Star Trek The Next Generation The Gift: A Star Trek SI

Paramount and SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.


"That must've been quite the conversation for you."

"More than you know...but it wasn't fruitful or anything. Q's scared and this is a real thing he's dealing with...luckily he'll be cared for by one of the best."

"Data?"

I nod.

"You're off the hook about being late...we're gonna have to cut our date short I'm afraid."

"Because of the moon issue?"


She nods.


"Geordi has us running rampart as you probably already know. Stellar Cartography, Stellar Geography is working in tandem right now along with Engineering to try and figure out a solution. I don't suppose YOU have one for us?"

"It'll work itself out, I promise."

"Adam lives are on the line!"

"I know that Christy, and I promise you that no one will die from this. In fact I guarantee it, and Q will indirectly help with the solution...in spite of himself."

"I hope you're right."

"Trust me. If I thought there was a better way than...how this resolves it I would've already suggested it. But I can't interfere and inject myself into every little problem. No matter how big or small it is. Nor how much I want to---that's---a dangerous line of thinking."


Emperor Young always in the back of my mind. The sheer power. To reform a universe in my image. Is it even possible?

Christy takes my hand.

"I'm sorry. I sometimes forget the burden you carry. I know you would act if possible." I squeeze her hand and we kiss

"You'd better take off then, I'm free though after this is dealt with." I smile

"Our first midnight visit? I'm intrigued Mr. Young."

"I look forward to it sir." We kiss again and I blow out the candle as I watch her get up and leave. She's absolutely breathtaking in uniform.


I am sitting in my quarters going over a PADD---for the start of my Engineering course---sigh. Warp Dynamics 101--is Chapter One. This is confusing as hell. There are little animations and what not that show me how to do things, but the actual physics behind it---uh--no. Over my head. Just let me push the little button on the console and say engage? No? I need to know this shit? Damn. I suddenly hear a familiar sound effect.

"MON AMI!!!!"

"We're not friends Q."

"Not yet! Give it time though! You'll see what an impressionable fellow I am!"

"Congratulations on getting your powers back, no thanks to Data's help." I say

"Yes. I was quite impressed with the way Pinocchio played his role...and before you admonish me for that comment, I am in his debt and repaid him for it."

"His belly laugh on the bridge."

"A taste of what waits for him."

I smile sadly.

"That was a nice gesture."

"It's the least I could have done."

"So why are you here Q? You have your powers back, you're free to go." I hint implying I want him gone

He sits down on the couch and crosses his arms.

"I am here to talk about you of course."

I place down the PADD.

"What's been decided? I apologize about before. But I can't give details about the future---including to omnipotent super beings stripped of their abilities."

He nods.

"A decision has been made about you. I spoke briefly with Q about you---and he said that they still are curious to see how this plays out---so your fate as it were, has been left to me."

"Oh joy."

He holds up his hand.

"I assure you that it isn't as bad as all that. However, I give you a choice. You may come back with me now...you'll be returned home, none of this will have happened, or mattered. Or when the time is right---I will return for you and you'll go back. No doubt you're going to want to lean towards staying here---so we will give you the time to do so." he says

"How long?"

"That my friend, is entirely up to you." he uncrosses his arms and gets up in his Captain's uniform

"Is this a trial?" I smile


"Not as such...but perhaps a probationary...condition." he states

"I accept your terms Q. You have my word when the time comes, that I'll go back."

"Excellent. Then my time here is over mon ami. A bit of advice before I head off?"

I nod.

"Enjoy yourself while you are here Adam. This is a wonderous place as you are aware of. It is also incredibly dangerous--even more so than YOU are aware. Take this as a gift as it has been given. Relish it. You've been given an opportunity that many would kill for---don't squander it....and be careful of the decisions that you DO make---they will have consequences, and you don't have any do-overs." He says

"I will Q. Thank you. Until next time."

He parts his hand from his head and vanishes.

Up Next: Our first "event episode". "Yesterday's Enterprise" (but we might squeeze in some things before then).

Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Author's Note: I was going to squeeze in a couple of chapters before this...but I think we'll do that AFTER this now.

I wake up to Nurse Ogawa hovering over me. All kinds of commotion in sickbay right now. That's probably not unusual for this reality now that I think about it...

"Doctor, he's awake."

Beverly peers down over me, injects me with a hypospray.

"This should clear up the vertigo. How are you feeling?" she asks

"Like I got run over by a truck...w-what happened?"

"You feinted on the bridge. Nearly concussed yourself actually. But you're okay."

"Doctor, I need you to scan me for tachyon traces."

The throbbing begins again. I reach up...

"Ahhh...my head again..."

"Headaches?" she asks I nod she scans me with the medical tricorder

"That's extremely odd."

"Yes?"

"There are high concentrations of tachyons all OVER you..."

"I was afraid of this..." I start to get up she puts her on my chest to stop me

"What do you think you're doing Ensign?"

"I am getting up---there's something wrong Doctor...and I need to tell the Captain."

Then I see her, two bed's over from me. Her scarred face...torn open flak jacket.

"Captain Garret..." I mutter.

"Yes they just brought in from the Enterprise-C. I've managed to stabilize most of her wounds, they were in a fire fight...."

"Against the Romulans, yes. Doctor--Beverly---I need to tell--
Captain Picard walks in then just to come check on Garrett. Beverly pushes me back down on the bio-bed gently.

"Stay here...if you move, I'll have Selar come over here and restrain you. That is an order Ensign. Understood?"

"Aye sir."

Captain Picard has his conversion with Captain Garrett, while I half listen, attempt to figure out how the hell I have come here. I'm me...but there's an alternate version of me here too. How's that even possible? Where is he? Did he go over to my universe? Is he in limbo somewhere? Tasha...what the fuck is going on here? Picard then comes over to see me and I snap out of my thoughts.

"Are you all right?" he asks in that gentle concerned voice of his

"No sir. I'm not all right. There's a situation going on here and not just the one involving Captain Garrett."

"Explain."

"This is going to sound...weird...but I'm not ME."

Picard makes an annoyed expression...I nearly laugh, but it's his serious fuck off with the nonsense face.


"What do you mean, you're not YOU? Adam...I'm in no mood---"

"I'm an alternate reality version of YOUR Adam Young. I don't belong here sir---somehow I transferred here from my own universe just as the Enterprise-C emerged from the temporal vortex. I had Beverly scan me for tachyons--I'm covered in them, sir."

Picard sighs.

"The timing of this couldn't be worse. I trust you still have your memories?" he asks

I nod...

"Yes, but they're different. They're...memories of the show from MY reality which is different than this one."

"How so?"

"Well...for one we're not at war with the Klingons, and the Enterprise is not a military ship."

"What?" he breathes.

"There's one person on the ship who I believe can corroborate my story sir..." Picard immediately realizes who I am referring to.

"Guinan..."

"Yes sir. I believe Guinan has detected the change in reality as well."

"What do you suggest?"

"Talk to Guinan...she'll confirm that none of this is supposed to be happening...and how to fix it."

Picard nods.

"Very well---you follow the Doctor's orders. I will talk with you later."

"Aye sir."

I watch as Picard leaves sickbay....and glance over at Captain Garret. I'm suddenly overwhelmed by history---and the throbbing happens again as I fall back in the bed and pass out again...

Doctor Crusher releases me shortly after Captain Picard leaves. I'd like to linger and talk with Captain Garrett frankly, but I have more pressing matters to attend to. I head directly for my quarters---and I find...Lieutenant Yar waiting for me there.

"Lieutenant." I say formally, but she has none of it and my suspicions are correct, as she reaches a hand to touch my face

"Are you all right? You gave us quite the scare."

I reach out and move her hand from me...I'm...unsure how to proceed here. All of this is out of my experience. I have no idea what is going on, or how this is possible.

"I'll be okay...just a bit of a bump. Doctor Crusher says I'll be able to return to duty in the morning. Technically I'm grounded for now."

I have no idea what I'm doing here in terms of technical information. This version of me has a step up on me...I'm slightly jealous.

"What's wrong? Why are you..."

"Tasha...there's something I need to tell you."

We sit down on the couch and I tell her...and wait for her reaction. There is none because there's no better pro than Tasha Yar, in any reality. Fuck you Armus. You robbed the universe of a great light.


"You're from another reality where we're at peace with the Klingons?"

"Yeah, they're one of our closest allies."

"Tasha, we don't have much time. I don't know what is going on here, and you have a duty to perform."

"My Adam?" I shake my head

"I don't know. I'm sure though he is safe where ever he is...it's strange...I have his memories."

"Then you know how much I love him..."

"I know that he loves you equally...if not more." I reply and she smiles. She kisses my cheek.

"We'll talk more when I come back."

I sigh.

"I look forward to it."

She gets up and leaves just as the order for her to report to the Transporter room comes over the comm. This is so weird. I watch her leave and go immediately to work.

"Computer...display and read out service record of Acting Ensign Adam Christopher Young---beginning from the day of my arrival into this reality."

"Acknowledged, standby."


The computer says that I Arrived in this reality on Stardate 41723.9---which puts it around "The Battle" in the Roddenberry Timeline or the Prime Timeline. That means when the Ferengi attempted to use the Stargazer to fuck with Captain Picard...that didn't happen in this timeline. The Klingon War dominates this timeline. There have been several as well, starting way back with Burnham. There are no Organians in this reality. I don't recognize any of the missions in this reality---they're almost all battles. Then I see it...

"Sterilization of the creature known as Armus on planet Vaga II."

"Wait...computer pause. How was Armus destroyed?"

"Special Consultant Young deemed it necessary to terminate the entity known as Armus. Captain Picard approved this suggestion and the Enterprise used photon torpedoes to destroy the entity."

I sit in silence, stunned. I recommended the destruction of a living thing. How different is that though from the Borg Virus...I reach up and place my face in both hands. I start crying...not because Armus deserves to live---but because---I---I---

"Computer continue."

This version of me was given a commendation for the efforts against Armus. I shake my head....

"Computer pause. Read personal log for the period of time following the Armus incident. Mention any references made to Tasha Yar."

I am correct in my theory...the two of them got together shortly after this. Tasha impressed by my---bravery. Apparently I was on the away mission on the planet--and saved Tasha from Armus...that must've not been pleasant for variant me. Doctor Crusher was able to heal my wounds. Wait a minute.

"Computer...why was the Enterprise originally on Vaga II?"

In my reality it was to rescue Deanna and Lieutenant Ben Prieto...

"The Enterprise responded to a distress signal sent by Political Officer Lieutenant-Commander Deanna Troi who was attending a Tactical Conference---and Lt. Ben Prieto."

"Computer---what happened to them?"

"They were killed by Armus."

I pause, stunned again. That must've been it. It was retaliation to what he did to Deanna and Ben...and to save Tasha. My headache is coming back.

"Computer when was I made Acting Ensign?"

"Stardate 42923.4"

"What occurred on that date?"

"The Enterprise was conducting battle simulations to test upgraded weapons systems overseen by the Zadorn strategist, Kolrami, when the ship was attacked by a Ferengi cruiser attempting to take advantage of the situation. Consultant Young used a unique maneuver and took temporary command of the ship during the simulation to resolve the situation allowing the Enterprise to destroy the Ferengi vessel and proceed to rendezvous with the USS Hathaway. "

This version of me is a cocky son of a bitch.

"Captain Picard gave him a battlefield commission?"

"Correct."

"Am I--

Before I can go further I'm called by Commander Riker.

"Riker to Young."

"Young here sir."

"Captain Picard requests that you report to his ready room immediately."

"Aye sir. I'm on my way."

I report to the ready room and as I expected...he's not happy. Guinan is there, and she's MY Guinan.


"Guinan." I say casually

"Guinan has confirmed what you have told me already."

"Sir...I know you don't want to send them back...but I don't belong here...this timeline isn't meant to be. The timeline shift occurred as soon as the Enterprise-C entered into that rift. It needs to go back so that history can be restored and this...nightmarish variant can be---"

"I understand Mr. Young, but as I told Guinan I'm not going to send them to die---"

"Sir...they're supposed to die. They are heralded as kind of folk heroes in the Empire. Captain Garrett is known as the Red Lady after the news of their heroics reaches Qo'nos. There's been too much bloodshed and loss here already---we need to stop it, and this is the only way. I know the war is going badly. We're losing, on the verge of defeat."

Picard looks pained...and wary. He's been fighting this war almost from the beginning of it.

"Sir...you want a guarantee that they succeed? I am that guarantee. I think I have possibly---merged with YOUR Adam. I share his memories, but don't have any of his tactical or operational knowledge. If you ordered me to my post---there's no way I could operate that console, but I have his memories of this timeline...."

"You are willing to condone Tasha to death..." he is really angry about this and I can't blame him. We're asking him to sacrifice his existence...that's a scary thing.

"Tasha is supposed to be dead as Guinan told you. I don't like it any more than you do...but Deanna and Ben are alive in my reality. We are talking about trading lives for lives Captain----I know this is a heavy topic and the ramifications of which are, staggering...but we're also talking about ending a war that has taken 40 Billion lives, ripped apart the fabric of this Federation, and SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. The Enterprise-C needs to go back. It is the only way to restore the timeline."

"Captain...you trust Guinan...she's usually right about everything like this. You've known me for about a minute---but you've known your version of me for two plus years. You made him an active officer because he earned your trust. I'm doing that with my Captain Picard as well--I'm asking you to trust me the way you trust Guinan."

I am dismissed and the episode unfolds largely as it does in our reality. Tasha goes aboard the Enterprise-C and works with Lt. Castillo to do their best to fix the Enterprise-C. I stay in my quarters. I feel utterly useless. I am envious of the other me, he has what I am working towards in my reality...to be an officer. I wait and wait---then...I hear the door chime beep. It is Tasha.


"Hello Tasha."

"You know why I've come."

"You're going over to the Enterprise-C...you know the truth now."

"Yes. I know what I have to do. I came to say Good Journey."

I smile.

"I want you to know that he loves you with all of his heart, as I would have if you and I---"

She strokes my cheek. I think that was their thing, so I reach up and stroke hers.

"I can't tell you anything...despite myself...it's eating me alive but I do have one piece of advice."

"I'll take anything."

We're inches apart now. Our bodies resting up against each other. I can hear her heart beat. The other me was lucky.

"Whatever happens...stay close to Richard. He's a good man. He'll protect you even though you don't need it. I wish I could say more..."

"You've said enough."

We kiss long and hard. I wrap my arms around her waist, and she embraces me tightly. She doesn't care that I'm not him---I break contact.

"You need to go. I'm so sorry Tasha. You deserve better."

"I GOT better...you gave me two extra years. You saved me from that creature. I'll never forget that Adam, or you. I love you."

"Good Journey Tasha." tears streak from my eyes as I wipe them away from my cheek as I watch her go.

A few more minutes then I hear Captain Picard over the ship wide comm.

" Attention all hands. As you know, we could outrun the Klingon vessels, but we must protect the Enterprise-C until she enters the temporal rift. And we must succeed. Let's make sure history never forgets the name Enterprise. Picard out."

"Give him hell Captain."

I look out my port hole and see the three Klingon K'Vort Class vessels bear down on us...the Enterprise-C takes a pounding from two of the vessels as she makes her way through the swirling vortex. In my head I watch the battle play out switching from Picard's point of view on the bridge and then the battle outside in space...and then...

A weird wave washes over me and my headache stops throbbing...I'm still sitting on the couch in my quarters...but it's lighter...I immediately tap my comm badge.

"Young to Captain Picard."

"Picard here."

"Is...everything all right up there Captain?"

There's a pause as I'd imagine Guinan just had done the same thing. I imagine Picard and Riker exchanging glances.

"Guinan's just asked the same thing...everything is fine Mr. Young. Are you okay?"

"Yes sir...but I think Guinan and I both have a doozy of a story to tell you about later on."

"Understood, I look forward to it. Picard out."

A little while later I press the door chime to Data's quarters.

"Hi Data. I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

Spot upon seeing me crawls over and starts rubbing up against my legs and purring. He knows I'm a cat person.

"Not at all Adam. How may I help you?"

"I was hoping Data, that you could tell me...about Tasha Yar."

He nods, I pick up Spot and head into Data's quarters.

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It is several days after experiencing "Yesterday's Enterprise" and I'm not myself. That whole entire thing was surreal. I wasn't expecting it to be an emotional roller coaster ride like it was, due to the Tasha Yar...wrench. Tasha...I'm so sorry. I didn't get to interact with Castillo. He seemed like a good man from the episode proper, and Christopher McDonald is one of my favourite character actors. My thoughts have also brought up Sela. The Other Me...potentially tosses that whole thing up in the air, but my gut and heart tell me that I will still see her in this timeline. Data and I spend hours talking about Tasha Yar proper. I tell him that I wish I had arrived a year earlier so that I could have saved her, and tell him the Other Me managed to do just that. It is clear in spite of having "no emotions" that Data loved Tasha. Their one night stand due to the Psi-Virus clearly left a lasting impression on him, so much so that his little holographic projection of her is one of his most cherished personal items.


Doctor Crusher conducts a full medical examination of me upon my return to this timeline, and notes I did indeed have traces of tachyons on me. No one can provide an explanation of how the time shift occurred---or even why Guinan seemed to be part of it either. In order to attempt to get my mind off of Tasha I head to the holodeck. I lift my hand up to the panel...hesitate...it would be so easy to do...but then shake my head and in put the program I am here for.

"Program complete. Enter when ready."

With my other hand I raise the phaser I brought with me and program it. Relax. It is a training phaser. The only type I am authorized to use.

"Computer, begin training program. Level 3."

"Program starting."

I have chosen the holodeck instead of the Enterprise's Phaser Range's because the holodeck allows for a degree more customization than the ranges do. I still programmed it to reflect the look of the range with the circular platform which I step into. As in the show proper, the wall lights up when target is display...and I fire accordingly to match it. My speed is not quite there yet but I've managed to already surpass levels 1 and 2. The wall lights increase their speed as the difficulty becomes harder. Multiple lights are multiple targets....I am not at that point yet and the program knows it. It stops, as I hear the holodeck doors open and I turn around.

"Guinan..." I say. I haven't gone to see her since we...or I came back

"I hope I'm not intruding." she says

"Not at all. I assume you're joining me to talk about what happened?" I ask

"Since you have been avoiding me, I thought it was prudent." She crosses her arms in front of her and she's holding a phaser

"I'm not very good." I state

"You're not concentrating hard enough." she replies


"Computer resume program, current level."

"But you're at a---" Quick as lightning she raises her arm and fires at multiple targets all in one swift motion as if she were cutting through butter with a knife.

"Again, focus." she says

The program resumes and the wall lights up doing it's thing. I focus now. I raise my phaser and hit them all now.

"Good. That was very good." she compliments

"Thank you. Will you train me? I'm aware of your weapons...training. Or usage for lack of a better term. It was something that was incredibly underdeveloped with your character." I ask

Guinan chuckles

"I would like that. It will give us time to get to know each other. How's your studying going?" she asks

"To be honest...not as well as I expected. I'm just pulling by. I knew that this would be the case, but it's been a bit depressing." I reply

"Might I make a suggestion?"

"Always."

"I suggest you focus primarily on your strengths, rather than focusing on your weaknesses with the practical application. Also...security is an option that I would consider, it's not all about being shot at, and Worf is a surprisingly great teacher." she says

Frankly anything but command---I've considered as a bust, but security might be the one thing I could excel at. Guinan's right.

"He was taught by the best." I say sadly

"You know that wasn't Tasha Yar, Adam. That was HIS, Tasha. You were given yet another unique experience, a slice of possibility." Guinan says with that twinkle in her eye

"I know that. I knew that while I was there, I knew that while pressing for the Enterprise-C and HER to go back...but I can't help how I felt. I guess that---was from my conscience? The fact that I've had some kind of crush on all these people and that it is manifesting in whatever....THIS---" I sweep my hands for further effect

"Is supposed to be?" I finish

"It could be." she replies

"Was that OTHER you...YOU? I've always been confused about this." I ask and of course she just smiles

"That is an interesting question isn't it? What does your gut tell you?" she asks

"I don't know now. I think being in this reality is starting to...alter previous intact events...the longer I remain here and enact the changes that I have been making... My own personal guess is that it wasn't, that you're El-Aurian sensibilities enable you to detect shifting dimensions and....folks from them. As you knew that I was already....but I don't know. It's all timey wimey."

"That's a term I haven't heard of in a very long time...." she motions for the door

"We're done already?" I ask

"Here we're done. We'll continue the lesson another day. I think we have more to talk about, we can do that at Ten Forward. I know you could use a drink about now..."