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

[DarkDestroyer]

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

Author's Note: I wrote this three years ago when I was VERY sick and bored out of my mind. I hope you all enjoy it. We'll be revisiting Risa a couple of times as we continue along the timeline.

The thing with Picard's double happened without incident. Nothing I could have done to prevent that. I am in need of a vacation. I've had downtime but downtime and R and R are two completely different things. Deanna recommends that I take shore leave for a couple of weeks. I agree and go see Christy, things have been a little weird between her and I since I came back from the other reality, and I haven't told her why yet.

"Hey. I have a question."

"Sure." she says while inputting commands into her panel. I'm in engineering right now.

"I have been granted shore leave, and was wondering if you wanted to come with me."

That gets her attention.

"Where did you have in mind?"

"Risa."

"Isn't that where Captain Picard is going?"

"Yes...but we don't have to be in the same place he is."

"I know you Adam...what's going on at Risa, and why do you have to be there?" she is incredibly smart, and doesn't like my bullshit too much.

"Nothing. I've always just wanted to go to Risa. I've heard it's fantastic, and I know things between you and I have been...awkward the last few days."

"That's because you won't tell me what happened to you in that other reality. You're the one putting shields up between us, not me."

That's a phaser shot off the starboard bow, but not entirely wrong.

"I'm sorry. I'm still dealing with what happened on the other Enterprise---I promise you that I will tell you everything if you want to know, but I'd like you to come with me. Don't make me go by myself."

"All right. I still will need to have shore leave cleared...I don't have as much time banked as you do, nor do I have your...VIP privilege's." she grins.

"Perfect. If you need me to, I'll talk to Geordi about giving you more days. You won't regret this Christy."

"I'm already beginning to." she and I kiss as I leave engineering

She might have a point. I have no idea what to expect---I didn't want to tell her about...Vash---or the Tox Utat. Besides which Vash and Picard are the ones who fall in love. Absolutely no reason to believe anything different is going to happen. It should be just a nice, standard, much needed vacation where Christy and I finally get to make love. Yep. No hijinks. Right?

Risa is all set. Packing is easy in this reality, and not just because of replicators...it has dawned on me that I don't actually have any "real" clothes since I got here. It still occasionally freaks me out that I'm wearing replicated clothing. It is a strange feeling to try and describe---the most closest thing I can possibly compare it with is like a sheath armored suit---except that doesn't do it justice either as the replicator literally copies the fabrics, right down to the molecules themselves. It's complicated stuff.

Anyway we're just going two weeks. Turns out I didn't have to talk to Geordi to clear any more days for Christy. I'm REALLY hoping that being on Risa helps us---we're not in any real trouble. I do need to tell her what happened in the other reality, even though NOTHING happened. She deserves to know and I promise no secrets at the beginning of all my relationships---or I would have I had any! Everyone is pretty excited for me, and also getting Picard off the ship for the first time. It's incredible he never took a vacation before this episode---but that fits his psyche profile honestly.


There wasn't enough time with Elizabeth to book a trip to Risa...that would have been absolutely amazing. Two weeks with her...ahem but I am excited to see how things transpire with Christy. Captain Picard as anticipated, was less enthused with the two of us coming along with him, but I promised him that we would be in another part of the planet---which we are. I made sure to book us a suite in Tembiti Lagoon. Captain Picard is staying in the capital...which is why the place was crawling with extras---errrr---tourists and Risans. Christy is still suspicious of my motives still, and I can't say as I blame her---she's wearing a magnificently skimpy blue bikini, and I'm shirtless wearing a pair of ocean blue shorts. Our luggage has already been beamed down to our room...and right on cue---Arandis is there to meet us. Interesting.

"Welcome to Risa. It is my pleasure to welcome you to Tembiti Lagoon, where I am it's chief facilitator. My name is Arandis."

I shake her hand. I'm a little giddy right now, and it's not the few cocktails that I've already downed.


"It's my pleasure to meet you Arandis. It's wonderful to finally be here."

"You know of Tembiti Lagoon?"

"It's reputation proceeds itself let's say...I've been wanting to visit for a very long time."

I see Christy roll her eyes as she starts towards the main building. Arandis smiles and beckons me to follow her.

"I'm very happy to hear that. You will know then that we offer only the very best in hospitality. We feature five star cuisine from the very best chef's across the galaxy. Room service is available all day and night if desired. Our staff is highly trained to respond to you and your partner's every need. There is entertainment in the evening times. The beaches are also open all day. There is no curfew, so feel free to enjoy what the resort has to offer for as long as you are here to stay, and if you need anything at all---don't hesitate to ask for me."

We're inside our suite now and I'm a little bit taken aback...speechless actually. It is absolutely beautiful.

"Thank you again Arandis, and be assured if we need you, we'll call." she smiles and leaves us along.

Christy slinks towards me and wraps her arms around my neck.

"So what do you think?" she asks

"I think you look absolutely breathtaking...and I can think of a few things we can finally do now that we're alone..."

I start to untie her bikini top as we kiss, she giggles.

"Finally, I thought we'd never get to this part, Mr. Young."

"I'm admittedly a little slow in this department...my lack of experience you see." Hmmm. Her top falls off as she kisses down my chest and goes to pull down my shorts.

"I think I can help...educate you with that..."

"I was hoping you would say that...."

"Stop talking."

I obey as we fall back onto the bed.

Just as Christy and I are...resting...we're interrupted by Picard and Vash who burst into our room. We pull the sheet up.

"Mr. Young...Lieutenant Henshaw. Our apologies...but there's a situation..."

I try and avoid looking at Vash while she looks at me with...an unexpected expression on her face.

I press myself up on the headboard of the bed...

"Ah. I see you've met Vash already. I thought we had more time."

"I knew it!" Christy exclaims but she doesn't leave

"You know of me?" Vash asks

"Who hasn't?" Vash smiles, Christy swats me with a pillow.

"Enough Adam, you clearly know what is going on here. We need your help, get dressed---consider that an order, and I apologize again Lieutenant."
Damn. I get out of bed and start putting on clothes.

"Adam...what is happening?" Christy says crawling over to my side.

"You might've been a little...uh...right when you suspected that I had ulterior motives coming here."

"You bastard. You came here because of her---didn't you?"

"Sort of...but not in the way you're thinking Christy."

I put on my shirt and sit on the bed. I take her hand---she pulls it away. I don't have time for this...but I need to make this right. I kiss the back of her hand gently.

"I'm truly sorry. I haven't been upfront with you since I got back from the other reality. There is a reason why I wanted to come to Risa, and yes Vash is part of it---but she falls in love with the Captain...I came here to expose the fraud Vorlons, and also to give you the vacation that you truly deserve and treat you like the queen you are." I cringe slightly. Don't over do it Adam.

"Mr. Young?" the Captain calls

"I'm coming sir..."

"You did that well enough..." Christy harrumphs.

"Thank you...lol...listen you can either come with us, or you can stay here and when I come back...I promise you that I will tell you everything that happened on the other Enterprise---and why I've been distant from you. I'll try not to flirt with Vash."

"That seems like it's going to be impossible for you...you're so so lucky you know that? You're a bastard."

"But a charming bastard! Right?"

We kiss again...I linger a few seconds longer than i should then pull away. Damn this. I honestly wasn't expecting a relationship when this episode happened...I am a bit of a bastard. I kind of wish Christy was coming with us.

"Christy...be mindful while I'm gone. I'm not entirely confident that this...will unfold exactly as it did on the show. Call Arandis if you need company, she's really a delightful person." she hears the concern in my voice

"I'll do that. You be careful too Adam. We have unfinished business when you come back..."

"I know. I love you."

It's the first time I say and we both realize it. She doesn't hesitate.

"I love you too, you bastard, now go before the Captain loses his patience. This is wrecking his holiday too."

I know. He just wanted to read his books in private.

I head into the living room where Picard and Vash are waiting for me. I'm not really in the mood for any of Vash's hijinks. I'm tempted to just shut this thing down as soon as possible...but I'm curious.

"So you've encountered the Vorgons already...and Sovak."

Vash turns to Picard.

"How does he know that? How does he know me?"

Picard sighs and introduces us.

"Vash, this is the Special Starfleet Consultant assigned to the Enterprise, Adam Christopher Young."

"Adam, you already know who Vash is."

She extends her hand and I shake it firmly.

"Indeed I do. It's my honor to meet you."

"As to how he knows what is going on...well...that's a complicated matter we don't have time for. What DOES matter is that he knows what is going on and can help us."

Yeah, I'm going to end this early.

"Vash...sigh. As much as it pains me to do this...tell the Captain where the Tox Uthat is please."

Picard looks at her confused.

Vash's expression changes to annoyed for a second then feigned confusion.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about. We have to go to---"

I rub my temples with two fingers.

"Vash. You don't understand who you are dealing with---and under any other circumstances---I would have loved nothing more than to go on an adventure with you...but you're not fooling me. I know you found the Tox Uthat in the caves already, when you first arrived here and have been hiding it from Sovak." she looks genuinely shocked now and Picard has an angry look on her face

"Don't be too upset with her Captain...she's in over her head a little bit. Good thing I planned for this." I take out my comm badge.

"Young to Enterprise."

"Riker here..."

"Are you in position yet sir?" Picard is looking at me in bewilderment...I'm possibly gonna get reamed when we get back to the ship, but I REALLY want to get back to Christy.

"We arrived a few minutes ago based on your plan Adam yes. Is the Captain there?"

"I am Number One, and quite impressed---and annoyed at the same time." Picard says in his stern voice


"Understood. I'll explain later."

"You damned well better."


"Code 14 sir two second delay ...on my mark."

"Understood, standing by."

"I apologize sir, but I had anticipated this was going to happen and informed Commander Riker--and told him what I wanted to do. He didn't want to---burden you with this since you're on shore leave."

Picard sighs. Vash beams at me.

"I like him."

Uh-oh.

"Vash...please. We're wasting valuable time...we will protect you from Solok and the Vorgons, but you must produce the Uthat first."

"Fine." Vash sighs and goes to get it. I glance at the Captain.

"When we return to the Enterprise, you and I are going to have a little talk Mr. Young."

"Aye sir."

Vash comes back with a Horga'hn and opens it up and there is the Uthat. Almost right on cue the Vorgons appear with their weapons drawn.

"You have done well Captain Picard, faster than the records shown."

"You're not who you told the Captain you are." I say confronting them.

"Who are you?" they exclaim

"I'm not in your records." I reply

"Vash toss it to me and both of you run now."

she hesitates and Picard realizes what is happening and takes it from her and tosses to me and grabs her hand

"Now Enterprise! Now! MARK!" I exclaim

I then dive for cover too as the Uthat explodes! All of us get up and the Vorgons turn to both Picard and I. It was Picard's destiny to DESTROY the Tox Uthat and then Bortanus turn to me and says:

"We ARE aware of who you are Adam Christopher Young...Good Journey."

The two of them vanish and Picard and Vash get up.

"Is it over?" Vash asks

"It's over I say, the Ferengi will be arrested when he comes back into the city tomorrow. I've alerted the authorities about him already."

"You'll have to tell me how this transpires originally when we get back, Adam." Picard says

Vash rubs her hand on Picard's chest.

"It seems we have free time on our hands."

Picard is hesitant.

"Vash is a highly interesting woman, Captain. I'm sure you'll find her company rather stimulating, if you give her a chance."

"You are a mystery in itself Mr. Young." Vash says to me


"I would love to get to know you more, perhaps we will have an opportunity in the future to do so---however my partner is currently waiting for me...and I promised her a proper vacation. Vash...stay out of trouble---Captain I'll see you in two weeks. Enjoy the rest of your leave."

"Well done Mr. Young, and thank you." I nod leaving the two of them to leave our suite I head back into the bed room

Christy is sitting up reading something. I start stripping off my shirt and shorts.

"Arandis is probably gonna come to check on us in a few minutes..."

"Is the commotion over with now? I Trust you butterflied it." she says with her arms crossed

"I did."

"Everything is fine?" she asks

"More than fine." I lift up the sheet from the bottom of the bed and crawl underneath of it. Slowly kissing Christy's body until I reach her lips and then cover us. She giggles.

"I'm sorry. I'll tell you everything...but first we have to make up for lost time." I say as I kiss her chest. She giggles and we end up making love until the following morning.

The next morning I finally Christy what has been bothering me since I came back from the other Enterprise and she laughs.

"You were worried that I what? Was going to leave you or something because you had feelings for a woman in an alternate reality that a variant of you was involved with? I can't believe that was a real sentence."

We're eating breakfast together at our spacious oval shaped table. Fresh fruit, and crepes that I had just finished making.

"I didn't think that...but I did feel guilty about having those feelings."

Christy laughs. It reminds me of Elizabeth's laugh and I frown.

"Adam...you're in the 24th century now. A lot---and I mean a LOT has changed in the past three hundred years...not to mention we're a completely different reality than from what yours might evolve into. We're not hung up on certain things any more, you could say that a sexual revolution took place after World War III happen---I know you're still reading and learning our history---but you really have to drop your old mentality."

"I get that things have changed, but I was thinking of you---and you're right...I need to stop assuming things and talk about them with you...what that other version of me felt though---"

"It lingered with you naturally?" she asks

"Yes. Plus I think I've always had a crush on...the actress that played Tasha...so for a version of me to actually been involved with A Tasha.."

"It must've been overwhelming for you."

"Everything was overwhelming about being in that reality---everything was so dark."

"Can I ask you another question?" she asks

"Fire away." i say in between bites of crepe

"What's the deal with Vash? I saw how you looked at her."

"Vash is a unique person in this reality...galaxy. Yes I had a crush on her too, but under no illusions that anything would happen nor would I have jeopardize anything with you."

"Good to know, but I would have been open to something..." she smiles mischievously

My jaw drops for a few seconds.

"I've had relations before with women---especially when I was at the Academy. I told you Adam, things have changed here. Anyway you're off the hook. You had nothing to worry about. You have proven to me where your heart is...and I love you for it."

"I meant what I said earlier...I have fallen in love with you Christy."

"And I you..."

We kiss

"So I was hoping to hit the beach. It's been a long time since I've been to a proper beach."

"I'll go put on my bikini." I nod

I smile goofy...for the first time in a long, long time...I feel...happy.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

The two weeks were an absolute blessing. It had been a long time since I had a genuine extended vacation like this before---and nothing quite like Risa at all. As anticipated Arandis did check in on us and I explained what had happened, and she informed me that the authorities had picked up Solok upon his return into the main city. I would have liked to have seen the expression on his face when he was arrested. We have a chance to explore some of the planet as well as mostly staying in the Lagoon. It's nice and peaceful here and the weather control is brilliant. They have perfected the technology even more than on Earth here. They can switch it on and off like a light switch.


When we returned to the ship Captain Picard did indeed have a talk with me...making sure that if I had notions of any such plans in the future that I run them by him no matter what it is...and especially if it involves the crew or ship's safety. I agree to do so, and then he commends me on the plan.

"I trust that you picked it up from the episode?" He asks while sipping tea

"I did. You come up with it...I just borrowed it." He smiles

"Code 14...the destruction of an object while being dematerialized in a transport beam. That would have been something I would think of in that situation. Well done Adam. However next time, I would like to be informed about a command decision involving MY ship. Understood?"

"Understood sir."

"So...did you take my suggestion to spend time with Vash?" he frowns, annoyed that I've brought it up. After all. This is still season 3 Picard.

"At first I wasn't going to...all I wanted to do there was just read---and I explained that again to Vash--however as you know, she can be very persuasive and brought up the ancient civilization on Tagus III. Then she offered to take me to Galgartha...which features this absolutely amazing cliff face that changes pitch and handholds as one makes their way up for it. I've never climbed anything like it before..."

"I'm surprised that neither of you broke anything climbing it...as it has a reputation for being a literal tourist trap...for even the most experienced climbers." I reply and there's a twinkle in his eye

I'm thinking of Travis who had that happen to him when the NX-01 visited it.

"We took the necessary precautions and Vash was an expert guide."

"I'm sure she was. It sounds like you two had a delightful time."

"Why? What happens in the episode between us?"

I sigh.

"In the episode Vash leads you on an elaborate adventure into the cave where the Tox Uthat is supposed to be--while you're being pursued by Solak. The adventure brings you close together---and..."

"We spend the night together." Picard finishes

"Yes sir."

He tugs on his uniform and then takes another sip of tea.

"I see. Now I understand why you've had the tone with me that you've had...you were worried that you might have...taken that experience away from me with her?"

"Yes sir."

He smiles.

"I am, as you know, not prone to discussing my personal life, however if it relieves you of any consternation---spending the night did occur. "

"I'm glad for you sir."

"I trust things with you and Lieutenant Henshaw proceeded smoothly after we left?"

"They did yes. We're in a great place now. "

"I am happy for you Adam. Well done again. You're dismissed."

Aye sir, and thank you sir."

"Remember what I said though...any circumstances like that again---I need to be immediately informed beforehand."

"Aye sir."

Not the reaming I expected, but the message is crystal clear. I need to go make a pizza for Will.

The next three months are a whirlwind of activity as I delve back into my studies. Christy moves into my quarters. Elizabeth messages to inform me that the new "Borg Detection Array" (Tentative name) is now up and running and is scanning. The device takes tremendous power to operate and a half a dozen Starfleet officers are stationed there. Think like the Armagosa Array from "Generations" but about fifteen times larger. It is at the time of writing the single largest advanced detection device/station that Starfleet has built and operates. It's been online now for a few weeks and starting to get hits which is concerning. The Fleet despite advanced efforts is no where near it needs to be and still disappointing with the numbers. I instruct Elizabeth to get them to focus the array along the Romulan Neutral Zone--the entirety of it. The Borg IIRC make pot shots all along that sector of space. This is in September---I tell her and Admiral Hanson that we have about two months before they launch their attack. The Defiant despite the alterations I recommended is not ready---the Romulans are not cooperating with loaning the cloaking device, despite suggestions of joint operation of it. Neither side trusts each other. I tell them both to get over themselves...because this thing is bigger than our blood feud with each other. We may have to think of an...another alternative should they continue to reject us.

Tam Elburn comes aboard the Enterprise as "Tin Man" happens...Commander Riker is unsure of Tam due to an incident that cost the lives of two of Riker's Academy friends. I assure Will that everything will proceed without incident this time and that he needs to back off Elburn. Riker respects my judgement and we eventually discover that the creature is from another universe that somehow got lost in ours and bonds with Tam. Data goes through his crisis of faith as he wonders if he should be elsewhere than the Enterprise.

"Captain...I know this sounds crazy...and its a haunch rather than fact...but I think I know where Gomtuu is from. It's a hell of a leap...but I have a gut feeling. I request permission to board him...I believe he will allow me to without incident."

"That's a hell of a guess Adam." Riker says

"I know it is. I'm basing this off that Gomtuu resembles organic ships from a reality called...Farscape."

"Another show?" Asks Deanna doubting

"Yes. I understand how crazy this sounds, and I maybe totally wrong...but I can't help but feel the connection to the ship."

"Is it impacting your empathy?"

"No. I don't sense him or anything...I just feel compelled to help him."

"Captain this is highly irregular. I am aware that Mr. Young is a Special Consultant and he has certain...abilities. However he is not a contact specialist, nor has he had the training to be one." Tam states

Picard raps his knuckles on the conference table, looking impatient.

"I agree. Which means that you Mr. Elburn will be accompanying him, and Mr. Data on this mission. At the first sign of trouble. we'll beam you all back."

"Aye sir. Thank you sir. " Picard is trusting my gamble. I've been right before. The stuff on Risa cemented me as fact for him. Our relationship has changed now.

The three of us beam aboard the creature and it is...hard to describe. I can hear his heart beat. It is similar to the hum that the warp core makes on the Enterprise. It is absolutely breathtaking. Data begins scans with his tricorder. I forgot about the Romulans. We don't have a whole lot of time.

"Okay Tam, I need you to communicate with Glomtuu...I know what happened to him and his crew, and what he's feeling. But I need you to calm him down long enough to me to tell him where to go, if I'm right that is. If not this could go south real fast for us, but I think I can convince him to go home."

"I hope you're right Mr. Young"

I turn to Data.

"Sir, on my mark I need to contact the Enterprise to beam us out. This is going to be pretty quick and we don't need to be here when the Romulans are..."

"Understood Adam."

It takes a couple of minutes but Tam does what I ask and tells me that Glomtruu is ready to hear what I have to say.


"Hello Glomtruu. I know that you are a long way from home...and are in great pain since the loss of your crew, and pilot. There are no Peacekeepers here to harm you---but there is a group of people who are trying to hunt you down...Tam...myself, and Data are trying to help you. We mean you no harm. I don't know if you can understand me or not."

I turn to Tam who pauses a few minutes then he nods.

"He understands but doesn't know how you know where he is from." Elburn replies

"It's a long story we don't have time for. I have a plan but we need your cooperation, and you need to start powering your starburst drive once I tell you to. Do you understand?"

I wait for Tam.

"He understands."

"Data, see if you can access Glomtruu's database...you might have to reach back a while. There should be spatial coordinates in there that don't look like anything we use. If you find them, are you able to use..."

"I believe I can do better than that Adam. If Glomtruu allows me, I should be able to access his main navigation systems from his console and program them from there."

Data is now a temporary Pilot.

"Good. Hurry Data." I press, the Romulans should be nearly bearing down on us.

"Picard to Away Team. We have detected a Romulan warbird approaching this system. You don't have a lot of time."

I tap my badge.

"Acknowledged. We're almost done here I think."


Tam approaches me.

"I suppose you know that I am staying with him. He has given me permission to do. He will need someone with him when he goes home."

I nod.

"If this works, do you have any suggestions where we should go?"

"Seek out Moya. You'll know her when you see her...the connection between the two should be evident when you do. She has a crew that should be able to help you both. Stay away from Peacekeepers---that shouldn't be hard to do."

Data gets up from the console and joins the two of us.

"It is done Adam. Glomtruu has the coordinates he needs to return home now."

"Thank you Data. Tam?"

"He is sending you both back to the Enterprise...thank you, both of you for your help. Especially you Data...and Mr. Young, I apologize for doubting you...and give my regards to Deanna."

"I will...and good journey...to you both."

Then quick as a flash both Data and I are standing on the bridge as I watch the starburst engine activates and in a brilliant flash of energy that Glomtruu generates---he and Tam are gone.

The Romulan Warbird decloaks and the Captain tells the Romulan Commander that he is too late...Glomtruu has gone back home. There's a tense couple of minutes but then the warbird retreats as she recloaks and sets a course back to Romulan space. The second ship never decloaks.

"That was a close one."

"Do you think they made it? " Riker asks

"I hope so...I recognized the energy that Glomtruu was generating, it was very similar to the one from the show I mention. Plus the coordinates that Data found where nothing like we've seen here. I am confident they made it back to his reality..."

"And Tam?" asks Deanna

"He asked me to give you his regards...but he has finally found peace and a new purpose with Glomtruu. The two of them bonded finally...and I could sense that the ship was grateful for our assistance."

"I'm glad that we could help it find its way home before anything dire happened to it." Picard says

A tear streaks down my cheek.

"Adam. Are you all right?" Deanna asks

I hear the Farscape theme briefly in my head...and all the wonders I have seen....take care of them John....

"Yeah...just a little emotional. Connecting even briefly with Glomtruu---was---overwhelming, but incredible. I kind of understand a little how you must feel with all of us."

Deanna smiles and squeezes my arm.

"I think it's time we got underway ourselves....helm, set as a course for Starbase 152, Warp 5. Engage."

Data later has his conversation with Deanna in the observation lounge and realizes that his place is here, with us. We're his home. I nurse a drink at the bar with Guinan.

The Enterprise was called to deal with the water supply issue on Beta Agini II. It is discovered that a rare compound is required to the neutralize the contamination and one Kivas Fajo so happens to have it---as well as a whole lot of other rare items in his collection. Data already makes a couple of trips, on his third trip back. I inform Captain Picard that Fajo is planning on kidnapping Data. Picard says that is a serious allegation, they require proof of it---I tell him to have Geordi check for any explosives on Data's shuttle. An engineering team does find them, disables them, and Fajo is charged with attempted kidnapping. He is brought about the ship to defend himself and confronts me in the conference lounge. He calls the charges preposterous and that I'm slandering him. I force myself not to laugh at him...and say in return that he is preposterous. I then turn to Commander Riker as Worf is about to escort him to the brig.

"I think you'll discover that all of Fajo's collection is stolen, and that he's wanted for multiple accounts on many different worlds. I would suggest that any investigation start with his assistants...I'm sure they'll be more than willing to spill the beans on our preposterous friend."

"You're enjoying this." Riker notes

"In this particular instance? Damn right. The man has lived off his reputation as a trader and collector for decades, but in reality is nothing more than a petty thief. All of his so called collection should be museums...like the Ark...and that damned baseball card."

"Do you want anything?" Riker asks grinning

"The aforementioned baseball card would be nice--but no. Like I said all of the items should be sent to the appropriate museums, or their former owners if possible."

Riker nods.