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Although Q has not visited me for a couple of weeks, I don't believe he's finished with me. He doesn't strike me as someone who ever gives up. Data spends as much time as he can, usually a couple of hours a day tutoring me. He never mentions Q, but I know he worries about the entity's next move. He no longer comes to pick me up. I'm a big girl now and I am allowed to go unattended to his quarters for my lessons. I am seven!
As I enter my android mentor's quarters, I puzzle over the current project he has set up for me. "What is it?" I ask as I examine it from every angle. I've never seen such a contraption. It has wooden slabs going every which way that form narrow paths. What practical purpose could it serve?
"It is an elaborate maze," Data responds. "Scientists once built them to test the instinctual reactions of small rodents."
"Why?"
"They believed that by understanding the behavior of lower lifeforms, they could begin unlocking the mysteries of the human brain."
"Do you have any rodents?" I look around the room, spotting Data's cat Boots lying on the sofa, licking one of his black paws. Boots is the son of a female cat named Spot, which Data owned until she passed. I probably have asked a dumb question, but if he doesn't have any rodents, why did he bother building the maze?
"No. They would not survive around Boots. However, the maze will not remain in my quarters. I am sending it home with you, where you will begin training and testing the reaction of two white mice to the intracacies of the maze.
I step closer to the maze, studying its passageways. I wonder if the mice will enjoy the puzzles their new home will offer or become as annoyed with my manipulation of their lives as I have with Q. Oddly, I'm eager to find out.
"Can I begin the experiment today?"
"We will need to stop by the zoological lab to obtain two mice, but yes, that is my intention. I will accompany you to your quarters where I will show you how to set up the experiment and to care for the mice."
"Can I name them?"
"Of course."
*****
I'm carrying my two new pets inside a small barred cage and trying to keep up with Data, who is having a much easier time lifting the much-larger maze. These tiny creatures are fascinating. Their cage offers them safety against predators--like Boots--and yet they are still helpless. Without someone to feed and water them, they wouldn't survive. I feel like their god.
When we step into the living area of my quarters. Another woman is sitting on the sofa with Mother. She is older than Mother, but I suspect she is a friend. Suddenly sensing deep sorrow and dread directed at me from this stranger, I look pleadingly toward mother for an explanation.
"Shannara, this is Dr. Beverly Crusher," Mother says. "I know you don't remember her, but she took care of you once when you were very sick."
"Hello," I say. "It's nice to meet you." Although I still sense an uneasiness in the room, I also am overwhelmed by the closeness these two women feel toward one another. Mother has obviously known this doctor for a long time.
"Hello Dear," the doctor says. "It's good to see you're doing well."
"I'm in a class by myself." All three adults laugh at my words, though I don't understand why they find it funny. "Commander Data gives me special one-on-one tutoring."
"Beverly and her husband have come to visit us," Mother explains. "I've invited them to dinner."
"Can Data come, too?"
"Well...."
Why is she hesitating? Data's been her friend since before I was born. Why would she invite one friend and not another?
"Please!"
"All right. We have a serious matter to discuss, and--" she looked up at Data. "I'd value your input, Data."
"I would be delighted to offer whatever sage advice I can." Balancing the maze with one hand (to my amazement), the android reaches out for the cage. "Meanwhile, I believe I should begin setting up your project, Shannara and allow your Mother time to talk with you." Barely glancing at him, I nod. I fear that something horrible has happened. Why else would everyone be so tense around me? Gracefully, Data steps into my room.
"What do we have to talk about?" I ask, confused. Mother and the doctor share an anxious look. "Has something happened to Father?"
Mother is surprised by this question. "He's on bridge duty," she tells me. "He's fine." She reaches out to grasp my hands. "We don't want to worry you, Shannara. But we do have something very important to discuss with you."
I turn toward the other woman, hoping she will answer this riddle. "Why did you come here? Why didn't you just contact us through a subspace message?"
"Subspace is a great communication tool," the doctor replies. "But it could never replace the need for personal contact." I know what she means. So many times I've talked with Father while he was on an away mission and still longed to have him with me.
"Yeah. I guess it's kind of like interacting with holodeck characters. It's fun for a while, but then you want the real thing." I should allow them time to catch up with each other's lives. Yet I'm torn between wanting to help Data with my project and the need to learn what's happening. I believe Mother and Dr. Crusher have decided not to tell me any more for the moment--I can sense their fear of it--and keeping busy with my project will help pass the time before dinner.
The doctor looks at me, astonished. "You weren't kidding, Deanna. You're daughter is quite intuitive. I'm sure exposure to Data has only helped."
"Speaking of whom," I say, "I should see if he's got my project set up." I hastily retreat into my bedroom before the women have a chance to further embarrass me.
Data is very fast. He has already cleaned off my desk and set up the maze. "Ah good," he says. "We are ready to expose the mice to the maze. It would be best if you handle them, so they will bond with you." He slides the small cage toward me, and I peer at my two new friends. . . .Sam and Al, I decide, since they are both males. They are scratching furtively at the cage walls. I almost hear their tiny hearts beating. How will I ever convince them that they can trust me when I'm about to subject them to what they will probably construe as torture?
"This lever opens the small doorway," Data says, pressing down on a metal bar and opening the wooden door which is just large enough for the mice to squeeze through. He turns toward me and lifts the lid of the small cage.
I stare at the mice afraid to pick them up. I don't want to hurt them. "Ahhh...."
"It is all right, Shannara. You must not be frightened of them. They will sense that and become more agitated."
"Sense! You mean they're empathic, too!" I look closely into their beady little eyes, trying to project positive thoughts toward them.
"Not exactly. However, they can detect certain emotions through their sense of smell.
"Oh." Reaching into the box, I lift Sam out of the cage. The rodent squeals in protest, and pet him gently to soothe him. After the animal calms down, I move him toward the open door of the maze. I'm in complete control of his life! Do I have too much power? Was Q's gift, the magic of the Continuum, any worse?
"What if he doesn't like being trapped in a maze? I can't bare to do that to him!" I pull Sam away from the maze and clutch him to my chest. He begins to squeal again, louder and more frantic.
"The mice are non-sentient beings," Data explains. "Their lower intelligence does not allow them to perceive either their cage or the maze as a prison. Indeed, it is believed that they feel comfort in the safety of their cage."
This reminds me of when Q brought me to the nebula. I felt helpless and dominated, until I realized how much control Q had given me. A part of me enjoyed that power, especially when it allowed me to get even with Tammy. That part of me scares me. I want to do what is right. I must keep those powers hidden deep inside me.
Why am I comparing my dealings with Q to a science experiment? It's not as though many kids before me haven't embarked on a similar project.
"Shannara, we need to proceed," Data prods.
I nod and before I entertain further doubts, push the mouse through the door. Data snaps the latch closed, and we watch Sam's reaction to his new surroundings. He flips around, scratches at the door, and squeaks a bit before turning back around to scurry frantically through the tunnel. He darts down one path only to turn around and take another.
"Eventually, he will arrive here." Data points at a food and water dish. "At first, you will need to supplement their diet by putting food and water in their cage every evening until they are able to follow the maze to this food dish. As for your responsibility....." He retrieves my data padd and hands it to me. "You will take daily notes describing their behavior, including how long it takes them to reach their food dish, how much they eat and drink and how they adapt to going back and forth between the cage and the maze."
I sit on my bed, so it is easier for me to take notes. Data helps me work out a daily routine and explains why it is important that I closely follow the schedule.
I wonder if Q has me on a schedule.
Just as I'm saving my notes, thedoor opens, and in walks my little brother, rubbing at his eyes in an attempt to wake up from his nap. Noticing the maze, he gallops over to play with it. "No!" I exclaim, dropping the data padd in my haste to keep Eric away from my project. I yank at his arm and pull him to the floor. When he starts crying, Mother steps inside the doorway, hands on hips and tapping her foot.
"Shannara, you shouldn't bully your brother. You're much bigger than him."
"But he was going to disturb my mice!"
Mother steps into the room and picks up Eric to comfort him. "He was just interested in what you were doing. He didn't mean any harm."
"But mommy he shouldn't be allowed to just walk into my room!"
"There's no excuse for beating on your little brother."
"I was worried that he would hurt Sam and Al." I can sense that she is not persuaded by my argument.
"I would have seen that no harm came to your mice," Data says.
"You see, Shannara," Mother says, "you need to think before you react. I want you to sit on your bed and think about how you should have reacted." As soon as I have climbed on to my bed, arms folded in protest, mother leaves the room with Eric.
"I believe this has brought an end to today's schooling," Data says. "I will see you at dinner." He follows Mother out the door.
*****
A short while before dinner time, Mother comes into my room wearing a lovely purple dress and hands me a brand new replicated dress of my own. It has a pink rose print and lace trim. "We should dress up for our guests," she says. She is pretending to be happy, but I can sense that deep down she is very nervous. "I haven't seen them in a long time, so I want you to make them feel welcome." She does not mention the earlier incident with Eric. Has she forgotten about my punishment? She is obviously preoccupied by whatever news Dr. Crusher has brought. Should I take advantage of this?
Why has Dr. Crusher and her husband come to visit us? Is someone ill? We haven't heard from Grandma Lwaxana in a while. And then I think about Alexander. Before he'd left for his return to Q'ronos, he explained to me about some of the dangers of becoming a peacekeeper for the Klingons. How much opposition had he met?
"Is Dr. Crusher a really important person?" I ask, taking the dress and beginning to change.
"Yes. She is also a very close friend of mine." Mother opens my top dresser drawer and removes my hairbrush and a pink ribbon."She and her husband have something important they need to discuss with us."
"What?"
After zipping up my dress, Mother pats the bed and we sit down together. As she brushes my hair, she answers my question. "There are some people who would like to meet you. They call themselves the Akodians. I met some of them shortly after you were born. Like you and I, they are empathic, and they have asked for permission to run some tests on you."
The ones who accidentally turned on my empathic ability at birth. "Why do they want to run tests on me?" I feel as though the temperature in the room is rising. "What will they do to me?"
Mother grasps my arm to offer me comfort. "Just observe you. The Federation is petitioning for an alliance with the Akodians. Before the Akodians will agree to this alliance, however, they want reassurance that people like you will not develop any problems after exposure to them."
"Why would that happen, Mommy?"
I can see the pain in Mother's eyes, sense her anguish. She wishes she could shield me from this knowledge. Why do the Akodians wish to see me instead of my Mother? I'm only one-quarter Betazoid.
"They are indirectly responsible for your prematurely developed empathic abilities. Before you were born, I was exposed to some wormholes built by the Akodians. It was a very traumatic experience for the both of us. I don't want to see you --" Mother begins crying before she can finish, and I grasp her hand.
"Mommy, don't be afraid," I say . I will show her how strong I am and make her proud of me. "It will just be another test. Every one I've taken so far has been super easy."
Mother looks at me leerily, her dark eyes turning almost black. She doesn't believe this test will be easy no matter how brave I am. How do I comfort her when I am uncertain myself?
"Sunshine," she says, her eyes brimming with tears. "We're not talking about a school test. There won't be a few simple options to choose from."
I nod. "Data's taught me how to answer essays. He places me in all kinds of new situations. Sometimes, I think about my answers for a long time."
Mother's expression slowly changes as she considers this. "In a way, you are right. This evening over dinner, your father and I will discuss this matter with Dr. Crusher and her husband, Captain Picard."
Father discussing these aliens testing me? Why am I having a hard time picturing this?
"The Akodians asked them to convince us that by letting them speak with you, it will increase the Federation's chances of forming an alliance with them."
How is that possible? I'm only one little girl, not an army. If I don't meet with the Akodians, what will the consequences be? Data has had me evaluate cause and effect in many of my essays. Yet those questions are always theoretical. I've never had to place myself in such a scenario.
"Do you want the Federation to join the Akodians, Mommy?"
She bows her head and cups it in her hands. "The Federation would likely benefit from it, but I'm not sure how I feel about working directly with any of their people."
With mixed feelings, I wonder whether to ask her more about these aliens. Eventually, I decide against the idea and walk away to check on Sam and Al. At some point, Mother slips out of my room without my noticing. I only realize she is gone when Q pops in for another round of banter.
"You should insist that they allow you to meet with the Akodians," Q says, appearing beside my desk. He is wearing a red Starfleet uniform with admiral's pips. Sam and Al begin squeaking and scurrying frantically. I, however, am not the least bit startled by Q's arrival.
"I'm amazed you waited this long in between visits," I chide him, deliberately redirecting the subject, although I am curious about his reasons for wanting me to visit the Akodians."
"Time has no relevance in the Continuum. I can travel anywhere at any time I desire. As a mere mortal, you can only experience such fantasies inside a holodeck."
"If the Akodians let us use their wormholes, we will be able to travel anywhere. Why are you welcoming the competition?"
" Oh contraire, the little Akodians can only offer your precious Federation a modicum of what the Continuum could"
"I won't do as you say, not unless you explain how the Akodians fit into your plans. If I agree--"
"If you agree? Young lady, if you don't agree, you will miss out on the turning point of your life."
"I thought that was supposed to be the day I met you."
"Tisk tisk."
"An answer!" I insist, folding my arms."
"The Akodians will serve as a link. Align yourself with the Akodians, and you will become famous among your people; the little empath who braved the unknown."
I briefly contemplate the idea of becoming famous. Does famous and popular necessarily mean the same thing? "And if I become famous, how does that help you?"
"It makes me look good, of course," Q replies, standing up straight. Suddenly, he is wearing a velvet robe and a crown. "I gave you your abilities."
"The doctors say it was contact with the Akodian wormhole."
"They may be responsible for sooner rather than later, but your capabilities reach far beyond your mother's meager empathic skills. Your potential is even greater than your grandmother's."
"I've tried to read people's minds. I can't do it!"
"You need a little nudge. Miss this opportunity and --"
"You won't be interested in me anymore?" I ask with a spark of hope in my voice.
Q's expression turns sour. "I will be severely insulted."
With a smirk, I wonder why I should care whether or not Q is insulted. He's always been obnoxious.
He flashes out and back in to sit on my bed, again wearing the Starfleet uniform. "Tell them you want to meet the Akodians. If not for me, than to satisfy your own curiosity."
I can't deny that I am incredibly curious about these aliens. They must be technologically advanced to create those wormholes. "Ok," I say. " I'll talk my parents into letting me go."
"You won't regret this." Q says and disappears.
"Wait! When will I see you again?" I look up at the ceiling as if that's where he has gone. I'm sure he can hear me and yet he doesn't reply. Am I actually looking forward to Q's next visit?
*****
"Hello and welcome to the Rozhenkos," I say as our guests arrive. I glance at Mother, who is smiling. She's pleased by my ladylike manner. I am trying to make up for the scene earlier with Eric--just in case. "I hope you like the food we've prepared for you."
"I'm sure we will, young lady," the captain replies. He approaches Father, who is standing in the corner, arms crossed and looking irritated. I know he's really worried, but his Klingon nature will not allow him to express it. "Worf," the older man greets him. "It's good to see you again."
"Likewise," Father replies.
"Your children have really grown."
"Too fast. It does not seem as though Alexander should be old enough to travel on his own."
Meanwhile, Dr. Crusher walks over to Mother and begins a similar conversation.
The adults are tense and waiting for another to bring up the subject of the Akodians. These friendly greetings could go on forever!
"I think you should let me see these Akodians," I blurt out. Everyone stops talking and turns toward me. "I'm not afraid of them. If the Federation wants an alliance with them, then they must be good people."
Data opens his mouth to speak, but snaps it closed when Father looks at him sternly. Had he intended to contradict me? Why would the Federation want to form an alliance with an evil race?
"They are good people, aren't they?"
The captain answers me. "Yes, of course they are. If they weren't, I would never have agreed to work so closely with them. I will be in charge of regulating Federation use of the wormholes under my new ambassadorial title. While the pockets are relatively safe, someone needs to assure that they are being properly used."
"Will they let me travel through one of their wormholes?" I ask. "I bet they're beautiful."
"They are," the doctor says with a reassuring smile.
"Beauty can be deceiving," Father says. "Pockets have been responsible for destroying starships. Deanna spent months in a depression caused by the pockets. And now you're asking me to subject my daughter to its clutches!"
"Worf!" Mother snaps.
"She needs to know the truth."
I am holding my breath. So are the Picards. Why are my parents angry at each other? Neither of them want to let me go. Maybe they are really mad at me.
"I think we should all sit at the table," the doctor says. "Maybe while we eat, we can discuss this calmly. " Slowly, each of my parents nod and sit down at the table. As I take my seat across from them, I let out a deep breath.
We begin eating in relative silence. No one wants to shatter the truce, but ignoring the problem will never solve it. I have to make them agree with my decision.
"If Data comes with me," I say, playing with my food, rather than looking at them, "you wouldn't have to worry about me. He'd protect me." As an android, Data is stronger than anyone.
"Shannara, Data is the first officer of this starship," Mother reminds me. "He cannot simply take off when he wants to."
"Actually, I do have some vacation time coming," Data informs us.
"Yeah and it'd be a great opportunity for Data to teach me about what's out there."
"If," Father says sternly, "you were to go, your mother and I would accompany you."
"Does that mean I can go?"
"No!" my parents snap in unison.
I am going nowhere with this. I look around the room to see if anyone is on my side. Dr. Crusher is as worried about me as Mother. She thinks the wormholes are beautiful, though and does not fear them. Captain Picard is eager to work with the Akodians and probably sees me as the key to reaching that goal. How can I use that to my advantage? If I know Data well enough, he sees this as an opportunity to teach me a great lesson.
"Please think about it first! Mommy, you always tell me to consider something carefully before making a decision. Data has taught me how to do that." I turn toward my android mentor. "If this were an essay, you would expect me to come up with a solution. Why should real life be any different? I'm tired of being stuck on a starship," I say defiantly. "How can I learn about the galaxy if I'm not allowed to see it?"
"You can see it just fine!" Father says. "You have a window in your room."
"Worf, are you really looking at this from a child's viewpoint?" Picard asks.
"Jean-Luc," his wife scolds, "we have to let Worf and Deanna make that decision."
"Please!" I beg. '"I want a chance to see the wormhole's beauty--not just hear about it. I could learn a lot."
"The wormhole is a harbinger of emotions, Sunshine," Mother says. "Whenever I am near one, I'm effected empathically by the negative emotions of all who have been there before me. I fear that such an exposure would be far worse for you."
I know Mother is genuinely worried about me, but she would worry no matter what I did. Still convinced I shouldn't pass up this opportunity, I puzzle over another argument.
"There's really no danger involved," Picard promises. "As liaison, I could negotiate in your favor and see that your daughter's emotional and physical well being are the Akodians' number one concern."
"And I could assign a thorough report as part of her schooling," Data adds.
Father lets out a low growl. Although he has not given in, I can sense that he is weakening.
Mother looks at him, her complexion growing paler, and in almost a whisper says, "Worf, we can't let her."
Standing up, Father informs us, "I will not hand my daughter over to strangers for testing!"
*****
Sleep is not my friend tonight. Several times, I get up to check on Sam and Al, taking one or the other out of their cage to seek comfort from them.
What are my parents thinking? I've exhausted all the help I could from everyone. That is, everyone who had been invited to dinner tonight. Is there anyone else who might help me? Mrs Dewberry? She was so kind to me, but could she persuade my parents? Captain Riker? He helped us when Q first showed an interest in me. As captain, he could be very influential.
Yes, the captain, I decide.
With a new plan, finally, I'm able to sleep.
*****
Mother believes I'm heading for Data's quarters to hand in my first day's worth of notes on Sam and Al. I'm clever enough to grab my data padd and check my assignment in front of Mother before leaving our quarters. I plan to see Data, some time today. Right now, however, this is the perfect opportunity to pay the captain a visit. I only hope he won't be angry I've come uninvited.
If he's in his quarters. And, if he's alone.
I press his door chime and am relieved to hear him reply, "come in." The door slides open and I step inside. Startled, he gets up from his sofa, nearly spilling his synthale. "Shannara, what brings you to the captain's quarters?"
"Please, don't be mad at me, sir," I say, trying not to whine. "I don't know who else to turn to."
"It's all right. Why don't you sit down and you can tell me what brought you here." He gestures toward a chair and sits back down on the sofa. I sit down, fidgeting nervously with my padd. "Do your parents know you're here?"
"Well actually, my mother thinks I've gone to Data's quarters for my daily lesson, but--" I struggle with an explanation the captain will accept. "I thought you were the best person to help me solve a problem, since you're my father's commanding officer."
"Shannara, your parents should know where you are at all times. What if they were to look for you at Data's quarter and discover that you weren't there?"
"The computer would let them know where I am."
The captain sighs audibly. Apparently, I'm missing his point. "It's up to your parents to decide where you should and should not go. Promise me that next time you venture outside your quarters, you'll get permission from one of them first."
I shrug. "Okay." I don't think he's going to make me leave now. If I accomplish what I set out to do this time, I'll worry about next time when it arrises.
"You wanted to show me something?" He points at my padd.
"No. This is for Data." I try to maintain eye contact, finding it difficult. "He gave me an assignment yesterday. I have to care for two white mice and train them to travel through a maze. He let me name them. Sam and Al--that's what I named them."
"That's sweet, but I don't think you came here to tell me about your new pets."
"Not really, sir."
"The Picards are on board. They told me about your dinner conversation. I'd be willing to guess your problem has something to do with their visit. What I don't understand, however, is why you want to talk with me about it."
"They couldn't convince my parents to let me meet with the Akodians. I don't think Father's ever going to give in unless--maybe--well, I thought you could talk with him."
"You want to go?"
"Oh yes! Why wouldn't I? It's an opportunity of a lifetime."
"You're only seven years old. That's awfully young to be worried about opportunities that will change your life."
I suppose the average seven-year old would be happy on a starship with two parents who still love each other. Why am I not satisfied?
"I want the chance to venture off this starship.....to see worlds."
The captain smiles warmly at me. "You'll make a fine Starfleet officer someday."
Someday.....
This is so frustrating! I can't wait for someday far into the future when I might become a member of Starfleet. The Akodians are offering me a special pass to their world--now. How can I get Captain Riker to agree to my plan?
"Shannara, as your father's commanding officer, he must abide by my standing orders as far as Starfleet matters are concerned. When it comes to family matters, Worf, your father, has the right to make those decisions. I cannot order him to let you visit the Akodians. If he feels it's unsafe for you, then we must accept his judgment. I'm sorry. Don't you think you should be meeting Data for your lessons now? You can't stay here. I'm needed on the bridge. I can walk you there if you like."
"That's okay," I reply, getting up from the chair. "I know my way around this ship." As I walk toward the door, I silently scold myself. I can't believe I'm actually getting smart with the captain! Like that will do me any good! He doesn't point this out, to my relief, and I make my way out into the corridor.
*****
Now what can I try? If I don't meet with the Akodians, according to Q, I will miss out on the greatest turning point in my life. Q wants me to take this trip, but I know hatred for Q burns through Father's veins. Superior being or not, Q would never convince Father to change his mind. How then? I wonder as I step into Data's quarters and hand him the Data padd. "Sam and Al didn't like the maze very much. I think they're angry with me for making them wait so long for their food."
"One does not necessarily have to like a situation," the android replies. "Given an ultimatum, survival or death, they will ultimately learn to adapt."
"What's an ultimatum?"
"An ultimatum is a final, uncompromising demand or proposal. To receive an ultimatum, do or die, one must choose the lesser of two undesirables."
"I suppose they'll get used to it," I reply with a grin. I'm beginning to form a new plan. By the time today's lesson is through, I know exactly what to say to Father. Yet I'm very nervous when I stroll into our quarters and realize he has already returned from his duty shift. Don't lose your nerve now, I silently advice myself.
"Hello Father," I say as I approach him. "How was your day?"
"It was stimulating," he replies.
I notice Mother turn from the replicator, hot cocoa in hand, and raise an eyebrow. Without a word, she walks across the room and sits down beside Father. For a moment, I stand in front of them, my courage fading. I want this more than anything--and yet, something inside of me demands to know how I could even think about doing this to my parents. They look to me expectantly. "Is there something you want to tell us, Sunshine?" Mother asks.
"I know you don't want me to make this trip, but I've been thinking about it all day." How can I make them understand that I just want them to be proud of me? If I don't meet with the Akodians, they might not forge the alliance. I don't want to always be the one getting into trouble. Really, I'm not trying to cause trouble here. I want to help my people and find a way to bring some adventure into my life at the same time.
"I have given you my final decision," Father says sternly.
"I know, but I have not given you mine. I want to see their world, Father. I want to meet new people and learn about their cultures firsthand."
"Visiting these people is out of the question!"
"If you don't let me, how will it make you look? Captain Picard wants this alliance, for the opportunity to explore. Isn't that why you join Starfleet, Father?" I want to give him one last chance to change his mind.
"When you are older, I would be greatly honored if you join Starfleet. For now, you will remain here with your mother and I."
This is not working. Nothing less than an ultimatum will work with Father. "Who would you prefer I spend time with: the Akodians....or Q?"
"What?!" Mother exclaims.
"Either you let me take this trip to the Akodian homeworld or I will accept Q's invitation to join the Continuum."
Stunned by my unwavering ultimatum, Father stares at me, mouth agape, eyes widened in fear. Mother nearly spills her cocoa before setting it on the coffee table. I almost take the demand back. The last thing I want to do is frighten Father or cause him pain. Almost.
"Bravo! Bravo!" Q says, clapping as he flashes into the room. "Shall I prepare the proverbial room?"
"You!" Father jumps up and if I weren't standing in his way, he would attack Q. "How have you corrupted my daughter?"
"I have done no such thing. Your daughter has reached this final ultimatum by no coaxing or otherwise influential nudging from me." Q glances at me, smiling. "I knew you had it in you."
"He's telling the truth.....and so am I."
"I'm shocked you would place your father and me in this situation!" Mother says. I sense her disappointment.
Should I reach out to her and tell her I'm only bluffing? Will that make my conscience feel any better? No, I've come this far. There is no undoing it. My cards are played and Q is here to whisk me away if Father attempts to play a better hand.
"I'm sorry this makes both of you unhappy," I say. "But I've never wanted anything so badly. I'm tired of being stuck on this starship with nothing more exciting than a holo simulation of worlds I never get the chance to visit."
"You're both angry now," Q says. "But you'll see reason in time." He stretches out his arms, symbolizing his meaning. "You'll realize that this little venture will become one of the many stepping stones in Shannara's life that will draw her toward her great destiny." He flashes out.
For a long awkward moment, the three of us stare silently at one another. "Please, don't be disappointed in me," I finally say and walk into my room to pack my away bags.
