron when he became Leader of the High Council. What affect would threatening my life have on him now?" "Picard. I thought you were well informed on Klingon tradition and law. As his Arbiter, it is his responsibility to protect your life for at least 10 of your solar years after he is appointed leader. Honour demands it. It is away of ensuring that a future leader does not bribe the Arbiter and then kill him, or have him killed, once he becomes leader." "And if you get Toral back, what then? He has been dishonoured before all Klingons, not one of them will follow him. So there's no point to any of this." "Not quite Picard. You see, we will train him and when he's old enough, he will challenge the Leader of the High Council. When he wins, and he will - we'll make sure of that, he will become Leader by right of combat and his honour will be restored. All Klingons will have to follow him, or they will have to challenge him, it will be a matter of honour. And of course, we again will make sure he loses none of the challenges - as long as he is still useful. We will control the Klingon Empire and the Alliance with the Federation will be over! As a result, I will have regained the favour of the Romulan Senate. It's all so simple!" "And what about me Sela?" asked Picard. "In order to get hold of Toral, you will have to exchange him for me. How do you plan to get revenge on me then?" "That too is very simple. As part of the demand, the Enterprise is to transport Toral to a specific location inside the Neural Zone, alone. We are heading there now. Riker will of course demand a simultaneous transporter exchange, which we will agree. When the Enterprise has dropped it shields and the transfer has begun, we will destroy the Enterprise and recover Toral. It will be close, but my Transporter Officer assures me it can be done. The Federation will have no proof we destroyed the Enterprise as there will be no other ships to witness the event, so I doubt if they will pursue it. If they do, we just go to war quicker than planned. It's a risk, but it'll be worth it and you will be dead!" "Haven't you forgotten something Sela. As soon as the Enterprise detects a build-up of power in your weapons, they will raise their shields." countered Picard. "What? And risk losing you?" exclaimed Sela in mock shock. "I don't think so. Even if they do, you'll be dead and they still will not be able to raise their shields quick enough to fully protect them. The Enterprise will still be destroyed, it will only take a little longer, that's all. I planned for every contingency. Nothing can go wrong. Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do." As Sela head for the exit, Picard shouted with contempt, "And you call yourself Tasha Yar's daughter. She would never have stooped so low as you have!" "Oh, about that Captain. I have something for you." and she threw him a small, blue, rectangular object. "It's a memory chip, much like your optical memory chips, you place it in the Reader by the replicator. Before my mother was executed, she claimed the Right of Statement, as can any prisoner who is about to be executed. You may want to consider one yourself Picard. Funnily enough, she addressed it to you. I thought you would like to have proof of the truth. After all, I owe my very existence to you." and with that Sela left. Picard fiddled with the chip in his hand before walking over and placing it into the Reader. "Play recording" he said. He waited awhile as the Warbird's computer translated his request, then Tasha's voiced filled the room. "To Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the USS Enterprise - D. Sir, you are probably wondering how I could be an adult, in the hands of the Romulans while still a child on Turkana IV. It is because you sent me back in time at my request and on the advice of Guinan. In the future, from which I came, we encountered the Enterprise - C. She had been pulled through a temporal distortion while defending the Klingon outpost on Nerenda III, 20 years ago then, or 5 years ago now. According to Guinan, the appearance of the Enterprise - C had altered the timeline. Where I came from, we had been at war with the Klingon Empire for over 15 years and the Federation were losing. Yet Guinan maintained that this was not the way it should be and that the Enterprise - D was a ship of peace and exploration, not a Battle Cruiser. Upon her advice, and with Captain Garrett's approval, it was decided to return the Enterprise - C back to the past, and to that battle. Both Captain Garrett and her crew knew that their chances of survival were non-existent, but there was a sense of unfinished business. It was also hoped, that whatever happened, the Klingons would honour the fact that a Federation ship had died, coming to their aid and so prevent the war that was then taking place. However, in a Klingon attack, both Enterprises were damaged and Captain Garrett was killed. By this time, I had also learnt that I had died in that alternate timeline. Guinan also felt that it had been a senseless death as well, so I requested and persuaded you Captain, to allow me to go back with the Enterprise - C so that I could die with honour. As the Enterprise - C returned through the temporal rift, we were again attacked by the Klingons, and the last thing I saw was the Enterprise - D being destroyed. I hope my return prevented that from happening. I hope also that in the alternate timeline, I have as much respect for you there, as I have now. I never knew my father, but in you, I believe I found one. Thank you for the opportunity to save the lives, not only of the 43 that survived the battle of Nerenda III, but the countless that would have died in a senseless Klingon War. Also for the new life I have brought into this universe. Sela is half Romulan, but I hope the human values I have taught her will result in her becoming a bridge between our two cultures. Finally, I wish to tell you I lived long enough to see the signing of the new Alliance between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, a treaty I am honoured to have played a part of. I can now die, knowing my life was not given in vain. Good-bye Captain Picard. Yar out." Picard just sat in the chair stunned. All the feelings he experienced when Tasha had died on Vagra II resurfaced again. He sat motionless for what seemed like hours. He then walked over to the Reader, picked up the chip and placed it in his pocket. Then he walk over to the bed and laid down, staring up at the ceiling. "Tasha" he whispered. -------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter IV ------------ Captain's Log, Stardate 46906.7 We remain in orbit around Lapier III while the investigation into Captain Picard's disappearance continues. It has now been nearly 2 days since he was last seen and I am becoming increasingly worried for his safety. Starfleet Command has acknowledged receipt of my last report in which I detailed our progress so far, including the possibility of Klingon involvement, but I have heard nothing since. Worf's condition continues to deteriorate while Dr. Crusher and her team seem no nearer to finding a cure. The only bit of good news I have received so far is that Commander Data and LaForge have successfully completed their review of the sensor logs. They are now on their way up to report their findings. -+-+- Riker was sat behind the desk in the Captain's Ready Room, when the door tweedled, indicating someone's presence outside it. "Enter!" The door opened to reveal Data and LaForge. "Come in gentlemen. What have you found?" "A cloaked vessel," answered LaForge, entering. "Are you certain?" asked Riker. "Yes" replied LaForge. "The sensor logs show a sub-space anomaly move into a synchronous orbit with the Enterprise, emit a sub-space energy beam and then leave the Lapier system on a course of 3 mark 268 at 1/4 impulse speed. The logs also show that the sub-space beam emitted was of a type matching those used by Klingon transporters and it occurred at _exactly_ the same time as when Dr. Crusher and Counselor Troi beamed back to the Enterprise. That was why the sensors never read anything unusual." "Exactly?" queried Riker, surprised. "Yes. Either they were extremely lucky or they had someone on the ground" replied LaForge. "Someone on the ground?" queried Data, with a puzzled expression on his face. "He means that someone else who attended the party was involved Data," answered Riker. "Have you identified the ship or where it came from?" "From the energy signature of the cloaking device, I would say it was an old style Bird of Prey," continued Data. "The energy patterns of the transport do confirm this conclusion and also match the patterns of the residual energy readings Geordi and myself found on the planet surface." "OK, that answers my question what." said Riker, "But how about from where?" "That we are not sure about" answered LaForge. "We know where it went, but we don't know where it came from, except that it appeared from above the planet's pole. There is a great deal of magnetic interference above the poles of Lapier III, the ship may have been hiding there." "Indeed Captain" put in Data, "The ship may have been there long before we arrived. Even if the vessel was uncloaked, with the interference, it still would have been difficult to detect without a visual sighting." "I see" said Riker. "Have Astrophysics finished their search yet?" "Yes Captain. They have been unable to find anything that would account for the meteorite display experienced by the Lapians" reported Data. "This system is remarkably clear of space debris of any kind." "So, it is looking more likely that the virus and meteorite shower are connected" commented Riker. "Yes Captain," responded Data. The door then tweedled. "Enter!" called out Riker. The door open to reveal Dr. Crusher, looking extremely tired but smiling. "Got it!" was all she said as she entered. "What? A cure for Worf?" asked Riker. "No, not yet. But I have found the next best thing." "You managed to identify the last 2% of the virus' genetic code Doctor." "Yes Data and the good news is that the rest of the crew are safe." Crusher made her way to the sofa and sat down. Infact, Riker was concerned that she may fallen down. The good doctor looked as tired as she had 2 days ago. "That virus was designed for two purposes. In its original form, it was a perfect match for the Lapians and although deadly, not too difficult to cure. However, this second form is totally different. When the orginal form comes into contact with Klingon blood, it mutates into an extremely deadly and highly specific virus, with the sole purpose of killing Klingons. It is also highly resistant to all forms of anti-viral treatments in common usage, so we are having to start from scratch in our search for a cure. Yet, there is something familiar about it." "But why would the Klingons want to develop such a virus?" asked LaForge. "I take it you have found a Klingon ship then?" asked Crusher. "Yes Doctor" replied Data, then turning to LaForge and attempting to answer his question, "Geordi, given our closeness to the Neutral Zone, it is quite possible that the Romulans could be testing a new virus as some sort of weapon, using a Klingon ship as a cover in case they were discovered. Either that, or it is someone that holds a grudge against both Worf or Captain Picard, assuming, that is, all this was a ploy purely to bring the Enterprise to Lapier III." "How about both Data" said Crusher. "What?" said Riker, staring at Crusher. "I said, how about both. Who do we know that holds a grudge against both the Captain and Worf and who is on friendly terms with the Romulans?" "I give up" said Riker. "The Duras family" answer Crusher. "Both the sisters swore vengeance against Worf for killing their brother, particularly after he took sides against them in the Klingon Civil War, _and_, they weren't to happy with Captain Picard for dismissing Toral's challenged and installing Gowron as Leader of the Klingon High Council. Then there is Commander Sela, who was none too pleased when Captain Picard exposed her link with the Duras family and their supply line." "It does fit the evidence so far as we know it" put in LaForge. "Yes, and so do a whole host of other theories as well" said Riker. He thought a moment and then looked over at Crusher. "Our first concern is Worf and destroying this virus. I don't want to take the risk of transmitting this virus to other parts of the Federation, not when you consider how many Klingons may become infected." "Well destroying the virus in the Lapian atmosphere is easy, use ultra-violet light" said Crusher. "Infact, the Lapian's own star's UV emissions are already having an effect on the virus." "We could use the ship's deflector dish to create a strong UV beam which would destroy the virus" put in LaForge. "What about the Lapians, aren't high UV doses dangerous?" asked Riker. "Certain wavelengths are" answer Crusher, "But the specific wavelengths required to destroy this virus are not. The Lapian atmosphere already lets these through now without harming the Lapians. The only effect such a discharge would have on the Lapians is to increase the suntan of anyone exposed to the beam." "Okay Doctor, please supply Geordi with the correct wavelengths so that he can program the beam" ordered Riker. "In the meantime, I'll contact Deacon Petron and tell her what we plan and ask her to seek the Council's permission to proceed. How about a cure for Worf?" "Thats a different thing entirely. As normal viral-treatments are out, we have to start from basics. I've informed Starfleet Medical and supplied them with all that we know. Hopefully if we can't come up with anything, they will." "How long has the big guy got?" asked LaForge. "Without a cure 2, maybe 3 days." Crusher then got up and left, leaving behind her silence. -+-+- Two hours later, Riker was sat in Ten Forward, attempting to relax after having finished his watch. It had been a long couple of days, but he didn't feel quite as lacking in self confidence as he had done when talking to Troi 2 days earlier. He had arranged to meet Troi after his shift, she had hinted that she maybe a little late as she had a full day of appointments. Riker sat, staring out the window at Lapier III. It was a beautiful planet, set like a green gem in the heavens, but for all it's beauty, in Riker's eyes, it didn't compare to Earth. Riker was suddenly brought out of his day dreaming as heard the rustle of a dress behind him. Turning, he saw Guinan approaching, "May I join Captain?" "Yes, please do." "Beautiful, isn't it? Reminds me of my home, although nothing is as beautiful as your own, home planet" said Guinan. "Funny. I was just thinking that" commented Riker. "You look like a man with a lot on his mind" said Guinan, looking directly at Riker. "You're very perceptive Guinan. Like Troi, I seem never able to hide anything from you." Guinan just shrugged her shoulders, "When you get to my age, you get to recognize certain signs. You know he'll be all right." "Captain Picard? What do you know?" asked Riker, now fully focused on Guinan. Guinan just looked in 'space', then back at Riker, "He's okay. I can feel it." "How? What can you feel?" asked Riker, a little impatiently. "When you know someone as well as I know Picard, you can tell. Trust me Captain. He's doing okay and so are you. You've had a tough few days and your impatient to do something but you don't know what, but trust me, when its time, you'll know." "Guinan, do you know something about this?" "All I know is that it is to do with what has happenned and what is about to happen. Time has been disrupted and now it is putting itself right again." "What does that mean?" Riker now looked puzzled. "I'm not sure. I just know it's true." Guinan looked over at the door as a group of people entered. "Excuse me Captain, looks like I'm needed" and Guinan rose. Then she did something very unusual for her. "Will" she said, "Don't worry, all will turn out as it should" and then she left. Riker sat there stunned. It was the first time he had ever heard Guinan use his first name. He had never heard her use any officers first name, not in such a public place. Even with Picard, despite their obvious closeness, he had never heard her call him Jean-Luc. He still had this stunned look on his face when Troi come over to join him. "Will?" she said with a bemused, yet concerned look on her face, "What's up?" "Oh, Deanna. Uhmm nothing. Guinan and I have just been talking." "Well, she must have said something profound to make you look like that." "She did. She said my name." At this Troi started to laugh. Why she was not sure, but it was just the way Riker had said what he had. Riker turn and started to smile at her, "You...." but he was cut off by the intercom. "Bridge to Captain Riker. Message from Starfleet. It's marked Urgent sir." "Okay. I'm on my way. Sorry Troi, I've got to go." and he got up and headed out of Ten Forward. -+-+- Down in Engineering, LaForge and his team were putting the finishing touches to the reprogramming of the Deflector Dish after the Lapian Council had given the go ahead for the decontamination of their atmosphere to proceed. "OK Bridge, program complete, powering up the Deflector Dish now" announced LaForge. As more power was fed into the Deflector Dish, the warp core pulse rate increased slightly. "Thats it Bridge. Deflector power now at maximum" Over the intercom, LaForge could hear Lt. Jackson, who was filling in for Worf's watch, give the order to initiate the orbital pattern that would result in the Enterprise being able to irradiate the whole planet with the correct amount of UV radiation, so clearing the planet's atmosphere of the virus. The whole procedure would take about 3 hour. It was at this point LaForge overheard Captain Riker enter the Bridge. He then heard Jackson say, "Starfleet Standing by sir." and Riker respond, "I'll take it in my Ready Room" and then the whoosh as the doors to the Ready Room opened and closed. "Bridge to Engineering." LaForge returned his concentration to the task at hand. "Go ahead Bridge" he responded. "Sensors show UV emissions are the required strength. Virus levels dropping rapidly. Its working." "I hear you Bridge" LaForge smiled, "Engineering out." LaForge sat back in his chair smiling. Everything in Engineering was working as it should, including the clear up operation of the Lapian atmosphere. The only thing now missing were news that Worf was going to be okay and that Captain Picard had been found. 'Come on Doctor' he thought, 'You can do it.' LaForge was brought out of his reflective mood by an announcement coming over the Intercom "All senior officers, report to the Briefing Room." -+-+- Fifteen minutes later, all the senior officers were sat in the Briefing Room. "15 minutes ago I had a message from Starfleet" started Riker. "It appears that Captain Picard has been kidnapped, but it would seem he is still alive." There was an audible sign of relief in the Briefing Room, Riker continued, "Starfleet has received a message from the Klingon High Council, reporting that they have received a demand from the kidnappers who are none other than the Duras sisters. They want Duras' son, Toral, released and brought to them in exchange for Captain Picard's life. Toral is to be take to a specific location inside the Neutral Zone, where he will be exchanged for Captain Picard and they have demanded that the Enterprise is to transport Toral to the location. Alone." "The Neutral Zone?" commented LaForge. "Yes. It would appear that Lursa and B'Etor have again joined forces with the Romulans. Oh. They also admitted responsibility for the virus on Lapier III. They said it had be a triumph of Klingon/Romulan co-operation." "Did they give any hint as to a cure for the virus?" asked Crusher. "No, they didn't. They did mention Worf, only to say that his death was in revenge for the death of their brother. I'm hoping they are being premature on that one doctor." "So am I, but it doesn't look too hopeful at present" commented Crusher. "Mr. Data. We are to rendezvous with the Klingon Battle Cruiser Bah'Leth at Starbase 56 in 6 hours. Can we make that and complete the decontamination of the Lapian atmosphere." "Yes sir. We should finish the decontamination in 2 hours, 47.34 minutes. Then travelling at warp 7 should get us to Starbase 56 ahead of schedule." "Good. Then make it so. Thank you all. Dismissed. -+-+- Now back in Sickbay, Crusher was reviewing the latest set of test results. One set in particular had caught her eye as they look a promising avenue to follow. At this point the was a knock on the transparent wall of her office. She look up and smiled, "Hello Deanna, what can I do for you?" "Well, I thought you might like to buy me a chocolate sundae in Ten Forward?" "That would be a bit difficult seeing as they don't take money" smiled Crusher. "Ohhhh Beverly. You know what I mean. You haven't taken a break for hours, apart from that briefing we just had and even then, that was work." "Okay, but wait just one minute." Crusher got up and walked out of her office and into one of the Sickbay laboratories. "Nurse Clarke. Test batch 467 looks the most promising. Tell Dr. Tai to continue with that one. He could also try batches 132 and 399." "Yes Doctor" answered the nurse. "Right Deanna, lead on." As the wandered down the corridor and into the turbo lift, the two friends started to talk. "Deck 10" said Crusher, "How's you mother these days?" "Oh fine. I was only talking to her last night, she's still on the look out for a husband and still determined to marry another human male. She was asking about the men on Lapier III. I think I said too much. Before she went, she was on about chartering a shuttle to come and 'check them out' as she put it." "Do you think we should warn them?" chuckled Crusher. "I think they've had enough already, without inflicting mother on them as well. They really might leave the Federation." laughed Troi. "I was telling her about this flu virus and the condition of Worf, when she was reminded me about the time my father caught Red Flu on one of his trips back to Earth. He had forgotten to get a booster shot before he left Betazed. He was bad for a week. The trouble was, he brought it back to Betazed and caused an epidemic." The turbo lift stopped and they both got out and headed down the corridor towards Ten Forward. "Oh yes. I remember reading about it. How that particular strain mutated into a flu virus that infected nearly 80% of the planets population. I hadn't realised that you father had been the cause." Then Crusher stopped in her tracks. "Deanna. Thats the answer. I knew right from the word go that there was something familiar about this virus. Quick, I must get back to Sickbay," and with that, Crusher dashed back down the corridor, towards the turbo lift. "So much for my chocolate sundae," sighed Troi, and then turned to follow Crusher. -+-+- Back in Sickbay, Dr. Crusher requested a computer link to the Medical Centre on Betazed. Within minutes, she was looking over medical reports of the epidemic that Troi's father had inadvertently started. Troi stood, looking over her shoulder. "There it is" said Crusher. "The genetic analysis of the Beta Red Flu virus. Computer, compare the genetic code of the Beta Red Flu virus with the Lapian B Flu virus." "88% OF THE BETA RED FLU VIRUS MATCHES WITH THE LAPIAN B FLU VIRUS" "Computer. Would the same cure that worked for the Beta Red Flu virus work for the Lapian B flu virus?" "THERE IS ONLY A 23% CHANCE THAT THE SAME ANTIDOTE WILL WORK FOR THE LAPIAN B VIRUS." "Computer. Could the antidote be altered to work." "YES WITH AN 86% CHANCE THAT THE ANTIDOTE WILL WORK." "Computer. Download the information to this terminal." After a couple of seconds, information started to stream across Crushers terminal screen. "Well Beverly? Will it work?" "I'm not sure, but it's worth a try." She looked at Troi and smiled, "I'm afraid I'll have to buy you that chocolate sundae later." -------------------------------------------------------------- To be continued...