#qrusher

Captain’s Log Supplemental: Commander Riker has informed me that Dr. Apgar was the only one aboard the space station when it exploded. We remain in orbit investigating the accident.”

It wasn’t the first time Captain Picard had found himself in a predicament as uncomfortable as this one and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. He had to admit, however, that having his own first officer being charged with suspicion of murder was not how he had anticipated their previous mission would go. 

From the moment Captain Picard attempted to greet Chief Investigator Krag he could tell the investigation would be a grueling one. Krag was a terribly no nonsense man right from the start. Which was something Picard typically appreciated in a person, but in the inspectors’s case it was to an outright egregious degree. Krag was such a tough nut to crack to the point that it was actively a detriment to everyone involved. Especially for . Krag’s sole purpose for beaming aboard the Enterprise had been to take the Commander into custody, and it was getting them nowhere fast. To say he was insistent upon having Riker beamed down to Tanuga IV for a proper interrogation was frankly an understatement. Demanding was a much more appropriate descriptor. It was clear to everyone involved that he was not one to back down. Fortunately enough, however, neither was Captain Picard. 

“Captain, you will turn him over to me for interrogation, now.” Krag’s voice was harsh and demanding as he looked Picard right in the eye, his face steely and devoid of expression.

Picard calmly leaned back in his ready room chair unfazed. “Interrogate him here.” He said locking eyes with the Investigator and refusing to give an inch. 

Krag huffed in frustration and pressed his hands into the cold glass of the desk as he leant his weight against it. Not quite enough to invade Picard's personal space, but enough to make it known he didn't take too kindly to being challenged. “We must recreate step by step, moment by moment, all the events leading to the explosion. We will require access to all the witnesses as well as the data from the labs’ ground computers.” He straightened up and looked down on Picard after a breath of silence.  “It would be… impossible to accomplish here.” His face remained unreadable but his voice revealed just how pleased he was with himself at the statement.

The Captain didn’t give him even a second to revel in it.

“Perhaps not.” Picard said tapping his Combadge, the ghost of a smile on his lips. “Mr. Data, will you report to my ready room?”

“Aye, sir.” The Android replied.

“We may be able to assist you in recreating these events.” It took only a few moments for Commander Data to make his way to the Captain’s ready room, and Picard maintained eye contact with the investigator the entire time, not backing down. “Commander Data, this is Chief Inspector Krag.” Data and the investigator nodded, exchanging polite greetings. “Commander, by taking testimony from the away team and from witnesses provided by the investigator, would it be possible to program the holodeck to recreate what happened on the science station?” Questioned Picard. 

Data Considered it for about half a second. “It would require construction and design specifications, full orthographic representations of the Krieger equipment, as well as visual representations and voice analyses of the persons involved…but it is possible.” He replied.

Picard returned his attention to Investigator Krag with the slight quirk of a brow. To Krag’s credit, he relented fairly quickly. It would seem that even he could admit that he had been outmanned and out witted. “Very well. Arrangements will be made to provide you with all available information. I shall return shortly with our witnesses.” His voice remained calm and collected, with only a touch of exasperation.

That worked well enough for Captain Picard, as he rose from his seat and addressed both men. “Commander, will you escort Investigator Krag to Transporter Room Three?” He assumed a slightly more diplomatic air to his mannerisms but the tone of his voice left no question as to who had won this battle. 

Just as Data was about to lead Chief Investigator Krag out of the ready room the doors behind them swooshed open. The whole room stopped and stared as Q stomped full speed into the room. He pushed past Investigator Krag without so much as acknowledging him at all. “Jean-Luc! — I demand to know the meaning of this!!” He bellowed, advancing on the Captain behind the desk. Krag hesitated at the door a moment as he watched this strange man bark his grievances at Picard. For just how affronted he was by the man’s blatant disregard for, not only him, but everyone else in the room, there was one thing about him he found irritatingly admirable. He sure knew how to make Picard’s resolve weaken, even if only for a fraction of a second.  

Picard let out a calming breath as he once again took his seat after recovering from the initial surprise. “I haven't the faintest idea of what you're talking about, Q…” He assured him with a deep frown. Krag decided not to waste precious time sitting in on what was obviously a personal quarrel, so he turned on his heel and followed Data out onto the bridge. Leaving the two men to resume their… interesting conversation. He paused only to spare a disapproving glare at Commander Riker as he passed by.

It was then that Picard noticed Q had been clutching something in his fist. The former Q leant further into Picard’s space as held up the bundle of grey fabric right in front of his face. “I’m talking about THIS!!” He shrilled, waving it about. 

Picard had to pause and let his brain process what was transpiring in front of him…as well as allow his steadily rising temper to soften. “Your uniform?” He asked incredulously. It wasn’t so much a question but rather a statement of fact. “You stormed into my ready room during a very important conversation, all so you could complain about your uniform?” 

“YES!“ Q wailed. “I was under the impression I’d joined Starfleet, not enrolled in ‘The Wesley Crusher Wardrobe Exchange Program’!” He tossed the garment on the desk with visible disdain. He folded his arms and stared down at the little grey pile as if it had personally offended him. “Explain, immediately!”

Jean-Luc closed his eyes and held the bridge of his nose. He took another calming breath, one of many, all of which did nothing to stave off the headache he miraculously got only when Q was around. “Q—” his voice was calm yet audibly tired. “I don’t have time for this. If you haven’t noticed, I am in the middle of a very important investigation, and I don’t…”

“Huh?... Oh yes, that.” Q interrupted, obviously only half listening. “That's all I’ve heard all day. Word travels fast on a starship apparently! He couldn’t have done it, though… Obviously. Now about this uniform, can’t you see? The color is dreadful!!”

Jean-Luc quickly held up a hand to silence him. “Now wait just a moment. You said he couldn’t have done it? Is that true? I thought you couldn’t tell us anything about the future?” Despite his earlier irritation, the Captain couldn’t help but let a glimmer of hope shine in his hazel eyes. Although, he really should have known better. Especially when Q was involved.

“Well, your future, my past technically…” Q wasn’t one to let much pass him. He was well aware of the spark of hope lit within the captain. He’d seen that glint in his eye before of course, but it was rare for that look to be directed at himself. It almost made him feel bad to have to burst his bubble….Almost.  “But no. Not for the most part. This time doesn't count though, since I genuinely don’t know whether he actually did it or not. In any timeline.”

Jean-Luc looked Q in the eye with a raised brow. “But, I thought you knew everything?” He asked only half teasing. 

Q couldn’t quite hide his slight amused smile as he held the Captain's gaze. “You greatly overestimate my morbid interest in the going ons of your silly little ship.” He crooned flippantly. “I don’t keep tabs on you all the time! I had much more pressing matters to attend to.” Q was the first to break eye contact taking the seat provided. He lounged back as much as the chair allowed and began boredly fiddling with his new human nails.

Jean-Luc didn’t even try to hide the roll of his eyes. Q wasn’t looking anyway. “Yes, I'm sure, but if you don’t know what actually happened, why are you so sure he couldn’t have done it?” He asked, sitting back a little more comfortably in his chair. Might as well…

The Captain was taken back by the bark of laughter Q let out in response. “Oh please, Mon Capitaine! You can’t possibly believe that neanderthal has enough intact brain stem to carry out premeditated murder.” Q snickered.

The last bit of that hopeful glint faded from the Captain’s eyes at that. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t insult my crew to my face, in my own ready room.” He sighed.

“What!? I did say I didn’t think him capable of such a thing! I was vouching for him! You should be pleased, Picard.” Q exclaimed in protest. 

“I would hardly call that ‘Vouching for someone’.” He didn’t actually expect Q to listen to his request. He had certainly made a habit of doing quite the opposite in the past. Somehow, however, he had managed to subceed his already low expectations.

“Trust me…” Q drawled, sitting up, folding his hands over the desk and resuming his place invading The Captain’s personal space. “It is for me.”

Jean-Luc, having quickly gotten to having his personal space invaded, didn’t even flinch. “Well I certainly hope you never have to vouch for me.” He said with about as much sarcasm as his professionalism would allow him. “Q, don’t you have any more pressing matters to attend to?” He said, hoping to cut their little meeting short. As …stimulating as their conversation was, Jean-Luc had much more pressing matters to attend to himself, and he was beginning to tire of Q’s antics.

Q shrugged. “Not Particularly.” He said as he sat there batting his eyes and feigning innocence.

The captain hummed in acknowledgement. He wasn’t buying it for a second and he wasn’t about to let it slide either. “As I recall,” he started, making sure his authority was audible in his voice. “I gave you a direct order to enroll your sons in school. That has been taken care of, I take it?” He was almost entirely certain it had, in fact, not been taken care of. 

The former omnipotent entity blinked a few times in surprise. Captain Picard knew instantly he had been correct and he now had him right where he wanted him. “You really were serious about that, huh?” 

“Quite.” Picard Deadpanned rising to his feet with an air of finality. “Well… I suggest you get to it. I’ve heard it's quite a bit of paperwork. It could take a while.”

"You know,” Q scowled, pointing an accusatory finger at the other man. “I don’t like the way you said that.” In response, Picard motioned towards the door. He wanted to end the conversation quickly at this point and he figured it was time for a more direct approach. “Alright! Fine!” The other exclaimed, throwing his hands up in surrender. He could take a hint. More or less. He pushed himself away from the desk and rose to his feet, turning to leave. Much like Krag had done earlier, he hesitated at the door. “We aren't finished with this conversation by the way! You will address this sooner or later!” 

Picard stood up as straight as he could, hands folded behind his back. “You are dismissed —Ensign.” Q huffed indignantly as he marched himself out of the room. 

As the door slid closed behind the other man, Jean-Luc stood there, his eyes glued to the space he used to occupy. He let out a breath he was unconsciously holding and let the remaining tension bleed from his body, his shoulders visibly sagging. Dealing with Q often felt like that. After spending any stretch of time in the same vicinity as the former immortal entity, Jean-Luc would feel his steadily rising irritation come so close to boiling over. Then Q would vanish just before he could properly lose his temper. Unfortunately Jean-Luc had been foolish enough to believe that things would be at least a little different now that he was mortal. Now it seemed he had a whole host of new problems to deal with. ‘I have no idea what I’m going to do with him...’ He thought to himself. It was in this same line of thought that the Captain came to an alarming realization.

His previous anxieties concerning the investigation were all but forgotten. He wasn’t calm by any means, but his mind felt sharper than before. He felt as if he was better equipped to take on the arduous task of clearing his First Officer’s good name. It seems his ridiculous conversation with Q had sufficiently distracted him enough to allow his mind to clear and his nerves to dissipate. ‘Perhaps there is still use for you yet, Q.’ He thought with mild amusement. Jean-Luc, still with so much to do yet, set his amusement aside and crossed the distance of his ready room and stepped out onto the bridge. 

Now the real work begins. 

~

It had taken quite a bit more insisting on Captain Picard’s part for Q to actually consider his order. Let alone act on it. It wasn't until Picard had to resort to raising his voice at him did Q finally concede. So he scampered off with his tail tucked between his legs to fetch the boys, grumbling the whole way. Although to be fair the boys were doing very much the same as they trudged on, single file as if all three of them were on death row. 

“This is stupid…” Q Junior huffed under his breath. He seriously would rather be anywhere than being perp-walked to his forced academic imprisonment. He could practically feel the ball and chain wound tight around his ankle as he walked dutifully behind his father. His shoulders were slumped and his feet dragged heavily over the hallway carpet. Junior looked behind him at the younger boy to see if he was in any better of a mood. He was not…

Trelane met the older boy's eyes from under half lidded, big, sad, brown eyes. “Agreed,” he muttered, “utterly ridiculous...”

Q let out a thoughtful hum, doing his best to refrain from rolling his eyes. “Yes,” he said in a low drawl, “and yet complaining isn't going to change anything. Captain’s orders and all.” He waved his hand about, the gesture just as flippant as his tone. Their theatrics were starting to grate on him a bit. As far as he was concerned they had nothing to complain about. At least they didn't have to slave over the paperwork involved. 

The littlest Q crossed his arms over his chest with a huff. “That’s all well and good, but why are you going along with this? What is the point? It all rather seems like a waste of time.” Trelane had been so vexed he had lost his accent halfway through his complaining. Q wondered why the boy bothered to keep up his little fake accent now that he was no longer in his chosen form. Upon further thought, Q couldn't say he minded much. It oddly enough fit him rather well, in a very amusingly endearing way.

“The point,” he chided, letting the previous thought slip away, “is that we need a place to stay. And if we want to stay here, unfortunately, we have to follow their rules. No matter how moronic they may be.”

Q Junior felt a slight chill run down his spine. “You don't really think Picard would abandon us over something as dumb as that, do you?” He questioned. His voice was quieter even as he made a valiant effort to keep any sense of trepidation from seeping in.

Junior's question actually gave him pause. Did he think Jean-Luc capable of such a thing? Would he drop them on some random planet and leave them to fend for themselves? He found he wasn't entirely sure. He would be lying if he said he could blame him if he did. “As much as I would like to say I highly doubt that, quite frankly, we cannot afford to be proven wrong…” Junior nodded in understanding. More to himself than to his father. In all honesty he couldn’t blame the Captain either. So the three of them kept trudging along and as they came upon the door leading to one of the on-ship classrooms. Q sped up his gait, eager to get the whole ordeal over with. 

BANG!

Q stumbled backward, nearly toppling both boys clutching his nose in a single trembling hand. “You alright!? What was that?” Junior said as he and Trelane helped the elder Q right his footing. Q waved them off without a word, lightly blotting his nose making sure it hadn’t started to bleed. 

The door Q had just run face first into, slid open and in the doorway stood a woman, short and stout, who looked just as frazzled as the brown haired man felt. “What on Earth?! Sir, are you alright?...” The three of them turned at the sound of her voice. It took a moment for the group to regain their bearings before any of them could properly respond.

“Oh, um… yes well,” Q coughed soundly as he tripped over his words. Not for the first time as of late. Before becoming human, rendering Q speechless used to be quite the achievement. Now it seems it's becoming a common occurrence. “I’m fine… I just —forgot I couldn’t do that anymore…” He said, still slightly dazed, the last part under his breath. 

Realization visibly dawned on her. “Oh! You must be Q.” She said with a slight giggle. Only after making sure he was truly ok. “Captain Picard warned me you would be coming. Eventually.”

Q rolled his eyes. “Of course he did.” The portly woman smiled and ushered the three inside. Q Junior moved to follow behind the others but stopped dead in his tracks as he, just barely, caught a glimpse of Wesley Crusher as he turned the corner down the hall they had just come from. He looked more worse for wear than the last time he saw him.The boy’s shoulders were slumped and he had a deep frown where a once boyish smile had been. Junior noted how upset he looked and decided it didn’t suit him at all. Junior looked back at his father and Trelane as they made themselves comfortable with their new host. A sly smile crept up on the boy’s face. Before the opportunity passed him by, he slunk away from the group and out of sight. Surely they wouldn’t notice he wasn’t there, he thought as he took off down the hall. They hadn’t been paying much attention anyway…

“The Captain warned me you might try to skip out on this little meeting. I’m so glad you decided to make an appearance.” The portly woman waved Q and Trelane over to her desk in the center of the room. She offered them the chairs in front of them, of which there were conveniently only two. 

Q leveled her with a roguish glare. “Trust me, it was not for lack of trying.” He bemoaned as he took his seat.

The woman waited until Trelane plopped himself down as well before giving a response. “Regardless, it's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Q, my name is Mrs. Campbell. I teach the third grade class.” She gave the boy a winning smile hoping to make an amicable first impression on her soon to be new student. “I’m happy to see that you brought your boys along. It’s a pity your eldest couldn’t stick around.” She had only been vaguely aware that Q’s eldest son wasn’t in the room with them. She’d just barely caught him slipping out into the hall, but hadn't thought much of it.

“It’s just Q actually. I would say ‘Mr. Q was my father’ but I don’t have one. As for the boys I’m sure they… Wait, what do you mean, couldn't stick ar—” Q stopped his rant half way through. “Junior?... Junior??” He swiveled around in his chair, this way and that, finally noticing the teenager’s disappearance. “Where did he go!? He was just here!!” He cried.

Trelane just looked over at Q and shrugged. “He left.” He stated matter of factly.

Q sat there blinking in surprise, but only for a moment before turning on Trelane. Despite the anger he felt, his tone was even and calm…at first. “And you didn’t think it at all important to LET ME KNOW?!?!” Q’s Voice raised to a bellow causing Trelane to shrink back in his chair.

“I’m sorry…” Trelane demurred with what appeared to be a sliver of fear. Q, despite his initial irritation, couldn’t seem to stop himself from feeling pity for him. So he damned his new-found inability to mask his emotions as he sighed heavily and let his face soften a bit. The gesture was not lost on the little boy. He beamed back at Q once he realized he wasn't truly angry with him. “He couldn’t have gone far!” He exclaimed, hopping out of his seat. “Don’t worry Q! I’ll go fetch him!” With a flourish and a skip in his step he sped off full speed out the door. 

“Trelane, WAIT!” Q shouted. “Get back here this instant!!” Q wasn’t one to do much real physical exertion, so by the time he even thought to follow after him the boy was long gone. He looked out into the hall but was met with nothing but empty corridors. He wiped an irritated hand down his face. “Jean-Luc is not going to like this…”

Q flinched slightly at the feeling of a hand landing gently on his shoulder. Mrs. Campbell flashed him a small amused smile. “It’s alright Q, they aren't needed for this. I can have a security team search for them.” 

Q was a bit baffled at the shorter woman’s understanding. It set him at ease, which in and of itself made him a bit uneasy for other reasons. “Let them go. It’s probably for the best,” he grumbled, allowing himself to be led back into the room, “because when I get my hands on those two…I’m going to kill ‘em.”

~

Junior trotted down the hall at full speed, bobbing and weaving through the few officers and civilians that were peppered throughout the deck. For a time he thought he’d missed Wesley somewhere along the way, but he didn’t let that deter him. He had his sights set on finding the other boy and he was going to accomplish his task. Even if he had to search that entire deck or the next. Q Junior was a lot of things, one of which being incredibly persistent. 

Lost in this thought, he almost missed Wesley as he turned a corner just out of sight once again. The former Q sped up his step and followed after him. The boy had stepped into an empty turbolift. “HEY!” Wesley looked up at the sound of Junior’s voice. “Wait up!” He called for the turbolift to hold the doors open with an intrigued, if not a little confused, grin. 

Junior skidded to a stop just before he could collide with the other teen. He muttered a quick thanks as he rested doubled over, hands on his knees. He was gulping down air like his life depended on it, and for the first time the thought occurred to him that, yes, it kind of did. “Oh hey, are —are you ok?” Wesley asked, resting an unsure hand on the other’s shoulder. 

He waited until the former immortal entity finally stopped wheezing enough to reply. “Y-yeah, I’m good…” Junior stood up straight and shook off the rest of his exhaustion. “I’m just now realizing that I’ve never actually ran before.” Junior watched as Wesley’s face turned from mild confusion to the same bright smile he’d seen almost two days prior. 

“Really?” Wesley asked with an amused chuckle.

Q smiled back at the other boy. “Well, at least not with actual functioning lungs.” He took his place by Wesley’s side as the other called for the turbolift to resume. “Wesley, right? Long time no see.” Junior had just about recovered his usual self-assertive temperament. Truth be told, he hadn’t forgotten Wesley’s name. In fact, the other boy had made such an impression on the former Q. There was just something so achingly magnetic about him that made him rather hard to ignore. Of course, he couldn’t let the other boy know any of this. He preferred to keep his deck close to his chest. At least for the time being. 

“Right.” Wesley smirked. Wesley, to his credit, was particularly observant. His social skills usually, while not inept, were typically somewhat lacking. Yet he was an incredibly bright boy, and he could plainly see right through the other boy’s ruse. Wesley was becoming increasingly aware that Q Junior was a lot of things. Subtle was not one of them, but he decided to keep that particular thought to himself and let it slide. At least for the time being. “What’s it been, day and a half?”

Q Junior let an amused huff of air escape him. “Something like that…Anyway where you headin’? And what was with the kicked puppy look?” He questioned averting his eyes, trying his best to sound only half interested. He strolled slowly about the turbolift, doing an awful job of pretending the various panels and blinking lights were of much greater importance.

Wesley’s smile slid slowly off his face. “You could tell?”

“From the other end of the hall.” Junior deadpanned. “If you were any gloomier, you'd've had stormclouds hanging over your head.” Junior chuckled cluelessly. 

Junior’s smile fell as well at the sound of Wesley heaving a deep sigh. “You caught me.” He turned his attention back at the other boy to see the same perplexed expression that made him chase him down in the first place return to his face. “Sorry, I’m just kind of worried about Commander Riker. I just know he didn’t do it. I just know he didn’t!”

That caught Q Junior’s attention over everything else. “Do what?” He asked with interest he could no longer hide. 

Wesley sighed under his breath. “I don’t know if I should tell you that.” 

“Oh c’mon!” Junior begged. “You can’t just leave me hangin’ like that! Besides, who am I gonna tell? For once I’m—” He paused for a moment, searching Wesley’s gaze. For what? He wasn’t entirely sure. “For once I’m kind of nobody. Here at least.” He added the last part in the hopes of sounding a touch more confident than he felt at that moment. 

Wesley called for the turbolift to halt once again and thought for a minute. He felt at war with what he knew was probably the responsible thing to do, and what he saw in the other boy's face. On one hand, it might have just been a moment of weakness on Q Junior’s part and he was still just trying to trick him. On the other hand, what if not? Despite everything he knew about the Q as a species, something deep in his gut was telling him he could trust the other boy. After all, Junior had followed after him just to see what had him looking so blue. That fact hadn’t been lost on him. In the end that gut feeling won out. “Alright.” He said finally. “Commander Riker is being interrogated under suspicion of murder, but I’m almost certain he couldn’t have done something like that! He couldn’t have…”

Junior was just short of astonished. All that doom and gloom all because of blind loyalty to his superior officer? Junior had only met him once back in the Captain’s ready room, and from that meeting alone he couldn’t say he harbored and fond feelings for the Commander. Quite frankly Junior didn’t really like him at all. If it were up to him he’d probably let him take the fall. Likely having deemed him not worth the effort of finding out whether he was actually guilty or not. There was a small sliver of what could only be described as guilt sparking in his newly human chest. “So…” Junior coughed lightly trying to alleviate the tightness that accompanied that spark of guilt. “You’re on your way to figure out what happened, right?”

A twinkle of determination gleamed in Wesley’s bright brown eyes. “Yeah actually. I was just heading to the bridge now.”

Junior, satisfied with some of the light returning to his eyes, flashed the other boy with a mischievous grin. Something Wesley would be wise to grow accustomed to. “Then what are we waiting for? Computer, resume turbolift!” Junior ordered copying Wesley’s words from earlier. Perhaps a bit louder than was truly necessary. 

“You know you’re not allowed on the bridge right? You’re not a part of Starfleet.” Wesley warned with a concerned look directed at the other teen.

Junior just scoffed at this. “Neither is my dad, but he gets to play ‘Ensign’!” He stepped right in front of Wesley, leaving him no room to step around him. “I’ve got some very specific skills and knowledge not found anywhere in your silly little Federation.” The lift doors wooshed open and it was only then did Q Junior step out of Wesley’s space. “Face it Wes, you need me.” Junior smiled at him before turning away and sauntering out onto the bridge. 

Wesley had only had very basic information and even less real interaction with Qs, but there was one thing he was sure of: a Q never takes ‘no’ for an answer. So, seeing no way he could really stop him without getting security involved, he followed Junior and hoped his superiors wouldn’t be too upset. The two spotted Data and Geordi leaning intently over one of the consoles, they didn’t seem too pleased about what they were observing. Wesley motioned for Junior to let him take the lead, and in spite of himself Junior relented, which was likely a wise choice on his part. 

“Hi Commanders, have you found anything?” Greeted Wesley as the two boys joined the group at the console.

Geordi sighed, seemingly in great need of a distraction. Whatever was on that console didn’t bode well for Commander Riker.  “Hey Wes. Well, it looks like… What’s he doing here, Wes?” He turned his attention to the other boy. He had been glad for the distraction but, to put it bluntly, he did not have the energy to deal with this situation. Especially with the smugness just radiating almost palpably off Junior. 

“Indeed, Wesley. As you know, only Starfleet officers are allowed onto the bridge. Children are especially prohibited.” Data chimed in.

Geordi sucked in a breath and let it out in a rush of air. “Data’s right, he’s got to leave—”

Junior sidestepped the other boy, standing toe to toe with Commander La Forge. “Hey I might be a human teenager now, but I’m still—”

“What he means to say—” Wesley interjected, “is that we think he can be useful!” 

Geordie shook his head. “Wesley, we don't have time for this.”

Data laid a calming hand on Geordi’s shoulder. “Actually, Geordi, they may be correct. As a Q, Q Junior likely has a multitude of knowledge that we are not privy to. Child or not, he could be an invaluable asset.” 

Junior’s eyes lit up. “Thank you! See! Now I get why Dad’s so fond of you Android!” He backed away and both boys looked at Geordi expectantly.

Geordi could feel all eyes on him as he took the time to genuinely roll the idea in his head. He knew Data was technically right, but he also knew that if he made the wrong call it could very well blow up in his face. Despite this, he relented. Mostly for Wesley’s sake. “Fine, but you're responsible for him.” The two beamed at him both relieved and happy. He cracked a slight smile back at them and for a moment he convinced himself that he did make the right call. “But Captain Picard is not going to like this…” He added for good measure. 

“So what did you guys find?” Wesley asked.

“Take a look.” Geordi stated, he and Data resumed their places at the console making sure to make enough room to accommodate both boys. “The Tanugans are right. Something was fired at the reactor core just before transport.”

Data nodded in agreement. “The energy signature would seem to indicate a phaser-like blast.”

Wesley could feel that old familiar frustration bubbling up in his chest. “Well, it wasn't the Commander’s phaser. It couldn't have been. There’s another answer,” He defended indignantly, “we’re just not seeing it.” Wesley looked over at Q Junior. Junior met his gaze and gave the other boy a thumbs-up and a curt nod. for no reason other than to offer a bit of casual support. Wesley appreciated the gesture none the less.

Data observed the boys’ behavior with an inquisitive look. He noted how easily the two seemed to click after only knowing each other for such a short amount of time. He found the whole thing fascinating, but seeing as how they had much more pressing matters to attend to, he filed the information away for further study. “Was there anything else in the lab capable of creating this kind of energy discharge?" He inquired, getting back to the problem at hand.

Geordi shook his head lightly, “Not that I saw. Besides, how do you account for the fact that it came from Commander Riker’s exact position?” Questioned Geordi. “Damn it, I should’ve stayed with him.” He huffed and turned on his heels away from the console followed closely by the two younger boys.

Data was about to follow after them as well when a series of beeps caught his attention. “Commander.” Worf beckoned to his superior officer. “Sensors indicate a radiation burst on deck thirty-nine outside cargo bay twelve.”

“Source?” Inquired Data.

Worf hit a few buttons on his own console to confirm but came up short. “Unknown, sir.”

“Computer, identify type of radiation.” The android commanded, politely as he always did.

“Emission is not consistent with any known radiation.”

The console beeped once again. “It is subsiding, sir.” Both men turned to observe the console, now with far more questions than answers, and a whole new problem to deal with.

~

Geordi and Wesley stood hunched over, studying the site of the sudden radiation burst. The site was relatively small but the damage was extensive. Q Junior threw an arm around both of their shoulders and peered down at the sizable tear that had been punched in the wall. Whatever it was, it was capable of putting a hole in solid durainium. “That's a pretty gnarly hole. Although I’ve seen worse of course.” Junior reckoned sounding mostly bored. Junior had only been accompanying him and Wesley for a few minutes and already his patience was wearing thin. He was seriously reconsidering his previous decision.

Wesley tactfully chose to ignore Geordi’s obvious irritation and turned his gaze to his superior.  “What kind of radiation could do this? Make any sense to you?” Coaxed Wesley. He hoped giving him his undivided attention would distract Geordi some.

Geordi gently shucked Junior’s arm from his shoulder, ignorant to the melodramatic pout he shot back at him. “I don't recognize it. Not even the main deflector puts out that kind of spillage.”

Junior cut in with an ostentatious scoff. “It could be any number of things.” He started, crossing his arms smugly, looking between the both of them. “I know of at least a hundred different kinds of radiation that could do this kind of damage. Even more that could straight up atomize this ship,” He held up a hand, “like that…” he snapped sharply never taking his eyes off them.

Geordi considered just exactly what Q Junior was actually saying. He thought perhaps this was what Data and Wesley had been talking about when they said he could actually be somewhat useful. “Do you think you could help us narrow it down?” Asked Geordi.

“Or where it could be coming from?” Wesley put in, subconsciously following his elder’s train of thought.

Junior hummed theatrically, tapping his index finger lightly against his bottom lip. “Now there’s a question that might yield some actual results! We should start there, maybe we could—”

“You won’t be doing anything.” The three of them whipped around at the sound of a forth voice in the room. Q Junior’s face went white at the sight of his father standing behind them with his arms crossed and a scowl etching creases deep in his brow. “You’re coming with me young man.” He ground out through gritted teeth.

His son shook off the initial fear and replaced it with indignance. “Not now Dad! We’re in the middle of some very important work here!” He protested gesturing to the giant hole in the wall.

Q spared only a fleeting glance at the hole and gave it and his son a dissatisfied sniff. "Work that you have no business sticking your nose into!” He chided as he took a hold of Junior’s arm. Not hard enough to hurt, but just enough to pull the boy away and get his point across. “Now come along.” Q was about to drag Junior out of the room before Wesley caught his attention. His voice was a touch meeker than both Qs had heard it before.

“Actually, Q?” Q cocked an eyebrow, urging him to go on. Wesley swallowed his uncertainty and did just that. “Junior was able to provide us with some valuable insight… Do you think maybe he could stay?” The boy pleaded.

Q said nothing at first. He glanced over at Geordi who, after a beat, nodded his silent approval. Q continued to hold the room captive as he thought over the recent turn of events. He allowed his temper to simmer down as he realized with some slight embarrassment that he wasn’t truly angry with his son. Annoyed and worried, sure, but not angry. “Oh, well,” Q played it off, “as long as he’s at least making himself useful,  I…suppose he can stay,” He stated flippantly, “but not right now.” Wesley and Junior were moments from celebration but were quickly snapped back to reality.

“—But!?”

“—But!?” The boys keened in perfect unison.

Both adults felt the urge to laugh at the two teens, though they both exercised equal amounts of restraint. “Unfortunately, I need him to help me finish some much more tedious and wholly unnecessary paper work.” stated Q. “After that he’s all yours. Now come along.” Q about-faced and waved his son to follow.

Q Junior shrugged. “Alright fine lets just get this over with.” With a quick wave goodbye to Wesley and, to a lesser extent, Geordi, Junior jogged ahead to step in line with his father.  

 “Watch it kid, you're not completely in the clear yet.” Q snickered. “You're just lucky Trelane was easy enough to track down. —He ran off after you, but he didn't make it very far. The poor thing got lost somewhere on the opposite end of the deck.” He explained. He wore an amused smirk on his face. It was then that Q Junior knew his father had forgiven the both of them.

“Did he cry?” Mused Junior.

His father let a genuine laugh slip past his full lips. “Only a little bit. At least now he knows he could have just asked the ship's computer for directions…” 

~

Q Junior didn’t get a chance to make it back to Engineering until the following morning. Accompanied by his father this time, of course. Geordi and his team were already under considerable stress concerning the unexplained radiation bursts and they were in no mood to be babysitting Q or his son. To their surprise, however, both Qs were relatively well behaved and even helpful. Although Q Junior spent most of the time following Wesley around and offering minimal input.

Another bout of radiation struck the ship, resulting in a full evacuation of sick bay. Once the danger subsided Geordi and his team made their way over to assess the damage. They all gathered around watching as Data, Wesley, and Q knelt in front of the radiation site. “This is definitely the same radiation that penetrated deck thirty nine. Highly focused,very powerful, but of unknown origin.” Data reported looking up at Captain Picard before rising to his feet.

“Partially unknown,” Q piped in, standing to Join Data. “Junior and I have narrowed down quite a number of causes, but nothing conclusive yet.”

“Regardless,” Geordi asserted, “if this should happen near the engine core or the antimatter containment tanks we’ll be in big trouble, Captain.”

“Do you have any theories?” Inquired Picard.

Wesley moved to join the group from his place further assessing the radiation damage. “Captain, Data’s noticed something that’s too strange to be a coincidence.”

“The two radiation events aboard the Enterprise occurred five hours, twenty minutes, and three seconds apart. The science station exploded yesterday at almost four times that interval.” Data explained looking between Captain Picard and Beverly.

“There’s a .0014-second variance we haven't been able to explain yet.” Offered Wesley.

Commander Riker had been standing by listening to the others discuss the damage… more or less. His mind was mostly occupied with his own problems. The interrogations were not going well for him. Not well at all. With the help of the holodeck, each witness was able to recreate their own version of what transpired between the Commander and Dr. Apgar. Will had been able to give his side of the story, but the testimonies of Dr. Apgar’s widow and his assistant painted him in a particularly damning light. The situation was beginning to turn irrevocably bleak. All evidence pointed to Will as an adulterer and a murderer. 

So with all sense of hope dwindling, his attention had piqued at the mere mention of the science station. “So you're saying there’s a connection between the radiation bursts and the explosion.” He questioned trying not to sound as desperate as he felt.

Data shook his head. “We do not have the evidence to support that conclusion at this time Commander.” he advised. The last glimmer of hope faded from Riker’s blue eyes. 

“If they're right we should be able to predict the next event.” Mused Beverly.

“We're expecting it in just over five hours.” Geordi agreed.

Captain Picard gave a curt nod, being satisfied with their report for the time being. “Well take every precaution to protect the ship’s vital areas. If we haven't identified the source before the next time interval —we’ll leave orbit.” Picard turned from the group and headed for the door. “If you perceive any further danger, please advise me immediately.” He ordered, his voice trailing off behind him.

The group stood by for a beat in collective silence. Wesley was the first to break it. “We’ll figure it out for you, Commander.” He assured him genuinely, even if he was growing increasingly uncertain of the validity of his statement. Riker sighed heavily and left, giving Wesley a half hearted, though appreciative, look before he strode out of the room.

“Well I highly doubt that, all the evidence they have against him is already enough to land him in the slammer.” Q said snidely as soon as the door shut behind the Commander. 

The group all whipped around to glare at him. “Q!!” They all chided in unison.

Q just shrugged. “What?! I’m just trying to be realistic! I highly doubt anything we might find will be enough to make any real difference one way or the other.”

“Well we have to at least try.” Geordi scolded, backed by Data and Wesley.

Junior saw the raw conviction that radiated off of the three of them. It was so strong that it made something stir in his newly human chest. “You know what? The blind bi-ped’s right, maybe it’s much simpler than we think. Something we’ve been overlooking.” He turned his attention to Wes who nodded approval. Q had noticed that his son was directing most of his attention towards the other boy. He found the behavior odd, even for Junior, but he decided it was best not to think about it too heavily.

“Fine…” Q griped. “What about the planet we’re orbiting? Is there anything down there directly related to the science station?”

Data looked thoughtful for a moment. “There is the lambda field generator.” 

“Ok, well what does it do?” Junior allowed himself to let a sliver of excitement bloom in his chest. It wasn’t much of a revelation, but they could all agree that if felt as if they might finally be getting somewhere.

“Well it's supposed to send out harmless energy pulses up to the science station to be converted into Krieger waves. If it worked, that is.” Explained Geordi.

Q Junior hummed in understanding, musing to himself under his breath. “But what if it does?” The rest of the group leveled him with a barrage of confused expressions, but the boy was quick to wave them off, choosing to switch gears instead. “Is there anything that could link those energy pulses to the enterprise right now?”

Wesley had an idea. "What about the holodeck?” He offered. It was a bit of a shot in the dark, but worth vocalizing nonetheless.

Junior blinked. “What about it?”

Data, naturally, was the one to answer, picking up on Wesley’s train of thought. “The Holodeck has been programmed to recreate the science station down to exact specifications.”

“So essentially, what was in the original lab is right here, down to the last detail?” Asked Q. Geordi nodded. He was about to say something else, but the sound of the boys shouting took him aback.

“—That’s it!!”

“—That’s it!!” 

~

Captain Picard was fuming. 

He had been doing everything in his power to give Will his best shot at getting through this whole ordeal. Not only that, but he also had a freshly human Q and his teenage son invading his Engineering team to worry about. The captain was beginning to feel truly helpless at this point. He paced about his ready room as Deanna stood and watched him uneasily. “I don’t see any alternative. Do you?” He grit out turning to Deanna and trying to keep what was left of his composure.

“We both know Will’s innocent!” Reasoned Deanna affronted.

“Of course he’s innocent!” Picard snapped, agitated but not unkind, resuming his pacing. “But as a Starfleet Captain, I can’t allow myself the luxury of yielding to personal feelings.” He sighed lightly and slowed his pace to a halt. He let his agitation melt into resolution, truly finding no alternative. “The evidence warrants a trial. — I’ll have to allow extradition."

Deanna stood silent for a moment. “Do you think there’s enough evidence to prove his innocence?” She asked finally, already knowing the answer.

Picard shook his head. “...No.”

Before either of them could let the gravity of the situation sink in they were interrupted by the sound of the Captain’s communicator followed by Data’s voice.

“Captain, I believe we have found the source of the radiation. Can you join us on the bridge.”

“Acknowledged.” The Captain answered, and the two left the ready room.

Geordi, Data, Q, and the boys all gathered around the same console that started their whole investigation. They waited patiently for their captain to join them. As he did so he nodded to Data to report on their finding. “As you know, Captain, we are looking for a phenomenon that reoccurs every five hours, twenty minutes, and three seconds.”

“The interval between radiation bursts.” Picard confirmed. 

Data nodded dutifully. “We have found one such phenomenon on the planet’s surface.” 

Geordi directed the Captain’s attention to the console screen displaying the exact design and function specifications of Dr. Apgar’s equipment. Much to Picard’s confusion. “It’s the field generator that Apgar used during his research. When it’s fully charged it automatically emits an energy pulse and then takes five hours, twenty minutes, and three seconds to recharge itself.” Geordi explained. 

“It must have been left on after the explosion at the lab.” Wesley piped in looking over at his captain.

Captain Picard stared with intrigue at the scene in search of more concrete answers. “But why would a generator be affecting the Enterprise in this way?”

Data leveled him an understanding look with the quirk of one pristine light brow. “It should not be. It is a harmless lambda field generator.”

“But we knew that somehow it was related to our radiation bursts and then the pieces just started falling together.” Geordi agreed before a small smile crept up on his face. “Actually,” he intoned, grabbing Captain Picard’s attention. “It was Junior who really put the pieces together.” 

The Captain looked at the boy with a small level of astonishment. Junior looked away as he could practically feel the Captain analyzing him from where he stood. Then he spoke. “Q Junior—” Junior’s head whipped over to Captain Picard, at the mention of his name. “Good Work.” He stared in silence as Picard gave him a half smile and a quick nod of approval. He thoroughly hadn’t expected to be acknowledged for his help let alone praised for it. The poor boy didn’t exactly know what to do with it all.

Q did as it would seem. “Yes, Mon Capitaine,” He sing-songed, throwing an arm suddenly around his son. The action caused Junior’s balance to falter, but Q plainly ignored it; “and thanks to my son, we now know what is causing the bursts and why the science station exploded.” He declared with enthusiasm as he gave Q Junior, who was currently trying to worm his way out of his father’s grasp, a firm half-squeeze. 

Picard shook his head and turned away from the happy little family to get the rest of the report he’d asked for. Wesley caught his attention as he tried to hide a satisfied smile of his own. He coughed soundly and put on his best attempt at a serious expression before reporting. “And we also know what killed Dr. Apgar…”

~

As promised, Geordi and his team had finally solved the mystery of what happened on the science station. 

Before his death Dr. Apgar had claimed that, although he and his assistant were very close to a breakthrough, they unfortunately had yet to create Krieger waves successfully. A claim that would be proven irrefutably false.  

Geordi and his team had finally identified the source of the radiation damage plaguing the ship. The replica of the lab that resided in the holodeck had been so meticulously recreated. So much so, that the Krieger-wave converter that Dr. Apgar claimed didn’t work had been taking the harmless energy pulses put out by the field generator on the planet’s surface, and converting them into highly focused Krieger waves. Krieger waves that had been randomly striking different areas of the ship as they orbited the planet. 

With this new information, Captain Picard and his crew set out to prove what really happened, and to prove Commander Riker’s innocence once and for all. 

In each of the testimonies Picard witnessed there were three things that remained unchanged. Dr. Apgar’s devotion to his wife, his desire to give her the fruits of his labor, and his irritation at the away team’s early arrival. Dr. Apgar’s apparent deception, all the extra dicosilium he’d been requesting, and the fact that he wouldn’t have earned much profit from his dealings with Starfleet, who were only interested in a new power source, suggested that he had much bigger plans for his Krieger wave converter.

He had been building a weapon.

It was more than likely that he had been worried that the away team’s early arrival had meant Starfleet was becoming suspicious and that he would be cut off. That anxiety and seeing his wife wrapped around the Commander had proven to be a deadly combination. 

Geordi and his team hypothesized that Dr. Apgar energized the converter at the moment of commander Riker’s beam out, in the hopes of making his death look like a transporter accident. The team got right to work on adding their own recreation of the final events just as commander Riker described them. They then aligned the holodeck facsimile to automatically process the energy charge from the planet and reflect it, just as the original converter did before the explosion. With all that done Geordi joined Captain Picard, Riker and Deanna in the holodeck for one last round of depositions. Q was also allowed to sit in on the depositions, who of course brought Junior along much to the Chief Inspector’s dismay. Although after a quick explanation from the Captain, Inspector Krag yielded with minimal objections. They all watched the deposition with bated breath as Dr. Apgar activated the converter. Just like clockwork and just as they had speculated, the energy pulse hit the transporter beam and reflected back to the reactor. 

The lab, Dr. Apgar, and the accusations against Commander Riker all went up in sparks…

~

Jean-Luc waited patiently in his ready room. The ship had left orbit of Tanuga IV and was heading for another planet by the name of Emila II. He sat contentedly, knowing that the rest of his crew were busy bustling about. All of them happy to put the whole ordeal behind them. Q was among them, having just resumed his position in Engineering.  

Q sauntered through the door, snapping Jean-Luc out of his reverie. “Good Morning, Jean-Luc,” Q cooed, standing before his captain, “You asked to see me?”

“Yes, I just wanted to congratulate you on your work during your first few days in engineering. Your contribution proved to be quite invaluable.” The Captain answered with a polite half smile.

Jean-Luc motioned for Q to take the chair across from him, which he did so in the most unprofessional manner possible. Q made himself at home, lounging back in his seat with one leg draped over his knee and his hand clasped comfortably in his lap. “Oh! Well…thank you.” Q crooned. “It's about time someone recognized my many talents, and to think the good doctor had been the one to kill himself!” Q jeered with a flighty laugh. “Although…” as he let the bubbles of laughter begin to dissipate in his chest he thought quietly to himself.  “If you ask me, my son is the one you should really be congratulating. He was the one who actually figured it out.”

Jean-Luc nodded. “I’m compelled to agree with you. —You must be very proud.” His previous polite smile began to chip away leaving the very beginnings of a genuine amused smile in its wake. 

That last statement shook Q and he wasn't sure what to do with a genuine compliment, even one directed at his son as it was. “Yes well, the answer was so deceptively simple you would have figured it out eventually. Junior just ended up asking the right questions at the right time.” The truth was that he was proud of Junior. He always has been, but human body or not they were still Q and that fact brought with it a certain standard to be held to. Q always strived to push his son to be the best he could be and uphold that standard, and as such, he made an effort to coddle his son as little as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes that meant he didn’t always know when to uplift Junior for his accomplishments. Their current state proved to blur that line ever that much further. 

Jean-Luc remained relatively unfazed by Q’s reply. He knew how Q could be, cryptic and prone to deflection. So he ignored his vaguely dismissive response. “Indeed —While we’re on the topic, did you ever get around to enrolling your sons in school?” Asked the Captain instead.

Q nodded his head a bit too aggressively, a bit awkwardly even. “I sure did… and you were right, it did end up taking a while.”

Jean-Luc nodded back, a fair bit more confidently than Q had. “Good —while I am grateful to Q Junior for assisting us with our investigation —I hope I don't have to explain why I cannot have Q Junior or any other children running around on the bridge.”

Q let out a huff of laughter letting the leftover tension seep from him. “That’s only fair,” he shrugged, “I'll try to keep the little beasts at bay.”

Jean-Luc gave him another appreciative smile. “That would be appreciated. —With that out of the way, I also wanted to notify you that you will be starting your next assignment later this week.” He informed the other man. As he did so, the Captain procured a PADD from his desk and held it out for Q to take. 

Q hummed apathetically, leaning over the desk and idly taking the PADD from Jean-Luc’s waiting hand. “And what’s to be my next assignment, Mon Capitaine?” He asked only half looking at what was on it.

“Sick bay.”

Q’s head snapped up, his eyes wide. He shot up from his relaxed position and stood over the desk, looming over Picard much like he had done a few days earlier. Only this time Jean-Luc’s composure did not falter. “I thought you just said I did a good job!? Now you’re pawning me off on that quack doctor of yours?” Q turned away from Picard and crossed his arms indignantly. “...Talk about cruel and unusual punishment.” He huffed.

Jean-Luc rose from his seat with a smirk. “Then you better enjoy what time you have left in Engineering, hmm?” Q whipped back around, a truly affronted expression playing across his face, mouth slightly agape. “You’re dismissed, Ensign.” Jean-Luc doubled down, motioning for the door.

Q huffed. “You know, sometimes I think you enjoy watching me suffer.” Picard held onto that a mused smirk even as he stood firm, urging Q to take his leave. Just before he could step foot out of the ready room he called out to his newest acting ensign. Q stopped in his tracks and half-turned back, curiously waiting for Picard’s reply.

“Keep up the good work. Ensign…”

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

And here we are!! The first "episode" as it were! I chose the episode "A Matter of Perspective" because it was the first episode directly after Deja Q. I hadn't quite realized how dialogue heavy this episode was, so writing this took a bit a bit longer than expected. I hope you enjoy reading regardless, and let me know if you like chapters this long or if I should focus on brevity in the future. Future chapters will vary in length so don't be afraid to let me know what you like!

~See you out there!…

It was very unlike Data to be so secretive, but lately the Enterprise crew hadn’t caught sight of him. Ever since Data returned from the cybernetics conference, he’d been making himself scarce outside of normal working hours. Hiding himself away in one of the many labs on board the ship. He’d spent countless hours toiling away. On what? No one could say. 

No one, except for Q.

Q had been the only person on the Enterprise with whom Data had trusted… whatever it was he had so preciously guarded in that lab. Many had speculated, a few even asked, but of course Q would never tell. He sure could keep his mouth shut when he wanted to. At least he could if he thought it would be entertaining. 

Data, after having holed himself up in the lab for who knows how long at this point, had finally reached out to his friends and invited them to take a ‘peek behind the curtain’ on his new project. So Geordi and Wesley met up with Deanna as they left Engineering to see what the android was hiding. Wesley, eager as ever, rang the doorbuzzer and waited with the rest of them with bated breath.

“Oh, you are early.” Data said, perking up as the door slid open. He spared a glance at Q who gave the group a little half-hearted wave. Data held up a finger, “One moment please…” and as Q typed in a command on the console, the door shut once again.

“Are you sure you wanna show them now, Data? You haven’t quite finished it yet…” Q asked as he lackadaisically checked, and rechecked the schematics on the console in front of him. 

Data nodded. He took what looked almost like a severed human foot and connected it to what appeared to be an almost human looking leg, locking it in place. “Yes, Q. I am sure.” With final touches taken care of, Data gave Q the go-ahead to reopen the door. “You may enter now.”

The three of them wasted no time in stepping through the door once it had opened. The lights had been drawn low and the only thing in the lab besides them was a large metal apparatus with its platform raised up and out of sight. “Come on Data, what is this?” Geordi asked, curious but slightly perturbed.

Geordi was Data’s best friend and the thought of Data knowingly hiding something from him had been setting off alarm bells in his head for a while now. Knowing he had trusted Q of all people instead certainly didn’t help.

Data stood statuesque with Q at his side. His face was as blank as ever and his posture seemingly rigid. His friends, however, could all tell that this was something deeply important to him. Whatever this was. “I have invited you here to meet someone.”  Data lowered the platform, (that Q could only assume was for dramatic effect,) as they all set their sights upon the…sort of humanoid figure standing before them. “This is Lal…” 

~

Picard was baffled to say the least, upon hearing the news for Data’s new… child, as he called it. To say the most, Picard was furious and he was growing evermore irritated with every word. Data, rather oblivious of this fact, gave every detail on the creation of his new child… “Lal has a positronic brain, one similar to my own. I began programming it at the cybernetics conference.” His posture was straight and open, and while his neutral expression never wavered, he seemed to beam with the closest thing to pride he was capable of. 

It was a feat that nobody had ever been able to do. At least not since Data himself was programmed, but new sub-micron matrix-transfer technology was introduced at that conference, that could be used to lay down complex neural net pathways. So In essence, Data was able to transfer his brain into Lal’s.

Data watched as Captain Picard examined his new child. He circled the platform like a starving vulture, his stride heavy and his posture hunched and rigid. His hands were clenched just as tightly as his jaw as he spoke in a deep hush, “Data…” He commanded, delicately trying to keep his personal feelings from slipping into his tone, “—I would like to have been consulted.” Picard was seething. Although he couldn't properly articulate why.

Data hummed in thought, letting his memory files flash across his vision. “I have not observed anyone else on board consulting you about their procreation, Captain.” 

Q snickered at Data’s obliviously genuine answer, although no one else was in any mood to appreciate the humor in it. “Why didn't you give it a more human look, Data?” Deanna implored trying to redirect the conversation back to Data’s creation.

“I have decided to allow my child to choose its own sex and appearance." 

Picard was having none of it and frankly he was done with the present situation all together. “Commander Data, at your convenience I would like to talk with you in my ready room.” He commanded, as he turned to leave. Q Patted Data’s arm in a halfhearted attempt at sympathy. “You too, Ensign.” Picard blatantly ignored Q’s positively affronted look as he made his way out of the room. He gave a quick order for Troi to follow. 

Deanna spared Data a sympathetic look before following in her captain’s stride. She caught up to him fairly quickly despite his gait. Picard was fully allowing his anger to fuel his actions now, and he couldn’t be bothered to hide it. He couldn't hide anything from Deanna anyway. “I insist we do whatever we can to discourage the perception of this new android as a child. It is not a child! —It is an invention, albeit an extraordinary one.”

Deanna weighed her response carefully before she spoke. “Why should biology rather than technology determine whether it’s a child?” She began. “Data has created an offspring…a new life out of his own being. To me, that suggests a child. If he wishes to call Lal his child then who are we to argue?” 

She was right of course. She was right and he knew it, and somehow that made it even worse. He let some of his residual anger fizzle away as he relented to her rationale. “Well if he must, but I fail to understand how a five-foot android with heuristic learning systems and the strength of ten men can be called a child.” He half-argued back with whatever was left of his simmering irritation.

Deanna side-eyed him with a mischievous smile, “You’ve never been a parent.” She teased, her playful rib almost going right over the captain’s head.

Almost…

~

Data and Q sat quietly as Captain Picard took a moment to wrack his brain for an appropriate way to start. The looks on their faces was doing nothing to help him whatsoever. Unsurprisingly, Data sat ramrod straight with the same neutral expression. Still not quite understanding what it was he had done wrong. Q’s face, on the other hand, said he knew exactly what they had done. And he was relishing in watching the captain squirm. 

That look alone was enough to make Picard’s blood boil. So he tactfully decided to solely focus on Data instead. He could deal with Q later. “What you have done will have serious ramifications. I am truly dismayed that you told no one of what you were doing.” 

The android wore puzzlement on his golden face as he locked eyes with his captain. “I am sorry, Captain. I did not anticipate your objections. Do you wish me to deactivate Lal?” Data relented with little resistance.

Picard and Q both quickly exchanged a look of alarm as it flashed across their respective faces. Picard turned back to the android with utter bewilderment. “It's a life, Data!” He exclaimed. “It can’t be activated and deactivated simply! This is a most —stupendous undertaking.” The captain had to nearly force the calm back into his voice, even as concern bubbled up further and further to the surface. “Have you any idea what will happen when Starfleet learns about this?”

Data nodded obediently. “I have followed all Starfleet regulations to the best of my ability. I expected they would be pleased.” The sincerity in the android’s canary yellow eyes was near blinding, and Jean-Luc felt it strike him directly through the heart despite his best efforts.

Picard let out a sigh that rippled deep within his chest. “Well —you have taken on quite a responsibility, Data.” He acquiesced standing tall before his crewmen.

Data pulled up all available files he had on the subject. “To prepare I have scanned all available literature on parenting. There seems to be much confusion on this issue…” He began to recite without pause, “One traditional doctrine insists ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’, suggesting a punitive approach. While another more liberal attitude would allow the child enormous freedom—”

“Data—”

“—and what Klingons do to their children…”

The captain threw himself back in his seat. He could feel all semblance of his remaining composure bleed away at the absurdity of what he was hearing. “Data, I am not talking about parenting! I am talking about the extraordinary consequences of creating. A. New. Life!” Captain Picard roared. Clearly the matter was far from resolved. 

Data considered this for a moment. “Does that not describe becoming a parent, sir?” He asked, genuine confusion sweetening his gilded features.

Picard hid his face in his hands, grasping for a way out of the roundabout debate he was apparently stuck in. His brooding was cut short by a bark of laughter bubbling its way to his ears. Irritatingly so… “He’s got you there, Mon Capitaine.” Q snorted, amusement ever present on his sardonic face. “You have to admit.”

The icy stare the captain shot at the former entity crackled and slipped past his fingers as he glared at him from between them. If looks could kill, Q would have frozen to death on the spot, as he locked eyes with Picard. Faux innocence plastered across his face. Picard ignored him again. “Data, you are seeking to achieve what only your own creator has been able to achieve— to make another functioning sentient android— to make another Data.” He implored the android in one more last-ditch effort to make him understand. 

What the captain didn’t seem to grasp was that he already did understand, better than Picard was willing to grant him. “That is why I must attempt this, sir.” The android explained. Conviction never wavering as he held the captain’s hazel eyes with his own of pale goldenrod. “I have observed that in most species there is a primal instinct to perpetuate themselves. Until now, I have been the last of my kind. If I were to be damaged or destroyed I would be lost forever, but if I am successful with the creation of Lal, my continuance is assured. I understand the risks, sir, and I am prepared to accept the responsibility.” Picard hated just how right Data was. He hated even more that he was compelled to agree with his sentiment, and he had no argument to stand on. So he didn't argue, he simply nodded and dismissed him with no further objections following the commander with tired eyes. 

Q made no move to leave with him, instead waiting patiently until he was sure they were alone. “Don’t be so hard on him, Mon Capitaine,” he purred, “Like he said, this was the next logical evolutionary step… for an android.” 

All at once Picard’s anger returned in full force. He had been so preoccupied with his conversation with Data that he had almost forgotten Q was still in the room. At the moment he wished he could forget. “You knew...” He ground out through gritted teeth. “You knew what he was going to do from the very beginning, —didn’t you?” 

Q didn’t miss a beat. “Of course.” He said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Which might as well have been the truth.

Keeping his composure was starting to become a laborious task for the poor captain. “And did you have any intention of informing me at all?”

“Absolutely not.” Drawled Q. 

“And why not?” Picard slumped tiredly in his chair despite himself.

The other man rolled his eyes, completely ignoring the captain’s own annoyance. “We’ve been over this countless times already, Jean-Luc. I couldn’t even if I had wanted to.” He explained waving him off. 

Captain Picard righted himself in his seat and leaned himself over the desk, hands clasped and his hazel eyes narrowed. “Would you have?” He asked, his voice only a few decibels above a whisper.

A sharp smile spread across Q’s face, all teeth and taunt as he stared right back.  He leaned in, much in the same way as Jean-Luc had, capturing his warm honey-toned gaze with his own of smooth rich coffee.  “Not a chance.” 

“Fine, Q. Tell me this at least—” Jean-Luc replied, standing his ground despite the way Q was looking at him. There was a slight predatory quality to Q’s gaze that he found mildly disarming. “To what extent did you aid Commander Data in the creation of Lal?”

Q, with one last smirk directed at Picard, resumed his previous position, lounging back in his seat. “Oh, I didn't assist the android much at all. I didn't need to. All I did was push a few buttons and conduct a bit of light record keeping. Records you now have full access to, mind you.” he informed slipping back into his old irreverent presence. 

Picard didn’t buy it. “That’s all?” He grilled.

“But, of course!” Q beamed suddenly, his smirk morphing into a smile of faux innocence. “Whether you like it or not, Picard, he was always going to attempt to create an offspring. With or without my interference. You can hardly fault me for indulging him.”

Jean-Luc sat for a moment drawing in a beat of silence with his jaw clenched tight. “No.” He conceded finally, “— I suppose not…” although he was not happy about it at all.

The former entity couldn't help but feel satisfied in himself for once again gaining the upper hand. The little self-gratified smile never left his face, in fact it widened as he decided to push just a little bit further. “But, then again, that’s not really what has you so upset, is it Jean-Luc?” Challenged Q with the quirk of a brow. Jean-Luc met this with a dark expression of his own.

“Just what exactly are you insinuating?”

The other man shrugged. “Nothing really. Just that our little Pinocchio is growing up. That’s bound to heighten some already rather unpleasant emotions. Especially since he didn’t bother to run it by you. Huh, Geppetto?”

Jean-Luc could hardly believe what he was hearing with his own ears. It took him a moment for what Q said to really dawn on him, and it hit him hard when it did. A spike of anger or perhaps something else he couldn’t place struck him deep within his chest. “You cannot possibly be suggesting that I am suffering from some sense of— ‘parental betrayal’ from all this! As if Data was some ill-advised, naive, teenager deciding to have a baby on a whim!” Jean-Luc quickly rose from his seat. “Data is a grown man, —and he is NOT my son!” He exclaimed looming over the desk above Q, hands firmly planted on the smooth glass.

As was to be expected, Q did not flinch. In fact he hardly reacted at all to the other man's tirade. Jean-Luc might as well have said nothing. “I never said he was,” he shrugged again, “but he’s like a son to you. You at least care for him as such, do you not?”

The captain threw his hands up in frustration, becoming increasingly more animated the more time was spent entertaining what was to him a preposterous idea. “This is ridiculous, of course I care a great deal about Data! I care for all of my crew equally!” He pushed aside his chair to pace impatiently next to his desk. As he began to calm down again he leaned a hip against it in resignation. “I merely worry what will happen to Lal if Starfleet decides to take matters into their own hands.” He sighed.

“Yes, I’m sure you do,” he patronized, “but you can’t deny that you pay special attention to the android. As for Lal…” Jean-Luc shifted his gaze back to Q as he considered his words. The prodding quirk of the other man’s brow was unsurprising, but it was the conviction trapped in his intense brown eyes that held his attention captive. “What would you do if anyone threatened them? Data’s child?” Q probed, all amusement siphoned from his face. 

“I would—” Jean-Luc started, but he quickly found he didn’t have an answer to that. At least not one that would help his case. “I would do whatever I could —to protect them…” He conceded at last, shoulders visibly sagging. 

The amusement returned to his face tugging at the corners of his full lips. “That’s exactly what I thought you'd say.” He chuckled, rising from his seat in one swift, elegant motion that reminded Jean-Luc of the god-like being he once was. “Sounds like you have a lot to think about. I’ll leave you to it.” He turned his back on the captain and made his way to the door, his long legs taking their sweet time in doing so. He stopped just before the doors could slide closed behind him. “Oh, and Jean-Luc…” The captain perked up reflexively at the sound of his name. “If Junior or Trelane were to pull a similar stunt like that with me, ..I think I just might feel exactly as you do now.” He left without another word.

Jean-Luc rested his elbows on his desk and his head in his hands as he let out another deep, long-suffering sigh.

~

Despite his insistence otherwise and his own knowledge of events, Q was immensely invested in Lal’s development. There was just something about watching everything unfold up close and in real time, that Q found fascinating. He was so used to acting as a distant, silent observer, that the novelty of being an active participant was just about the only thing keeping his newly human, and far too quiet, mind sane and occupied. So when Data invited him to accompany him and Deanna to help Lal choose her own gender and appearance, he assured the android he would be there. 

“I am very glad you could join us, Q.” Data greeted as Q sauntered over to catch up with them.

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss it. I’m sure this is bound to be an… entertaining experience." Q gave Data a polite smile that was only a touch disingenuous. Something Data naturally didn't pick up on. 

The sound of Lal’s voice caught the other’s attention suddenly. The sound was so unfinished and androgynous that it was hard to ignore. “Gender, female.” They said robotically pointing at a random female crewman as she passed by.

“That’s right, Just like me.” Deanna smiled, encouraging and ever gentle as she always was. 

Lal ignored the Counselor and continued to peer about assessing every inch of their surroundings. “Gender, male.” They announced at a passing male crewman, much too loud and aggressively then they knew how to control. 

“Mhm.” Q nodded suppressing a laugh at the poor male crewman’s expense. “Like me,” he explained, “I suppose.” Lal looked at him strangely for a moment, to the best of their ability given their limited facial movement, then all at once they ignored him again. Q was quick to notice. He wasn’t sure what to make of the way Lal had been staring at him, so he decided to ignore it for the time being. 

“And I am gender,…neuter.” Lal stated regarding themself simply. “inadequate.”

For whatever reason that statement struck a cord, or perhaps a nerve with Q. “Oh I wouldn't say ‘inadequate’. There is certainly something to be said about the ability to choose.” He was quick to explain. “I personally think there is a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the fluidity of gender, or lack thereof.” Q thought back on all of the different forms he had taken in the several billion years he’d been alive. Countless different species, every different combination of gender and presentation imaginable. With a single thought they could all be his in a fraction of an instant. 

Until now.

The Q had no physical form and thus no true concept of gender. So any presentation they took was just as much them as any other. The problem was that now, all of a sudden he had no choice and he couldn’t just ‘change his mind’ anymore. Now, while taking the form of a human male wasn’t incorrect, as far as Q was concerned, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of loss and longing for his ability to choose his own sex and appearance.

Even if it wasn’t obvious by the look on his face, Deanna could sense the immense grief he didn’t have the wherewithal to keep buried. The intensity of it told Deanna she would be wise to bring up the matter during Q’s next mandatory counseling session. Not that he was likely to open up anytime soon, but it was still worth a try. 

“That is why I am giving you the opportunity to choose a gender Lal, to complete your appearance." Data instructed, completely oblivious to the emotional turmoil happening right beside him.

“What are criteria?” Inquired Lal. 

“Access your data bank on sexuality and gender, level two. That will define the parameters.”

Deanna returned her attention back to Lal with a polite nod. “Whatever you decide will be yours for your lifetime. It’s a decision that will affect how people interrelate with you.”

Lal’s response was almost instant. “I choose your sex and appearance." 

Both Q and Deanna let out a soft chuckle at the new android’s reply, tumultuous emotions all but forgotten.

“No, Lal. That would be confusing. We are taking you to the holodeck to show you several thousand composites I have programmed. You may choose from them.” The elder android lectured.

—“Several thousand?”

—“Several thousand?” Exclaimed Q and Deanna.

Data nodded. “This is a big decision…”

As expected, it took hours to narrow down Lal’s options. Try as they may neither Q nor Deanna had made it to the end. Deanna, despite her best efforts, ended up falling asleep against the wall of the holodeck half way through. 

Q usually had very little patience or attention to afford his new coworkers. Even on a good day. He’d much rather listen to his own unstable internal dialogue than listen to them prattle on about concepts he already knew inside and out. This time Q at least attempted to be a little more self disciplined. His new found morbid curiosity had its limits too it seemed, as in the end he too ended up slumped against the wall, snoring lightly through a dreamless sleep. 

While the two were asleep, Lal had whittled their options down to just four. Data softly shook the two awake from their impromptu nap. Q woke with a start while Deanna lifted her head gently from its place against his shoulder. They rose to their feet to give the androids their full attention as Lal made her final choice. The finalists were down to an Andorian female, a human male, and female, and a Klingon male. In the end Lal chose the human female. 

Once she made her final choice, Data got right to work on making the holodeck’s approximation a reality. He had access to more resources than his creator before him, which allowed him to give her more realistic skin and eye color than his own. When she was finished she appeared just as human as any one else on the ship. Dressed in lilac and orchid. She was fair skinned, with bobbed hair as dark as her father’s. Data watched her take her first real steps out into the world. Her cerulean blue eyes scanned her surroundings like a radar, sharp and ever processing information. Her gait was stiff and jerky, her arms held rigidly at her side. Watching his new daughter interact with her environment with such awkward fascination and curiocity, Data knew all at once that his efforts were worthwhile. But there was still so much left to do.

“Second officer, science log supplemental: Training in social skill at the most elementary level has begun. Lal is progressing very slowly, but is not deterred by early setbacks. While motor coordination has improved twelve percent, reflexes still need to develop. Visual Comprehension is especially difficult for Lal. Translating her vast data banks into recognizable applications may improve with additional transfers. She is also learning to supplement her innate android behavior with simulated human responses. And it is interesting to note that as I observe Lal learning about her world, I share in her experiences as though I am learning things over again.”

~

“What does Lal do when you're on duty?” Asked Wesley after Data had entertained the boy’s curiosity by telling him all he wanted to know as he began completing the third crosslink transfer. 

“She studies in our quarters. She requires very little supervision,” Data replied, “Lal is quite self-sufficient.”

Wesley had his eyes trained on the new android as she stood deactivated on her platform in the lab. “Have you considered sending her to school?” He continued to question as he studied her face a moment longer.

Data peered back at the boy, puzzled. “She already has access to the sum of human knowledge from me.”

“She can learn a lot by being around children her own age.”

Data was silent for a beat as he assessed what the boy had said. “She is only two weeks old.” He retorted, puzzled even further.

A fond smile spread over Wes’ face as he shook his head. “Okay, close to her own age.”

Q Junior, who up until this point had been occupying himself by circling the new android like a hungry vulture, hummed a laugh at the elder android’s absurdity. “I think we’re talking about physical age here, Data,” he explained with a smirk and a raised brow, “and I mean, wasn’t that the argument for sending me and Trelane to school? ‘Social interaction’.” Junior ceased his circling to stand by the other boy’s side with a wry smile. “Whatever that’s good for.” Wesley rolled his eyes at the comment then jabbed him lightly in the side with his elbow, earning a laugh from Junior. Before he could properly retaliate, the sound of Doctor Crusher’s authoritative voice drew their attention.

“Doctor Crusher to Ensign Crusher: Aren't you supposed to be getting a haircut, Wesley?” She called her son through his combadge. The reprimand was clear in her voice, only with an edge of fond teasing.

The other two watched a poor put on the spot Wesley expectantly. Q Junior trying his best to suppress a laugh. “I’m on my way.” Wesley replied. He glared daggers at the both of them but the bright smile on his face told them he wasn’t truly offended. He turned to leave when another voice rang through the com just as fond and teasing.

“You too QJ. Time to head home, I need someone to keep an eye on Trelane.” Q’s voice rang through perhaps a touch louder than was necessary. Both boys gave full body eyerolls and a perfectly in sync:

—“Parents.” 

—“Parents.” 

They both thought it best to take their leave. “Nothing personal.” Wesley offered Data politely before both boys turned to leave together.

“Who’s idea was it to put those two together anyway?” Junior remarked, earning a snort of laughter from the other boy.

After the boys had left, Data began thinking about what they had said. The completion of the third crosslink transfer meant that Lal would now successfully begin to process information on logic, aesthetics, metaphysics, etcetera. By developing the awareness to question and examine her perceptions, she would now begin to properly pass into sentience. There was only so much he could teach her beyond that point. Perhaps having Lal attend school was an idea with merit. He looked upon his creation, his daughter, who would no doubt have more questions than he had answers to. It was abundantly clear that they both still had much to learn.

He decided then that she would, in fact, be attending school.

~

Jean-Luc had been right about Starfleet’s reaction once they caught wind of Commander Data’s newest little experiment. He tended to know better in these sorts of situations, and he knew exactly how one track minded his superior officers could be. Admiral Haftel was one of the worst offenders of this in his opinion. Now he was far from being as morally bankrupt as some late admirals he’s had the displeasure of serving under, but he was that special brand of pig-headed that made you wonder sometimes. 

So when Captain Picard received the incoming transmission from Starfleet he knew he was going to need to play his cards right, and exorcise a great deal of patience. “I assure you Admiral there is no better guide into this life for Lal than Data, he’s doing an excellent job.” He assured, already tiring of a conversation that hadn’t even begun yet. To be fair, Admiral Haftel was also ready for their conversation to be over and done with already. In his mind there was no conversation to be had. 

“We all have enormous admiration for what Commander Data has already achieved,” the admiral began, not even trying to sound convincing in the slightest, “but we have superior facilities and personnel here on Galor Four. A starship is hardly the proper setting for…”

“This starship’s mission is to seek out new life, and that is exactly what Commander Data is doing. Under my guidance.” The captain rebutted.

“We all want what’s best for the new Android.” The admiral claimed. Which was just about the only thing Jean-Luc could agree with.

“—As do I.” Captain Picard let out a small sigh as he gathered his thoughts. “I would be willing to consider releasing Lal and Data to you so that he may continue his work with her.” As remiss as he was to admit it, he felt this was a situation in which a compromise may likely be the only option that could end in the androids’ favor. Although Data’s presence would be sorely missed if it came to that. 

“His presence would undoubtedly retard the android’s progress.” Captain Picard had to physically stop himself from sneering at the inappropriate use of such an outdated, ableist slur. Picard wouldn’t usually let something like that slip past him, but as a diplomat he knew that sometimes you had to pick your battles, and his personal objections would do nothing to help Data and Lal’s current plight. 

“Admiral, to you Lal is a new android, but to Data—” Despite his best efforts he couldn’t quite find the right words to make him understand. “—She’s his child.” Perhaps it was the rush of fondness he felt for his second officer, but he hoped the truth would appeal to the admiral. He thought back on what Q had said just a few weeks earlier. He couldn’t help but wonder if there might have been just a touch of truth to it.

“His child?” Echoed Haftel.

“Yes, Admiral. It may not be easy for you and I to see her that way, but he does —and I respect that.” He said, and he truly did. He may not have fully understood, but he didn’t have to. It was not for either of them to understand. This wasn’t about them. This was about Data and Lal, and that was more than enough for him. “They will remain here for now.” Picard maintained with finality in his voice.

Admiral Haftel didn’t exactly appreciate Captain Picard's steadfastness, just as much as he clearly wasn’t happy with the turn of events. Although he allowed both for now. “Starfleet’s policy is clear. You're making a stand on very uncertain ground. We do hope it doesn't fall out from under you. Haftel out.” And with that the transmission ended.

Despite his having partially won this battle, Jean-Luc let out another defeated sigh. He could sense the war was yet to come and he had no idea how he was going to get them through it.

~

While Captain Picard was busy trying to find a way out of the situation with Admiral Haftel, Data had been called to meet with one of Lal’s teachers. She had only been attending school for a few days but he was hopeful that Lal was at least making some progress.

Lal’s teacher, a lean woman with dark skin and hair, sat across from him unsure of how to start. She didn’t usually like to break the bad news first to parents but Lal seemed to be a special case. So she settled for the first positive thing she could think of. “She achieved a very high score on a test of academic achievement.” She had offered. Data noted that the look on her face was pinched and unsure, but he was not sure of the relevance of it in comparison to her statement.

“A perfect score.” He offered her back.

“Yes,” she affirmed. She wanted to give him one last piece of sollice before she inevitably had to pull the rug out from under him. “Which is why we started her out with the older children, but Lal couldn't understand the nuances of how they related to each other.”

Data’s already stoic face fell ever so slightly. “I see.”

“We decided the best thing to do would be to put her with younger children.” The teacher continued trying to stave off the guilt that settled in her at the sight of his disappointed face.

“That would seem to be reasonable.” Replied Data.

She shook her head. “It isn't working out that way.” The teacher rose from her desk and led Data over to a one-way window overlooking her classroom. There was a circular table in the middle of the room that was overlooked by a teaching desk. Just about every seat at the table was filled, and in the far corner of the room stood Lal, ram-rod straight, eyes ever observant as she watched the other children play together. Not a single one daring to meet her eye. 

“The children are afraid of her.” 

It hurt the poor woman to have to show a first time father their child being ostracized. Even if said father couldn't feel any of the pain that may come with it. Then, out of the corner of her eye she saw someone walk right up to Lal. Arms full of stacks of paper, some brushes and paints he already managed to spill on himself. He smiled at her from behind the paint brush he held between his teeth. 

“All except for one.” She pointed to Trelane as he took Lal by the hand and led her to an empty table, now attempting to balance everything in one arm. “He hasn’t left her side since she arrived.” Her smile faltered again as she watched the other children all turn to observe the two outliers. They sneered, and snickered, and whispered to their neighbors about how strangely they acted. One of them boisterous and animated, and the other mechanical and stiff. “I’d like to say that’s a good thing for her social development, but he’s a bit socially inept himself…” Their teacher sighed. “The children are a bit afraid of him too…”

“Father. What is the significance of laughter?” Inquired Lal as she and Trelane were led from the schoolroom. Data had told Q he would walk him home to their quarters since Trelane had a tendency of running off on his own.

“It is a human physiological response to humor.” Answered her father.

“Or pain in some cases.” Trelane added, always quick to offer commentary of his own whether prompted or not. 

“Then judging by their laughter, the children at school found my remarks humorous …or painful.” She reasoned. She rolled the idea around in her positronic brain and found herself rather opposed to what she found. “So without understanding humor, I have somehow mastered it.” She turned herself from the two of them as the resulting silence stretched on.

Data struggled to find an appropriate response as he called for the Turbolift to begin motion. Lacking in emotion himself meant that offering any solace was difficult for him. Lal possessing that same lack of emotion should have made his efforts much easier, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

Trelane, to his credit, tried to offer what little he could. “It’s alright, Lal. They were laughing at me too. Laughing at us both, I suppose.”

“Explain.” Lal ordered.

Data searched his own positronic brain for a way to do just that. “The other children were laughing at you in an unkind manner.” He explained. “I believe Trelane is trying to make you… ‘feel better’. In a way that I cannot.”

Lal considered this before asking, “Why would they wish to be unkind?”

Trelane shrugged. “Because we’re different.” He replied matter-of-factly.

Data nodded in agreement and proceeded to further explain. “Differences sometimes scare people. I have learned that some of them use humor to hide their fear.” 

Knowing this Lal decided right then and there, “I do not wish to be different.” She declared.

Data didn’t know how to respond to that. The fact of the matter was that she was simply, unequivocally different from the other children in all technicality. There was nothing that he could do to change that as she was just like him. And he had no words of comfort that even he could find sanctuary in. 

Trelane however didn’t seem to have this problem. Or perhaps he just didn't understand why it was a problem in the first place. “People fear what they don’t understand.” He said locking eyes with Data, then with Lal. “Maybe if they just got to know us they’d see we aren't so different after all…”

Data thought long and hard about what the little boy had said the rest of the day. Long after he left Lal to study in their quarters. The littlest Q had a point. If they just understood Lal there would be no need to fear her for simply being different…but she was different, and likely always will be no matter how well she learned to assimilate. In this way she would always be ostracized, and Data had no idea what he was going to do about it. 

At a loss, he strode into the office of the only other person he felt could offer him any sound advice. “Doctor. I require your advice as a successful parent.”

Beverly stifled a surprised laugh at Data’s sometimes interesting way of articulating himself. “Well thank you Data.” She offered him an amused smile. “I’d like to think I was. How’s Lal?” She asked as she offered him a seat at her desk, which he politely took. 

“Lal is realizing she is not the same as other children.” Answered Data.

Beverly sat herself on the edge of her desk with a knowing smile. “Is it lonely for her?”

“She does not feel the emotion of loneliness, but she can observe how isolated she is from the others. She wishes to be more like them. I do not know how to help her. Lal is passing into sentience, it is perhaps the most difficult stage in her development.” Understanding now the kind of conversation they were having, she moved to take her proper seat at the desk and gave her fellow single parent all of her attention. 

“When Wesley was growing up, he was an extraordinarily bright boy, but he had a hard time making friends.” She recounted fondly. “I think the other children were a little intimidated by him.”

“That is precisely what happened to Lal at school. How did you help him?” Data all but pleaded, lacking the ability to do so in the first place.

“Well,” she began, collecting her thoughts, “first I went back to my own childhood and remembered how painful it was for me. Because, I remember a time when I wasn't very popular either. And when I told that to Wesley, it made him feel a little better.” She diverted her eyes from the android and she reminisced on old forgotten memories. When she did return her gaze to the android her eyes shone with empathy, “He knew I understood what he was going through.” 

“I have not told Lal how difficult it was for me to assimilate. I did not wish to discourage her.” Data’s brow furrowed in thought. “Perhaps that was an error in judgement.” 

Her gaze never left Data’s as she spoke to him in a way that he could understand, her voice that much more melodic and captivating as it usually was. “You didn't have anyone with experience to help you through sentience. She at least has you. Just help her realize she’s not alone, and… be there to nurture her when she needs love and attention.” 

Data did not hesitate in his response. His expression and tone held the utmost certainty. “I can give her attention, Doctor, but I am incapable of giving her love.” With a simple nod of thanks the android turned on his heels and left the room.

“Now why do I find that so hard to believe?...” She whispered aloud to herself as she watched him leave her office with amusement plastered on her face. Once Data was gone, she shifted her attention to the figure standing just beyond the door, within earshot, but not quite outside her line of sight. Almost as if he wasn’t even trying to hide. “Alright, Q, what is it?” She called, briefly startling the eavesdropper. “What’s on your mind?”

“Excuse me?” He coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment at having been caught. He stepped through the door so he could respond properly, with the proper amount of indignance. “There is currently nothing on my mind at the moment, thank you very much!” Q hesitated for a moment before uncharacteristically muttering a quick: “I was just leaving.” Just as Q was about to turn tail and run, the door to Doctor Crusher’s office suddenly closed on him with a swift swoosh cutting him off.

“Sit down, Q.” Beverly warned. “Doctor’s orders.” Her voice demanded all the respect her rank awarded her. Q wasn’t one to care much about a person’s hierarchical standing. Typically the only one he awarded any semblance of respect to was himself, so the fact that he had the audacity to look affronted was unsurprising.

Q stood tall, folding his arms over his chest. “And if I refuse?” He attempted to use his imposing stature as an intimidation tactic.

Beverly didn’t flinch even for a second. “You wouldn't want me to get the captain involved, would you?” To Q’s credit his posture remained unwavering, but his highly expressive face visibly deflated, earning him a wicked grin from the good doctor. “That’s better. Now tell me what’s on your mind.” She coaxed. “The whole time we were talking you looked like you wanted to say something… so say it.”

“There’s nothing to say!” Q was nothing if not a stubborn man, but he was not stupid. Fight back as he may, but he knew when he was out matched. Unfortunately for him, when Beverly wanted information she was going to get it by any means. Q let out a long intentionally overdramatic sigh and dropped himself in the seat Data had occupied moments earlier. “Fine. Hypothetically, if there was anything to say, I would’ve said that… I wasn’t able to do that when Junior was growing up… Relate to him, that is.” Q spoke flippantly as he made himself comfortable for what was likely to be a very uncomfortable conversation. He was careful to keep his eyes away from Beverly’s. He chose to study his nailbeds intensely instead. “That’s what I would hypothetically say if that were the case… hypothetically.” He only spared a glance at her after he was finished and the look on her face made him regret it instantly.

Beverly hummed in intrigue, bridging her slender fingers and resting her chin on them. “You couldn’t? You didn’t? Or you just won't?...Hypothetically, of course. ”

“Well, hypothetically, what if I said it was some kind of combination of all three?...” Q began. “I couldn’t  because I had no frame of reference myself. A Q has never raised a child in the continuum before. Oh sure, there have been some who have taken mortal form, birthed children as mortals, raised them as mortals, but never has a child been conceived, born, and raised within the continuum as a Q. How could I possibly relate to struggles no one else has ever faced? Sooo… I didn’t. I stuck to what I knew and taught him the fundamentals of being a Q. How to forge a black hole, how to make a star go supernova, as well as Q politics and the few rules the continuum does have and… hoped that would be enough.” Q muttered that last little bit under his breath mostly to himself. 

“So why won't you now?” Beverly asked, not missing a beat.

Q was silent for a rather significant stretch of time. He just wasn’t sure how much he was willing to divulge to her. Although they had been working together for some time now they weren’t on the best of terms. Just like the rest of the crew, Beverly still didn’t fully trust him. He couldn’t blame her, of course, but something about the gentle way she had helped Data made him believe he could at least talk to her. After all, he’s already been laid so low. He already didn’t have much more to lose, so he sat up straight and laid out everything he was willing to divulge. “Because, I don’t think he needs it. This whole time he’s been trying to do for me the very thing I never could for him. Relate… Once, as a punishment, I turned him human for an entire week. Which doesn't sound like much, but it was a lot longer than Trelane or I ever experienced.” Q paused what he was saying, momentarily worried he had divulged too much. Ultimately he decided that he just didn’t care anymore. “When the continuum threw us out he had been the one to teach us, as best he could, how to function. Which in and of itself I’m sure was a feat all on its own.” Q sighed. “He seems like he has everything under control.”

Beverly’s knowing smile remained on her face for the most part but the look in her green-blue eyes visibly softened. “Teenagers like to act like they have everything figured out, but this is a stage in their lives when they need our understanding and empathy the most. Children always need their parents, no matter how big they get. All things considered, he may need you to put yourself in his shoes now more than ever.”

“I wouldn’t know where to start. The Q have never been particularly good at having empathy for others.”

“Well, ‘it takes a village’.”

Q blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

Beverly chuckled lightly. “It’s an old Earth phrase, it goes: ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’...” 

“I’m familiar with it…”  It was clear from his face that, while yes he’d heard the phrase before, he couldn't quite understand what it had to do with his failure to be there for his son.

“Look Q,” Beverly sat up straighter in her seat. She realized she wasn’t going to get anywhere without spelling everything out. “I don't think we’re talking in hypotheticals anymore. What you need is a support system. Someone you can go to when you don't have all the answers… a village.” She searched his eyes for understanding.

The former entity let out a small scoff that morphed into a wicked little half giggle, piercing and bitter. “I had a village. But what do you do when your village casts you out and leaves you and two children to fend for yourselves?” He tried not to, he really did, but he couldn’t keep his voice from rising. His new human body just seemed to refuse to keep his emotions in check and it was really starting to get to him. The lack of control was one of those things about being human he was likely never going to get used to.

Only half aware of his internal struggle, the good doctor leaned herself over the desk. The very same way Q typically did, in that special way that made you feel uncomfortable and far too exposed. He looked her back dead in the eye, remaining stock still in his chair. But on the inside, he had to refrain from physically shying away. “Then you find yourself a new village. You’re human now, Q. You need a human village, and whether you know it or not, whether you like it or not, you’ve already got one.” Beverly placed her hand against the desk and slid it over to him soft and slow, as if trying not to spook a wounded animal. “If you ever need help with Q Junior or Trelane you know where to find me.” She offered him her upturned palm with the first genuine smile she’d given him, ever.

“But…” Q’s eyes darted back and forth between her outstretched hand and her faded-blue jean eyes. He wore his distrust on his face like a mask, and the more he thought about it the more that distrust began to turn to offense, then to anger. “You have no reason to do anything for me. Why, in any universe, would you do that?” He seethed through gritted teeth. “After everything I’ve done…” Mumbled Q as he worked to physically keep his temper at bay.

At no point in his tirade did Beverly ever back down or rescind her unspoken offer. Instead she doubled down. “Those boys are reason enough.” She was sure to articulate it as gently and as clearly as necessary. “I don’t think either of us need much more than that.”

All at once, Q’s anger instantly slipped away, and suddenly he didn’t know what to think. As he sat in silence, thinking what she said over, it became abundantly clear she wasn’t doing this for him. ‘Correction:’ he thought. She wasn’t just doing this for him. She was doing it for them. Which was something he could certainly respect. It has been weeks since the boys and him became a regular part of life on the ship, and even now he still saw the way everyone looked at them. He truly couldn't care less if anyone distrusted him, there was more than enough good reason, but they also distrusted his sons with just as much vitriol. 

Beverly however, never did. Not for a second. Even when most of the senior staff did. Q couldn’t for the life of him think of an instance where she didn’t treat them like exactly what they were. Children. She was a mother herself after all, a single mother at that. It occurred to him then that therein lies where they found their common ground. Beverly knew, more or less, what he was going through. She too had to find her own village, and now had the means to offer the same support to others. To him. The alarm bells continued to ring in his mind, and likely would continue to, but he decided to ignore them. She was right, he was in no position to turn away her help.

“You know what?” Said Q. Beverly, ever the patient woman, had waited for him to sort out his jumbled thoughts. He gave her one of his old familiar grins, smarmy and full of teeth, as he completely bypassed her open palm still laying still across the desktop. “You're not as much of a quack as I originally thought.” She reared back in surprise as he thrust his own hand out to her, taking back the space she had stolen from him.

Beverly stared at his hand out of shock, but after only a moment of hesitation she took it. The handshake was a little impersonal for her tastes, but she understood his hesitancy. They could work on that later. “And you're not as much of a pain in the…well, you still are a pain in the neck for sure, but not as much as I originally thought.” She teased back as they shook on it.

—“Hypothetically.”

—“Hypothetically.” For the first time Q and Beverly shared a true genuine laugh.

~

“Captain’s Log Supplemental: We are holding position pending the arrival of Admiral Haftel from Starfleet research. Commander Data is completing his final neural Transfers to the android he has named Lal, which I have learned in the language Hindi means ‘beloved’.”

“Data, do you care to explain why you thought it appropriate to bring Q here for this conversation?” While he was far from thrilled to have Q listening in, the captain had little to no reaction to seeing him occupying the seat next to Data. The sudden appearance of Q in his ready room was beginning to become an infuriatingly familiar sight.

“The same way I got involved in the first place.” Q explained flashing him a sweet smile. “I just happened to be in the neighborhood."

Picard arched a brow at the android, urging him to give his own version of the story. “Q followed me here, sir.” He answered honestly, as he always did. “He said he wished to see how everything would ‘pan out’.” Q just shrugged in response. He didn’t even bother trying to disprove it.

The same way Picard didn’t bother trying to suppress an eyeroll as he breathed out a quick yet authoritative: “Get out, Q.”

“Oh come on, Mon Capitaine! I’ll behave!” Q was all smiles as he pleaded, “You two just talk about the admiral’s little surprise visit and I’ll just sit here and look pretty.” He held a single slender finger to his lips as he held the captain’s gaze. It was clear that Picard was not entertaining his usual pageantry, so Q was sure to bat his eyes a few times just to sweeten the deal.

Data, bless him, was only attuned to the mention of Admiral Haftel’s impending visit. “I am certain the admiral is anxious to meet Lal. I have been sending him regular status reports on her development.”

Captain Picard tactfully decided to ignore Q for the time being to focus on the problem at hand. “His visit is not just an inspection of Lal’s progress, he has expressed concern for her environment.” He explained as gently as he could.

“Her environment, sir?”

“He believes the Daystrom Annex on Galor Four would be more suitable.”

The android furrowed his brow. “Then he wishes to relocate us.” 

Picard shook his head. “Not you, Data… just her.” 

Data took almost no time mulling over a response. “I would not be in favor of that, sir.” He stated matter of factly. “There are many things that she can only learn from me. My lifetime of experiences, the mistakes I have made and what I have learned from them.” 

“The admiral is taking the position that Lal’s development be overseen by the most experienced personnel.” Captain Picard inwardly cringed at the sound of the words tumbling awkwardly from his lips. To him it almost sounded as if he was siding with the admiral rather than simply relaying some unpleasant information. Which couldn’t be further from the truth. 

The creases in the android’s brow deepened further as he rose to his feet, looking away in thought, letting everything sink in. “Then he is questioning my ability as a parent.” He stated rather than asking, locking eyes with the captain with an intensity that made something twist painfully in his chest.  

Picard, not being one to bend to discomfort, held Data’s gaze with just as much vehemence as he replied, “In a manner of speaking…” 

“I’ll say…” The sound of Q’s voice surprised Picard. His posture had not changed, lax and apathetic as always, but there was a certain amount of spite in his tone that cut through his usual snark in a way that he was sure was unintentional.

“Does the admiral have children?” Data asked, redirecting the captain’s attention.

He thought carefully about what Data had asked. “Yes, I believe he does, Data—” Intoned Picard, as he regained his mental composure, “Why?”

“I am forced to wonder how much experience he had as a parent when his first child was born.” Data queried.

“More than us for sure, Data,” Data stood glued to the spot at Q’s statement. Even Captain Picard was taken aback by what had so brazenly slipped past his lips, until, “but for what it’s worth…with what you had… You've done a better job with her than any of us could have dreamed of.” 

Understanding flashed quickly across the android’s golden eyes. “Thank you, Q.” He uttered genuinely as he turned to leave the room.

“Any time.” He mumbled a reply as he watched the door slide shut behind him. 

Jean-Luc stared at Q from where he sat perched on the edge of his desk, content to let Q share in the silence for the time being. Of course, Q was never one to let silence stretch on for too long. 

“So what are you going to do?” He mused.

“What is there to do?” Jean-Luc sighed, shaking his head. “I have my orders.” He was beginning to hate himself for having to say those words.

Q barked a huff of cruel laughter. “So, you’re set on following orders.” He echoed, sounding mildly disappointed but not at all surprised. “Giving up, just like that…”

Jean-Luc crossed his arms indignantly. “What do you suppose I do, Q?” He half-questioned, annoyance coloring his words. “My orders, my duty, dicta—”

“Duty?” Q cut in. “To Starfleet?...What about your other duties?” Jean-Luc urged him silently with his eyes to clarify, an unsaid request Q was all too happy to oblige. “What about your duty to your crew? Not only to command them, but also to care for them. Is that not what it means to be captain?” Q sat up straight in his chair. There was a fire in his eyes that burned bright with the same spite from before. “Or does that not apply to androids?” Q crooned darkly. “So I ask you again, Mon Capitaine, what are you going to do?...”

Q rose from his seat and strode from the room. He didn’t bother to spare the captain a parting glance. He didn’t need to. The sight of fire burning hot in his gaze had been enough to stun Picard into silence. He was struck by the clear affection Q displayed for said android. He had only seen it once before. The first time the Continuum took away his powers, he’d said that Data was far better at being human than he was. Jean-Luc had been dismissive of him then, regrettably so, but now he was starting to think Q might just be getting the hang of it.

~

Learning the ins and outs of human behavior hadn’t gotten easier for Lal, which was something Commander Data could certainly relate to. While he could relate, he couldn’t always be there to teach Lal and considering the fact that he himself still had not fully mastered human behavior, Data couldn’t deny that he needed help. 

If there was ever a place aboard the Enterprise to observe human behavior, Ten Forward was absolutely the place. And its bartender was a more than qualified teacher. Guinan, with all her infinite patience, took the poor girl under her wing with open arms. Under her guidance Lal made a number of moderate improvements in her assimilation, and one very extraordinary improvement. She learned to use contractions. A small feat for any average human, but a skill Data had not yet mastered. On all accounts, it was a monumental technological advancement. In creating Lal Data, unintentionally or not, actually managed to improve upon his own programming. To which Data had remarked, “Is that not the goal of every parent, sir?” Lal’s ability to use contractions was every bit as perplexing as it was astonishing, and it was an advancement Captain Picard wanted to protect at all costs. He simply wasn't sure how. 

For as much as he respected Starfleet and all they have accomplished, dealing with the politics of the Federation and its admiralty was often a delicate process. Starfleet sometimes prioritized scientific and technological advancements. To the point that the fleet could be a real stickler when it came to following the strict procedures involved with making said advancements. He was more than aware of how little the higher ranks could care about the rights of inorganic beings, sentient or not. As long as they got their tech, they were happy. It was a small but formidable part of the Federation that Picard would always fight back against. 

In this instance he felt his only form of push back was to try and buy Data and Lal a little more time. “They're living sentient beings. Their rights and privileges in our society have been defined. I helped define them.” He’d told the admiral once he’d been beamed aboard. He’d acted as professionally as was physically possible. Full of polite smiles that hurt his cheeks with how forced they were. None of which were getting him very far, and he was beginning to lose his patience. Especially with an admiral who had only come to justify a decision he’d long since already made. 

Admiral Haftel’s actual evaluation of Lal’s progress certainly could have gone better as well. Data had just finished the last of his transfers, their neural nets were now nearly identical to each other’s. Except for some slight arborations. It was hard to tell whether the admiral was thrilled or perturbed by Lal’s newfound ability to use contractions. Either way he was evermore convinced that Data was still unfit to spearhead his own child’s development. Despite the fact Data was trained in the very same diagnostic and evaluative procedures Admiral Haftel claimed were so paramount. It seemed even with all his learned experience as the only existing model for comparison they had, it still wasn’t enough for the admiral. 

Hearing of her time spent in Ten Forward didn’t help at all.

"She is capable of running over 60 trillion calculations a second, and you have her working as a cocktail waitress." Groused the admiral, completely ignoring any and all attempts to assure him of Lal’s steady improvements. The admiral simply didn’t want to hear it.

"Have her report to me immediately for an interview..."

When Lal walked into the captain’s ready room she didn't know what to make of the man sitting at the head of the table. He was a very intense man, with a very intense gaze that never quite seemed to reach her eyes. Almost as if he was looking right through her. He spoke to her purely procedurally, as he not so subtly suggested that she be moved to Galor four.

She was confused at first, but kept her composure. Her positronic brain rationalized that when she’d learned all there was to learn aboard the Enterprise, she and her father would relocate to Galor four. It seemed the most logical conclusion, but Haftel fervently disagreed.

He’d tried to appeal to her. Tried to convince her that his decision was not made out of a lack of respect for her father, but even she could see how blatantly disingenuous that statement was. “You do not speak with respect." Lal had noted, conviction evident in her voice despite her natural monotone.

The admiral was far from pleased with the way in which she answered his questions. He was displeased, to say the least, with how adversarial he perceived her to be. To that Lal simply countered with. “I am merely stating a fact, admiral.” Haftel was now even more convinced that what Lal needed was superior guidance. 

“My father is already helping me, sir.”

“The question is, has he helped you enough?” Haftel nearly smiled at the thought of dismantling her argument.

Lal thought for a moment. “Are you asking me, sir?”

“No I didn't mean to…”

Captain Picard held up a hand to stop him. “Why don't we, Admiral?” he began, “In all these discussions, no one has ever mentioned her wishes. She’s a free, sentient being. What are your wishes, Lal?”

Lal thought about what Captain Picard had asked and held her head high, making little to no eye contact with the admiral, just as he had done to her. “I wish to remain here, Captain Picard.” She restated.

Jean-Luc held back the proud smile threatening to spread across his face like wildfire. “Thank you, Lal. You're excused.”

~

“You have Lal off to a wonderful start in life Commander,” Admiral Haftel paced lazily across the ready room floor. He was completely convinced of his impending success. In his mind he’d already won the android. Everything else was nothing more than procedural courtesy. “...and that's what being a parent is all about. However, I have finally decided that I must ask you to release her to me.” 

“May I ask why, sir?” 

“All other arguments aside there’s one that’s irrefutable. There are only two Soong type androids in existence. It would be very dangerous to have you both in the same place. Especially aboard a starship. One lucky shot by a Romulan. We’d lose you both.” He reasoned.

And the admiral’s reasoning was sound, even Picard had to give him that, but he just couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something fundamentally wrong in what the admiral was trying to do. And he was no longer willing to humor the admiral’s argument. “Admiral, that is a fine argument, but doesn't change my feeling that the proper place for Lal to develop is by Data’s side.” The last remaining shreds of his professionalism began to slip away as he rose from his seat. He hoped the certitude in his voice would trump the sight of his own irresolute pacing. 

“You’re not a parent captain. I am.” Came his rebuttal. “I have learned, with difficulty, that there comes a time…” The admiral went quiet. A thoughtful, almost retrospective look passing quickly over his features. “There comes a time when all parents must give up their child for their own good.” He said, forcing the confidence back into his voice.

“But this is not the time!” Objected Picard. “Damn it even I can see— the umbilical cord is virtually un-cut! The child—” Picard paused for a moment as he thought of Lal. He thought of how Lal spoke of her father, of the fierce loyalty they had for each other, and for perhaps the first time Captain Picard truly saw her as she was. “The child… depends on him.” She was Data’s daughter, and right now she needed him. 

Haftel decidedly ignored Picard’s argument and turned to address the android in the room. “Mr. Data it would be better for Lal if she left knowing you had voluntarily decided that this was the best course of action.”

“Admiral, when I created Lal, it was in the hope that someday she would choose to enter the academy and become a member of Starfleet. I wanted to give something back, in return for all that Starfleet has given me. I still do. But Lal is my child. You ask that I volunteer to give her up. I cannot. It would violate every lesson I have learned about human parenting. I have brought a new life into this world, and it is my duty, not Starfleet's, to guide her through these difficult steps to maturity. To support her as she learns. To prepare her to be a contributing member of society. No one can relieve me from that obligation, and I cannot ignore it… I am her father.” As Data spoke, the look in his marigold eyes stunned Jean-Luc into silence. He knew that at that moment Data needed him. Now maybe more than ever. His heart beat just a little bit harder for his android commander with so much protectiveness that it ached. It hit him then, all at once, that Q had been right. He cared for Data deeply, perhaps even like a son.

And he knew what to do…

The admiral’s face hardened. “Then, I regret that I must order you to transport Lal aboard my ship.” Haftel announced unaware of the captain’s revelation. Data rose to his feet obediently, as was per his programming.

“Belay that order, Mr. Data.” Jean-Luc ordered.

“I beg your pardon?” The admiral blinked. 

Jean-Luc stood tall. “I will take this to Starfleet myself.”

“I am Starfleet, Captain.” Declared Admiral Haftel, venom lacing his words. Assuming his pulling rank was enough to end the conversation, he uttered a quick, "Proceed Commander” before turning back to type away on his PADD.

Data turned to carry out his order, “Hold your ground, Mr. Data.” Jean-Luc commanded gently, and the android obeyed.

“Captain, you are jeopardizing your command and your career.” Haftel chastised harshly.

Jean-Luc remained strong, calmly offering the admiral an understanding nod and a solemn tight-lipped smile. He knew full well what he was about to do. “There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders…You acknowledge their sentience, but you ignore their personal liberties, and freedom… Order a man to hand his child over to the state,” Jean-Luc heaved a sigh, “not while I’m his captain—” and shook his head as he stood his ground. “If you wish, you may accompany us to Starfleet where we shall…” 

“Troi to Commander Data. Report to your lab at once.” 

Data looked imploringly to his captain, who dismissed him curtly. Data strode from the room quickly. As the door opened he was momentarily surprised to see Q, who was apparently standing just outside trying to eavesdrop again. No words were passed between them, Q simply followed the android and they sped off.  

Jean-Luc could feel something heavy settle uncomfortably in his chest. “Acknowlaged Counselor, he is on his way. Is there a problem?” 

“Yes, Captain.” Deanna answered. “Something is terribly wrong with Lal.” 

The heavy feeling in his chest sank to the pit of his stomach. He motioned for Admiral Haftel to follow, and when they reached Commander Data’s lab Lal was already there. Deanna at her side. She stood on the platform completely lifeless with her head hung and her eyes wide and vacant. 

“It lasted barely a moment. She experienced fear and confusion, and then, for no apparent reason she walked out of my quarters. She didn’t say a word, she just started walking here, and each step became more and more difficult.” For all her professionalism the care and concern in Deanna’s voice was as evident as ever.

“Lal is programmed to return to the lab in the case of a malfunction.” Data explained never taking his eyes off his daughter.

“Father?” Lal called. Her eyes fluttered delicately open, as she stirred to life.

“Yes, Lal. I am here.” He assured her. 

Jean-Luc stared at the two in awe. “A malfunction—” he muttered reverently, “Emotional awareness.”

“It seems to be a symptom of cascade failure. It would require initialization of the base matrix without wiping out the higher functions.” Data mused aloud.

“I agree.” Haftel cut in in his usual authoritative tone. Then his expression softened, and For the first time during the entire ordeal he actually looked Commander Data in the eye. “May I assist?” 

For all his obstinacy, there was one thing that the admiral had going for him. He truly had wanted to do the right thing. He’d been more than a bit bullheaded and insistent, about his way being the only way. But that was where any malicious intent stopped. He knew now that he'd gone about it the wrong way entirely. He hoped it wasn't too late to make everything right.

“Thank you, Admiral.” Data replied. 

The authoritative tone returned to his voice as he squared his shoulders and addressed the rest of the crew. “If you’ll excuse us, Commander Data and I have much work to do.”

“Not without me you're not.” Q pushed past Jean-Luc and Deanna to stand indignantly before Admiral Haftel. He wasn't intimidated by him in the slightest. He could, however, practically feel the shocked stares from everyone in the room. “Well,” he coughed. “I was here for her activation. It only makes sense that I see it through to the end.” He declared, refusing to let anything cause his resolve to weaken. 

Admiral Haftel just raised an eyebrow at him in response. He was about to tell him to leave until Data raised a hand to stop him.

“It is alright, Admiral.” Soothed the Commander as he locked eyes with Q and gave him a nod of appreciation. “He can help us.” 

Q was frozen for a moment. He wasn’t sure how to respond, so he didn’t. He flashed Data a tightlipped half smile and immediately got to work. The other two men did the same without another word. As they worked, the words reverberated in Q’s head over and over again. ‘He can help us.’ They gnawed at him in a way that made it hard to focus. Q felt the pangs of guilt in his chest as he watched Data furiously try to save his daughter. Completely unaware that, no…

He really can’t…

~

Deanna. Geordi. Wesley. Q Junior and Trelane. They all showed up for Lal and Data. Even the captain stayed to see what would become of them. They stood single-file as they leant patiently against the wall beside the lab door. 

They waited…and waited,

…Until the door finally slid open.

They were taken aback when they saw Q leave the room first. He said nothing for a while, ignoring the collection of nervous eyes imploring him to give them something, anything, to latch onto. His gaze landed on his own two children. “Q Junior…” The teen visibly perked up at the sound of his name. “Take Trelane back to our quarters.” The two boys visibly deflated.  

Trelane pushed past his brother. “But—!”

“Go on.” Ordered Q his voice just short of gentle. “I’ll be right behind you.” 

Both boys hesitated a bit until Q Junior laid a firm but gentle hand on the youngest Q’s shoulder and urged him on. Trelane spared one last glance at the door that held the friend he’d known for less than a week, and let himself be led away. Trusting the older Q's judgement. 

Without another word, Q took the spot right next to Jean-Luc, his head hung low and his posture slumped against the wall. Even after everyone returned their nervous attention back to the door, Q felt one pair of eyes still on him. He turned to hazard a glimpse at Jean-Luc as his hazel eyes softly pleaded with him for an answer. 

Q just shook his head. 

Jean-Luc swallowed thickly. He didn’t have to ask anymore questions. At that moment, the door opened for the last time and Admiral Haftel stepped out into the far too bright hallway. “Sh-she won't.. survive much longer… there was nothing anyone could have done.” He blinked a few times for reasons that had nothing to do with the sudden change in lighting. “We would repolarize one pathway then another would collapse…and then another…” The admiral peered down at his palms and said, “His… hands… were moving faster than I could see, trying to stay ahead of each breakdown…” admiration shining in his eyes, “He refused to give up… it was remarkable…

...It just wasn't meant to be.” With that Haftel took his leave.

“Lal?” Data watched as Lal’s eyes fluttered to life. He made sure to wait until she was fully present, there alone with him in their lab, before regarding her with tranquil finality. “I am unable to correct the system failure.”

“I know.” Lal assured him.

“You must say goodbye now.”

“I feel…” Lal hesitated, struggling to find the right words. Her processing power much weaker now than it should’ve been.

“What do you feel, Lal?” Data probed sweetly.

“I love you, Father.”

Data froze. He searched his database for a way to respond, a way to console her, and found there was none. So he settled for the truth. “I wish I could feel it with you.” He cooed, his eyes sincere.

Lal needed only a moment to think before deciding, “I will feel it for both of us.” She declared with such certainty that Data couldn’t help but believe her. “Thank you for my life.” She smiled sweetly at her father, her voice beginning to waver as she finally started to shut down. “Flirting… laughter… painting, family… female, 

—human…”

~

Lal suffered complete neural failure at 1300 hours. 

But she was not completely gone. Not from the memories of the crew, and certainly not from the memory of her father. Her own memories and experiences would not be so easily lost as well. As his only option to preserve his daughter, Data incorporated Lal’s programs into his own. In transferring her memories to himself, she would remain an integral part of him.

While Data could now carry a piece of her with him forever, her physical body remained locked away in the lab until she could be properly stored. No one other than Data was allowed in the room, and no one except him knew the security codes to get in.

That never stopped Q, however.

Getting around the security system was exceedingly simple for someone with his I.Q. Quite frankly, Data might as well have not even locked the door in the first place, but Q wasn’t focused on that fact. He just wanted to have one last good look at her. 

He felt perplexed by the degree with which Lal’s death affected him. Baffled by the empty feeling in his heart. It was a feeling he’d felt before. One that used to be oh so easy to repress to the point of nonexistence. Now he had no choice but to feel it. Not that he’d ever admit it. He tried not to think about it too hard. Instead, he gave Lal his full attention, so much so that he almost didn’t hear the sound of the lab door hissing open behind him. Q whirled around to find his own sons standing in the doorway. Apparently he wasn’t the only one who could jailbreak the Enterprise's lesser security measures. 

“What are you doing here?” Q asked with faux nonchalance. 

Q Junior ushered the younger boy into the lab and stood beside their father. “We could ask you the same.”

Q returned his gaze to the deactivated android in front of them. “I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.” He responded after a beat of contemplative silence.

“Neither did we.” Trelane’s voice was so small and he refused to look at him. It made a pang of guilt shoot through Q that made his chest tighten uncomfortably. He had just been trying to protect his boys, (Trelane mostly,) from the trauma of seeing their first real death. Death tended to mean very little to beings who could cheat it with the snap of a finger. Beings who could never die themselves. The concept of death became petrifying once that power was stripped from you. He could at least admit that. In doing so, he wondered idly if it was really them he was trying to protect.

A small sniff abruptly tore Q from his thoughts. It was so soft he almost missed it, but it seemed to echo in the dark room. “Trelane?...Are you crying??”

Trelane shook his head vigorously. “No.” Blustered the boy. His shoulders sagged as he tried to calm himself down enough to give a proper reply. “Mother and Father always said we’re not to cry.” He sniffled, trying to put on his best brave face for his father and brother.

He snapped his head up at the sound of Q’s harsh scoff. “Your parents were a couple of pompous, putrid, balls of glowing green gas!” He sneered in distaste, “Incapable of human emotion… You are human now, you are eight…” Q locked eyes with his still newly adopted son. He watched the fat tears welling up in his big brown eyes, and let his heart break a little. “And they have no say over you anymore,” Q murmured comfortingly, “...cry if you feel like it.” 

And so he did. He didn’t sob. He didn't wail. He just clung to Q’s side and buried his face in the fabric of his uniform and wept. Q laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder, patting it a little awkwardly. Trelane didn’t seem to mind. Q looked back up at his eldest. He looked intently at the eyes that looked so much like his own, and hoped that he understood what he was trying to convey without words. ‘That means you too.’ Junior gazed back just as intently and answered him only with a swift firm nod. 

He understood, and he would be ok. 

“I didn’t know her very well,” he began peering down at his little brother. “She wasn't in my class for that long, but she was pretty alright.” He smiled, ruffling the younger boy’s hair.

The little boy sniffled wetly and wiped his eyes on his cream colored sleeves. “I’m gonna miss her.” Trelane lamented behind tears just beginning to run dry.

“You know what?” Said Q as he spared one last fond look at the android who managed to touch everyone around her so profoundly in so little time. “So will I.”

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I'M BACK! Editing this took WAY too long especially after the horrible bout of writer's block I had about halfway through. This chapter was also WAY longer than I thought it would be. I tried trimming as much fat from it as possible, only keeping what I thought was absolutely necessary. And yet here we are 13,000 words later. Star Trek just happens to be very Dialogue heavy in nature. In the following chapter I plan to focus more Q and his feelings for Jean-Luc so we can get some good and propper Qcard. >;) I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it!

~See you out there!…

“... And next thing I knew, I woke up on your couch… and here we are! You can fill in the rest of course.” Captain Picard wasn't sure how Q managed it, but he had been talking mostly uninterrupted for almost thirty minutes. Q told him just about everything, more or less exactly how it happened. Tactfully omitting anything that could possibly upset the current timeline. Jean-Luc, to his credit, sat quietly and let him ramble on. Even after being hailed by Commander Riker halfway through. He had been asking about the Captain’s presence on the bridge, and Jean-Luc simply assured his second in command that he would be present as soon as he could. As well as calling for all senior staff members to report to his ready room in one hour. 

Once Q had finished weaving his story Jean-Luc sat for a moment longer letting everything sink in. “So… What you're telling me is that you're being punished by the continuum for something your son did?” Jean-Luc questioned breaking the silence. “For defending him, is that correct?” the Captain steepled his hands over his desk and braced himself for the more than likely grueling conversation ahead. It always was where Q was concerned. 

Q shrugged and lounged back in his seat. “Pretty much, Mon Capitaine. At least that's the sparknotes version anyway…” 

Jean-Luc gave him a confused look. “The what?... Nevermind that…” Jean-Luc heaved an exasperated sigh and continued on. “With all that squared away, what exactly is to be done with you?”

Q mirrored Jean-Luc’s posture, steepling his hands together as he loomed over the desk and right into the Captain’s personal space, causing the Captain to sit up straight in his chair, tugging his shirt down in the front. A nervous habit he was unlikely to break anytime soon. “I suppose this is the part where you call in your caveman security officer to come and drag me away. All the while, you sit and watch as I beg you not to throw me in the brig again, is that it?”

“Q thats not…”

The ex-omnipotent being interrupted the Captain by throwing his arms wide and quickly rising from his seat. “You want to play like that?... Fine! I beg of you Mon Capitaine!” He pleaded as he clasped his hands together in mock surrender. “Won't you grant sanctuary to a poor single father, cast out by his brothers and sisters!...”

“Q WOULD YOU PLEASE!” Jean-Luc rose, slamming his hands down upon the desk in furious irritation. He instantly regretted the action when he saw Q visibly flinch at the sound. In an instant he was reminded of how oddly cold he had treated Q during his first foray into being human. At the time neither he nor any of his crew had known for certain if Q had been telling the truth about having his powers taken away. Even so, the way he had given Q the cold shoulder, completely disregarding him during his plight, was unbecoming of the captain of the flagship of the federation. “Look Q,” He started after taking a calming breath. “I have no intention of throwing you in the brig.”

Q blinked at him from where he stood. “You don't?... Why?...”

Jean-Luc took his seat once again and began rubbing his temples. Hoping to ward off the headache already beginning to thrum inside his head. “Because despite my better judgement…as Captain, if an individual pleads for sanctuary aboard my ship, duty as well as my conscience compels me to provide it… That includes you too in this instance.”

Q was quiet as he let what the other man said sink in a moment. “So, no shackles this time? No humiliating little cell? How noble of you Jean-Luc.” He spoke much more calmly, but his usual sarcasm bled into his words. “After last time I half expected forcefields and cold Duranium walls. Why you might actually make me believe that you care.”

The Captain had to actively keep himself from rolling his eyes. As per usual, Q was making this entire situation far more difficult than it needed to be. He said little else other than a quick, “Come along.” as he stood and strode passed him on his way out the door. Q sprang up and trotted along after the Captain as he left the room. 

“Where are we going?” He asked as he caught up to him.

Picard kept up his brisk pace without fail. “My senior officers will be expecting us in my ready room by now.” He replied easily.

“Ah, right…” Q gave an amused little hum. “I almost forgot.” 

Disregarding the other man’s remark, the Captain hit his combadge with a little more force than was usually necessary. “Picard to Doctor Crusher.” 

It was a little over two seconds before he got a response. “Crusher here.” The doctor replied. She had been hard at work finishing up her reports on the two boy’s health. After they had explained where they came from to her, she knew she was likely going to need to craft medical files on the both of them, and she wasted no time in doing so. 

Jean-Luc felt a little bit of the tension in his shoulder dissipate at the calm, measured tone that was oh so familiar to him. Q was far less impressed, however. He would much rather he and the Captain continue to walk together in silence. “I won’t be along to retrieve our patients as originally planned,” Jean-Luc answered, warmth bleeding into his voice. 

“I figured as much.” Beverly reasoned as she continued her work. Only stopping a second to ask,  “Is everything alright Jean-Luc?”

Jean-Luc smiled faintly at her concern. It was moments like this that reminded him of how greatly he appreciated her firm but kind demeanor. It was a welcome reprieve from all of Q’s bolstering. “Just fine Beverly, but could you please escort the boys to my ready room for a senior staff meeting?”

She smiled, going right back to her work. “Of course, Jean-Luc.” Her delivery was so meticulously articulated that Jean-Luc just knew there had to be something more lurking behind it. He was absolutely right as it turns out. “Will Q be joining us as well?” She finished after a beat. Both men could hear the smirk coloring her voice. It was clear to them now that they no longer needed to fill her in. The boys had done it for them. 

Q, to his credit, matched her smirking tone with one of his own. “You say that as if it’s optional… Regardless, I wouldn't miss it for anything.” He mused. 

“Riiight…” She drawled not missing a beat. “Alright well I’ll bring them along right now.” 

“Good, We’re on our way as well. Picard out.” The two men continued down the corridor coming up on the nearest turbolift. They entered the lift together, standing side by side. 

The comlink went dead after that, and Doctor Crusher took a moment or two to finish up what she was doing before striding into the adjoining room. She turned her attention to her two newest patients, sitting quietly on their respective Biobeds. “Alright boys, looks like we’re just about done here. Your presence is required elsewhere.”

Trelane smiled gaptoothed at Beverly as he hopped off the bed, followed by Junior who was much less enthusiastic. Both boys joined the doctor as she motioned for them to follow her through The Enterprise’s corridors. “So, Doc…” Q Junior droned, sounding bored as ever. “Did we pass inspection?” Beverly rolled her eyes but kept the small pull at the corner of her lips. 

“With flying colors… I couldn’t find a thing wrong with either of you. Your medical files are bound to be quite interesting going forward.” 

“Oh, I’m sure. That is, if you can possibly wrap your puny brain around any of it.” Junior snickered with a self satisfied grin. 

Beverly was completely unaffected by the young man’s mockery. The good doctor was never one to rise to bait. “I think I’ll manage.” The three continued to walk down the halls to the nearest turbolift. As they strolled along in comfortable silence, Beverly perked up as she watched a familiar face turn the corner. A young man, no older than Q junior, locked eyes with her and gave her one of the brightest smiles Junior had ever seen. The two former Qs watched as the other boy pulled the strap of his small book bag higher up his shoulder and trotted up to meet them. 

“Hey mom!” The boy beamed, “I was just heading over to sickbay to see you. I wanted to show you this new project I’m working on! I was thinking about how to improve on our current holodeck technology and look at this!” He pulled out a PADD from his bag and handed it to his mother. “I was thinking that if I could take some inspiration from Geordi’s visor, we could make the holodeck not only easier to control but be twice as immersive!"

“I don’t know Wes, I don’t want you poking around with those things, you’ve seen how unstable they can be.” 

While the two were talking Junior had taken the opportunity to look over Beverly’s shoulder. He eyed the PADD intently, checking and rechecking over the other boy’s work. While now fully human, his mind was still able to process the equations fairly quickly. It wasn’t nearly as fast and it took a great deal more thinking than it used to, but the answers came easily to him. “Let’s not shoot him down so quickly Doc,” He said, finally pushing past and snatching the pad from her hand. “He’s actually got some good ideas here… Althoughhhh, some of these equations need some serious tweaking. Like right here! Look…” Junior leaned into the other boy’s space presenting the PADD and pointing to one of the notes. “You’ve got the right idea, you’re just not pushing it far enough. Instead of setting max neural input to fifty-seven percent, up that to seventy percent and work around that! After that you should have much more room for improvement.” Junior handed the PADD back to Wesley who took it with a confused look on his face.

“But that’s not physically possible. It would overload the senses…” Wesley stated with slight indignation. Then he paused. “Unless…” He mumbled and buried his face in the PADD. He began furiously typing away. Junior watched the other boy as he worked with rapt interest. He took more interest than he thought he would, but he just couldn't help but find the way the other’s tongue stuck out of the corner of his lips quite amusing. After a minute or two Wesley’s head shot up. His eyes practically twinkled with newfound inspiration. Q Junior couldn’t help but smile. The other boy’s smile was just so infectious. “You’re right! It is possible! I can’t believe I didn’t try that before! Hey, thanks a lot um…” Wesley held out his hand to Q Junior and, despite himself, he shook it.

“Q…” he stammered slightly awkwardly. “Junior.” 

“Wait?…Q? As in like Q, Q?” Junior wasn’t sure if it was just in his imagination but he could’ve sworn Wesley’s eyes gleamed a brighter shade of brown. 

“Uhh, yeah actually he’s my dad…” Trelane, feeling a little left out of the conversation, pushed his way between the two and noisily cleared his throat. Both boys looked down at him, having been taken aback by the sound. Junior gave the younger boy an irritated look for interrupting the moment. Trelane was well aware of it but paid Junior absolutely no mind. “and this is Trela-”

“General Trelane, retired. So pleased to meet your acquaintance!” The little boy cut in with a bow and a flourish. Holding his own slightly smaller hand out to Wesley.

“General?” 

Trelane held up a finger to correct him. “Retired. You may also call me Squire Trelane.” 

Wesley gave Q Junior a pointed look which he returned with a roll of his eyes. “It's just Trelane, and yes, he always talks like he’s drafting a letter to parliament. At least like eighty percent of the time anyway.” Wesley and his mother both let out a small laugh despite their best efforts. “Me and Dad kinda took him in before The Continuum took our powers and left us here.” Junior explained.

Wesley responded with a hum of understanding. “Well in that case–” He gave the little boy a firm handshake with an amused yet warm smile. “The pleasure is all mine. Squire.” He said with a wink. 

Trelane’s face lit up and turned excitedly toward Beverly who had been watching the entire interaction. “I quite like him, Doctor. Can he come with us?”

“Where are you guys headed?” Wes Asked.

Beverly took a moment to usher the group forwards before answering, “Afraid not this time, Wes. These two have a meeting in the ready room. Captain and senior staff only.” Wesley nodded begrudgingly, but it was clear that he was still a little disappointed. He walked along with the group until they came upon the nearest turbolift. 

“Well, good luck you guys! It was nice to meet you,” he complimented, “I hope I'll see you around.” He clapped a friendly hand on Q Junior’s shoulder with a boyish grin. The action was perhaps a little more rough than Wes had meant it, because it ended up knocking some of the wind out of him. 

Junior’s Cheeks tinged a slight shade of pink. Likely out of embarrassment as he took a second to recover. “Y-yeah,” the young man coughed, “You too. That is if the Captain doesn't have us thrown out of the nearest airlock.”

The other boy laughed and Junior couldn't help but think he could get used to the sound. “Nah! I know the Captain–he wouldn't do something like that.”Junior probably shouldn't have found his words so comforting but found the leftover tension slip away. “I’ll see you around.” He assured him. The two former Qs watched silently as Wesley gave his mother a quick goodbye and sped off with one last wave as he turned the corner out of sight. 

Q Junior waved back–and kept waving for a while after he had left. Wesley had left Junior with a rather peculiar feeling settling in the center of his chest. A sort of warm, content and…intrigued feeling. At first, he thought it was unlike anything he’d ever felt before, but the more he thought about it, the more familiar the feeling became. Wesley was unlike anyone he’d ever met, that much was true, but Junior couldn't shake the feeling that Wes reminded him of something or someone. He just couldn't wrap his mind around what or who… 

He nearly jumped out of his skin as he felt a careful hand lay over his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder, to see that it was Beverly who had startled him. If she had noticed his sudden jumpiness, she said nothing of it. She just gave him a knowing look and steered him toward the turbo lift. He allowed himself to be pulled inside, glad to have something else to distract him. The three rode the rest of the way in silence as Q Junior idly wondered if his dear ol’ Dad was fairing any better… 

~

A few incredibly awkward moments passed between the two men as they rode the turbolift the rest of the way. Q could feel the silence permeating the entire turbo lift. He wasn’t used to not being able to hear the collective chatter of The Continuum, and the incredibly aggravating whirr of machinery was already beginning to drive him mad.  Jean-Luc was unaware of how unbearably deafening the silence was for Q, and yet subconsciously he agreed completely. Neither man had quite realized they were holding their breaths until the lift doors slid open with a soft satisfying hiss. Jean-Luc led Q the rest of the way to his ready room but faltered before the automatic door. The Captain turned to look at him and gave him a curt nod as he stepped into the room. Q couldn’t tell if the action was meant to be reassuring to him or not but he decided to take it as such anyway; and he followed him in.

Everyone in the room had been idly chatting as the Captain walked up to the head of the table. They all smiled as he passed and some even nodded a quick greeting. All the warm amicable energy in the room quickly turned to ice as they all turned their attention to the former immortal entity trailing not far behind. Even the ship's Chief of Security shot up to his feet. Always diligent. Ready and willing to protect his ship and captain.  “At ease Mr. Worf.” Picard warned gently, holding up an authoritative hand. The Klingon growled lightly to himself but obediently sat himself back down. Q loitered a bit before the table, taking in the hostile energy. 

He had expected such a reaction. Looked forward to it actually. That’s how it had been the first time, but this time it felt… different. It hadn't been this poignant, palpable even, the last time. The Captain gestured towards an empty seat at the far opposite side of the table, and as he lowered himself down in the seat offered he felt the most peculiar feeling settle in the pit of his stomach. A sort of sour, sinking feeling he’d never truly felt before. 

Out of curiosity he turned his gaze to Counselor Troi, who in turn locked eyes with him from across the table. She looked just as guarded as the rest of the staff, but there was something else shining in her dark eyes. It was something much softer, almost concerned. It was then that Q figured out what emotion was sitting like a stone in his gut… 

Anxiety. 

Sure he had felt some semblance of nervousness before, even fear, but this felt different somehow. It felt almost irrational at first. Until it hit him then that the fate of not just him, but the boys as well were in the hands of everyone around him now, and that Betazoid counselor’s empathic powers meant that she knew it too. Turns out the soft look in her beautiful pitch black eyes was pity. Something Q was equally unused to, but found no less aggravating. 

Q quite frankly had had enough pity for a good long while. He broke eye contact with Deanna and took a calming breath he strategically disguised as an exasperated sigh. He waited for Picard to formally begin the meeting. Picard let out a barely audible sigh of his own before he began, “I’m sure you are all wondering why I've gathered you here…”

“I’ll say,” Commander Riker interrupted, clearly perturbed. “And what the hell is Q doing here? What does he want this ti–”

“Yes Number One, I was getting to that…” Picard cut back in with some hesitation.

“Sir?...” The table collectively turned towards Commander Data, who was about the only calm person in the room. Picard nodded for him to continue, grateful for the diversion if he were being honest with himself. “You called all senior staff members to this meeting. Should we not wait for Doctor Crusher to arrive?” 

Picard gave him a polite smile. “Ah, right. Thank you Data. Perhaps we should…” He replied droned on, trying to delay the inevitable.

Just like clockwork the readyroom doors swished open and Beverly strode into the room. She wasn’t alone of course. Q Junior and Trelane following close by. The room fell into stunned silence once again as the three sat down at the table. “I’m sure you have a lot of explaining to do, Jean-Luc… Go on.” Beverly said with a lighthearted smirk.  

“Yes well…” Picard cleared his throat and straightened the hem of his shirt, somehow feeling even less at ease. “The explanation is… not one we could have anticipated… Simply put, Q has once again been punished by the Continuum. He has been stripped of his powers, made human again… and he has come to us for help.”

Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge was the first to respond. “Yes, I'm sure we all figured as much, but what I’m wondering is what these two kids are doing sitting in on this conversation?” A chorus of agreement followed as everyone continued giving the boys their rapt attention.

Jean-Luc was about to begin further explanation of the situation until he was stopped by Q. “Perhaps I should handle the introductions, Mon Capitaine.” Q stated voice dripping with pride and just a bit of mockery. “Now try to contain your collective excitement but these two little rascals are Q Junior and Trelane.” He rose from his seat and laid a hand on each of the boys shoulders. “They’re my sons.” Q beamed with satisfaction as everyone in the room’s eyes widened in shock. Happy to finally have the upper hand in the conversation again. 

At that moment, Trelane might have been the most shocked out of everyone in the room. His head snapped to attention at the elder Q’s words. His deep espresso colored hair bounced with the force of it. He tried to hide his anticipation, but he couldn't quite hide the hope that shown in his chocolate brown eyes. ‘Sons… Plural!’ The word reverberated through his mind. Trelane may have technically had the mind of a child, but even he had not thought to delude himself with the idea that Q could possibly think of him as a second son. After all, he couldn't convince his former mentors to keep him around. What hope could he have had that Q had taken him in for any other reason other than pity and/or happenstance. For all Trelane knew, Q could just be playing house for his own amusement or to garner sympathy points from the crew. Whatever the reason was, Trelane found that he really didn't care. He just smiled up at the elder Q with gratitude. He was gonna let himself be happy, even if it all fell through. 

Both Deanna and Beverly shared a knowing smile between themselves as the rest of the men in the room looked on with mild confusion. “Now hold on a minute…” Geordi piped in, breaking the spell. “Sons? You mean they’re related to you?”

“Yes Q, I admit I was wondering the same thing.” Jean-Luc agreed.

“I was under the impression that The Q didn’t reproduce.” Geordi continued.

Q exhaled an amused little huff of air through his nose as he returned the engineer’s intrigued look with a wry smile of his own. “You’re correct in that assumption, of course. Although your feeble mind is still far too rigid in your view of The Q, as always.” Jean-Luc instantly regretted opening his mouth as Q answered in his usual dry, self assured manner. Regardless, he knew everyone’s interest was already piqued, so he kept his irritation to himself and let Q prattle on. “Just because the Q don’t procreate doesn’t mean we can’t. There is very little in this universe or the next that the Q can’t do…” He looked around the room to see if anyone would respond, but no one took the bait. Even Picard just raised an eyebrow at him, urging him on while making it very clear he would not be entertaining his theatrics. Q sighed lamenting the loss of another verbal sparring match. “Yes, it’s true, Partially… Junior here is the only one directly related to me. Brought into this universe the ol’ fashioned way… Well… in the Q sense that is. Trelane, however, was…adopted, so to speak.”

“And what of Junior’s mother?” Jean-Luc Questioned.

Despite his best effort Q couldn't hide the grimace on his face at the question. Even Junior noticeably paled at the mention of the topic. “Not in the picture… I won't get into it, it's kind of a long and messy story.” Q said, looking anywhere except him. 

“I see…” Jean-Luc coughed awkwardly. Now he really wished he had kept his mouth shut. 

“How they got here is irrelevant!” Worf spat, breaking the awkward spell. “What is to be done with them?”

Jean-Luc straightened up, grateful for the mild change in subject. “That is exactly why I called you all here. I wanted to inform you all of the situation and begin making arrangements for them to stay on the enterprise.”

”Sir, I highly advise against it.” Worf ground out shooting daggers directly at Q. “They could be lying.” The Klingon let his eyes wander towards the youngest Q, who caught his gaze with equal disdain. The little boy looked him right in the eye and stuck his tongue out. Even as Worf growled deep in his chest at him, he didn’t back down, he just puffed out his chest and stood his ground as if he wasn’t a fourth of the Klingon’s size. Q watched the whole thing transpire beaming with pride. Even Junior admired the little guy’s tenacity.

If it wasn’t so ‘uncaptainly’ of him, Picard would’ve rolled his eyes and left them to it. Instead he rose from his seat and stood tall, his authority on full display. “Enough… The matter has already been decided.” In spite of how aggravated he was his voice was calm yet assertive, with an air of finality. The rest of the room went dead silent. His crew knew better than to interrupt when he used that tone of voice. “The presence of these children leaves me no other ethical alternative. I see no other choice but to take them at their word. I want accommodations made for them within the hour. Muli-room suite. As for you Q…” Q perked up at the sound of his name, his attention intently on Jean-Luc’s deep baritone. “I admit I had no clear notions as to how you would fit into operations aboard this vessel, or even if you should at all. After some consideration, I have decided you will rotate through various departments until we determine where you might be of use. For the moment you will resume your duties in engineering under commander LaForge’s supervision. I will be monitoring your progress personally.” He commanded, leaving no room for objection.

While Geordi had the good sense to keep his own annoyance about the situation under wraps, Q’s irritation permeated his entire being and bled out of him all at once, making itself nearly impossible to ignore. “Oh yes, Jean-Luc!” He droned on. “Because that worked out masterfully the first time.” Q flopped back down in his chair with an uncharacteristic lack of grace. 

Geordi was about to fire back but Picard held up a hand. “Be that as it may, Q. It’s a start and Nonnegotiable. Now, regarding the boys, Both of them will be required to attend school in their respective age brackets.” Picard was cut short by a bark of childish laughter and an indignant snort. 

“You can’t be serious, Picard.” Junior Scoffed. “What do you think your pathetic little teachers could tell us that we don’t already know a thousand times over?”

“Precisely! We’ve not only seen it all, but lived it! Why, I alone have been alive for over eight-thousand Earth years! School children we are not!” Trelane giggled at what he thought was a ridiculous prospect. 

Doctor Crusher let the youngest Q ramble on. Once she was sure he had finished his little speech, she cleared her throat and stood up straight with a PADD in hand. “Not according to this you're not.” She started, sliding the PADD in front of Picard. “According to my scans, you are only about eight years old, and Q Junior is no more than sixteen. In case you’ve forgotten, you’re human now. Physically, and if all my tests are correct, mentally as well. Which means both of your brains are in crucial states of development. Which means attending school with other children your age is essential.”

Picard hummed, deep in thought, “Agreed.” He slid the PADD back to Beverly and straightened himself back in his chair. “It’s Decided… The boys will attend school, if not for the social interaction, then at least for something to do while their father is busy in engineering. If there are no further objections…?” Jean-Luc paused a moment to allow any further gripes, finding none. “Dismissed."

No one among the crew seemed very excited about the Captain’s decision but they stayed silent as they began filing out. Q and the boys stayed behind for a moment and simply observed. The crew eyed the former Q’s with uncertainty which, oddly enough, unnerved Q. Deeply. He could understand their skepticism of him, that was understandable, but to place that same blame on the boys was frankly unfair. At least Jean-Luc had enough good sense to see that they were innocent in all this. Q, human or otherwise. 

“Hold on a minute Data.” Jean-Luc called out to the android who had one foot already out the door. He dutifully turned back around, head already cocked a few centimeters to the side. “Would you mind taking Q and the boys for a tour of the ship? Just until their quarters are ready for them?” He felt a little bad for relying so heavily on Data, but he knew that he was the one who was most equipped to handle Q and all his antics. Not only did he lack the emotional ability to be annoyed but he was also far stronger than nearly, if not, everyone on the ship. He also never tired. Neither Q nor the boys could escape him even if they tried, and Jean-Luc needed to assure that they would stay out of trouble. 

“Not at all sir.” The android replied genuinely, if not a bit literally. He motioned for the former Qs to follow. The two younger Q followed at Data’s heels. Only Q hesitated a bit longer on his way out the door. He glanced over his shoulder, locking eyes with Jean-Luc.

As Jean-Luc looked into Q’s eyes he saw that very same flash of emotion he saw when he snapped at him earlier that morning. A fleeting bit of fear and lingering uncertainty. It made something twist sharply in his chest. Something he couldn't quite place. What he did know was that he didn't like it one bit. He let a miniscule smile tug at the corner of his lips, hoping Q would find some small amount of reassurance in the gesture. Q seemed to notice his little slip of emotion. Replacing his look of uncertainty with one of his usual cocky grins. “See you around, Picard.” He purred before turning and disappearing out into the hall. Jean-Luc allowed himself to take a deep breath and let out a half-relieved sigh. 

“See you around, indeed…”

~

It took less than an hour for the crew to prepare proper quarters for the three of them, but Data allowed them the full hour to wander about the ship. Mostly for the benefit of the two younger Q boys. Q Had already been given this tour before, so he spent most of that time stuck inside his own head. 

He hated it. 

Despite the thoughts that were racing through his mind, it was still much, much too quiet. He couldn't fathom how humans can stand having nothing but radio silence buzzing around their heads. It felt so empty, hollow, a constant reminder that he had been cut off and abandoned by his so-called ‘family’. Through all this he periodically looked to the two boys who followed Data like a couple of little ducklings. They padded along after their tour guide contently hanging on his every word. They didn't seem nearly as affected by the mental static as Q was, or if they were they were doing a fantastic job at hiding it. 

After the tour and once they had seen all there was to see, the group headed back, and stopped right outside the door to their new home. “This is where you will be staying for the foreseeable future. I hope you will find the accommodations to your liking.” Data stepped aside and motioned for the three of them to enter. They did so slowly, their eyes adjusting to the darkness then readjusting as Data called for the lights. As far as quarters go, they were as drab and practical as could be. Although it was a bit bigger than standard quarters. There was a living slash dining room, a desk off to the side, and a standard bedroom. Down a short narrow hallway a small adjoining room for the boys. Fitted with two beds one on each side of the room. 

Q hummed in thought as he glanced about listlessly. “Well… It’s not exactly the kind of luxury I'm used to but…” Q sucked in a breath and let it out in a deep sigh, “...It’ll do.” He watched in mild displeasure as Q Junior and Trelane wander off into the hall to get a better look at their new room. 

Data lifted an eyebrow at his dry response but said nothing. “There is a replicator if you are hungry or require a change of clothes. Should you require any other assistance, you can reach the senior staff or security through the computer system–”

“Thank you, android, but I’m sure we could figure it out from here. You can leave now.” Junior marched himself back into the living room, Trelane following close behind. He flung himself across the couch, his tone mockingly flippant. Q whipped his head around glaring daggers at his son. Q junior shrugged defensively back. He didn’t understand why his dad was making such a fuss.

Data turned his attention to the teenager, his brow furrowed. If Q didn’t know any better, he might have thought the other man was actually offended. “Very well.” He said bowing his head politely to the three Qs. He turned and began out towards the door. He stopped abruptly just as the door swooshed open. “Q?” He asked, grabbing Q’s attention. “I did not get the chance to thank you for allowing me to experience my first… I believe the correct term would be, “belly laugh”, personally.” Junior passed a few glances between the men in slight shock. Q had told him quite a bit about what happened that day, but he hadn’t told him that. He couldn’t shake the weight of guilt that settled in his chest. It felt like what he imagined having the wind knocked out of you felt like. He really hoped it wouldn't be a sensation he’d have to get too acquainted with.

Q Junior wasn’t the only one surprised. That was certainly the last thing Q himself had expected the android to say. “Oh, that!” He replied. Perhaps a bit too loudly. “Don't mention it! It was nothing really. It was… the least I could do.”

“Hmm...” Data took a moment to assess Q’s words. “Be that as it may, Thank You, Q. It was a wonderful… feeling. If you or your children need anything do not hesitate to ask. I look forward to seeing you all again.” With that, Data turned on his heel and strode the rest of the way out.

“Farewell commander!” Trelane exclaimed, waving sweetly. Data paused for a moment to turn to the boy. Giving him a friendly smile and a light wave back. Then he disappeared down the hall. 

“I wasn’t aware you were so fond of the Android.” Junior stated to the silence Data’s absence left in the room.

Q let out a deep sigh. He ran his hand along the back of one of the dining table chairs. Pulling it out he slumped gracelessly into it. “Long story. Not one I have the patience to explain right now…Especially now that I’m coming to terms with the fact that this is to be our new normal. Whatever that means…”

Junior, used to his father’s theatrics, rolled his eyes at him. “Hey, it could be worse! At least you don't have to share a room with Napoleon Bonaparte over here.” He yelped loudly as Trelane elbowed him hard in the ribs from his place next to him on the couch. “SEE?!?!” 

“Oh I saw alright.” Q laughed, choosing to ignore the way Trelane was sticking his tongue out at the older boy. ‘Idiots.’ He thought with a fond chuckle. ‘My idiots now…’ The thought brought back that anxious feeling from earlier. It squeezed tightly around that fond feeling until the two emotions became indistinguishable from each other. “But, what do we do now?...” He momentarily forgot either feeling as a loud rumbling sound rang through the quiet of the room. 

It was Junior's turn to laugh. “Lunch looks like a good enough place to start.” 

Q visibly paled at that. “How repulsive.” He hissed. “We haven’t been hobbling around in these meatsuits for more than three hours, and already the damn thing is making noises!” 

“Ugh, I’ll take care of it.” Junior pried himself from the comfort of the couch, sauntering up to the replicator. It took him very little time to think of something the three of them might all enjoy. He figured a simple sandwich cut oh-so-neatly in half should go over well enough.

Trelane sat himself down opposite Q at the table, watching Junior effortlessly work the replicator. “How in Qs’ name do you know how to work that blasted thing?” He asked, eyeing the plate that was placed in front of him.

“Dad’s been human for a day before, but try a week!” Junior nudged his father with a self satisfied smirk as he slid a plate in front of him as well. “I think I’ve got you both beat.”

Q ignored him, looking down at his plate. He sneered at the measly thing. Obviously not particularly thrilled by the prospect of putting anything in his body. Let alone that. “Fair enough, Junior, fair enough…” He muttered.  

Q junior sat himself down between the two of them, immediately digging into his own food. He was far from the most graceful eater. Which was certainly not uncommon for a boy his age. So he could get a pass for that one. He glanced over to Trelane who was watching him intently. He slowed his chewing down considerably, swallowing carefully. Picking up on what the other was doing, Trelane picked up his own sandwich and matched his motions as closely as he could. The little boy's eyes lit up on the first bite. “This is splendid!” He blurted out over a mouthful of half eaten food. “I didn’t know food could – I mean I didn't know food…uh–” 

“Had a taste???” Junior snorted.

“YES THAT!” Trelane all but yelled. “Huh?...”  Trelane, always the articulate one despite his age, suddenly couldn’t quite articulate what had been missing from any of the food he’d conjured up for himself in his little château on Gothos. “Guess I just never thought about it ‘til now…”

The older boy gave him a look that said, ‘Well now you know,’ and tried to return his attention back to his own plate. He shook his head. He knew he shouldn’t laugh but he couldn't help but let a small puff of air slip past his lips. He glanced over to his father who had been uncharacteristically silent throughout. Q’s eyes were still glued to his plate and the lines in his brow were cutting deeper and deeper by the second. He had the pallor of someone about to be sick to his stomach. “Don’t tell me you’ve never tried actual food before…” 

Q’s eyes snapped up to look at his son. Only some of the color returned to his face, but not by much. “Considering the last time I tried I was viciously maimed, could you blame me?” Q slumped back in his chair, pouting away. The memory of receiving a fork to the hand, courtesy of the ship's bartender, was not one he enjoyed looking back on. It certainly wasn't one he had been all that keen on recounting to his son. “Besides, I had ordered ten chocolate sundays. I just…never actually got the chance to try any of them…”

‘Ten?!’ Junior thought. ‘Continuum help me…’ Q’s eyes returned back to his plate just as he saw a hand snatch one of the halves from his plate, lightly startling him. His gaze followed the piece in curiosity as it made its way to Junior's plate. Junior didn’t meet his father’s eyes for more than a second. “Start small then.” He said as if it was the most mundane thing in the world. “This’ll take some getting used to." The teen went back to polishing off the rest of his own food, moving on to the stolen half in quick succession. Q left him to it to focus back on his own for the last time. All of a sudden the prospect didn't seem so daunting. Although, that didn't mean he was any happier about it. He let Junior’s words ring through his mind one last time, ‘Start small…’, and with no further objections he took a bite.

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

Thank you so much for reading this far! The idea came to after rewatching the original series and TNG. Trelane is one of my favorite lesser Star Trek characters! The idea of "What if instead of just acting like a little kid, what if he was ACTUALLY a little kid?" kept rolling around my mind. I wanted to find a way to worm the idea to fit into canon, or at least find a way to form my own canon that could fit neatly into the Star Trek universe. After the first chapter is going to be a look into how the Q crew settle into to life on the enterprise. After that the rest of the the fic will be a series of episode rewrites. Not every episode, mind you, but mostly the really important ones. (Like Q-pid, the best of both worlds 1 and 2, tapestry, etc…) this fic can also be found on my Ao3. I hope you’ll be with me on this journey of putting way too much damn effort into a Star Trek fan fiction!

~See you out there!…