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They tell me that I can't go to school until they figure out how Tammy disappeared. They are afraid that another child will vanish if I am to have contact with them. I'm afraid. Very afraid. Mommy has canceled all her appointments for the week and is staying with me.

I'm in my bedroom and don't want to come out. I don't want to talk with anyone; be with anyone. I might hurt them. I don't want to hurt anyone!

Trying to play with my dolls, I cannot relax. At the moment, I feel lifeless as them. If only I could escape from the disaster I have created. If only I could find a way to undo it. . .

"Ask and ye wish shall be granted," a male voice startles me away from my thoughts.

I turn to see a strange man in a robe. I scream. One beat, two. Why isn't Mommy rushing into my room to rescue me?

"Your Mommy can't hear you," he tells me. "I've surrounded your room with a sound barrier."

I don't understand why he is doing this to me. Is he my punisher? Does Mommy know that he has come here? Or can Mommy really not help me? "Wh-who are you?" I ask through heavy breaths.

"Do not be frightened of me, Shannara. I have not come to harm you. Oh my child, my task here is quite irrefutably the opposite. I am your guardian angel. I have come to offer you my wisdom."

He's lying! If he were telling the truth, he wouldn't keep me from Mommy! I dart behind the bed, although I know it won't protect me and clutch at my doll. "No you're not! I want my Mommy!"

The man smiles at me. "I'm here to provide my services so you may not stray from the path I have chosen for you. I've been watching over you since the day you were born. Now it is time to cut the ties that bind you to this lowly existence. You are ready for extreme possibilities. A Magic pencil is only the tip of what I have to offer you."

"Go away!"

"That only works on holograms and little girls. Perhaps a change of scenery will placate you." He snaps his fingers and suddenly we are standing in a darkened meadow. "This is a quiet place I like to go," he explains, but I will have none of it. I scream again and again, searching for a way back into my room. There must be a doorway somewhere.

"Well, not so quiet today. There is nothing that can harm you here, my dear child. If you would just stop . . . .and listen."

I am still not certain I can trust this man, but somehow my curiosity wins, and I obey his demand. I hear nothing, see nothing. What point is he trying to make? "Where are we? Are we in another dimension?"

"Score one point for you."

He's playing a game with me, I realize. If this entity thinks kidnapping is fun, what will he try next? I felt so invincible when I held the same power over Tammy. Now I feel like a little nanite being programmed to perform whatever task this entity wishes.

"Do you like the feel of rain?" he asks.

Why is he asking such a ridiculous question? I've never felt rain. The two planet vacations I have taken provided dry, sunny weather. I assume rain is much like taking a shower. When a light drizzle begins to fall cold against my face, my hands I, gasp at the unexpected sensation. I've never taken a cold shower.

"Many young mortals enjoy playing in it. Imagine!" He chuckles. "Do you enjoy the rain, Shannara?"

"Oh yes!" I exclaim. I try to catch some of the rain in my hands. Quite impossible, but the water tickles my palms.

"Perhaps you would find snow more fascinating."

I shiver with excitement as the rain freezes and forms into flakes. I rub at my arms. I am too use to the climate controls of the Enterprise. Mrs. Dewberry tells us that long ago people could neither control nor predict the weather. They had to plan the way they dressed, the trips they took and even the food they ate around weather conditions. Until now, I had not realized how little of me my blouse and skirt covered.

"Stick out your tongue and catch the snowflakes, Shannara."

I laugh at the silliness of his suggestion as I dart my tongue between my teeth anyway. "They're melting in my mouth," I say with a giggle as I dance around with my dolly, still tasting the snow.

"I can show you how to dance among the stars. . . . .to travel anywhere in the universe in a blink of an eye. You don't have to settle for this meager existence, trapped on a starship."

Blinking my eyes several times to see straight, I walk toward my so-called guardian angel. He doesn't mean me any harm, I decide. Why would he share such a pleasure with me otherwise? "My parents never let me go anywhere. They go on away missions, and they make me stay with a babysitter. You would take me anywhere?" Why am I asking him this? Am I really considering the possibility?

With a flick of his wrist, the snow disappears. "Absolutely anywhere."

"They won't let me go to school anymore," I tell him. Why am I beginning to trust him?

"You should be delighted. I know how you despise school."

"But a girl vanished because of me!"

He clutches at his chest in mock concern. "Oh the poor dear you sent into oblivion--the one who taunted you, bullied you. Due cause was carried out; your actions were justified. And now you are feeling guilty?"

"Stop it! Two wrongs don't make a right. I'm more a bully than she ever was." Admitting this doesn't make me feel better. It does not bring Tammy back. I deserve all the trouble I've caused back onto me.

"Did your Mommy bestow such righteous morals upon you?" He leans toward me, so to whisper into her ear. "You can bring her back, you know."

"How?"

"I've given you that ability."

"I don't want it!" I shake my head. My stomach is doing flip-flops. What if he doesn't take this power back? What if I cannot learn to control it? "Why did you let me send Tammy away? Why did you give me that power and not show me how to use it?"

"My dear child, the best discoveries come through experimentation. Besides, the little parasite was annoying you. She had it coming, and I must say, she is in the most appropriate place for one so obnoxious. We've done her a favor, you and I, by offering her a metaphorical corner to sit in and contemplate the lesson to be learned."

I shake my head again. "I shouldn't be the one to punish her. She has parents. That's their job. I get into enough trouble without your help!"

"Tsk. Tsk. Snap your fingers, then, and bring her back."

I don't believe in this power he says I have, but raise my hand anyway and attempt to snap my fingers. A poor attempt, I am sure. Yet Instantly, we return to my bedroom.

"She's back," the entity says with a silly grin.

"Just like that? Is it really that simple?"

He chuckles. "You are racking up the points. I knew you had it in you."

"Who are you?"

"Questions. Questions. My dear, sweet child, the answers you seek will come in due time."

I am getting tired of his riddles. Why can't he give me straight answers? "When you first came, you said you would grant my wish. So why do you refuse to tell me who you are?"

He sits on the edge of my bed as though I've invited him. "Why waste time with trivial introductions? What you want--what I can offer you should be the focus of our attention. Do you understand?"

"I think so. You want to teach me."

"Oh, you do live up to my expectations. Brilliant, brilliant. Such a high IQ, and I, Q, will help bring it to a fold."

"Q," I say, thinking over how absurdly simple it is for one so complex. "So that is your name."

The entity pats at my bed. He wants me to sit down beside him. I'm not ready to give him that satisfaction. "Ding ding. That wins you ten bonus points. Lesson one has ended. It is time to move on to the next level. I can show you what lies beyond your wildest imagination. I can enlighten your mind with the secrets of the universe. I only ask that you sever your ties to this mundane existence."

"For how long?"

"For eternity, of course. I am to become your father."

"I already have a father!" I bare my teeth at Q. He has gone too far! "I don't want to play this game any longer!"

"Shannara, your complexities challenge the very existence of your people. You are the very thread that holds this universe together. You handle the power of the Q without guidance, you solve mind puzzles with only the simplest of hints, and yet you do not accept that I am responsible for your life."

Turning away from Q, I scream, "You are not my creator!"

When I decide to face him again, he has vanished. Standing in the doorway, Mother asks, "Who are you talking to, Sunshine?"

"This man came into my room," I tell her. "He just popped in and said that he was my guardian angel." I can sense that Mommy doubts my story. "It's true! He told me I had the ability to bring Tammy back, and when I snapped my fingers, he told me she was back."

"Let's sit down on your bed," Mommy says, gesturing. After we are situated, she continues. "I know you feel bad about Tammy disappearing. But making up stories will not help bring her back. Commanders Data and La Forge are still investigating the holodeck for any malfunctions. I don't see how you can be responsible."

"B--but," I stammer.

Before I can manage to voice my confusion, we are interrupted by the captain over the comm system.

"Riker to Counselor Troi."

"Troi here," Mommy says, tapping her commbadge.

"I don't know how, but Tammy Reeve reappeared in the living area of her quarters not more than a few minutes ago. We cannot explain how she reappeared anymore than how she disappeared."

"I brought her back," I insist.

Mommy looks at me and I can sense that she is considering the possibility.

"Are you with Shannara?" the captain asks.

"Yes," Mommy replies. "She was telling me that a strange man helped her bring Tammy back right before you paged me."

"A strange man?"

"And he had a funny name, too," I tell them. "He made me answer a riddle to figure it out. Just one letter, Q!"

Suddenly, I sense fear in Mommy. Does she already know Q? Why is she so afraid of him? Q had seemed friendly to me. His games were a bit annoying, but he did help me bring Tammy back.

"I think both of you had better meet Worf and I in the conference room immediately. Riker out."

*****

"When Q popped into your room, did he tell you why he came to see you?" Captain Riker asks of me.

I squirm in the large conference chair. Glancing at my Father before answering, I look to him for the strength I cannot find in myself. My Father is mumbling words of disgust. What happened between him and Q to make Father hate Q?

"Q told me he was my guardian angel."

"Did he tell you why he considers himself your guardian angel?"

I remember Q's exact words, though I'm not sure I completely understand them. "He said he wanted to provide me with his services, so I wouldn't stray from the path he has chosen for me."

This sends Father in an uproar as he pounds his fist fiercely against the table. "How do we protect her from someone who can pop up any time he feels like it?!"

"You know as well as the rest of us, Worf," the captain begins, "that while Q is rude and obnoxious, he always plays a benevolent game."

I turn toward Mommy for understanding. She squeezes my arm and whispers, "He won't cause you any harm."

"Why must he play games with my daughter?!"

"Maybe it's a birthday present," I offer. I sense the tension in the room lightening as everyone turns toward me. "Well, I like games, too."

"Q's games are not like the games you play with other children, Sunshine."

"Do you think he'll visit me again? Is that why we're here?"

"From his past behavior," Riker says, "I'm afraid we can count on it. I don't want to frighten you, Shannara. Q enjoys causing trouble, but he's never hurt anyone."

"We never know for sure with Q," Mommy says. "He'll pop in a time or two and then he'll lose interest."

I really don't understand their concern. Games are fun. I think I rather like the idea of this Q person popping up again. Maybe I won't tell the adults the next time he does. The adults continue talking among themselves, working out a strategy, but with my mind made up, I get up and walk away from the table to the corner of the room. I study the starship models in Captain Riker's case and wonder what it would be like looking down at real starships this way.

*****

Now that Tammy has returned I expect Mommy to let me go to school. Yet when I wake up the following morning, it is passed time for school to start.. I step out into the living area to find Eric in his playpen, tossing blocks around. As I climb into the pen to sit beside him, I ask, "Eric, where's Mommy?"

"Block," he says, handing one to me.

With a sigh, I accept the piece of wood and help Eric stack the blocks. First I place the smallest one on the pen's floor and then carefully center the next size. I'm not sure why I feel the desire to stack the blocks backward, but am sure I will succeed as long as Eric does not knock them over. He watches, mesmerized, as I place one of each of the five block sizes from smallest to biggest into a tower. When I am finished, he picks up another small block and offers it to me. As I continue forming these block towers, I wonder if this is the sort of game Q would have me play.

I nearly complete my third block tower when Mommy enters the room from her bedroom. She shortens the gap between us, then stops halfway. Our eyes lock. I hold my breath, the large block dropping from my hand. Have I done something wrong? I sense something close to bewilderment coming from Mommy. What is she thinking?

"Shannara, I've been talking with Mrs. Dewberry," she finally says.

"Do I get to go back to school?"

Mommy steps up to me and eyeing my towers, replies, "She wants you to take a test."

I lift my hand and with one big swing, destroy the towers. Eric begins to cry. Mommy is near tears herself. What have I done wrong now?

*****

"Shannara, how are you feeling?" Mrs. Dewberry asks as we sit down at a table in one corner of the classroom. We are alone. The other children were all dismissed early. I do not understand why. Are they still afraid I might harm one of them?

"I'm feeling fine," I respond. "I just want to come back to school. I want to be with the other children."

"I'm sure you do, and I promise you that you'll be able to very soon."

I can sense that she hopes she is telling me the truth, but that she is uncertain. "Why am I here? I don't want to take a test!"

"Captain Riker believes it is necessary. If you like, you can think of it as a game."

I'm puzzled. Why does Captain Riker care whether I take a test or not? "What kind of game?" I ask aloud.

"Well, actually, I have a few different games I'd like to play with you. Let's start with a word puzzle. I will say a word and you answer with the first word that pops into your head. Would you like to try it?"

I shrug. "Okay."

"All right. Space."

"Thoughts," I respond. Other kids might have said stars or planets, but space reminds me of the countless times I have spent looking out my viewwindow just thinking, dreaming, and wondering what it would be like if my life were different.

My teacher jots this down on her data padd without comment, though I can sense she is a little confused. "Targ."

I think about how Alexander feels about his pet Targ, how it offered him companionship while he spent time away from his family. Then I think about my friend Hope and how the pictures I drew of her pet helped take away some of her pain. "Comfort."

"Comfort?" Mrs. Dewberry questions.

"A targ is a pet," I say, fumbling with my hands. "It offers you companionship when you're alone and comfort when you're sad."

She nods, satisfied and writes for a minute onto her data padd. "And what do you think of when you hear the word holodeck?"

"The end." Mrs. Dewberry's puzzled look sends me stammering into further explanation. "It's wh--where worlds can be, be created and then poof--" I wave my arms wildly. "--they can disappear as though they've melted into the grid walls."

"It reminds you of Tammy disappearing?"

Why did she have to go and remind me about that? "I don't want to play this game anymore!"

"All right." Mrs. Dewberry sets her data padd on the table. "Would you like to look at pictures on my monitor?"

"Of what?"

"All sorts of things. The only condition is that you must wear a hat." I watch curiously as Mrs. Dewberry walks over to a closet and removes some sort of head gear. "This device will record your brain activity while you watch a series of images. Later, Dr. Selar will examine the recording and offer her findings."

"Why? Am I sick?"

"No, dear, you're not sick. However, we have reason to believe that your mind is wasting away in this classroom."

"My brain is rotting!" I imagine my head filled with the mush Mother sometimes serves for breakfast. Now I know why Mommy won't let me return to school.

"No, no. I'm sorry I frightened you," my teacher replies, patting me on the arm. "Your parents and Captain Riker have asked me to test you to see if you possess any special abilities."

I feel so silly. Why did I jump to the wrong conclusion? I wonder what sort of special abilities they suspect. I have. I know my ability to sense emotions in people is unusual for someone my age, but they wouldn't need to test me for that. "They're doing this because of Q, aren't they? He said he is my guardian angel and that he wants to take me away from this mundane existence."

"Do you know what mundane means, Shannara?"

I shrug. "It must mean that he thinks my world is pretty boring." I look around the room. "I can't find a reason to disagree with him. I don't want to go with him, though!"

"Is it possible that you feel this way, because you don't feel challenged?"

I take a moment before answering. "I think a lot about who I am and who I want to be, and I never really come up with an answer. I find that a challenge."

"That's normal, Shannara. Many children of all races are confused about themselves and what they want out of life."

"Yeah, I guess so. I just find school so boring."

"Some kids do, but you have to learn all that boring stuff before you can move on to more interesting subjects. Engineers could not do their jobs without physics and calculus and even more basic than that without math and reading, and science. Before your mother could earn her degree in psychology, she had to learn the same subjects I'm teaching you now. Your grades are adequate, Shannara, but I have a feeling that you're not applying yourself to your fullest potential." Mrs. Dewberry holds the head gear up toward me. "Now what do you say you put this hat on, and I'll show you these images?"

I nod my consent, and my teacher helps me get the device over my head properly. She then leads me toward her desk where she activates her monitor. "You can sit in my chair, dear."

Over the next several minutes, I watch thousands and thousands of images blink across the monitor. I don't understand the significance in my watching them. Each picture is followed by another that appears to have no connection with it. I feel so stupid staring at these images like a zombie. Unable to resist the mesmerizing brilliance of each picture as it flashes by, I continue to play this game."

Finally, Mrs. Dewberry deactivates the program and removes the head gear.

Looking up at her, I ask, "Anymore games?"

"Just one, a counting game. I will instruct you only once. The game will continue until you commit your first error."

"Okay."

"You are to start from one thousand and counting backwards, you are to continue subtracting one more number than the time before. Do you understand well enough to even attempt it?"

"Yes," I reply, unable to hide my annoyance. Why do I find this task so simple? Within seconds, I have the first several numbers inside my head. Did Q put them there? The mere idea of it brings me back to the moment he shared the snow with me. Still, I feel powerful, and an eery sense of pleasure as I begin my countdown. "1000. . .999. . . .997. .. .994. . ..990. . . .985. . . .979. . .972. . . ."

*****

When Mommy comes to pick me up, she doesn't have my brother. I wait, sitting uncomfortably at the table, while she speaks with my teacher. I wonder what they are saying about me. Why do grown ups keep so much from kids and then get angry at kids for keeping secrets?

"Where's Eric?" I ask as she takes my hand and leads me out of the classroom.

"He's with Grandma," she replies.

"Can I spend the day with Grandma, too?" I know that Grandma Lwaxana will be leaving shortly and don't know when I will see her again.

"Not today. It's important that we learn the results of your tests first."

I do not understand why that is important. Is Mommy afraid that I may hurt Grandma, too? Why? Grandma is a powerful telepath. Why would I hurt her?

"What can I do then?" I ask aloud. "I don't want to go back to our quarters! I don't want to sit in my room!"

"Shannara," Mommy says sternly, though lovingly. I can sense that she sympathizes with me, but at the same time, she isn't going to give in to my wishes. "I promise to let you do something special tomorrow, okay?" Why does this promise not make me feel any better?"

Tammy has returned. Why am I still being punished? Although not protesting anymore, I let Mommy know I'm unhappy by the way I walk and carry myself. Once we arrive at our quarters, Mommy replicates my lunch, which I play with more than eat. Mommy is anxious about something. Why is she so worried just because I took a test?!

After Mommy takes away my plate, I grab my data padd and sit at the table drawing pictures. Mommy doesn't speak to me for the longest time. She straightens up the living area, though it is not that messy. Finally, she walks up to me and as I look up to stare into her glistening brown eyes, she asks, "May I see some of your drawings?"

"Of course," I respond, handing her my padd. I always love showing people my artwork and wish more people would take an interest in it.

Mommy flips through several of my recent drawings. "I had no idea you'd gotten this good. With a little guidance, you might have a real talent here."

Maybe after all the suffering from the taunting of other children, mocking me for my "doodling," I could show them how great an artist I will become. Is this who I am to become? An artist?

I want Mommy to keep looking, to keep admiring. I want to ask her which is her favorite. What style does she like best? But before I can ask the question, the annunciator sounds.

Mommy sets my data padd down on the table and goes to greet our unexpected visitor. She admits Commander Data into the living area, and I watch--and wonder--as they speak quietly for several minutes. Why is he here? Does it have anything to do with me? He had been involved in the investigation of Tammy's disappearance. Have they discovered something wrong with Tammy? I hold my breath. . .clench my hands together. What if I'm forever stuck in this punishment? There goes my hopes of becoming an artist. A dream just realized, gone. . .gone.

Finally, they join me at the table. "Is there something wrong?" I ask, sensing hesitation from both of them.

"Nothing's wrong, sweetheart," Mommy says. "How would you like it if Commander Data became your new teacher?"

"Why? Doesn't Mrs. Dewberry do a good enough job?"

"Mrs. Dewberry is a wonderful teacher, but we feel that you deserve special attention. Captain Riker asked Data if he would consider becoming your mentor, and Data agreed. If you would rather stay in Mrs. Dewberry's class with other children, though, you may. It's your decision.."

Should I tell Mommy that my only true friend is leaving the Enterprise? Some of the other kids are nice to me, but they probably wouldn't miss me. "Will you be my friend?" I ask the android instead.

"Of course," he replies. "I believe you would benefit most if we are to develop a relationship of mutual exchange."

"What Commander Data means--" Mommy begins.

"I understand," I interrupt, though I'm certain I shouldn't. This spooks me almost as much as Tammy's disappearance. Is Q placing these ideas inside my head? How else could I possibly know such things?

"When would you like to begin, then?" Data asks.

"Tomorrow." I glance at Mommy, who is smiling warmly at me. Maybe this is because I am finally taking my education seriously. Have I discovered the kind of school I will enjoy?

For a while, we discuss, in general, the subjects Data will be teaching me. I am fascinated by his idea of conducting a hands-on approach. Mrs. Dewberry, although a nice lady, never allowed me to experiment with anything more exciting than modeling clay.

Data excuses himself when my father arrives. As we eat dinner, we discuss my future. I don't know why they are so worried about what I'll be doing when I'm all grown up. I'm only worried about what I'll be doing tomorrow.

Mommy excuses herself, promising to return shortly with Eric, and leaves our quarters. I return to my room with my data padd. After everything that has happened, I think I can use some time alone. I am not spared enough time to finish a single drawing before I receive a visitor.

"I understand that Commander Data has offered to become your mentor," Q says popping into my room.

Though his arrival surprises me, I'm not as frightened as I was during his first visit. He may be annoying, but somehow I know, he doesn't wish me any harm. "Yes, and I've accepted his offer. He'll be giving me my first lesson tomorrow."

Q sits down beside me on the floor. I set my data padd on the edge of my bed, not ready to share my drawings with this strange entity. "Oh Shannara, I could teach you so much more."

"Why would you want to?" I really need to know why he cares so much for me. I know there are many billions of children out there. Why choose me? "Everyone tells me that you like to play games and mess with people's minds."

"You mean so much more to me than they do," Q says. I look into his eyes, trying to determine if he's been truthful. I see no trace of deception or insincerity. "I simply try to challenge their feeble minds. Come with me and I'll show you the wonders of the universe. You’re wasting on this starship."

I cannot believe what he is saying! "That's exactly what Mrs. Dewberry told me."

"Indeed. If such a shallow woman can see it, then it must be true."

"That's not a nice thing to say. Mrs. Dewberry has shown me more respect than you have!"

He shrugs. "Mrs. Dewberry ran some tests on you, correct?"

I overlook his insult of my teacher, because I *need* to know what he really wants from me. "She said they wanted to know how intelligent I am."

"Would it be all right if I conducted a test of my own?"

I hesitate, cautiously considering his suggestion. Mrs. Dewberry had referred to her tests as games. What sort of games did Q want to play with me this time? Then again, maybe I could take advantage of the situation if I play along, so I accept his challenge. "I guess so."

"Ask me three 'yes or no' questions, and I shall answer them honestly."

Honestly? Really! Maybe there is honesty behind all his tricks. I just need to search for it. "Are you responsible for my being so smart?"

"Yes."

A direct answer. How many of those would I receive from Q? "When you gave me the power to send Tammy away, you made me smarter?"

"No. Much sooner than that. No one took notice of you. Even without encouragement, the most brilliant of minds can turn to fodder. That's why I chose to step in--before it is to late for you. One more question. Make it a good one."

I consider his answer to my second question. What is he saying about me? I don't know what *fodder* means. Is he stepping in to help me? Or does he want to ridicule me like my classmates? Make my next question a good one, he says. What does he want me to ask? Or, better yet, what does he *not* want me to ask?

"My parents want Commander Data to become my mentor. They must really hate you a lot."

"Do you hate me?"

I see anxiety in his eyes; my opinion of him really matters to him. He wants someone to like him, anyone. I sense feelings of loneliness coming from him. Hasn't my Mommy ever sensed this? Why does she dislike him so much? "I don't know you," I answer honestly.

"Do you make judgments based on what other people believe or would you like the opportunity to decide for yourself?"

"Who's the one asking the questions here?" I ask. I try not to laugh, and seriously consider his question for a moment. It isn't right to judge a person before you really know them. After all, isn't that why Tammy hates me so much? "Okay, I'll give you a chance. Do you have any family?"

He doesn't answer as promised. Instead, he stares at me almost looking dumbfounded. Maybe Q never had any family. I wonder if that's why he spends his time wandering throughout the galaxy, choosing unsuspecting souls to play his games. I have never imagined what life would be like without a mother and a father, without a little brother. I guess if I did accept Q's offer, that would be the life I'd live. I feel bad for him and begin to understand why he desires a companion.

"That's my third question. Answer it!" I insist, needing to know.

"No. I have no family."

"That's really sad." I place my hand on top of his. Although I can't go with him, at least I can offer him a moment of comfort.

"How about another game of the utmost delight?" Q asks. "I can teach you how to travel the stars and to arrive anywhere in a mere blink of an eye."

"Would you show me how to get back home afterward?" Once the question is out, I immediately regret having asked it. I don't want to hurt his feelings, but I still have doubts about him.

"Home, such a subjective word. Do you really consider this bucket of bolts your home?"

"Home is wherever your fam--" I cannot believe what I almost said to him! I reach out to him, offering him a hug. I do hope he forgives my blunder.

"Come with me," he beckons.

Looking into his pleading eyes, I reconsider my options. If I went with him, I could have the adventure I've always craved. However, how much would I stand to lose? My mother, my father, my baby brother. "I'm sorry. I already have a family."

He pulls my arms off of him gently, but firmly and gets up off the floor. "You are still young, the umbilical cord barely severed. I can be patient. I can wait."

"It won't make a difference."

Q bends his legs and fixes me with his steel eyes. "You'll go nowhere without me," he promises and flashes out.

As I think about Q's return visit, I stare out the viewwindow and watch nowhere streaking by. Is Q correct? Am I going nowhere staying on this starship? Is it my fate to travel from place to place across a vast galaxy never actually getting to experience any real adventure? I don't know if I've made the right decision in choosing Data as my mentor over Q, but my parents obviously think I have. So for now, I will see what Data has to teach me.

And what adventures he will offer.