The Surmounting of Pain and Strife

Final Chapters

Chapter Nineteen

"Raise sheilds!" Riker ordered.

The Gandhi continued to fire phasers and the Enterprise rocked. Picard tried to hail them to no avail.

"This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise." He said with anger in his voice as he stood. "Cease fire!"

They continued to use phasors. "Doesn't he realize they are no match for us?" Riker said. "This could be suicide."

"Sir, they're loading torpedos!" Worf informed with urgency in his voice. Picard nodded as the ship shook again. "Mr. Worf, target their weapons array. See if we can put a stop to this."

"Aye, Sir." Worf replied and he fired phasers directly at their weapons. Knocking their weapons offline before they had a chance to fire off the torpedo.

The Gandhi, suddenly without the ability to use their weapons, cloaked and flew off from the scene.

"See if you can follow their tachyon trail." Picard said.

"Aye, Sir." Came Geordi's response. "Tracking tachyons."

"Let's see if we can follow them." Picard said as he sat back down in his seat. "Geordi, you're an expert on cloaking devices. Can we figure out where their cloaking system is and knock it off line?"

"Well, Sir." Geordi said thoughtfully. "I can detect cloaked ships, but I don't know if it's possible to detect where it is. Theoretically, it would be the source of most tachyons, but in reality." Geordi shook his head. "I don't know."

"See what you and Data can do." Picard ordered.

"Aye, sir." They said in unison and headed for the science console, while two other officers took their place.


"Warp 9.9 and get those weapons back online!" Riker ordered. "Then fire torpedos!"

"Sir, we would have to decloak for that." The Klingon said. "It could be suicide."

"Do it anyway!" Riker ordered. "You Klingons believe in good days to die. This is as good as any."

Sora could not believe what she was hearing, nor could some of the other crew of the New Marquis. Even so, they followed their orders. Sora now knew Riker had gone mad, but why she did not know.

She had heard a different story about this man, but it was from people who knew him before he was incarcerated. ' What happen to this man in the Cardassian prison camp?' She thought.

Sora had the con, but she did not know what she could do to stop this without getting herself killed. She tried to think of something, but all her thoughts lead to her getting found out by Riker.

Sora knew they were over working the engines at this speed. They had been running for quite a while and she knew it would not be long before the engines gave out. She just did not know how long it would be though.

She waited for that moment, for it seemed the only answer to end this predicument. The time passed too slowly for her as they flew through the vastness of space.

Finally, the warning light signalling that they could not keep up this speed flashed. She smiled, then quickly lost her smile. "Sir, we can't continue this speed much longer."

"Continue going warp 9.9." Riker demanded.

"If we continue this speed it will over work the engines." Sora stated.

"I don't give a damn!" Riker said. "We're not letting the Federation stop our plans from destroying the Cardies."

Suddenly the engines shut down. The Klingon yelled, "Sir, we must decloak or the Enterprise could collide with us!"

"NO!" Riker roared, then he ran to where Sora sat. "You did this on purpose!" He accused her.

Suddenly, she became very frightened and shook. Tears spilled from her eyes as she said, "No, Sir. I did not. I told you the warning was alerting us. I swear!"

Riker shoved her aside as though he were a Klingon on a Klingon ship. Then he took the place Sora was sitting, as Sora fell to the floor. She stayed down and watched Thomas Riker as he acted like a mad man in action.

The Klingon took the opportunity to decloak and they appeared again, motionless, in space. Riker had not noticed the change in their cloak just yet as he continued to try and get the engines going.


"Sir, they have decloaked and appear to be stalled." Worf informed.

"Slow to impulse and go to full stop." Picard ordered.

The Enterprise slowed, but it looked as though they were not going to stop in time. It was heading straight for the Gandhi. Everyone watched the view screen, holding their breaths, hoping they would not crash. Seconds seemed like minutes as the person at the con tried to slow the big ship down.

The eternity it took to go from warp and to full stop made eveyone feel that space was collasping in on them. The vastness of space was becoming smaller and smaller by the second as they got closer and closer to the Gandhi.

"Brace for impact!" Riker called out at the very last moment.

Everyone braced themselves for the impending collision, but at the last minute, right before impact, they stopped. Everyone then breathed a sigh of relief as they saw they had stopped just within inches of the Gandhi.

Once Picard had collected his nerves and emotions he said, "Hail them."

Worf opened a channel. "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise." Picard said again to the Gandhi. "It is impairative that you respond."

No response.

"This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard." He restated. "Requesting the leader of the Marquis to respond."


"Sir, they're hailing us." Said the person at communications.

"Ignore them."


"Worf, fire a warning shot across the bow of the Gandhi." Picard said standing up and turning towards Worf.

"Aye, Sir." Then Worf fired knocking the Gandhi's sheilds off line.


The Gandhi rocked from the blast and everyone grabbed on to the nearest thing they could. When the rocking stopped everyone recomposed themselves.

"Sir, sheilds are down!" Someone informed Riker.

Riker stood in anger, looked directly at the Klingon and growled, "The only way they could have done that is if we decloaked!"

The Klingon said nothing as they were being hailed again by the Enterprise. Riker ignored the hail and walked around the Klingon. Then he smack the big man hard, knocking him down to the floor of the ship.

"If you're smart, like Sora, you'll stay there." Riker replied.

"We should surrender!" The Klingon growled back at Riker. He started to get up, but Riker kicked him back down.

"Couldn't stand up and say that to my face, huh?" Riker antagonized.

The Klingon stared at him in anger and scrambled to his feet, then he charged at Riker. The Enterprise was still hailing them, but their hail went unnoticed as the two battled it out for the right of command.

"These have been dishonourable battles!" Growled the Klingon. "I will not die a dishonourble death!"

Riker throws another punch at the Klingon and roars, "You and your Sto-Vo-Kor!"

"This is a suicide mission. Surrender is our only redemption!" The Klingon roared back at Riker.

Sora scrambles over to Linda. "We have to do something!" Sora whispered to Linda.

Linda was at just as much of a loss as the rest of the crew. She shrugs and shakes her head. "I'm willing to give it up, but I'm not sure how at this point."

Sora places her hand on Linda's shoulder and smiles. "Leave it to me." Then she tried to quickly and quietly find out what the others on the Bridge wanted. Luckily there were not many on the Bridge.


On the Bridge of the Enterprise, Picard was planning his next move. "How many are on that ship, Data?"

"Accessing." Data said as he punched some buttons on his control panel. "There are forty people on the Gandhi."

Picard pushed back his non-existant hair and as he thought about the possible means of making them surrender. He was considering shutting down life support by over riding Thomas Riker's control of the Gandhi, but at this point he was not sure if that would make him give up this show down. The Gandhi was as crippled as it would get without blowing their warp core.


Sora was getting very frustrated by the situation as she watched the two battled it out on the bridge of the Gandhi. However, in less than five minutes she found out all she needed to know and she sat down to punch in a cryptic message to the Enterprise.


"Sir." Data said. "I am receiving a cryptic message. It appears the crew of the New Marquis is staging a mutany."

"A mutany?" Picard asked.

"Yes, Sir."

"How many are on the Bridge?" Picard asked.

"Approximately ten." Data replied.

"How do we know this is not a trap." Worf asked suspeciously.

"We don't." Said Riker as he studied his captain.

"Worf." Said Picard. "I want you to gather your best security officers and form an away team. Then beam over to the Bridge of the Gandhi. Have three more teams beam over to the rest of the ship. No less than six officers per team."

"Aye, Sir." Worf said. "Let us hope it is not a trick and they are all armed."

"Your concern is noted, Worf." Picard said. "Use caution."

"Sir, permission to lead one of the teams." Will asked.

"Permission granted." Picard replied.

Then Worf and Will departed from the Bridge to gather their teams. Deanna sat and watched them leave.

"Sir, from what I'm sensing." Deanna began. "There is a lack of unity on the Gandhi. To what extent, I am not sure."

"Noted, Counselor." Then Picard addressed the new person at ops. "As soon as everyone is off the Gandhi, attatch a tractor beam to it and we'll tow it back to the nearest Starbase."

"Aye, Sir."


Sora was waiting for some sign that her message was received. The two men were getting tired from their dispute. Neither were gaining a thing with their fight nor was either able to out power the other.

As she watched the two men, she saw eight figures shimmer into view before her. They were armed and faced in different directions.

Worf lead the team. He shouted, "Stay right where you are and don't move!"

The two men stopped their fighting and looked directly at Worf. "We will not surrender." Said Riker.

"Too, late." Sora said. "We already have."

Worf recognized Sora, but did not acknowledge her.

"What is this?" Tom asked. "A mutiny?"

The Klingon answer. "Yes, it is."

The nine crew members on the Bridge agreed to go peacefully, but Tom was stubborn and reluctant. Worf decided he would deal with him, personally.

Once on the Enterprise, they were all taken to the Brig, except for Sora, who was escorted to Picard's Ready Room.

"Sora." Picard began. "You took a shuttlecraft and went missing, instead of to your planned destination. What do you have to say for yourself."

"I have no excuse, Sir."

"So you don't deny it?"

"No, Sir. I do not." Sora answered.

"You know, if you informed us of everything that went on, maybe I could have your consequences not be so severe."

"I will tell you what I know, but." She paused.

"But what?"

Sora looked like she could cry. She swallowed hard to hold back the tears. "I'd rather talk to Counselor Troi. At least have her present, if I may."

Picard was silent for a moment. "That does not seem to be an unreasonable request. I'll grant that to you, provided she is available."

"Thank you, Sir."


Deanna was down in the Brig, talking to Thomas from outside the forcefield. She could sense anger coming from him.

"Tom, why did you do it?" She asked.

"Deanna, don't involve yourself in this." He replied.

"I sense anger from you." Deanna said. "Anger that is not just because you were captured by the Enterprise."

"Deanna!" He warned.

"What happened to you?" She asked gently.

"Those damn Cardies, that's what!" He said with a lot of anger.

"They hurt you, so you have gone mad with wanting revenge." She stated.

"Something like that." He replied.

Deanna looked very sad. "I don't know what happened to you, but I would like to help you. Help you get more than just prison time."

"I don't need any damn counseling!" He growled.

*Picard to Troi*

"Troi here."

*Could you come to my Ready Room or are you otherwise detained?*

Deanna looked at Tom. He was defiant and not very forthcoming. She frowned. "I'm on my way, Sir."

Before she left she address Tom once more. "I will see that you get some help."

"Forget it, Deanna!" He yelled.

"Tom, you're not the man I know anymore." She said. "I know he's still in there some where, I think you need to find him again."

Then she walked out of the Brig. It was not long after that she arrived in Picard's Ready Room.

"Sora?" She gasped.

"Yes, Counselor." Picard said. "It seems she's spent almost a week aboard the Gandhi."

She tried to choke back the tears. "And I regret every minute of it."

Deanna felt something was terribly wrong with Sora. Deanna looked at Picard. "Captain, may I have a few minutes alone with, Sora?"

Picard gave her a puzzled looked, but realized the Counselor must be sensing something from Sora. Something that Deanna felt needed some privacy.

"Granted." He finally replied. "Counselor, you have fifteen minutes at most."

"Thank you, Captain." Then she waited until he left the room.

"Sora, what happened over there?" Deanna asked with concern.

Sora let everything she went through during her time aboard the Gandhi spill out of her. A shiver went through Deanna as she listened to the details. She could not believe this was the Tom Riker who left the Enterprise years ago after he was rescued from the transporter incident.

"I had no one to talk to while I was there." Sora ended as tears streamed down her face. "I was all alone."

Deanna took a deep breath. "You do realize I have to report this to the captain."

Sora nodded her head. "I know, but I didn't want to talk to him. I'm glad you came."

Deanna was even more determined to see to it that Tom was placed in a facility that would also give him psychological help, besides prison time. Like Sora, she had no idea what happened to Tom in the Cardassian prison camp, but she did know he needed help for what happened to him. If there was anyway, she would make sure he had help.

As for Sora, she did not know what would happen to her. "Sora, I can't promise, but hopefully what you told me will help you end up with lesser charges."

"I'm not going to be able to stay on the Enterprise, am I?" She asked.

"Sora, I don't want to give you any false hopes." Deanna said. "I really don't know the answer to that, but if you do, I'm willing for you to come and talk to me still, if you want."

Sora nodded. "Thank you."

Picard reentered his Ready Room. "Well?"

"I don't see Sora as any threat to us." Deanna began. "Plus, given the circumstances I would like to suggest that she be placed somewhere other than the Brig with the others."

"You have information that warrents that need?" Picard asked.

"Yes, Sir." Deanna said. "I believe I do."

"I'm listening." Picard said.

Deanna looked at Sora and then she told Picard what Sora told her. Picard asked Sora a few more questions before he made his final decision.

"I agree with the Counselor." Picard said. He paused. "But you do realize there is still the shuttle craft to deal with as well as desertion on your charges?"

"Yes, Sir." Sora said. "I do, Sir."

Picard held his hands behind his back and looked out his window in thought. "Alright, I'll confine you to quarters until your court martial." He said. Deanna smiled at Sora. "On the condition." He turned around and continued. "You stay on your best behaviour and not cause further trouble."

"Aye, Sir." Sora said.

"Everything you have said here today will be on the record for your Court Martial." Picard said. "You do realize that don't you?"

"Yes, Sir." Sora replied.

"I'll see about lesser charges, but as far as staying aboard the Enterprise." Picard stated. "I'll have to see how your Court Martial goes, before I make any decisions on your staying."

"I understand." Sora replied.

"Deanna, this is unusual, but would you escort her to her quarters?" Picard asked.

"I will be glad to, Sir." Deanna replied.

"Thank you, Counselor." Picard said. "I'll have a security officer meet you two at her quarters. Remember, Sora, what you do from now until your Court Martial will be noted. I expect you to be on your best behaviour."

"I will be, Sir." Sora replied. "I would apologize, but I don't think an apology is good enough at this point."

Picard looked at Sora and felt like he was looking at a child who was in over her head in trouble. He could tell Sora had been through a lot, but he could not do anymore for her. Even if he were her father, he still could not help her. He finally collected his thoughts and addressed her one last time. "Dismissed."

Deanna escorted Sora to her quarters and as promised, a security officer met them at her quarters.

"Well, Sora." Deanna began as she escorted Sora into her quarters. "I can't stay, but if you like, I can check on you before I go off duty."

"Only if you want to." Sora said. "I think I've been enough trouble already."

"Sora, if you need to talk, you know you can talk to me." Deanna said. "I don't mind coming to check on you before I go off duty."

"OK." Sora said. "I must admit, I'd like for you to come by."

Deanna smiled. "I'll see you at 1600 hours."

"OK."

Deanna turned to leave. "Counselor." Sora said.

Deanna turned back around. "Thank you." Sora finished.

Deanna smile again. "You're welcome."

Then Deanna left to finish out her day. Sora settled back into her quarters.

Chapter Twenty

A week went by and the Enterprise had reached the Star Base where the Court Martial was to take place. Sora was very scared and apprehensive about the trial and was talking to Deanna in her office.

"Sora, I understand you are scared." Deanna said. "But you have to testify or you may not receive a lesser sentence."

"I know, but I am so scared!" She cried.

"Sora, if it helps any." Deanna began. "I will be there also."

"You will?" Sora asked surprised.

"Yes, there are some things I wish to express to the Admirals and others who will be over seeing the Court Martials." Deanna replied.

"Like what?" Sora asked.

"Well, I can't say right now." Deanna replied. "But some of it will also be in your favour."

"Thank you, Counselor." Sora said, still tearful. "But I'm still very scared."

"It'll be over soon." Deanna stated.

"Not soon enough." Sora said.

"Well, let's go." Deanna said. "It'll start soon."

Sora sighed and sadly said, "OK."


They called several of the New Marquis crew members to testify, but most lied under oath and their stories did not always come out the same. Some mixed up details or could not remember what the other said. Things were starting to come out into the open and they were not good.

One thing that did come out was Tom Riker's womanizing ways, but the women tried to down play them when they noticed Tom's face. The other men mentioned Tom was with a female crew member every night, even. However, they even down played it some too.

Finally, it was Sora's turn. Deanna patted her on the shoulder for encouragement as she rose from her seat.

"Crewman Sora, Kreta. Charged with stealing a Federation shuttle and desertion of Starfleet." The officer called. "Remember you are under oath. Place you right hand on the console and state your rank and name for the record."

"Crewman Sora, Kreta." She stated.

"How do you plea?" He asked.

"Guilty." She replied remorsefully.

"Did you or did you not tell Commander William T. Riker you were going to Bajor for your shore leave?"

"Yes, Sir. I did." She replied.

"You asked for a shuttle?"

"Yes, Sir."

"What were your plans when you left the Enterprise?" He asked.

"Well, I." She paused.

"Answer the question, Crewman." The officer demanded.

"I had planned to join the New Marquis." She said not looking him in the eyes.

"Did you offer the shuttle as a quote gift?" He asked.

"Yes, Sir. I did." She swallowed hard.

"Why?"

"At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing, but now." She replied.

"Just answer the question, Crewman."

"I wanted into the Marquis and I thought it was a way in."

"What happen on the Gandhi?" He inquired.

"We attacked Cardassian ships." She stated.

"How?"

She swallowed hard. "We attacked without warning. Phasors first and then a torpedo, if another ship did not come along."

"What happened if one did?"

"We cloaked." She replied.

"Who made the cloak?"

"A Klingon on the ship." She replied.

"And what was his name?"

"I only heard it once." She replied. "I can't remember it. We nicknamed him the Big Klingon."

"So, there was no hailing to the Cardassian ships before you destroyed them?"

"No, Sir."

"And you would cloak to hide whenever any other ship came along?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Otherwise you completely destroyed the Cardassian ships?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Did you know the Gandhi was stolen from the Federation?"

"Yes, Sir. I did."

"And you still chose to join?" He asked.

"Yyyes." Sora was getting nervous. She swallowed hard and tried to breath.

"Why did you choose to join the New Marquis when you knew they had stolen a Federation ship?" The officer asked.

"Because I was angry." She replied. "I wanted to get even with the Cardassians for what they did to my family, but then I regretted it."

"After you were caught?"

"No Sir. Before then." She stated trying to hold back the tears. "Honestly."

"What made you change your mind?"

"How we did it and what Riker did to me." She said. "To most of the women."

"What was that?"

"He, he." She began tears rolling down her face. She saw Tom Riker's angry face and started to get scared. Then she looked at Deanna, who just nodded her head once. "He raped me. He apparently raped most of the women."

"YOU BITCH!" Tom Riker stood up and yelled. Security was restraining him from attacking Sora. He fought to get free. Sora recoiled back into her seat. Panic rose in her body. She was afraid he would brake free and hurt her. "YOU BAJORN BITCH! I'LL KILL YOU!"

Deanna even felt fear, but it just made her realize how much Tom had been psychologically hurt in the Cardassian prison camp. It reinforced her belief that he needed psychological help and not just imprisonment. She was now even more determined to make sure the Court gave him psychological treatment as a part of his sentence.

She sensed anger from him, strong anger, but also a change in him so great, that she knew this was not the Tom she knew. She was too close to help him, which made her even more desparate to make sure someone helped him. She wanted to see the Tom Riker she had always known again.

Will would not admit it, but she even knew Will wanted the man, who was considered his brother, back like he once was. He wanted the man he knew as Tom Riker back also. Will did not like the man he now saw.

Once Tom was reseated and somewhat calm, the officer continued his questioning. "Unless the other women come forward, we can't discuss them." He said. "What happened when he allegedly raped you?"

Sora gave the court the sordid details of the various incidents. The one in his Ready Room and the night he dragged her into his quarters. She was tearful the whole time as she gave the details of the events.

"I wanted off the ship, but he threatened to kill anyone on site if he felt we were betraying the New Marquis!" She cried.

"Why didn't you see the ship's doctor?" He asked.

"Because he worked for Riker and I didn't want to be killed for going to the doctor." She stated. "I was afraid he would think I was betraying him."

"You were scared to leave?"

"He would have killed me if I tried." She stated with tears in her eyes.

The officer nodded as though he understood, but did not ask for more clarification. "No one on the ship came to your aid?" He asked.

"No." She cried. "No one."

Deanna felt Sora's distress and want to soothe her, but she could not at this point. She had to let the officer continue his questioning and deal with Sora later. If there was a later.

"Moving on." Said the officer. "What happened on the day the Gandhi was captured by the Enterprise that made you send out an encrypted surrender message?"

"The Klingon and Riker got into a fight." Sora wiped her tears and sniffed. "They were fighting over surrendering."

"Go on."

"I tried to find out what the rest of the crew wanted and sent out the message." She said.

"YOU!" Riker screamed and started to stand again, but was pushed back down into his seat. "I'LL KILL YOU YET!" He screamed as he was forced back down.

All of Tom's behaviour kept reinforcing Deanna's belief that he needed help. She would be up soon to give her statement and she hated to have to give it. However, she knew for Tom and Sora's sake, she had to give it.

"What made you send out the message?" The officer continued.

"I wanted off the ship and away from Riker." She stated.

"We may know the answer already, but I have to ask again." He said sympathically. "Why did you want off the ship and away from Riker?"

"Because I didn't want to continue what we were doing and I didn't want him to touch me again." She said. "I hated everytime he touched me. Even if he just touched me on my shoulder or gave me a pat on the back."

"Why did you send it out encrypted and not just hail the Enterprise?" He asked.

"I was afraid, that if he heard me." She paused and softly added. "He'd kill me."

"I'm sorry." The officer said. "We did not hear the last."

"He would kill me." She said a little louder.

"So, you did not send it in hopes that it would look favourable to you?"

"No!" She said loudly and started to cry again. "I just wanted off the ship!"

"At ease, Crewman." The officer ordered. "It's alright. We have to ask these questions."

Sora tried to calm herself as she waited for the next question. She took a few deep breaths and wiped away her tears again.

"Crewman Sora, did you volutarily give your statement to Captain Picard and Counselor Troi?"

"Yes, I did." She replied. "Well, actually, I gave it to Counselor Troi, but Captain Picard asked me more questions."

"I see." Said the officer. "No further questions. You may step down."

Sora stepped down, thankful that it was over with, for now at least. She noticed Tom Riker giving her the evil eye as she stepped down and it sent cold chills up her spine. The feeling was very eery to her.

"Lieutenant Commander Tom Riker is called to the stand." The officer announced.

Tom was led to the stand by security officers and they stood by gaurding him.

"You are charged with behaviour unbecoming of an officer, stealing a Federation Ambassador Class Starship, attacking and destroying Cardassian ships without warning, absconding a Federation shuttle, killing hundreds of Cardassians, ignoring a high ranking officer's hails to stand down, attacking a Federation ship and refusal to surrender to Starfleet." The officer informed.

Riker stared at the officer with anger and defiance. "Please place your hand on the console and state your rank and name for the record."

"Lieutenant Commander W. Thomas Riker, Leader of the New Marquis." He said defiantly.

"How do you plea?"

"Not guilty." He growled.

"Did you or did you not steal an Ambassador Class Starship?"

"She was being disassembled." Riker replied defencively.

"Just answer the question."

"No." He lied.

The officer's eyebrow rose and he quickly lowered it.

"Did you attack Cardassian ships without warning?"

"They tortured and killed people without warning." Riker growled.

"Answer the question." The officer demanded. "Did you or did you not attack Cardassian ships without warning?"

"Yes."

"Against Starfleet's orders?"

"Yes."

"Why did you go against Starfleet's orders?"

"Because Starfleet isn't doing it's job and ridding the Federation of these people." Riker said in anger.

"Did you think about going through channels to state your views?" The officer asked.

"Why should I?" Riker said defensively. "No one would have listened and changed things."

"Did you abscond a shuttle on the Gandhi?"

"No." Riker stated. "It was a gift."

"Did you threaten to kill people if you felt they were betraying your mission?"

"No." Tom lied again.

"Did you take advantage of the female crew?"

"No." Tom replied. "They wanted it."

"Are you saying Crewman Sora's and some of the other women's accusations are false?" Asked the officer.

"Yes." Riker insisted.

"Did you ignore a high ranking officer's hails?"

"No, we did not receive any hails." Riker blatenly lied.

"Did you refuse to surrender?"

"We were on a mission." Riker responded.

"Answer the question, Lieutenant." The officer demanded with some frustration in his voice.

"Yes." Riker answered.

"Did you attack the Enterprise?"

"They were aiding Cardassians." Riker stated.

"Answer the question." He demanded more firmly.

"Yes, I did." Riker said smugly.

"No further questions." Said the officer, feeling very frustrated with Tom. "You may step down."

Tom Riker stood and step down from the stand. Security followed him back to his seat as he leered at Sora.

"Captain Jean-Luc Picard to the stand please." The officer called.

Captain Picard approached the stand and sat down. "Place your right hand on the console and state your rank and name for the record."

"Captain Jean-Luc Picard."

"You are captain of the Enterprise E?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Did Crewman Sora request a shuttle for shore leave to Bajor?"

"Yes, she did." Jean-Luc replied.

"You granted it?"

"Yes."

"Did you have any idea that she was planning desertion?" The officer asked.

"No, we did not."

"How was her service to the Enterprise before this incident?"

"There were a few reprimands, but for the most part she was a good officer." Picard replied.

"Did you know she was under the care of Counselor Troi?"

"Yes, I did." Picard informed. "I have privy to that information as needed."

"When did you find out?"

"She was having flash backs to when she and her people were being occupied by the Cardassians and it affected her performance for a while." Picard answered.

"I see." Replied the officer. "Did she have to take anytime for sick leave?"

"A breif time. Yes."

"Did you inform her, if she cooperated with you and Starfleet that you would see if she could get a lesser sentence?" The officer asked.

"Yes, Sir. I did." Picard answered.

"Did she cooperate fully?"

"Yes, she did."

"You have a statement for the court?"

"Yes, Sir." Picard informed.

"Your statement?"

"Crewmen Sora has never been a severe disipline problem. She has performed her duties well. She assisted in the capture of Thomas Riker and I recommend that she be reprimanded for the charges against her. Further more, I feel she should be able to continue under Counselor Troi's care with temporary leave of absence from her duties. Returning to duty when Counselor Troi feels she is capable of doing so."

"Thank you, Captain Picard." The officer said. "You may step down."

Captain Picard stepped down and returned to his seat.

"The court calls Counselor Deanna Troi to the stand." Said the officer.

Deanna took the stand and the officer asked her to swear in with her rank and name.

"Commander Deanna Troi, Ship's counselor of the Enterprise E."

"How long have you know Crewman Sora?"

"Five years."

"And you have met Lieutenant Commander Thomas Riker before?"

"Yes, Sir. I have."

"When?" Asked the officer.

"The first time I saw Thomas Riker was after we rescued him from the ship that crashed and we found there had been a transporter accident causing an exact duplicate of Commander William Riker."

"How did you deem his psychological condition at that time?" Asked the officer.

"It was good, given the circumstances." Deanna replied.

"What would you say it is now?"

"I feel Lieutenant Riker is suffering from Post Trumatic Stress Disorder and possibly a psychosis." Deanna informed the court.

"And Crewman Sora?" The officer asked. "Her psychological state?"

"She has been suffering from Post Trumatic Stress Disorder for quite some time now." Deanna replied.

"Would you say her disorder cause her current behaviour?"

"I would say it contributed to it. Yes." Deanna replied.

"You have a statement for the court, also?"

"Yes, Sir." Deanna stated. "I do."

"Your statement?"

"I recommend that Lieutenant Commander Thomas Riker be sentence to a facility that includes psycholocial services and that he receive treatment for his psychiatric disorders. As for Crewman Sora, I would be willing to continue treating her for her Post Trumatic Stress Disorder. I recommend, also, that she receive a reprimand for her current charges." Deanna stated.

"Thank you, Counselor." The officer said. "You may step down."

Once Deanna took her seat next to Captain Picard and Sora the officer informed everyone they would be taking a one hour recess to review the testimonies. Then everyone was to come back to hear the final outcome.

"Are you alright, Sora?" Deanna asked with concern.

"No, but I will be." She said. "Or at least I hope so."

"Would you like to talk while we have some time?" Deanna offered.

Sora took a deep breath. "I don't know what I want to talk about right now." She replied. "I would if I knew what I wanted to talk about."

"Well, how are you feeling?" Deanna knew, but she wanted Sora to say it for herself.

"I'm a little scared." She replied.

"Of what?" Deanna asked. "Not Tom Riker, I hope?"

"Yes and no." Sora said. "Mainly what will happen next."

"Sora, I really don't think you have much to worry about." Deanna told her. "I really feel, that whatever happens, it won't be as bad as the rest of the people who were with Riker."

"Maybe not, but I really don't want to go to a Federation Prison." Sora admitted.

"I doubt if you will." Deanna said. "I think at most you may have to serve some time, but not in a prison."

"I hope you're right, Counselor." Sora said. "We've been here all morning and I haven't eaten anything all day and well." She paused hesitantly. "I'm kind of hungry. Is there anyway I could get something to eat? I mean, I know I have to stay with you and the captain. I don't mind having lunch with you two, but I would like something to eat."

Deanna smiled and put an arm around her. "Yes, we can arrange that."

Deanna got the captain and they all three headed out to a late lunch. They returned an hour later to hear the verdicts.

The court continued after lunch and gave out the various sentences. Starting with Leiutenant Commander Thomas Riker. He had to be force to stand by security because he refused to stand.

"Lieutenant Commander W. Thomas Riker. You are sentence to Starfleet Prison on Earth for twenty years. During that time you are to receive rehabilitation with psychological treatment. Depending on your conduct and progress in rehabilitation your sentence maybe reduced to less than twenty years. You will be transported to said facility in twenty-four hours."

Deanna gave a sigh of relief. She was thankful Tom was going to get some help. She hoped she would one day see the Tom Riker she once knew. However, she knew it would be a long time before she and Will would ever see him again.

The court continued with the other people who followed Tom in his crimes. The sentences were given for all of them. Most received lesser time for their crimes. Others received the same amount of time as Tom.

They finally got to Sora and she stood to receive her sentence. Sora held her breath and prayed her sentence was not quite as severe as the others.

"Crewman Sora, Kreta." The officer addressed her. "The charges against you have been reduced to a reprimand based on your behaviour since the incident. You are to be release to the care of Counselor Deanna Troi as recommended by her. However, if you do not cooperate with treatment and stay on good behaviour, you will not be given another chance to redeem yourself. Any further misconducts and you will be charged and given full sentence. With Captain Picard's recommendation you will not be transfered to another position or station, but released to continue your duties under Captain Picard. You may stay at your post and return to duty when Counselor Troi approves your return to duty. Is that understood?"

Sora pulled herself up to her full height. "Yes, Sir."

"You may be seated." The officer stated.

The court was dismissed and all the prisoners were taken back to the brig and awaited transfer to their various destinations. Sora, on the other hand, was happy that she was free to go and stay on the Enterprise.

"See, Sora." Deanna said to her with a smile. "I told you it was not going to be as bad as you feared."

Sora smiled. "No, it wasn't and I think I can live with you telling me what to do for a while."

"Well, I won't be ordering you to do anything." Deanna stated. "It's all up to you what you do. I'll just be here to guide you and help you along the way."

"And make the dreams, that have come back, go away again?" Sora asked with a small smile.

"Yes." Deanna smile. "I can help you with that, too."

"Captain?" Sora addressed him.

"Yes, Sora."

"Am I confined to quarters once we get back?"

Picard was not sure how to reply, so he told her directly. "I'm sorry, Sora, but yes. For a few days, with the exception of seeing Counselor Troi."

Sora looked unhappy about being confined to quarters, but she accepted it without argument. "I'm still in a lot of trouble aren't I?"

Picard took a deep breath. "In a way, yes, but I would say it is more of a chance to further redeem yourself, rather than call it a disciplinary action. From here on out, Sora, you have a chance to prove yourself all over again. I would look at it that way, rather than the other way."

"Thanks, Captain." Sora replied.

They all three returned to the Enterprise. It had been a long day and they were glad it was finished.


Picard had dinner with Beverly that evening.

"So how did it go?" Beverly asked.

"Well, we still have Sora on board with us." He informed her. "Although she won't be on duty for a while."

"Please don't tell me I will be getting one of Deanna's patients anytime soon." Beverly said with dread.

"No, no." Picard assured her. "I don't think that will be happening. I trust Sora is willing to follow Deanna's guidance and try to make some changes."

Beverly breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God! But I may have to give her something to sleep."

"Mmm." Picard nodded. "I do believe I over heard her say something to Deanna about sleeping problems. If I were you, I'd get with Counselor Troi and see what she says."

"We usually do every day." Beverly said. "Today was an exception of course."

"That's good." Picard replied pausing briefly to wipe his mouth with is napkin. "I would like to see Sora back on duty soon, myself."

"I just wish people would not get sick emotionally or physically, but then Deanna and I would be out of a job." Beverly said.

Picard chuckled. "That's true, Beverly. So very true."


Deanna returned to her quarters and gave Will a big hug. "Long day?" He asked.

"Um hum." Deanna replied tiredly. "It was, but I'm glad to be home with you now."

"Sora still with us?" Will asked.

"Yes." Deanna replied. "There were a few conditions to her release, but I think she can live with them."

"Well, that's good." Will replied. "And Thomas?"

"He will be getting psychological rehabilitation, but with twenty years time."

"I figured that would be the case." Will said. "I can't believe he has changed so much since being imprisoned on Cardassia. I don't know him like I thought I did."

"Torture and whatever else he went through can be traumatizing to anyone." Deanna replied. "I'm just thankful my statement was helpful to him."

Will rubbed Deanna's back and kissed the top of her head. "So am I." He said. "Regardless of anything else I've said about him or how I've felt toward him, I do care about him."

"I know you do, Will." Deanna replied. "I know you do."

"Well, you've had a long day today." He began. "Why don't we have dinner and get some rest so you'll be able to handle tomorrow?"

"Sounds good to me." Deanna looked up to him with a smile.

He pulled away from her, but held her by the hand as he guided her to the table. "I fixed your favourites. Oskoid, CousCous with parmesan, lentil loaf and brownies."

"Will, you're spoiling me!" Deanna exclaimed.

He turned to her, wrapped her in his arms, smiled and said, "You're worth every bit of it though."

Chapter Twenty-one

A few days later, Will and Deanna went to Ten-Forward with their friends for some rest and relaxation. It had been a long stressful week for all of them and even Deanna thought it would be good to have some fun with their friends.

"The short break will do us all good." She had told everyone. So, Geordi, Worf, Picard, Beverly, Data, Will and Deanna met in Ten-Forward.

"I still feel bad about that lose of information the other day." Geordi stated. "All because of a program I created for fun."

"Don't, Geordi." Picard said. "It was an accident and no major information was lost. Just move on and forget about it. Just don't do it again."

"Not planning on it." Geordi replied. "Once is enough."

"Maybe it was the name you chose for the program." Worf said.

"Worf, are you becoming superstitious?" Deanna asked.

"No, it's just the name sounds rather carefree and careless." Worf said. "Could be the computer misinterpreted it."

Everyone laughed at Worf's comment. Everyone, except Worf and Data. "It is a possiblility." Worf insisted as he felt the laughter being directed at him.

"Oh, Worf." Beverly said. "We're not laughing at you. We're laughing with you."

"I am not sure I understand the humour behind it." Data said.

"Good." The Klingon boomed with his deep voice to Data while looking at Beverly with an angry Klingon face.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash of glass, as though it had broke. "Damn it!" Lisa screamed as she bent down to pick up the broken glass. It looked as if a whole tray of drinks had split and all the glasses broke.

Everyone looked in Lisa's direction. She looked up and realized what she had said. Then she looked completely embarrassed with the realization that everyone had heard her.

"I'm sorry." Lisa said shyly. "I'll just get this cleaned up and get these people more drinks."

Deanna could sense Lisa felt out of sorts with her accident and got up to help her. At least, to look like she was helping Lisa clean up the mess.

As Deanna bent down to help Lisa pick up the glass, she asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Then she paused. "No. I'm not. But I'll be ok until next time I come in to see you. I was just thinking. That's all and I guess I was too distracted. In the process I bumped something and everything fell."

"That could happen to anyone." Deanna stated. Then she softly asked, "You're not hearing voices again, are you?"

Lisa shook her head no. "That's just the thing I was thinking about." She said. Then she sat back on her heels and continued. "Why is it, Betazoids can hear voices and not be crazy? While humans, if they hear voices they are crazy."

"Oh, yes. I can see how that could be a distracting thought." Deanna replied. Then she looked over to her friends at their table. "Why don't we finish here and then we can talk breifly. If that's OK?"

Lisa shook her head and went back to picking up the broken glass. "Guinan is expecting me to be helping her out. Not chatting with you about Betazoid telepathy and Human mental illness."

"I'll let Guinan know you're taking a break."

"No, I don't want her to think I'm having problems when I'm not." Lisa said.

"You know, Lisa, Guinan may understand your question also." Deanna implied. "She has a sense that most Humans do not. It's not exactly Telepathy, but she can sense things also."

"She hears voices like Betazoids do?" Lisa said wide-eyed.

"No, but she can sense certain things."

The biggest pieces of the broken glass were nearly all picked up off the floor. Lisa stood with the tray now full of broken glass. "I'll wait and talk to you later about this." Lisa said. "Right now, I think your friends want you back with them." She said tilting her head towards the again on lookers from that side of the room.

Deanna looked in the direction Lisa gestured toward. Then she reached out, touched Lisa's shoulder, gave it a gentle squeeze and smiled. "See, not all senses are bad."

Lisa smiled back. "Maybe you're right."

"I'll talk to you some more about this in the morning then." Deanna said. "OK?"

Lisa nodded, then added, "I have to get back to work."

Lisa went one way and Deanna went back to her table with her friends.

"Everything OK?" Beverly asked.

"Yes." Deanna replied. "I'll tell you later. She's a most inquisitive person though. It's a pity she doesn't have the confidence to go back to Starfleet Academy. I really think she would do very well."

"You got all of that out of a few minutes of conversation?" Will asked.

"No. It's a long story." Deanna stated.

"Oh, one of those!" Will said with acknowledgement.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Deanna asked him.

"Nothing. I just meant. Well." Will stammered. "I didn't mean it the way it sounded. I just meant it was on of those long stories that was, um, a confidential one."

"Um hum." Deanna responded and crossed her arms.

"Well, one that only you and Bev have privy to." Will continued totally embarrassed by what he said now.

"Will." Deanna said tauntingly. "Quit while you're still ahead and not get yourself in any deeper."

Will looked totally shocked and did not say another word about the subject.

Susan and Reg walked into Ten-Forward about that time. Susan was smiling and had her arm wrapped around Reg's arm.

Beverly gasp with happiness. "Would you look at that!" She exclaimed with joy. "It looks like Reg has a girlfriend."

Deanna giggled. "Beverly, where have you been these last few months? They've been seeing each other for quite a while."

"Well, yes." Beverly replied. "But I thought they were just friends."

"They're friends." Deanna replied nodding her head. "But they really enjoy each other's company and have spent a lot of time together."

"Oh, like you and Commander Riker used to be." Data piped. "Lovers."

"A, no." Deanna said, not very happy with Data's remark. "They're a little more than friends, but less than lovers."

Data was completely confused now by Deanna's statement. Finally, Data said, "Then they are boyfriend and girlfriend?"

"Yes, Data!" Beverly and Deanna said in unison.

"Human mating practices really confuse me." He said with his eyes looking downward in puzzlement and shaking his head. "Or could it be your explanation?"

"Data!" They all said at once.

"Well, I for one." Picard began. "Think it is very nice Lieutenant Barcley has a girlfriend." Pulling his shirt down he continued, "It might do him some good. Maybe he'll spend less time in the holodeck when he's suppose to be on duty."

"Not meaning to sound like a big brother." Will began. "But isn't Susan in her mid-twenties and Barcley is like, in his thrities?"

Beverly and Picard gave Will a look that said, "So! Your point being?"

"Um, yeah." Riker said regretfully. "You're right. I guess I'm putting my foot in my mouth again aren't I?"

Beverly and Jean-Luc nodded their heads yes.

"Well, I for one am glad Susan is doing so well for herself." Deanna said. "I don't think she could have chosen a better man, myself."

"Oh, really?" Now it was Will's turn to rub her words in the her.

"I meant for her, Will." Deanna said with a smile. Then she leaned over and kissed him. "I've found the best man for me."

"I never can win one." Will said with a grin.

"I hear Sora maybe coming back to Engineering eventually." Geordi inquired.

"Yes, she will be." Picard replied. "But I'm not sure exactly when."

Geordi moves his head to one side and back again as he said, "Well, I do hope it's soon. We're a little short handed down there, with McKinley gone and all."

"Well, she will be back as soon as she is medically ready." Picard said.

"Was she injured?" Worf asked with his deep voice.

It was then Picard realized he had said too much. He looked away slightly then back again. "It's a long story, but she will be back on duty. Eventually."

"You know." Deanna began, coming to her captain's rescue. "Why don't we talk about something other than work related things?"

"I agree." Beverly said with a smile.

Then the table fell silent trying to think about what they could talk about that was not related to work. When no one responded, Data made a suggestion.

"You know." He said, with amusement in his voice. "I could quote some of my poetry."

"Data, really." Geordi said. "That's quite alright."

"Ode To Spot." Data began. "Ode To Spot. Spot."

"Ah!" They all said at various times and stood to walk out of Ten-Forward.

As they walked through the doors, Data asked, "Was it my delivery?"

Guinan had walked over about this time to clear the table. "No, Data. It was your timing. Your timing is off."

Data stood there, looking very perplexed as Guinan finished clearing the table.

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