• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

Go stepped forward. “You’re running a fine ship, Captain. The Enterprise has always been the home of Starfleet’s finest. Everyone who has served on this ship—including the new arrivals over the past year—has excelled beyond expectations. And I know that expectations on some of those new arrivals were fairly low. But this ship has its reputation for a reason, and you’ve spent the last year proving it. You should be proud. I know I’m proud to serve in the same fleet as you—and I’m sure Jill was proud to, also.”

Riker couldn’t help but smile at that. Nice to know you can count on professionalism when it matters.

“Thank you, Captain,” Picard said. “I can assure you that I have been proud of this crew since we embarked for Farpoint Station fifteen years ago, and they have never given me reason to waver in that pride.”

Unbidden, Riker’s thoughts went back to his arrival on the EnterpriseD at that selfsame station, right after the ship’s first—but sadly, nowhere near its last—encounter with Q. La Forge and Worf were just junior-grade lieutenants then, serving as bridge officers. Data was still early in his examination of the human condition. O’Brien was still on board, then serving as the battle-bridge conn officer, Sarah MacDougal was the chief engineer, and Tasha Yar the security chief. Wesley was just the doctor’s precocious teenage son.

Now Tasha’s dead, MacDougal’s long retired, Wes is a Traveler, Worf’s an ambassador, Geordi’s chief engineer, Data’s about to be first officer, and O’Brien’s with the S.C.E. With him and Troi about to go off to the Titan and Crusher likely to be taking over Starfleet Medical, that meant that the only constant after fifteen years was Picard himself.

How appropriate.

Ross then said, “The other reason I’m here is a bit more selfish. I was the one who first suggested Worf for his current position, so I want to be here when he’s given the job again by our new president.”

Riker gave Ross a knowing look. “I understand you had a bit of a hand in the selection of that president, Admiral.”

Shrugging modestly, Ross said, “I just saw the same thing the voters saw. President Bacco will do a fine job, I’m sure of that.”

“Speaking of which, Commander Vale, open a channel to the presidential office on Earth.” Picard took his seat as he spoke, straightening his uniform jacket. Riker followed suit a moment later.

It took almost a full minute for Vale to set up the communication. Any direct line to the Federation’s seat of government in Paris had to go through several levels of security, and also passed through dozens of com beacons to boost the strength and speed of the transmission. Those two factors allowed both for near-instantaneous conversation as well as a pretty strong guarantee that the conversation wouldn’t be overheard, but also meant it took extra time to set everything up.

Finally, the pleasant face of President Nan Bacco appeared on the Enterprise viewscreen.

“Madam President,” Picard said, “this is indeed an honor.”

“So they keep telling me, Captain. It’s good to see you again.”

“Likewise. However, I believe you’re here to speak to my erstwhile chief of security.”

“Yes, I am. Mr. Ambassador.”

Worf stepped up to the tactical console next to Vale. Riker was amused at the picture they presented, the tall, intimidating Klingon male standing next to the petite human female. Hard to believe they’re both equally adept at the same job.

“Madam President,” Worf said. “I have my resignation ready to be transmitted.” He turned to Vale. “May I?”

Vale indicated the console with a gesture. “You’re probably the only person in the Diplomatic Corps I’d let touch the controls, Mr. Ambassador.”

“Thank you.” Worf entered several commands into the console.

Bacco looked down at a terminal on her desk. “Receiving now.” She read the screen for a moment, then said, “Your resignation is accepted and noted. I now hereby rein—”

Worf held up a hand. “Madam President, please—with all due respect, if you are about to reinstate me, I must decline.”

Riker turned around in shock.