Chapter Twenty:

"I still say we should demand to speak to their leader," Worf said gruffly. "Sitting here in this--room accomplishes nothing."

They were inside a small waiting room, its angles as sharp as the Aki starship had been.

"We must abide by their laws and customs," Data replied.

"Even if that means being held like prisoners?" Worf glanced at La Forge, who turned away from the window and joined them.

"Quite frankly, Data, I was beginning to think the same thing," Geordi said. "Are they planning to hold us here indefinitely?"

Before the android could reply, the door chime sounded. Data walked over to the door and tapped a panel that caused it to slide upward. Pro-counsel Thor was standing in the hallway. "Has the arbiter reached a decision?" Data asked.

"No," Thor said, stepping into the room. "It is getting dangerously close to the time when regeneration will no longer be possible for your Stargazer crew. That is why I've taken my own actions. I hope you approve. There is an Akodian law that allows me to present a challenge to the arbiter. He must call a final hearing this midday and render a decision based on the evidence gathered thus far and the notes he's written on the matter. This does not guarantee his decision but either way, the waiting will finally be over. Thor turned toward La Forge. "I want you to know that not all Akodians approved of your capture. The end result may bring ultimate good, but such an end could have been brought about by more equable means.

"If Akie wanted to establish an alliance with the Federation," Geordi replied, " they're certainly going about it the wrong way. Your people have intricate knowledge of some of our technology, and yet we're expected to sit in this room where we can witness none of yours, while we wait out the fate of our comrades--the death of whom your people are responsible for!"

The Akodian bowed his head in shame, but Data came to his defense. "Pro-council Thor is on our side. We should not hold him responsible for the actions of his government."

"It is all right," Thor responded. "I understand his anger and his need to lash out at someone. I just happen to conveniently be available."

"I'm sorry for my outburst," Geordi said, though not entirely sincere.

The alien nodded. "I accept your apology with gratitude and hope we can become friends."

***

"This is ridiculous," Worf grumbled. The Akodian arbiter had ruled that the Federation officers could not be present in the time court while he made his decision.

"I tend to agree with you, Mr. Worf," Data said. "However, it is their technology and we have no choice but to follow their rules."

"Their game, their rules," Geordi quipped. The engineer walked away to pace along the hallway where large windows lined one wall. At least the Akodians were not keeping them from viewing their world.

Nearly an hour passed. Data listened to the Klingon's grumbles with no further comments.

Then finally, pro-counsel opened the courtroom doors to announce the arbiter's decision.

"Arbiter has ruled in favor of regeneration of Federation starship Stargazer."

"Then they will be brought to our present?" Worf asked.

"Actually, to our future," Thor responded. "Quain and his crew will accompany you back to your space where the procedure will be conducted in two cycles. He will instruct you further on a need to know basis."

"May I inquire as to the deciding factor in the arbiter's decision?" Data asked.

"My people are worried about future relations with your people. I hope that neither side wants to see our peoples go to war. And whether or not regeneration of your Stargazer crew proves successful or not, it is my people's hope that it will be seen as a gesture of good will."

"I am sure my superiors will see it that way," Data said with a nod. "What of the question posed by anti-counsel Frei regarding continued Federation access to the wormholes?"

"That is a matter that must be brought up to the highest council in our government. it could take nearly a pelvar for them to render a decision."

"And how many cycles are in a pelvar?" During his stay on Akie, Data had already observed that a cycle was twenty-three and a half hours long.

"Four hundred and ninety," Thor replied.

"That is a considerable time, but not unreasonable."

"Good. Now you will need to leave the courtroom. May you enjoy our planet until Quain is ready to take you back to your small craft."

"Thank you for your help, pro-counsel."

***

As Data had wished for earlier, he now found himself with a little free time before the Emblem's departure. He, Geordi, and Worf spent the next few hours enjoying a tour of Akie's most distinguished sites. They visited the top of Mount Kuran, fed a giant Jhagia, a cat-like creature, at the planet's largest zoo, and walked through the underground caverns dug out by ancient Akodians several millennia ago.

Fortunately, the threesome did not have to wait long after returning to the departure site for the Akodian captain and they were soon aboard his ship heading back toward the Huron. Barclay, Raines and Berlitz were both relieved and overjoyed to see them. They had nearly finished their survey of the wormhole pockets, but Data instructed them to discontinue.

"Until such time that the Akodians agree to permit us access to their wormholes," the commander said, "we will hereby cease our investigation."

"Aye sir," Raines said with understanding, but also disappointment.

To everyone's surprise, Quain agreed when Data requested that the Huron be allowed to travel through the wormhole first. The Akodian explained with these words: "Let you be our honored guests, so we shall be yours in your portion of the galaxy."

The Enterprise was waiting for them just over ten-thousand kilometers away from the wormhole. Riker immediately hailed them. "It's good to see you, Data," the captain said.

"You too, sir," the android replied. "The Huron is ready to come aboard."

Before Riker could reply, the Akodian ship flew out of the wormhole and came to an stop next to the runabout. It immediately hailed the Enterprise and Riker ordered the tactical officer on duty to answer. The viewscreen split between the image of Data and that of the Akodian captain.

"Greetings, Captain Riker," the alien said. "I am Captain Quain of the starship Emblem, representing the Akodian Empire of the Delta Quadrant. It has been my pleasure to see your officers safely back to your quadrant."

Riker smiled broadly and replied, "On behalf of the United Federation of Planets, I'd like to welcome you to our little corner of the galaxy."

After the runabout had decked, the away team transferred to the bridge and Riker called a meeting. "Your honest opinions," the captain said, addressing the group. "Do you believe regeneration will work?"

"It is difficult to say," Data replied, "with absolute certainty."

"I believe it will," La Forge offered. "From what I've gathered, this doesn't appear to be a new technology to the Akodian's. Whatever failures they've had in the past. ..well, they're in the past.

The question, I believe, is not whether the regeneration process will work, but rather whether the crew members of the Stargazer will suffer any psychological side effects due to this process."

If only Deanna were here, Riker thought. We need her here to gauge the emotional conditions of those regenerated. But then he realized how overwhelming that would be for the half-Betazed if she were to be exposed to an entire regenerative crew at the very moment of "rebirth." Anyway, once the Stargazer crew appeared, Riker was under orders to escort its crew back to Starbase Nineteen where they would undergo extensive psychiatric evaluations.

"Sir, there is something else you need to be made aware of," Data said. "The Akodian High Council is debating whether or not to give the Federation full access to their wormholes. Unfortunately, they probably will not reach a decision right away."

"Bridge to the captain," came the ensign at tactical, "the Akodian ship is hailing us."

"I'm on my way," Riker replied. "Thank you, Mr. Data, Geordi." He stood and his senior staff followed him out onto the bridge. "On screen," he ordered once he'd taken his position.

"Captain, Greetings," Quain said. "We are ready to commence the regeneration process. You may watch, but I must warn you that any questions you may pose will go unanswered. I am to share none of this technology with your people."

"Understood."

"Very well. We will proceed." The Akodian severed the link.

A few seconds later, as the entire bridge crew stared at the viewscreen, a purple mist emanated from the hull of the Akodian craft. Nothing more seemed to happen. Whatever the mist was supposed to do, had it been ineffective? At sublight speed, the alien ship backed away from the area until it was approximately twelve-thousand kilometers away.

"Captain," his first officer said, "it might be advisable that we move away from the area as well. When the Stargazer appears it could be dangerous to be within a close proximity of the area."

"Agreed. Berlitz, take us another five-thousand kilometers away from the mist."

"Aye, sir."

The image on the viewscreen did not change much, and yet, Riker felt the distance. He wondered if his former captain would return in minutes, hours, or even days. Dammit! Why wouldn't the Akodians tell him at least that much?

They waited. . . .again.

*****

Nearly three hours later, the Akodian captain hailed them. "It is almost time," he said and abruptly severed the link.

About five seconds later, a loud popping sound ripped through the mist and suddenly the Stargazer began to solidify. The entire process took exactly fifty-three seconds, the android officer verbally observed, but to Riker it seemed much longer.

"Your Stargazer crew has arrived," Quain stated reappearing on the viewscreen. "Now, we must begin the next phase--psychological evaluation. We would be happy to--"

"If you don't mind Quain," Riker interrupted. "The Stargazer has Federation crew on board. I think it would be best if they were initially greeted by their own kind."

"Very well, but as soon as you have your people aboard the Enterprise I want to beam a team of regeneration experts aboard."

"Agreed."

Quain severed the connection.

"Mr. Worf, please open a channel to the Stargazer."

"Aye sir."

"Stargazer, this is Captain Riker aboard the Enterprise. Are you able to hear me and understand me?"

The viewscreen filled with an image of the Stargazer's bridge. Picard was standing close to his own viewscreen, squinting as though he could not see. "Will?"

"Captain, I know this is quite a shock for you and your crew. Please remain calm and we'll do everything we can to help you. We would like to beam all of you over to the Enterprise where we can discuss this situation."

"Situation, Number One?"

Riker glanced at Data, who was showing a great deal of concern for their former captain. Both of them knew that it had been quite some time since Riker had served as Picard's Number One. Did Jean-Luc Picard remember that or had regeneration caused him to now suffer amnesia?

"Jean-Luc, it would be far better if I explained it to you in person. Will you agree to beam over?" He had standing medical orders from Starfleet to beam the entire Stargazer crew over anyway, but Riker felt the situation would unfold more smoothly if he had Picard's permission.

"Everybody. . ." He glanced at his bridge crew. "Yes, yes, perhaps that would be best."

"Good. Inform your entire crew and we'll begin beaming them over in five minutes."

Picard nodded weakly, seemingly unable to respond verbally. He did not look like the formidable captain he had once been. Now he just looked confused and vulnerable--an almost mirror image of his expression after being rescued from the Borg collective. Riker hoped that it wasn't a permanent side-effect of regeneration.

"Data, assemble an away team. Once the Stargazer is evacuated, I want you to beam over," Riker said. "While Dr. Selar's team is examining her crew, I'd like you to check the integrity of her systems."

"Aye sir," the android replied.

*****

Thirty minutes later, Data Worf and Berlitz beamed onto the bridge of the Stargazer and each of them went in separate directions to examine the onboard systems. Whipping out their tricorders, they scanned the room to check the integrity of the hull. Their readings indicated a structure consisting mostly of duranium, tritanium, and polymer composites, the standard construction for Starfleet vessels.

From the science station, Berlitz said, "The main computer is online." She brought up some files from the main computer core and began browsing through them. "Everything is up to date from the time the Stargazer was destroyed."

Worf walked around to the tactical station and brought up the main viewer. The Enterprise loomed across the big screen. "Sensors are operating at optimal efficiency," he informed the android.

"There's a considerable amount of data on the wormhole pocket they encountered just prior to their destruction," Berlitz said, swiveling in her chair. "Should I upload it to Starfleet."

"Proceed, Lieutenant," Data replied. He was sitting in the command chair, reading through Captain Picard's logs during the last several days of his life. "Amazing! Virtually everything is in tact and running efficiently."

"Sir, may I make a personal observation?" Berlitz asked and the commander nodded. "I'm wondering what has happened, if anything, to the debris of the Stargazer. I mean, can it coexist with this ship?"

"Indeed, that is an excellent inquiry," Data commented. "Contemplating all the possible paradoxes in this situation could prove mind boggling."

Berlitz nodded pensively before turning back toward the science station. "The files were successfully transferred," she informed them.

"Good, Lieutenant." Data turned toward the Klingon. "Mr. Worf, hail the Enterprise."

"Aye sir."

A moment later, the Enterprise bridge filled the Stargazer's screen. From its command chair, Riker said, "Your report, Commander?"

"It is amazing, Captain. The Stargazer is completely in tact, both structurally and systemically."

"Let's just hope its crew is as well off."

"Indeed. I think we are done here, sir. Three to beam back aboard the Enterprise."

After the first group had been beamed over, Dr. Selar and her medical staff immediately began the time-consuming physicals. The biobeds were quickly filled up and the team scurried about to find new objects to create makeshift ones out of. Every regenerated officer was understandably disoriented, and some were in need of immediate medical care. Riker stood over Picard as he was brought to a biobed and slowly, painfully, attempted to explain everything to the older man.

"Do you remember the accident at all, Jean-Luc?" Riker asked.

"A bright light. . .blinding light," Picard replied, his eyes distant. "We had no warning, no warning at all."

"Do you understand how much time has passed since then?"

"It seems like it just happened, but. . . .months. . . ." Picard strained to gain composure. He sat up despite the medical technician's objections and looked his former first officer in the eyes. Dammit, he'd faced too many obstacles for anything to stop him now! "What stardate is this?"

"50497. If we had waited much longer. . . ."

"I wouldn't be here," Picard finished with a nod. He appeared to be accepting of the time that had passed, but Riker wondered if it weren't more because jean-Luc was in shock. "None of my crew would. But are they--are we--better off?"

Riker did not need to answer the question, for many of those around them were obviously suffering from mental anguish that could possibly take months to overcome--if they ever did. He placed his hand on Picard's shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze.

Trying to sit up and look around the room, Picard said, "Martha? Where is Martha?" Riker knew that he was referring to Commander Martha Lasalle, his first officer aboard the Stargazer. At least he now remembered that Riker was no longer his first officer.

"Calm down, Jean-Luc," Will said, coaxing the older man to lie back down. "I'll check on her for you and let you know. She is receiving the best of care."

"Of course," Picard said with a nod. "Beverly--no it's Dr. Selar now aboard the Enterprise, isn't it? This is all so very confusing." He closed his eyes and Riker hoped that his friend would succumb to sleep.

"Your memories will come back to you," Will reassured Picard.

Picard opened his eyes partway and saw Worf approaching them. Directing his words at Picard, the Klingon said, "Sir, it is good to have you back. May you live again with honor."

Picard nodded almost unnoticeably before giving in to his fatigue.

Worf turned toward Riker and they stepped a few feet away from their former captain to talk in hushed tones. "Captain, a few of the regenerated officers have shown hostile tendencies. It was even necessary to restrain two of them in a stasis unit. One, a young female Bajoran, inflicted injuries on herself. Recommend that we double security in sickbay."

Riker glanced around the room although he had already determined his answer. "Agreed. Maintain around the clock security of this area until further notice."

"Aye sir." Worf did not leave as the captain had expected him to. "One more thing, sir. I know this is a difficult situation, but Deanna. . . ."

"I do understand, Worf. As soon as we've taken the Stargazer personnel to Starbase nineteen, we'll request permission to travel to Betazed."

"Thank you, sir." With a nod, he walked away to perform his duties.

Data to Captain," came the android over the commlink.

"Go ahead," Riker replied as a young ensign nearby began screaming.

"Sir, Captain Quain is insisting that you allow his away team to beam over now."

"Thank you, Mr. Data. I believe we're ready for their assistance."

It was then that Riker noticed a woman sitting on a biobed in the far corner, her legs tucked underneath her. She wasn't moving, didn't even seem to be aware of her surroundings. "Beverly," he uttered just above a whisper.

A few minutes later, Quain and four of his officers, accompanied by an Enterprise security officer, joined Riker in the sickbay.

"Greetings," Quain said with a nod.

"I'll admit it, Captain," Riker said, holding his arms out to indicate all the chaos. "You were right. We do need your help! As you can see, their reaction is pretty intense."

Quain's expression conveyed no surprise. "Actually, I've seen much worse. I don't mean to belittle your concern, Captain Riker. I just want to reassure you that we Akodians have been dealing with regeneration patients for many pelvars. I think my team can handle this. You should return to your bridge now, Captain Riker." Quain offered him a smile. "I'm sure you will be more comfortable there."

Not knowing how to respond, Riker simply sighed. As he walked passed the Akodian captain, he patted the man on the shoulder and said, "Be gentle with them."

***

For the first time since he accepted command of his own ship, Riker did not feel comfortable sitting in the captain's chair. He wanted to be in sickbay with Picard and Dr. Crusher! Rationally, he knew that he had no expertise in how to help them through their anguish and yet he needed to be with them.

Around him, the entire bridge crew seemed both aware of his need and to share a growing anxiety. Beside the captain, Commander Data was trying to keep busy by reviewing Starfleet updates from the past week. Busy work for an android, Riker realized. That's all any of them were doing right now on the bridge.

"Dr. Selar to Captain Riker."

"Riker here."

"Captain, something has happened that warrants your attention immediately."

"I'm on my way," he replied excitedly. At least now he had something to do besides sit and wait.

On his way to sickbay, he wondered--and worried--about the emergency. Were the Stargazer crew members proving too difficult even for the Akodians?

When he arrived, to his relief, the situation in sickbay was not nearly as chaotic. Dr. Selar met him halfway inside.

"Captain, one of the Akodians, Medic Parkin, is with a young Bajoran, Ensign Tuck Janis, at the moment. Ensign Tuck claims to have had visions during the time she was deceased."

"What? But that's impossible! The Akodians assured us that memories during that time were impossible."

"Nonetheless, she speaks of them. The logical conclusion would be to assume that the Akodians have not yet realized the limitations of their own technology."

"Where is this Ensign Tuck now?"

"In my private office."

Riker stepped around the doctor to enter her office just in time to hear the ensign exclaim, "Take me back! You have to take me back!"

The female Akodian doctor tried to calm the confused young woman with a pat on the arm, but the ensign pushed her away. As she caught her balance, Medic Parkin noticed that Captain Riker had entered the room. After straightening her uniform, the doctor stepped toward the captain.

"Greetings!" she said. "I am relieved that you could make it down her so quickly."

Before Riker could respond, Ensign Tuck picked up her ranting. "There was a light. . .a beautiful light. In the name of the Prophets, you have to let me go back there!"

"Ensign Tuck," Riker said, approaching her.

"You don't believe me! You're thinking it's impossible!"

"Janis, I understand how confused you must feel right now. In time, hopefully you will understand what has happened to you and why we decided to bring you back."

"I don't want to be here," she told him with conviction.

"Janis, the bright light you saw--it was a wormhole collapsing around your ship. I understand how terribly frightened you must have felt."

The ensign began shaking her head wildly. "No, no! That isn't true! It was too beautiful. Their were birds singing so sweetly. The breeze felt so warm and gentle on my face." She brought her hands toward her face and smiled as though she were feeling the breeze now.

"Do you know where you were?" Riker asked, deciding to play along.

"Heaven, of course," she responded. "It was the afterworld the Prophets built for us. What else could be so beautiful? This ship, the stars, the planets that we visit--they're nothing compared to what Heaven has to offer. I need to go back there." Tuck cried out. "Please, Captain!"

"I wish I could help you, Ensign. I will talk with the Akodians, the aliens who brought you back to our dimension, and find out what they can do to help you." Riker wasn't completely sure if she understood, but she nodded. He turned toward the Akodian doctor and in a whisper said, "I think we need to discuss this outside of Ensign Tuck's presence."

"That would probably be best," Parken agreed. "Why don't we take this discussion to your private office."

"How about the conference lounge room instead?" Riker decided he didn't want the Akodians inside his ready room. They hadn't done anything yet to prove themselves untrustworthy, but he realized he couldn't be too cautious when dealing with new races.

"That will be just fine."

Once they had settled into the conference lounge room several minutes later. Riker began, "You said that none of your regenerated patients ever spoke of seeing anything during the time they were. . ."

"Dead, Captain."

"Yes, dead. It's a little difficult for me to think of them that way," he admitted. "Are you completely certain that no regenerated patient ever had visions before?"

"Yes, Captain. As part of my medical training, I had to study every case of regeneration. I am well versed on the subject. Most of them remember the moment of death, and then, to them at least, their moment of rebirth is instantaneous. That's why they feel such a strong displacement. Imagine that in one moment you are alone or within a small group and then suddenly hundreds are bustling around you, trying to help you."

"Why not leave them be for a while? Give them time to adjust?"

"We can't do that for medical reasons. Your chief medical officer reported that twelve percent of the Stargazer's crew were in need of immediate medical treatment. Without it, they would have died. Regeneration cannot be performed a second time. Unfortunately, that is an average occurrence."

"But Ensign Tuck's memories are not a normal occurrence. How do we explain that? Is there some physiological difference between our races that precipitates such memories? I find that hard to believe. I've always thought that we left our corporeal beings behind when we crossed over. I guess that's one question that will be left unanswered until we die. Do your people believe in an afterlife? In God?"

"Oh yes," Parken exclaimed with a smile. "You are probably wondering why then we feel the need to regenerate so many of our dead. We have never claimed to be a logical race."

"Neither are we humans," Riker admitted. After a moment, he asked, "So what should we do to help Ensign Tuck?"

"My people will help you counsel her. It will take a long time, possibly months, before she learns to accept what has happened to her. You cannot expect an immediate recovery."

The captain nodded as he wondered how many others were as bad off as Ensign Tuck. Had they really done the right thing by bringing them back to the dimension of the living?