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"It would have been nice if I'd been informed that I was taking a trip to the Delta Quadrant," Grandma says. My parents have just informed her of our imminent mission. They waited until after dinner at which time there was no way around dealing with Grandma's protestations.
"Mother, it's a little difficult to inform you of anything when you show up without warning," Mother responds. "We will be staying in the Delta Quadrant for at least a month. You will just have to settle aboard the Enterprise for the duration. Betazed is in the opposite direction of our travel plans." I'm amazed by how eager she seems, given the Akodian technology's effect on her. She must take a drug called gerrapiam regularly in order to counter the emotional effects.
Father growls at the thought of having his Mother-in-law around for several weeks and mumbles something about putting up with her meddling.
"A Grandma has the right to spend time with her grandchildren."
"As long as it doesn't interfere with their schooling," Mother counters. "Eric may still only be in daycare, but he needs to spend time with other children."
This reminds everyone of my situation. I do not want to give Father the chance to reinforce my need to make friends my own age. "But there still will be plenty of time to spend together since you will be staying for so long. People are gathering in Ten-Forward to watch the pocket expand. You will join us, won't you, Grandma?"
"Of course, dear." Grandma smiles at me sweetly. She then turns back toward Mother and adds, "If I must remain here for the duration, then I'm not going to miss out on all the pleasures of being a grandparent."
"I'm not going to take away your grandmotherly privileges, Mother, and neither is Worf. But we all must abide by limits. You may join us in Ten-Forward tonight."
I have never seen Ten-Forward this crowded! All the seats are taken and at least as many more people are left standing. Not minding at all, I insinuate myself through the crowd toward the large viewwindow. My parents head in another direction to talk with some friends. Eric tries to follow me, but Mother clutches his hand, insisting that he is too young to wander off. He begins to throw a fit. What a baby! I think, trying to place lots of distance between us.
Although I know I shouldn't, I feel possessive of the wormhole. Perhaps it is effecting me in a far greater way than it ever did Mother.
Grandma Lwaxana comes to stand beside me. "My, isn't it beautiful?" she asks.
I know it is her first encounter with one of the pockets, and so I assume she doesn't completely understand how they work. "Grandma, did you know that when a starship enters a pocket before it can reach the other side, it must first travel through a larger wormhole that serves as a bridge?"
"Really? This alien technology seems more and more complicated."
"Yes, there are now three of the large Akodian wormholes in existence to channel the traffic from all the pocket wormholes."
"Then answer this: How does one prevent any collisions from occurring in these giant wormholes?
Do they have some way of monitoring when the individual pockets are being accessed?"
"Each pocket is built with a detector system that scans the passageways and automatically adjusts the ship's velocity."
"My, what an educated little girl you are."
"That is how Data explained it to me. The decrease in speed is so minimal that no one realizes it--unless you're an android." I wish Data could be here now, but as first officer, his place is on the bridge during this crucial moment. "Do you like Data, Grandma?"
"Well, I've never disliked him."
I sense the implication that she had disliked others, perhaps Father among them. "Do you still not like my Father?"
"Oh dear...."
Our conversation is interrupted by the sudden rush of the warp engines. All conversation stops as the crowd watches the pocket open up and swallow the Enterprise. For a few seconds, I feel as though I am almost becoming one with the wormhole and then suddenly we are on the other side at a point near the Alpha/Delta Quadrant border.
The chatter begins anew as everyone discusses the thrilling journey. Although I share their excitement, I know that the real journey has only begun. For there is much out there, and I am as eager as any Starfleet officer to explore it.
Grandma clutches at her stomach, and says, "I must say that that was quite an exhilarating experience."
"Maybe you are glad now that you came along for the ride?"
Smiling, Grandma takes my hand into hers.
We spend two weeks on the quadrant border, adding to the data we received from the Akodians. When Captain Riker announces we are heading for the next pocket wormhole, another gathering is planned in Ten-Forward.
Three hours later, we reach the second pocket and travel through it. Not as many people show up in Ten-Forward this time to view it. We spend only a few days in the second area, almost 20,000 light years inside the Delta Quadrant.
By the time we encounter the third pocket, Ten-Forward is almost empty. However, I remain present and am pleased that Data is able to come for the last wormhole.
"It still seems so amazing," he says as he joins me at the table nearest the viewwindow. "A few years ago, we had just succeeded at mapping twenty percent of the galaxy.....and now, we can have it all with this marvelous technology."
"Do you think we'll be exploring other galaxies in my lifetime?"
"While it is difficult to speculate on future events, I would be surprised if that did not occur."
I feel equally optimistic. Is there no end to the humanoid desire to explore? When will we be satisfied? I wish I knew the answer, but I have come to realize that the puzzle is far more encompassing than discovering who I am.
"However Shannara," Data continues, "do not look so much to the future that you forget about your present."
I think about this for a long moment before replying. "The present is pretty exciting, isn't it?"
As if collaborating with our agreement, the third pocket suddenly looms before us, opening its giant mouth to send us deeper into the Delta Quadrant.
"Now it will only be a matter of minutes before we arrive at the next m-class planet," Data informs me. "Since there is no sentient life, according to the Akodian logs, we will be able to send an away team. Would you care to join us?"
On the away mission? I am speechless. Surely he doesn't mean it! "But I'm only a child. We're not allowed to go on away missions."
"Normally so. But this is a special occasion. You helped get us here, and Captain Riker has granted you permission. Your parents have as well."
"I won't let them down! Does this mean I get my own tricorder? Can I collect samples? Will I--"
Data chuckles. "Slow down, Shannara. We have several activities planned for you on the planet's surface. You will not be bored. You are to join the away team in Transporter Room 3 in one hour."
"Oh! Then I have to get ready!" Quickly, I jump out of my chair and rush out of Ten-Forward. Nearing my quarters, I suddenly wonder why I'm in a hurry. What exactly will I need to prepare for this mission? I'm already dressed in suitable clothes. A tricorder and commbadge will be provided for me at the start of the away mission. Slowing my stride, I think about how this mission will effect my life. I've always dreamed of being planetside! Now I have the chance to venture off the starship that has always been my home.
When I step inside our quarters are empty. Father is on bridge duty and Mother is probably in a counseling meeting. Although disappointed that I can't discuss my first away mission with them before I leave, I'm relieved to not have to deal with Eric's meddling.
So what exactly am I going to do during this hour? I ask myself. Stepping into the bathroom, I study my appearance in the mirror. My long, curly hair now flows all the way down my back. It may get in my way while I explore the planet's surface. As I run my fingers through the strands and roll it up, I imagine my appearance with several different hairstyles. Wearing a bun, I will look older. No. Looking older will not change how the officers treat me. I should choose a hairstyle that offers the most comfort while not interfering with my duties. "Duties," I mutter, loving the sound of the word.
Thirty minutes later after attempting several styles, I settle on a simple braid. No need to overdo it, I tell myself, realizing I've been too jittery.
Still thirty minutes to wait.
As I step out into the living area, I find Mother straightening up and am relieved that Eric is not with her. Turning to smile at me, she says, "I have been discussing the away mission with Captain Riker."
"He hasn't changed his mind, has he?" I ask, approaching her.
"No. Don't worry, Sunshine." She reaches out to tug gently at my braid and nods approvingly. "We have every confidence in your ability to handle this responsibility." She walks over to the table where I now notice a small wrapped package, and have this sudden panicky feeling that it is a farewell gift. What has put that idea into my head? And why am I afraid? "I'm probably being a bit melodramatic, but I don't feel right sending my only daughter off without some type of memento. You'll probably think your old Mother is being silly."
"I don't think you're so old," I reply, accepting the gift. I say nothing of disagreeing about her silly nature and we share a warm, hearty laugh.
"Open it!" she insists.
So I turn my attention to the package, carefully undoing the ribbon. Why I take my time, I'm not sure. I guess, I want to savor this moment, because I don't often feel this close to Mother. She loves me and I love her, but we are usually so caught up in the normal routine of life that we seldom take the time out to appreciate our special bond. The wrapping paper falls to the floor and just as I'm about to remove the lid from the box, I look up at Mother. "I love you," I say, unable to stop a single tear from rolling down my cheek. "Thank you, Mommy."
I lift the lid to discover a small pin inside. It is silver with tiny little flower prints. "Oh it's beautiful!" I
exclaim .
"It's also a commbadge," Mother tells me, picking up the pin and helping me attach it to my shirt. "I thought you might like this better than a standard Starfleet commbadge."
" I'll use it to contact you on the planet surface and let you know how I'm doing." I hope this promise will help ease the tension I sense coming from her. She smiles and wraps her arms around me. "I won't be gone long."
"I know, sunshine." She pats me on the shoulders. "I hope you're part of a great discovery on your first mission."
Whatever happens down there, I want to prove myself worthy. This can't be the only planet I visit between now and my ever far away adulthood. "Is it too early to go to the transporter room?" I ask.
"Are we a bit anxious?" Mother counters. She chuckles. "It's all right I'd like to accompany you. And say goodbye to your father."
"He's coming too!"
"Of course. As ship's second officer, you know that your father participates in most away missions. Does that make you nervous?"
I bite at my lower lip. "Well..... I have to follow his direct orders as his daughter whether on duty or off."
Letting out a hardy laugh, Mother grasps my hand and leads me out of our quarters.
We are the first to arrive in Transporter Room 2, but the others follow close behind. Father's carrying a duffle bag and a back pack. He hands the back pack to me. "This has all the supplies you will need," he tells me.
"Thank you Father," I respond wrapping the back pack over my shoulder.
"While we are on a mission, you are to refer to me as commander or sir." I am stunned by this order. "We must abide by Starfleet protocol."
"Worf, don't you think you're being a little strict?" Mother asks, stepping closer to him.
"If she is to be treated as an equal member of this away team, she will need to behave as such."
"It's okay," I speak up. "I will follow your every order, sir."
"Good," Data says, stepping up to us. "Now that the formalities are out of the way, let us begin." He walks past us and steps onto the transporter pad.
Without hesitating or waiting for the other members, I take my place beside the android commander. I am followed by the other two members of our away team, Ensign Webster of geology and Lieutenant Bloom an archaeologist. Father lingers behind to offer Mother a brief, but affectionate kiss.
*****
Once on the planet's surface, I mimic the other away team members by removing the tricorder from my backpack and scanning the area. I am grateful Data insisted that I learn how to use one for my science projects rather than relying solely on the ship's computer. Tricorders are rather elementary to use.
Venturing a short distance away from the team, I wander into a basin. I scan the rocky cliff and discover a cavern underneath. Removing some of the lighter rocks, I attempt to make an opening for me to crawl through. As I slip through the small hole, I consider whether I should have told Commander Data or Father where I'm going. This thought does not slow me down. I don't know what I'll find inside this cave, but I am filled with an overwhelming need to discover it ahead of the others. Am I experiencing some sort of psychic vibe? Groping inside my backpack, I find a flashlight and switch it on. The cave is about seven meters high and twenty meters across. Again, I activate the tricorder. To my amazement, the tricorder picks up a Starfleet signature ahead, and I move inward to investigate. The reading is coming from underneath a bed of rocks. Removing the rocks, I am shocked to uncover several familiar objects: a tricorder, a commbadge, a phaser rifle, a gold Starfleet uniform with lieutenant's pips on the collar. Who had they belonged to? And more importantly, how did they get here?
"Shannara!" I hear Father calling out to me. His footsteps draw closer.
"I'm in here Fa....commander," I say, stepping toward the mouth of the cave, phaser still in hand. He appears before me, and I hand the weapon up to him. "I found this behind some rocks."
Growing wide eyed, Father hands the weapon over to Commander Data as the android joins him. The android flips the weapon so he can read the numbers on the bottom. "This particular series was only issued to one Federation ship," he said. He looked directly at my Father as though the news would be shocking to him. "Voyager."
"But wasn't Voyager declared lost in battle several years ago?" Father asks.
"Indeed. Apparently, they were not."
"Did you have friends aboard the Voyager?" I ask of them.
Both commanders turn toward me. "I did not know any of them personally," Father answers. "But Voyager's was a great loss to all of Starfleet. They were chasing after a Maquis cruiser in the Badlands when both ships mysteriously disappeared." He turns toward Data. "Have you not taught her about the Maquis?"
Data tilts his head slightly. "Perhaps that is a good topic for our next history lesson."
With a nod, Father taps his commbadge. "Commander Worf to the Enterprise."
"Riker here."
Father beams with pride. So rarely do I see him smile that it is a pleasantly contagious surprise. "Shannara has made a great discovery," he informs the captain. "Apparently, we are not the first from the Alpha Quadrant to visit this planet. Personal items from the U.S.S. Voyager were left in a small cave only meters from our beam down location."
As Father and Data help me out of the cave, I think about how fate brought us here, thousands of light years away from home on a random planet at a place where a lost crew once stood. It would only be more unbelievable if they were still here.
"Prepare to beam up the personal effects," Riker orders. "Then continue scanning the area for more clues. There has to be a reason the effects were left behind. We'll scan for recent ion warp trails to determine which direction they were heading."
"Toward home," I mutter. It seems such a logical conclusion to me. All my life, I have dreamed of having a home that was not on a starship. If the desire is that strong inside me, I can imagine how intense it would be thousands of light years away from anything familiar. "They're heading toward Earth."
"Shannara, I want you to beam back aboard the Enterprise," Data orders me.
"Why?" I ask even though I realize it is unbecoming of an officer to question a commander's order.
As he responds, he hands the weapon back to me. "I want you to assist lieutenant DeKanter in determining the most logical route taken by Voyager. An ion warp trail will only reveal so much and you have proven an uncanny ability to project courses."
"Aye sir," I reply, not trying to hide disappointment. My time on this world was short, and I am reluctant to see the dream fade away.
Nonetheless, when I return to the ship, I plunge enthusiastically into the task of helping DeKanter solve the mystery. Where in the Delta Quadrant is Voyager? Scans of the next several light years of space indicate a highly ionized region in one direction, while another is sparse of m-class planets.
"They would want to go in this direction," I say, pointing at the star map. "There are several habitable planets along that path. Voyager's crew would have chosen the path most likely to provide them with necessary supplies. There is another pocket wormhole leading into the Alpha Quadrant only twelve- point-five light years ahead in that direction. It will take them within days of reaching Earth."
"Yes, but you are forgetting Voyager's crew will have no way of detecting that the pocket is capable of expanding to let them through. We must intercept their course if we hope to direct them back to the Alpha Quadrant."
"That could be an interesting challenge. If they are traveling at maximum warp, how do we catch up with them?" I study the star map and wonder if there is anyway to jump from wormhole to wormhole, back and forth between the quadrants to make this feat possible.
The door to Stellar Cartography swishes open and the captain enters. "How's it going?" he asks.
"We have determined with near certainty the path Voyager took, sir," DeKanter responds.
"Captain, is there anyway for us to discover how long ago Voyager was here?" I ask.
"Actually Shannara, have you ever heard of an ion warp trail?"
I nod my head. "I know a little, but please explain it to me."
"Every ship leaves behind an ion warp trail as it burns up fuel. Fortunately, Voyager was here recent enough for their ion trail to not have completely dissipated. From that, we were able to extrapolate that Voyager had been in this area anywhere from two to three weeks ago."
How far could Voyager have gotten in that amount of time? I try to figure this out inside my head. By now, Voyager could be more than fifty light years away.
"Lieutenant," the captain says, "prepare an intercept course based on that assumption and send out a subspace message to Voyager alerting them of our presence. When you're finished, hand your report over to Lieutenant Berlitz."
"Aye sir," DeKanter responds.
I look toward Riker expectantly, holding my breath. I wonder if he will grant me permission to assist. He fixes me with a knowing smile. "Shannara, your parents probably have dinner waiting for you." I stare back at him with utter disappointment. "But I'm sure they won't mind if you keep them waiting for just a little bit--"
"Thank you, sir!" I say and immediately turn to the task.
Nearly an hour later, DeKanter delivers our proposed flight plan to lieutenant Berlitz. Upon her approval, it is then presented to the captain, who orders his bridge crew to follow the course at maximum warp.
*****
As I eat dinner with my family, I gaze out our viewwindow and wonder how the Voyager crew will react when encountering their first Federation vessel in several years.
The Enterprise crew receives their own surprise when we encounter Voyager not more than a million kilometers from the pocket wormhole. It is almost as though they are waiting expectantly for us. As I watch the other Federation ship, I wish I could be on the bridge listening to the conversation I know Riker is now having with Voyager's captain. Who is responsible for this fortuitous encounter? Q? And will Voyager have answers for us?
