More Than a Lifetime #5: Return to Normal

Chapter 4

Captain Picard sat at the head of the table in the observation lounge with his senior staff seated around him. Dani and both of the Qs were also present.

"Absolutely not," Picard said staunchly. "I refuse to let my ship be used as some sort of playground for the Q."

"Picard, be reasonable," the elder Q said in his gently pleading tone. "All I'm attempting to do is instill my son with as comprehensive a look at humanity as possible. I want him to get as accurate a look at humans as he can. Is that so wrong?"

Will cast a wary glance at the captain.

"But why this ship?" Picard asked.

"Mon Capitan," Q elder began again, "you, among all people, should recognize that each ship, each crew, is unique. One cannot be expected to generate a fair concept of humanity after only experiencing life aboard one ship - a ship that, might I add, was thousands of light years away from home. You must agree that Enterprise's situation and the large size of her crew makes her much more ideal for studying interactions between people."

"He does have a point there, sir," Geordi admitted.

Picard looked around at his staff and mentally turned over the prospect of actually allowing a Q onboard. He leaned back in his seat and tugged at his uniform tunic. "Just how long would this lesson in humanity take?"

"One week," Q replied quickly.

Picard thought it over. There was no telling what kind of trickery Q was up to. This could be some elaborate ruse, which it more than likely was. He looked at Dani. He also had to consider what had happened on Voyager. That time, Q had been sincere in his intentions, and Voyager had come out with little more than a few frazzled nerves. Q could be telling the truth. Thinking back, Picard remembered that there had been a few instances when Q had been sincere, and everyone had benefited from his presence.

Picard leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table as he made his decision. "My ship will, under no circumstances, be turned into a circus," Picard directed to Q.

"Q will not have his powers while onboard," Q senior assured. "I give you my word." Picard shot Q a dismal look.

"Captain, you won't regret this," Q2 said cheerfully. "I promise."

"Let's hope you're right," Picard said.

"Wonderful!" Q exclaimed. "Now, if you'll all excuse me, I've got some errands to run. Good day, everyone. Son, I'll see you in a week."

"Wait - Q!" Picard began, but he was too late. Before the words were even out of his mouth, Q was gone in his customary flash of light.

"So," Q2 said, beaming, "where do I sleep?"

xxx

"Cousin, I'm so glad we have this opportunity to see each other again," Q said. He and Dani were walking to the guest quarters he'd been assigned to for the duration of his stay on the Enterprise.

"I don't know if I can say the same, Q," Dani said. "I'm still really peeved about you and your father peeping on me and Will.

"Hey, it was my father's idea," Q explained. "I didn't know he was going to bring me here, and I didn't know he was going to spy on you. Besides, he doesn't see it as spying. He even brought your mother-"

"My mother?!" Dani stopped walking and glared at Q. "Do not tell me my mother was in that room, Q. Don't tell me she saw me and Will...together."

"Well, she did," Q said.

"Oh, my gods," Dani said, resuming her walk to Q's guest quarters. "You brought my mother to spy on me."