Knight Progenitor

By Sharon L Reddy

Published in 1991, winner of two fan-Qs in 1992, this is the first work by prolific author Sharon L Reddy.

Ms. Reddy's characterizations of the crew of the Next Generation Enterprise and the Fourth through Seventh Doctors won kudos from the fan readers, especially the dialog.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharon L Reddy
• Release date: Aug 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781583389966

Sharon L Reddy

I write science fiction romance, but it's the literary definition of romance. Swashbuckle, Baby, in "white tie and tails." High romantic fantasies, million word mysteries, family sagas, statesmen, gurus and wise immortals. Loving dads, sons and brothers, and of course, the women who understand and appreciate them. High fashion and landscape design. Materials and art, the books are built to be read very fast, specifically for the way women visualize. Research on the soap operas of the fifties, trends in international populist (fan) fiction, technological development, and above all, long-term entertainment value. It has to be good in reruns. The intent is create a body of work that's just fun to read, in spurts or bursts over decades. Ethics, responsibility, nobless oblige, the power of money, the use of prestige. I write good guys win. Period. They're fantasies for women. Men with lots of muscle say, "I love you," a lot.Most of what is currently published was written in the first decade, 1991-1999, before Mother Nature changed my personal definition of "mature audience." I hope you'll remain with me as I and my work mature and enjoy the second decade of my work now being published, as well.I've lived many places and visited far more. My current residence is on a high mesa in New Mexico, in the United States, where I am engaged in a habitat restoration project.Explanation of the Pilots Group:Some of these works have been sitting on my hard drive close to twenty years and they're no fun for anyone just sitting there. They're exactly what they've been titled, pilots, like for a TV series. It is my intent and hope that other writers will choose to continue the adventures of the characters. There are only three restrictions. Don't kill off my heroes, don't make good guys bad guys and give my story credit if you publish. Yes, you may publish and make money on your stories. I loved reading and writing fan fiction, but the limitations on it could be frustrating, so... Have fun with these works that specifically don't have them.

Book preview

Prologue

The Doctor gazed at the massed Sontaran fleet on the scanner. The time had come. The Rutan research station about to come under attack would soon become the greatest threat the universe had ever known. He began to make preparations. The facilities he would need to halt the destruction lay in an alternate universe. It would require a tremendous amount of focused power for the TARDIS to transcend reality and he would require the assistance, not just of the great ship in that universe, but also that of several others of his personas.

He worked out the method of changing universes, then retired to the reconstructed zero-room to send the call for his other personas. Two were in his approximate time, but one was on Earth a few hundred years in the past. He levitated, then sent out the call.

The Doctor rapidly gave his other selves the technique of reaching the alternate reality and the precise position each TARDIS must maintain. When all was prepared, the Doctor gave the mental command, Now.

A small group of Sontaran ships broke off from the fleet to investigate the tremendous flash of light they observed. They found nothing.

Chapter One

Commander William Riker was leaving his quarters for his duty station on the bridge when he saw Chief Engineer Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge also coming out of his quarters. He stretched his long stride to catch up.

Good Morning, Geordi. Geordi turned to him and said, Good morning. Ready for a new day?

As they continued toward the turbolifts, Riker replied, Yes, but I spent a really restless night. I kept thinking about the small colony on Restine Four. They may be in danger from this anomaly they asked us to investigate. They seem to think it's getting bigger. How are things down in Engineering? I understand there was an 'expert' among the crew transfers we picked up at Starbase One-one-seven for transfer to the Repulse.

Geordi grinned and said, You mean Lt. Rondell. She's somethin' else. She's come up with fourteen new ways to measure the anomaly we're headed for in the three days she's been on board. She's got a way of looking at something, deciding what she wants to know about it, then figuring out a way to get it. I thought I was good at adapting the Enterprise systems, but she's amazing.

I hear she made Lieutenant faster than anyone in Starfleet history.

Geordi laughed. What would you do with the person that beat the Kobayashi Maru? Even if the solution did send the computer simulation into a panic.

Riker said, I heard about that, but I also heard it was a fluke. Caused some kind of an uproar at the Academy.

They had reached the turbolift. Geordi rode along with Riker to the bridge to carry on the conversation. I don't know if you could call it a 'fluke'. She had a low level projective telepath on her team. She rigged a telepathic booster, then had him push an image of the ship hanging in space at anybody looking at a viewscreen. She kicked into warp nine and escaped.

Riker paused the turbolift at the bridge. He said, I understand the judging panel had some argument over the validity of the solution.

Geordi shook his head and said, Well, they couldn't say it didn't work. Every person at the Academy looking at a viewscreen got a twelve second image of a ship hanging in space. Caused quite a stir.

Riker laughed. I'll bet it did. So they decided to give her the solution?

Not right away. I guess there was one panel member who wanted to disqualify it because it couldn't be repeated. He paused then continued, Now this is just rumor; but, according to some of my staff who were there at the time, she tackled the dissenting member off campus and sat on him until he admitted that it didn't make any difference if it could be repeated, it was the use of the facilities at hand that counted.

Riker grinned as he exited the turbolift. Well, no matter what this investigation finds, you should at least find the next few days interesting.

As the doors closed and Geordi sent the turbolift toward Engineering, he said, Yeah, at least interesting.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard stepped out of his ready room as Commander Riker exited the turbolift. Lt. Commander Data, who had been covering the third shift, rose from the command chair and spoke in his calm, perfectly modulated, tones. Sirs, I was about to call you. We have begun to pick up additional anomalous readings in the Restine system.

Captain Picard paused in his approach to the command chair and turned to his android Third Officer. What type of readings, Data?

Commander Riker reached them as Data said, I have not been able to ascertain that information, Sir. We have no record of any such readings. I have begun a computer analysis of the anomaly to determine the cause. Thus far there is no information, but the computer has begun to analyze the possible effects and the early indications are disturbing.

Riker glanced at his captain, then said, In what way, Data?

The readings indicate a globe shaped phenomena that is expanding rapidly and may be breaking down the physical structure of matter. Sirs, this galaxy may soon cease to exist.

The half-Betazoid, Counselor Deanna Troi, hurried into the turbolift. Her empathic abilities had awakened her from a troubled sleep. Something was very wrong. The feeling of tension coming from both the bridge and engineering was so thick she could almost taste it, and underlying that tension was a feeling of... almost terror.

She stepped into the turbolift. Lt. Worf, the Klingon Security Chief, was already on board. He said, Bridge. Good morning, Counselor. He noticed the normally serene beauty of the counselor seemed disturbed, almost as if she'd left her quarters half done with her morning preparations. He felt himself tensing. If Deanna Troi was disturbed, something was wrong on the Enterprise. Counselor, I thought you were going to be in your office this morning. What has happened?

The distracted counselor said, I'm sorry Worf, I don't know. All I know is I feel something is wrong and I should be on the bridge.

As the turbolift doors opened, Captain Picard turned toward them and said, Counselor, Lieutenant, conference room now. He raised his voice and spoke into the air, Lt. Commander LaForge, Lt. Rondell, Dr. Crusher, report to the conference room immediately. Number One, get someone to cover, I want you and Data there too.

In less than three minutes all the officers had assembled in the conference room. Picard noticed, with some pride, the crisp attention of his officers. These were the best. No matter the odds or the situation; if there was a solution, they would find it.

He found himself wondering about the stranger among them. He had heard conflicting reports on Lt. Rondell. The reports agreed on one thing. This small, green-eyed, lovely, woman was a genius at adapting the physical systems of a starship. He said, Data, Geordi, give us what you know so far.

As Picard returned to the command chair, he thought over the just concluded conference. Engineering hadn't had much to add. Only Dr. Crusher had brought something more than Data's original analysis. She had informed them that two of the crew members were suffering from some type of memory loss and general debilitation. The most interesting point she had brought out was both persons were from the area of the Restine system. Lt. Rondell had asked some very probing questions and then requested permission to accompany Dr. Crusher to sickbay to examine the medical test results. Geordi had returned to engineering to implement some of the new measurement techniques he and Lt. Rondell had developed. All others had returned to their bridge positions.

Commander Data had recommended a slow, cautious, approach to the area of the anomaly. They were currently traveling at warp two with a drop to impulse scheduled in about ten minutes. This would bring them to the Restine system in approximately five hours. The captain was considering retiring to his ready room when, suddenly, Deanna Troi stood and screamed.

The scream was filled with pain and terror, and was followed by her sudden collapse. It happened so quickly that she hit the floor before he, or the fast-moving Riker, could reach her. As Riker knelt and lifted her head, she whispered, They're gone. So many gone. Please, help me.

Before Captain Picard could do more than kneel beside her, a loud, wheezing, grinding, noise filled the bridge. It seemed to come from everywhere. The intruder alert klaxon began to sound and, at four different points on the bridge, a large blue box appeared.

Data raised his voice over the sounding klaxon, Captain, they appear to be police communication cubicles of the United Kingdom of mid-twentieth century earth.

Worf hit the security and medical call buttons and leaped the bridge rail to place himself as close to the captain as possible. As the doors to the cubicles began to open, he pulled his phaser. He was glad to note the captain had stayed down and Riker and Data had both moved into defensive positions around him.

Three strangely dressed men stepped from the cubicles, at the left and right rear of the bridge, and the left side of the viewscreen, and immediately collapsed. The door to the cubicle on the right side of the viewscreen opened and a small man stepped out. Worf covered him with his phaser.

The small man was holding a closed umbrella in his left hand. He raised his right and said, Please, gentlemen, I'm the help she called for. I will explain later. He then moved toward Counselor Troi, knelt and closed his eyes.

Captain Picard looked at the man, kneeling across from him, over the recumbent form of Deanna Troi. He was dressed in an old fashioned dark brown jacket, a sweater or vest covered in a question mark pattern, and plaid pants. He wore an odd little hat, a brightly colored scarf, and was leaning on an umbrella with a question mark handle. Before he could say anything to the man, Deanna Troi's eyes fluttered open. She looked at the strange man, said, Thank you. and smiled.

Worf's security team, Dr. Crusher, and Lt. Rondell exited the turbolifts at a run. The security team moved to cover the other three intruders, all of whom were starting to rise. Dr. Crusher moved to Deanna's side and began examining her with her medical tri-corder. Lt. Rondell moved to the ops station then turned to Data. Commander, there's something new happening.

Data moved to his station and began tapping out commands to his information systems. Lt. Rondell leaned forward to observe the information he was bringing up. They began to converse in low tones.

The captain looked at the stranger and said, "Now, I believe you said something about an explanation.

The small stranger smiled. Yes I did, didn't I?

Before the captain could ask Dr. Crusher about Deanna, Data turned and said, Captain, the Restine system is disappearing and the two crew members Dr. Crusher was examining in sickbay are gone.

The small man said, Captain, if your security people would kindly put their weapons away, I and my other selves will attempt to explain what is happening.

Riker glanced at the three other strangers standing at various points on the bridge, all with raised hands, one with a large grin. Lt. Worf, I think your men can stand down. The security chief nodded to his men. The sudden cessation of the klaxon made the bridge seem quiet.

The captain said, How is she?

Dr. Crusher glanced at her tri-corder. Captain, I can't find anything wrong. She has a high level of adrenaline in her system, but it's falling.

The captain looked around the bridge as Troi began to rise. The three other strangers were an oddly assorted group. All were dressed as strangely as the one standing near him.

One was quite tall, about Riker's height, with a mass of curly brown hair. He was wearing a long coat and a scarf that was wrapped round his neck and dragged the floor on both sides. The second was of medium height with straight blond hair. He was younger looking than any of the others and was dressed in what Picard identified as an old fashioned, red trimmed, cricket outfit with a mid-thigh length jacket. The third man, standing just to the left of the viewscreen, was the most oddly dressed of all. He was above average height and heavier of build than the others. He had blond curly hair and was wearing a wildly multi-colored coat over bright yellow and red striped pants and a diagonal striped pastel vest. He had a bright yellow scarf tied beneath his collar. The Captain noted that he had large question marks on his collar. The question mark motif seemed to be present in the costumes of each of them.

The captain gave an abrupt nod. With me, all of you. Number One, you, Dr. Crusher, Counselor Troi and Lts. Worf and Rondell to the conference room. Data, notify Commander LaForge and, as soon as you are able, I want you and Geordi to join us. He headed for the conference room so recently vacated.

As soon as he had seated himself in his accustomed place in the conference room, the captain turned to the small dark-haired man beside him. Now, who are you and what are you doing here?

The man seated himself to the captain's immediate left, placed both hands atop his umbrella handle, leaned forward, and said, I am known as the Doctor and I am a Time Lord. These other gentlemen are three of my other selves. We are from an alternate universe which is at present intersecting with yours and in the process annihilating both.

Worf had seated himself down the table to the captain's right. He was still tense and had not yet decided these strangers were no threat. He growled out, What do you mean your other selves?

Two of the other three had seated themselves on the opposite side of the conference table. The tall, curly-haired, man looked so relaxed he might flow out of his chair. When he spoke, his voice was deep and full with an accent much like the captain's cultured European speech. We are the same person, Lieutenant, from different points along the time-line of my life. I am the earliest among us; seated to my right, next to your captain, is the latest. The gentleman to my left and the one wearing out the carpet behind us fall between.

The pacing man dropped abruptly into a chair. Captain Picard looked at him and mused the chairs were sturdier than they looked. He was sure they had never been designed to take such abuse. Without any preamble, the man suddenly spoke. I don't remember this. I don't remember any of this, and if they're here, he indicated the two men to his right with a lift of his chin, I should remember.

The man seated next to the captain spoke to him in sharp tones. Your memory had as many holes in it as a vegetable colander. Suffice it to say, I do remember.

The youngish-looking blond man spoke for the first time. I don't remember either and my memory is usually quite good.

Captain Picard held up his hand to stave off what appeared to be a developing squabble amongst the odd, undisciplined, group and turned to Deanna Troi. Counselor, your analysis.

Deanna Troi seemed to be composing her thoughts for a moment. She took a deep breath and said, Captain, they are the same person. Their appearance and personalities are totally different, but, somehow, they are the same person. Captain, they, he, is absolutely sure we need him. Oh, this is very confusing, but I must tell you, I believe he is correct. I was totally overwhelmed by whatever happened to the Restine system. This man, these men, are? is? a very powerful telepath, though of a type I've never before encountered. Without the help he, they, gave me, I think I would have died.

Hearing her confusion; the tall, curly-haired, man smiled at her and said, Counselor, to ease matters treat us as four different people. I think we should return to the real problem, Captain. We have two universes dissolving around us. If you're satisfied as to our motives, we should address that problem.

Captain Picard said, Agreed. At that point, the conference room door opened and Data and Geordi entered. As they found chairs, the captain noted how small the conference table seemed with twelve people seated around it. He turned to the man seated to his left and said, Now that we are all here, Doctor, perhaps you could tell us what you know of the situation.

The Doctor raised his chin from it's resting place on the handle of his umbrella and said, Although our universes are roughly parallel, there are some major differences. In yours, my home planet of Gallifrey was destroyed in a solar explosion thousands of years ago. In mine Earth was conquered by a nasty race known as the Daleks in the twenty-second century. In yours, the Daleks were never created. In my universe there are two races known as the Sontarans and the Rutans. They have been waging war against each other for several thousand years. It is that war which is the cause of our current situation. The Rutans were being beaten back on all fronts. They were in danger of suffering a final defeat when one of their scientists came up with a novel idea. By creating a hole into an alternate universe, he believed he could enable the Rutan forces to escape, re-emerge behind the Sontaran fleet, and mount an attack on their rear. It was his original experiment to create an interface between the two universes that has led to our current problem. What he didn't realize was, instead of a doorway, he had created a merging. Captain, two realities cannot be merged. Each is 'unreal' in the other. The result is that, at the point-of-merger, both become unreal. Our universes are both becoming unrealities. Simply put, dissolving into non-existence. If we don't find some way to counter this; you and I, and everything we have ever known, will cease to exist.

Data said, Sir, I do not understand. I was monitoring your explanation of who you were. If you remember being here before, and you are here now; does that not mean you merely have to repeat what you remember doing to solve the problem? Does not the fact you are here prove the problem will be solved?

The Doctor in the gaudy coat next to Data said, It's not that simple, Data. Free will does exist. In a reality where we are successful, our universes will continue to exist. In a reality where we are not, all of us will cease to exist. All we know for certain is there is a possibility we can succeed.

Worf said, I still do not understand. How can you all be here at the same time? If you are each from a different part of your life span, how can you all be here at the same time?

The Doctor with the straight blond hair spoke. Perhaps I can explain that best. I've experienced this situation before. The machine in which we arrived, that 'blue box', is called a TARDIS. To put it simplistically, it's both a spaceship and a timeship. In my universe, my people aren't the only race with time travel, but we've had it far longer, and understand it far better, than any other. He gazed at the Doctor seated by the captain and added, However; we are breaking one of the laws of time by all being here at once. Ordinarily it is a situation to be avoided. This type of activity is frowned upon.

The small Doctor said, As to that, the High Council of Time Lords can be very flexible when the choice is a bit of law bending or non-existence. You'll also notice I called each of you during one of those rare times when you had no companions traveling with you. Except for my fifth persona, whose friends were out of the TARDIS at the time and, if we successfully avert this catastrophe, he will return before he is missed. Now, before you ask; no, I cannot go back and stop the Rutans before they cause the problem. Once an event is part of recorded history, no one has the right, or, perhaps, the ability, to change it.

The captain pondered what he had heard. From the looks on their faces, most of his staff were doing the same thing. Commander Riker interrupted his reverie. This is all very interesting, but out there the universe is disappearing. I think we had better get started on the real problem.

As always, Number One, your sense of priorities is faultless. Picard turned to the strange group on his left. How did you plan on assisting, Doctors?

The Doctor seated next to him said, The original Rutan experiment was multi-faceted. It included several physical components, as well as some type of mental force based on a Rutan technique of simple telepathic projection. If you will assign your people to their duties, Captain, we will hold a telepathic conference to determine our respective roles. The four strange men closed their eyes one by one.

Noting the apparent oblivion of his four odd guests, the captain turned his attention to his officers. Dr. Crusher, you appear to have something you wish to add to this discussion.

Captain, she began, my tri-corder readings on these men are very unusual. I've checked them several times. Despite their physical appearance, these people are definitely not human. They have two hearts and the most advanced physiology I have ever seen. They are, I estimate, millions of years more advanced than we are. I'm not sure this has any bearing on the situation, but I thought you should know. Captain, this may actually be one being. Without testing his DNA structure, I can't be sure. I do know that the unusual physiological structure of this being indicates a life-span that may be measured, not just in centuries, but in millennia. Although his cell structure seems basically analogous to our own, it has some unique properties I cannot even begin to understand.

Captain Picard glanced at his volunteers then said, Counselor Troi, there is one more question I need to ask. Are these beings telling us the truth?

Deanna Troi clasped her hands and rested her elbows on the table. She appeared to give the question careful thought. Captain, this person has such a powerful mind I might not be able to sense deception, but I believe this may be the most totally good and caring person I have ever encountered.

Thank you. Data, I want you and Lt. Rondell to work together on the theoretical part of this. The rest of you to your regular duty stations. You know the situation. I want any new information, no matter how trivial, reported to me immediately. Dismissed.

Lt. Commander Data rose and met Lt. Rondell at the end of the table. They spoke quietly for a few seconds, then Data turned and said, Captain, with your permission, Lt. Rondell and I will work in my quarters. My work station there is quite complete and there is enough room to add other facilities as needed.

Of course Data, requisition any additional equipment you need from stores. Captain Picard noticed that Worf was still standing behind his chair. Yes Lieutenant, you had something to add?

Worf looked uncomfortable. Sir, as Security Officer, I must protest. No matter what Counselor Troi says, these men are still unknowns and, to be of assistance, they will have to know everything about the Enterprise.

The Doctor with curly brown hair opened his eyes and grinned. Oh, not totally unknown, Mr. Worf. An accident once caused one of your ships to enter my universe. It's name was also Enterprise. Her captain was James Kirk. Check with Starfleet, you'll find I'm in their records. I believe I hold the rank of commander. I can't prove I'm the same person, but I do hope that will help allay your suspicions.

Lt. Worf gave the smiling man a hard look then said, I will check those records. He then turned to the captain, Sir, I shall now return to my duties.

As he left the captain smiled. He turned to the Doctors and found an answering smile on each of their faces. The Doctor seated by him said, You have a superb group of officers, Captain.

Yes, said Captain Picard, the best.

Chapter Two

Now gentlemen, I believe you were going to assign yourselves to various portions of this endeavor. I take it you have concluded your deliberations.

The Doctor next to him said, Yes Captain, we have. My fourth persona, he indicated the tall man to his left, will be assisting Counselor Troi and Dr. Crusher. My fifth persona, seated next to him, will work with Commander LaForge in Engineering. My sixth persona, the one with the loud voice and louder coat, will work with Commander Data and Lt. Rondell. I shall work with you and Commander Riker, coordinating our efforts.

The Sixth Doctor, as the captain now thought of him, abruptly stood and said, Thank you very much. Now if you will excuse me, I shall find Commander Data's quarters. I would appreciate your moving my TARDIS to that location. With that, he turned and stalked toward the door, saying, An android and another girl. At least she won't give me carrot juice.

The captain turned to find all three of the other Doctors smiling broadly. The Seventh Doctor said, Captain, I am sure you would like your bridge area cleared, so if you would be so kind as to move his TARDIS, indicating the Fourth Doctor, to sickbay, his TARDIS, nodding to the Fifth Doctor, to Engineering, and mine to an area near the bridge. We shall be ready to begin finding a solution to this dissolution. We have one other suggestion. Considering the speed at which the universes are merging, we feel it would be wise to maintain your present position and perhaps be prepared to beat a hasty retreat if necessary.

Captain Picard touched his communicator. Number One, bring the ship to full stop. Commander Riker's voice replied, Aye, Sir, full stop.

Doctors four and five rose and headed toward the door. Captain Picard looked at the remaining Doctor and said, This may take some time. Shall I arrange quarters for you and the other gentlemen?

That won't be necessary. The TARDIS has all the facilities we need. Noting the captain's expression, he smiled and added, You've only seen the outside, Captain. It's quite roomy once you get inside, quite roomy indeed.

Data was standing near his work station in his quarters when his door communicator beeped. He said, Come in. and was surprised when the Doctor in the brightly colored coat entered instead of Lt. Rondell, whom he had expected.

The Doctor walked quickly in and straight to his work station. He stopped and tapped his fingers together in front of him, then turned to Data. This is quite neat. Your own design I take it. May I?

Data was pleased with the compliment and said, Please, be my guest. indicating the chair at the station. Do you require instruction in the system?

No, Data, but I do think we shall need some additional input stations if three of us are to work here.

You are correct, Doctor. I shall see to it immediately.

Data turned from the communications panel, where he had ordered the input stations the Doctor had recommended, just as his door beeped again. He said, Come in. and Lt. Rondell rushed into the room.

Sorry I took so long, Data. I found out the quarters next to yours were empty, so I was getting them assigned to me and moving some stuff in and ... Lt. Rondell's voice trailed off. Data followed her gaze to where the Doctor was seated, then followed her over to watch him.

The Doctor was using his station to it's fullest capacity. He was calling up and inputting information faster than any biological being Data had ever seen. He was as fast as Data himself. Data realized he was experiencing the fascination that was his analog to the human emotion of awe. He turned to look at Lt. Rondell. She was totally engrossed in what the Doctor was doing. Data thought, Perhaps enrapt is a better term.

Data heard the transporter and turned to see the Doctor's TARDIS materializing in his quarters. The Doctor stood and walked from the work station to his TARDIS. He gave the blue box a pair of affectionate pats and stepped through the door. Data turned to Lt. Rondell. She was staring at the door the Doctor had just entered. Yes, he decided, enrapt is the better word.

Beverly Crusher and Deanna Troi were in sickbay. They'd pulled up the records of all ship's personnel and were checking for both psi potential and planet of origin. Deanna could feel Beverly's frustration and worry over the two crewmen who had disappeared from sickbay. She could also feel her grim determination to stop it from happening again.

Good day, ladies. The deep voice of the tall, curly-haired, Doctor drew their attention from the readout. I have the pleasure of working with you on this bit of our problem. May I see what you have done so far? He crossed to them and looked at the readout. He looked up and said, Oh, very good, very good indeed. You have anticipated my suggestions. He flashed them his dazzling smile and asked, May I remove my coat?

Deanna felt Beverly's tension loosening. She said, Of course, Doctor, make yourself comfortable.

As the Doctor removed his coat, Beverly and Deanna heard the familiar sound of the transporter and turned to see the Doctor's TARDIS materializing in a corner of sickbay. Ah, now I shall have a place to hang it. He walked to the door of the TARDIS, opened it with one hand, turned toward them, smiled, and said, If you will excuse me, I shall return in a few moments. then stepped through the door.

Beverly and Deanna turned to one another and suddenly they both began to laugh. Beverly said, I don't believe it. I just don't believe it. He's perfect. He's absolutely perfect. Deanna didn't tell her friend, but she thought that Beverly might be 'absolutely right'.

Geordi LaForge turned to see the Doctor standing with his hands on his hips, looking up at the warp engines. He walked over and said, We use a matter/anti-matter mix.

The Doctor turned to him. And very well tuned. Even at idle, there's not an harmonic out of phase.

Geordi was pleased. This guy might actually know his stuff. Come on Doctor, let me show you around.

As they toured engineering, Geordi felt himself warming towards the Doctor. The questions he asked were relevant and he really listened to the answers. They completed the tour at the central station and Geordi said, And this is where my staff and I solve the problems of the universe.

The Doctor walked up to the station. He began to operate it like an old pro. That's what we've got to do Geordi, solve the problems of the universe, or there won't be a universe to have problems. Say, this is good. You've already got a running program to map the dissolution area and a cross-reference check on all active and passive data collection devices.

Yeah, Lt. Rondell and I set it up on the way here. You see these figures, they're from some special equipment we built just to measure some unusual tachyonic decay resonances at the edge of the zone.

Geordi heard the transporter effect and saw the Doctor's TARDIS materialize against one of the few blank spaces in the walls in engineering. The Doctor said, About time. and turned towards it, then he turned back to Geordi and said, Geordi, I have one more question. I hope you don't mind. It's about your interesting eyepiece.

That's okay, Doctor. It's called a VISOR, an acronym about as good as TARDIS. I was born blind, but with this and the implants connected directly to my brain, I can detect most of the electromagnetic spectrum. Sometimes I forget how much more I can see than other people can. For instance, I knew you weren't human before Dr. Crusher said anything. Your body temperature is way off, and that TARDIS of yours is definitely more than a blue box. Yes, this thing definitely takes care of my handicap.

The Doctor said, I've got some equipment in my TARDIS I think might be useful. I'll have to hunt for it so I may be a while. He walked to his TARDIS, then stopped at the door and turned back. Geordi, when a handicap is overcome, does it still exist? Did it ever exist? With that he disappeared through the TARDIS door.

Geordi stood looking at the TARDIS and said to himself, And I thought Lt. Rondell was a genius.

On the bridge, a crew of six had just moved the last TARDIS to the alcove near the science station. Two anti-grav units had burned out before getting it into position and O'Brian, the Transporter Chief, had complained that he'd had to realign the transporter mechanisms after moving each of the other three. He'd used the heavy-duty cargo transporters after burning out three circuits in his first attempt at intra-ship beaming. Yes, thought Captain Picard, there's more to this blue box than meets the eye. Just as there was more to this Doctor than first glance would indicate.

Well, Doctor, he said, I believe we've taken care of the preliminaries. Now perhaps we should begin work on our mutual problem. This is the science station. I believe it will give you the best access to all the work being done throughout the ship. I will have one of our people show you it's operation.

The Doctor turned to him and smiled. That won't be necessary. The system is quite logical and I've had a great deal of experience. He hung his umbrella in his pocket and began pulling up information faster than Picard could follow.

Well, the captain said, feeling a bit extraneous, I'll leave you to it.

Just as the captain reached his command chair, the Doctor called out, Captain, my self, working with Commander Data and Lt. Rondell, has computed we have seventy-two hours and forty minutes to resolve this before it's beyond our capabilities. The information includes a recommendation we withdraw ten thousand astronomical units to avoid being caught in the effect before that time.

Captain Picard turned to Riker. Make it so, Number One.

Lt. Worf joined the captain and Riker. Sirs, I have checked Starfleet records. The Doctor is listed as having the rank of commander. It states he was given his rank by Captain James Kirk after he had saved his life several times. Once, by defeating a planetary champion in a sword duel. And Captain, apparently, he evacuated six hundred fifty people to his TARDIS while the Enterprise NCC 1701 was being repaired and prepared for it's return.

Well, Mr. Worf, said Riker, there definitely seems to be more to this Doctor than meets the eye.

Yes, Commander. Worf glanced toward the science station. Definitely.

Noting the grudging respect in Worf's voice, the Captain smiled at his First Officer. Number One, I don't think this encounter with the Doctor is one we shall soon forget.

Riker smiled and replied, No sir. I don't think we will.

Chapter Three

The team from engineering had just completed the installation of the two additional work stations in Data's quarters when the Doctor exited his TARDIS. Ah, now we can get some work done.

Data looked up from the station where he'd been reviewing the Doctor's earlier efforts. I must say, sir, you have accomplished a great deal already. You have determined the potential output of all energy systems of the Enterprise, compared them with the known rate of expansion of the dissolution area and determined the precise time when it will be beyond our capabilities to reverse the effect.

Simplicity itself, Data. I just put together all the information already gathered and did some simple extrapolation.

Data looked at the smiling Doctor. I must disagree. The extrapolations were hardly simple and you have also programmed this console to ignore all security limitations on information you wish to peruse, while leaving those same limitations in effect for any others using the system. I believe the only term fitting your programming solutions is 'inspired'.

The smug-looking Doctor tapped the fingers of both hands together in front of his chest, in what Data realized was a 'characteristic gesture'. Yes it was, wasn't it. Where is Lt. Rondell? I believe I have determined the best method of using all of our various abilities to their maximum on this problem.

After she and I had overseen the installation of the work stations and tested all the systems, she returned to her quarters. Data paused and, with a puzzled tilt of his head, continued, She said she had to take a pill. Doctor, she said it with what I can only describe as a 'conspiratorial air'; however, I have no understanding of what she meant by it. I sometimes believe I shall never understand humans.

The Doctor smiled. I've associated with humans for several hundred years, Data, and sometimes I'm not sure I shall ever understand them either. I do know; however, that they are worth the effort. As to Lt. Rondell, she is not just a human, she is a woman. I have met few human males that profess to understand women and I believe most of them were mistaken.

Data and the Doctor had just decided that the Doctor should take the central station with Data and Lt. Rondell on the peripheries when the door beeped. Data called, Come in. and Lt. Rondell entered.

Hi Data, well that's taken care of and I'm all ready to implement Plan B. She stopped as she realized the Doctor was seated at the central work station.

Data said, Plan B?

The suddenly flustered young woman glanced at her interested associates. Uh, it's not important. I'll explain later if we have time. Shall we get to work?

Realizing her embarrassment, but having no clue to its cause, Data immediately said, Yes. The Doctor has been explaining his ideas for our working together. Perhaps we should try them. As Data took his place and indicated hers to Lt. Rondell, his sensitive hearing picked up her murmured I've got a few ideas of my own. Data decided the Doctor was correct. Even if he came to understand humans in general, women might still be beyond him.

As soon as she had taken her place, the Doctor said, Right, Data, Lieutenant, let me show you what I had in mind.

Why don't you just call me Gwen? After all, you call him Data, not Commander. That goes for you too, Data.

The Doctor said, Emm, oh, of course, Gwen. He looked up into a pair of beautiful green eyes over a dazzling smile. He was suddenly quite sure working with this pair was going to be a very different experience than working with any of his companions in his travels in the TARDIS. He glanced again at Gwen Rondell. There was something... He dismissed the thought. What could possibly be in a young human's smile that could make him nervous?

Geordi and the Doctor were just putting the finishing touches on a piece of equipment the Doctor had designed when Commander Riker walked in to Engineering. He said, Now, that's an interesting looking device. What is it?

Oh. Hi, Commander. Well, according to the Doctor, this little jewel should give us a running calculation of mass and energy loss in both universes. It'll also give us the photon absorption level at the edge of the dissolution.

The Doctor looked at Riker and smiled. The only problem we have with it is there doesn't seem to be any way we can use it from here.

You see, Commander, the outer boundary of the area is like a sort of mist. It has currents in it. We've sent out probes, but, sooner or later, they run into an eddy current and just disappear. Since this has an essential part of the Doctor's TARDIS in it, we just can't chance putting it in a probe. I'm going to ask the captain's permission to use one of the shuttles tomorrow.

Commander Riker looked thoughtful. I don't know, Geordi, it sounds pretty dangerous. Chief Engineers aren't that easy to come by. What's to keep you from 'just disappearing' too.

The Doctor smiled and held up a tiny gold circuit board. That's where this comes in. This is a circuit to adapt Geordi's VISOR to see the unique tachyon decay resonance at the very edge of the dissolution. Geordi will be able to pilot around any protuberances in the field.

Riker said, Geordi may be the best pilot on the ship, but it still sounds like an awful risk sending one man out alone, even if he can see where he's going.

The Doctor's smile grew wider. Commander, what makes you think he's going alone? My gravitic anomalizer is in there. It's not going anywhere without me.

Riker looked at the two smiling men and realized that, if anyone could accomplish what they proposed, they could. Geordi, it looks like you've finished with this. Are you ready to take a break? How about you, Doctor? Would you like to see some of the ship?

Geordi said, Thanks, Commander. You're right about our being done with this, but I've still got some ordinary work to complete. I can't have my staff thinking they can get along without me, but I think a tour for the Doctor is a great idea. How 'bout it, Doctor?

The Doctor put his hands in the small of his back and stretched. I admit to being curious about this ship. The specifications we've been working with have just whet my appetite, and this is probably one of the few times my curiosity won't get me into trouble. Lead on, Commander. I'll see you later, Geordi.

Riker grinned. Come up to Ten Forward when you finish, Geordi. I'll arrange to wind up our tour there.

You got it. I'll see you both there.

As they left Engineering, Riker said, Just a minute, Doctor. I forgot I told Worf I'd meet him on the phaser range. Won't take me a minute to cancel.

As he reached for the comm panel, the Doctor said, Don't do that. I think I'd enjoy a bit of target practice. I hope Mr. Worf won't mind if I join you.

I'm sure he won't, but I have to warn you, Worf won't practice with the program running at anything less than top speed.

That's all right, Commander. I shall endeavor to keep up. As they entered the turbolift, Riker wondered about the smaller man's enigmatic smile.

When they reached the phaser range, Worf was waiting. He didn't look extremely happy to see the Doctor. He nodded and said, Commander, Doctor, I've set the program for standard two man use. I can change it if you wish.

Riker suddenly decided he'd rather be an observer of this interesting encounter than a participant. Don't bother Worf. I put in some pretty heavy practice with Captain Picard yesterday. You two go ahead. I'll just watch.

Worf said, As you wish, Sir.

Riker headed for the observation area struggling not to laugh. Worf looked as if he'd eaten something sour. His expression as he had looked down at the smaller, smiling, man was one he'd have paid to see. By the time he got there, the Doctor and Worf were taking their positions. As he made himself comfortable, he noticed the Doctor had removed his coat. The back-to-back positioning of the two participants emphasized their physical differences. Worf's massive size and trained positioning made the average sized Doctor look small, but something about his relaxed stance told Riker this was not the mis-match it would at first appear.

The program began. Riker watched with interest, which soon turned to amazement, as Worf and the Doctor hit target after target. He soon realized the Doctor had not missed a shot. The man could move with blinding speed. Worf was about to lose his distinction as the only 'biological' person to get a perfect score with the program running at top speed.

When the session ended, Riker hurried to join the others. He reached them as Worf was pulling up their scores and the Doctor vas pulling on his coat. Riker saw Worf's eyes widen as he looked at the results, two perfect scores. Doctor, you may guard my back anytime. You did not miss any targets.

The Doctor smiled up at Worf. I never miss. Thank you. I think yours is a back worth guarding. Shall we go, Commander? I would like to see some of the ship before we're to meet Geordi. As they walked down the corridor, Riker thought to himself that this was the second time today he'd have paid to see the expression on Worf's face. He found he felt much better about Geordi and the Doctor making their proposed excursion.

Deanna Troi walked into sickbay and found it crowded. She'd had to spend time in her office. There were some very frightened people on the ship. So far, there was no panic, but frightened people needed someone to listen to them. Once again, she found herself thankful for Guinan's presence in Ten Forward. In this kind of situation, she vas probably of more assistance than a counselor. Besides, the ever-present undercurrent of fear was wearing raw edges on her empathy. As she made her way through the crowd, she saw several of the medical staff interviewing people and keying information into data-pads. She suddenly realized the overwhelming emotion she was feeling in sickbay wasn't fear. It was curiosity. Whatever was going on, she definitely approved. She saw Lt. Selar at one of the consoles and made her way over to her. Hello, Lieutenant, do you know where Dr. Crusher is?

The calm eyes of the Vulcan physician glanced up at her. Dr. Crusher is in isolation area B.

Deanna wove through the clusters of people and entered the isolation area. Beverly was standing in front of one of the isolation cubicles with her arms crossed. She had a very thoughtful look on her face. As she neared Beverly, Deanna was pleased her emotional state was good. In fact, Beverly was quite pleased about something. There was also a feeling of confidence that had been absent since the disappearance of the two crewmen earlier. Hello, Beverly.

Beverly Crusher jumped. Oh! Hi, Deanna, you startled me.

That's obvious. Curious as to what held her friend's attention so completely, Deanna looked into the cubicle. Inside were a man and a woman, three small children, and a small furry animal she couldn't identify. She gave Beverly a questioning look.

They're a family unit. One of our checks turned them up as being from a planet endangered by the dissolution. The planet itself is uninhabited, but all three children were born there. Their parents were assigned to a now-abandoned science station on the planet for several years. See that device over there. It's part of the Doctor's TARDIS. He called it a dimensional stabilizer. When he set this up, he said he wasn't sure it would work, but it does Deanna. That planet disappeared an hour ago and the kids are still here. They're still here!

Deanna understood her buoyant emotional state, but she was worried about a sudden surge in it when she'd said the Doctor. That's wonderful Beverly. I know how upset you were this morning when those people disappeared.

Beverly turned and looked at Deanna. She said, Aha, I may not be a Betazoid, but I know what you're thinking. Crusher's got a crush. I plead guilty. Oh, Deanna, don't worry. It's a very healthy one. He's brilliant, he's charming, and his voice gives me goose bumps, but he's from another universe and will soon be gone. He also told me he's seven hundred fifty years old. That much of an age difference is a bit much, even for me.

Deanna found herself laughing. Yes, it was a healthy one. One she thought she might even share before this was all over. She said, Speaking of our elderly Doctor, where is he and what are all those people doing out there?

Well, the Doctor said the Rutans are a species with a strong electrical field. He described them as an electrically charged glob of jelly with pseudopodia and a nasty attitude. The people are being screened for testing for what he calls electrical-psi sensitivity. I'm not sure he's not just giving everyone something to think about, but he's rigged up some kind of testing device in one of the labs, adapted one of the biobeds. As to where he is, I don't know. He just appears, does something, then disappears again. I'm afraid our Doctor is a bit of a phantom.

Both Deanna and Beverly jumped this time as the Doctor's deep, cultured, voice said, Not a phantom, please. I'm really quite solid. He held out an arm and said, Here, feel, quite solid. Ladies, since our wards, he nodded toward the cubicle, seem to be also quite solid and Dr. Crusher's; may I call you Beverly, Dr. Crusher seems so formal and Deanna, it is Deanna; staff has the screening so well in hand, perhaps you might show me your ship. He slipped an arm around the shoulders of each of them and began guiding them toward the door.

Yes, thought Deanna, looking up at the Doctor's smiling face, a crush I might definitely share.

The man the captain thought of as the Fourth Doctor exited the turbolift onto the bridge. Beverly and Deanna were with him and all were smiling. The captain felt a small twinge, of what he refused to recognize as jealousy, at the happy look on Beverly's face. The three entered the command area. Deanna and Beverly sat down in their stations and the Doctor walked up to him. Captain, the ladies tell me you fence. I fancy a bit of exercise. I wondered if you might be free to indulge me?

I think I would enjoy that, Doctor. Let me see if Commander Data is available for bridge duty. He tapped his communicator. Commander Data. When Data answered, he asked, Are you free to take the bridge?

Yes, Sir. The Doctor, Lt. Rondell and I have completed all our preliminary work. Lt. Rondell is escorting the Doctor on a tour of the ship. I am presently in turbolift three on my way to the bridge. At that point, Data exited the turbolift, walked down into the command area and over to the captain and said, Sir.

The captain smiled and the Doctor standing nearby said, Mr. Data, your timing is excellent.

Data said, Yes, sir, it is digital. The Doctor laughed. Data was pleased. Guinan had laughed when he said it to her and he had always wondered if he would be able to find an appropriate time to use it again.

The Doctor said, Why, Mr. Data, you have a sense of humor. That is very rare in a constructed being.

Data said, Thank you, sir. Did you hear the one about the--

Commander, you have the bridge. Come with me, Doctor, quickly. As he and the Doctor left the bridge, the captain heard Beverly Crusher and Deanna Troi burst into laughter. Once they had entered the turbolift, he said, I'm sorry, Doctor, but you have no idea what you almost started. He tapped his communicator. Mr. Data, if I am needed, I will be in the gymnasium. The Doctor with him laughed.

Data had just seated himself in the command chair when Deanna Troi said, Data, Beverly and I are going to Ten Forward. We've agreed to meet the Doctor there after he and Captain Picard finish their fencing match and I want to talk to Guinan. If you are free later, you are welcome to join us.

Thank you, Counselor. I may do that.

Shortly after Dr. Crusher and Counselor Troi left the bridge, another of the Doctors, the small one with dark hair, entered the command area. Data considered telling him a joke, but decided it might be inappropriate at this time. He said, How may I assist you, Doctor. instead.

Data, I find myself somewhat at loose ends. There's nothing more I can do here until your team and the other two begin assembling new information.

Doctor, may I suggest you go to Ten Forward? It is one of the crew's favorite places to relax.

Ah, that sounds like exactly what I had in mind. Thank you, Mr. Data.

You are most welcome, sir. As the Doctor left the bridge, Data sat back in the command chair and thought, Yes, a joke would have been inappropriate.

The Doctor entered Ten Forward and looked around. Dr. Crusher and Counselor Troi were there, but seemed to be deep in conversation. The Doctor didn't see anyone else he'd met. His glance was suddenly arrested by the incredible view. He made his way to a table and gazed out at the stars. Shortly thereafter a voice called him out of his reverie.

Hello, I'm Guinan. I'm your hostess. Welcome to Ten Forward. May I get you something?

The Doctor turned to look at her and nearly stumbled in his haste to rise, as he realized who, and what, she was. He doffed his hat and bowed. Madam, I am most pleased and surprised to find one of your race here.

Guinan pulled a chair out and sat down on the opposite side of the table. She said, You can only be one of the Doctors.

Chapter Four

Ten Forward was beginning to get crowded as ship's time passed into the evening hours. Guinan concluded her conversation with the Doctor with, And that's the short version of how I came to be the hostess of Ten Forward.

These Borgs seem to be a rather nasty group. I can think of nothing analogous to them in my own universe, although the Cybermen may have ambitions in that direction. Guinan, allow me to assure you that your race is doing quite well there, and your people and mine have an ancient and healthy relationship.

Guinan smiled. I know, Doctor. I've known since the first instant the Rutan's experiment began to merge the universes.

You know, Guinan, I believe Captain Picard may be a far wiser man than I originally estimated, and my opinion of him was never low.

Yes, Doctor, he's a very special person. Now keep this under your hat, please. Even Captain Picard doesn't know the whole story and I find I enjoy being a 'woman of mystery'. Now, I think I had better return to my duties. My staff is excellent, but the last few times they've glanced our way, I don't think curiosity was the primary reason.

The Doctor gave her a conspiratorial smile. Oh yes, I'll remember, 'Oh, woman of mystery'. He took her hand and kissed it in a most courtly fashion.

As Guinan returned to her customary place behind the bar, she saw several people glance back and forth between her and the Doctor. Yes indeed, she thought, I enjoy being mysterious, and the Doctor hasn't hurt that image a bit. Not one little bit.

Captain Picard pulled off his fencing mask and reached for a towel. He turned and said, Doctor, I don't think I've been beaten quite so soundly since I first took up this sport.

The Doctor shook out his curls. Come now, Captain, it wasn't so bad as that. You really are quite good.

The captain looked at him and smiled. No, Doctor, I know when I'm outclassed. I've never met your equal with the epee.

Well, I've had several hundred years more practice. Now, if you'll excuse me, there are two ladies waiting for me in a place called Ten Forward. I shouldn't delay any longer.

And I should be getting back to the bridge. Thank you for the match, Doctor. I enjoyed it immensely.

The Doctor gave a crisp salute with his blade. My pleasure, Sir.

Beverly and Deanna had both noticed Guinan's conversation with the Doctor at a window table, and another Doctor had just entered Ten Forward with Commander Riker. Deanna realized she and Beverly were both watching the door like a pair of school girls. She was about to mention it when Beverly said, There's our Doctor now.

Deanna looked up at the tall, smiling man coming toward them and thought, Yes. That's how I think of him too, as 'our' Doctor. She wondered how many of her crewmates also thought of one of the Doctors as 'their' Doctor.

Hello, ladies. I hope I haven't kept you waiting over-long. I truly enjoyed my match with your captain. He is most accomplished with a blade. Deanna wondered if there wasn't a bit of 'noblesse oblige' in that statement, but, she decided, if anyone had a right to it, this Doctor did.

Beverly said, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Doctor. Would you like something? The drinks in Ten Forward are usually made with synthehol. It has most of the pleasurable characteristics of alcohol and none of its nasty ones. Deanna and I are having Mai Tais, but you can get most anything, including food, here.

Ah, the Doctor smiled, the Mai Tai. A drink of most ancient, if dubious, pedigree. I think that would suit me most excellently. Do either of you need another?

Deanna said, No, Doctor. Beverly and I have been recently 're-freshed'.

Guinan approached from the Doctor's rear and said, May I get you something, Doctor?

The Doctor turned to look at her and his mouth dropped open in surprise. As he started to rise, Guinan laid a restraining hand on his shoulder. She then raised a finger to her lips and indicated the Doctor seated across the room with a tilt of her head. The Doctor glanced toward his other self and that Doctor gave him a nod. The Doctor said, Thank you, and paused. Guinan. she supplied. I shall have a Mai Tai, if you please.

As Guinan left the table, Beverly turned to Deanna and said, Curiouser and curiouser.

Said Alice. the Doctor added with a grin.

Geordi entered Ten Forward just as Will Riker turned away from the bar with a drink in each hand. He said, Hi, Commander. Where are you headed?

Up there, Geordi. Geordi looked up and saw his Doctor and another seated on the upper level, apparently quite deep in conversation. He turned back to Riker and raised his eyebrows. Riker smiled and said, Don't ask me. He raised the drinks in his hands slightly. "I think I was made 'errand boy' to give them some time alone. All I can tell you is, I think it has something to do with Guinan. Come on. I think