Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [84]
She did not answer immediately, but paused to listen to the sharp, silver song of a bird outside. She turned her face toward it, and said, Some things are meant to be. Like your saving the Veridian star. And this … She glanced around her. This was meant to be, too.
But crew members died, Picard said heavily. We lost seventeen.
Yes … Guinan gave a single, solemn nod, her dark eyes ashine with empathy. And thats as it should be. Death isnt always defeat, Jean-Luc. Its part of birth, the way of the universe. She paused. Ive been places where they weep at births and celebrate deaths. I think its not such a bad idea; keeps things in perspective.
So I was meant to save those on Veridian Four, and most of the crew, Picard said. But not those seventeen …? He shook his head faintly. If you had told me about them
She interrupted. you would have gone back earlier in time to save them anyway. I know. Thats why I didnt tell you. She gave a soft, wistful sigh. Its not easy knowing things, sometimes. She raised her face and gazed at her surroundings. Im going to miss this ship …
Picard nodded. His deep relief at saving the population of Veridian IV and his crew had been overshadowed by the loss of the seventeen, and the Enterprise herself. He mourned hernot with the intensity he did Robert and René, but there was grief nonetheless.
Yet he did not feel the rage, the fury upon hearing of that loss as he had when learning of his brothers and nephews deaths. His experience with the nexus and Kirk had changed his perspective; had helped him to value what was temporal, fleetingprecisely because of its impermanence.
I want to thank you, he told Guinan, for helping me in the nexus. For introducing me to Kirk. His tone softened; and he told her what he had revealed to no one else. He returned here, to this planet, with me; he was killed helping me stop Soran.
I know, Guinan said, very quietly; this time, there was no amusement in her gaze. That was meant to be, too. Sometimes, the universe can be very fair. He died the way he wanted to: making a difference.
Picard raised his head sharply at that, remembering Kirks final question; then his lips curved upward, very faintly. I hope, when my time comes, that the universe is as kind to me.
She reached across the table, and set her warm hand upon his. I suspect it will be, Jean-Luc, she said, and smiled. I suspect it will …
SIXTEEN
Deanna Troi stood amid the ruins of a cargo bay, scanning with a tricorder for signs of life.
More than anyone else, she was keenly aware of how very near they had all come to dying; images of what might have beenthe same images that had haunted her on the bridge soon after the collisionstill visited her dreams, with terrifying reality.
At the same time, she felt liberated, rejuvenated by the close brush with death. It had helped her to remember what was most important, to give up her anxiety over Worf and Will and what the future might hold.
She had spoken with them both, and discovered they both felt as she didsimply grateful to have survived, and willing to let any relationships unfold naturally.
She had spoken with countless crew members since the crash, trying to help them sort out their emotions. Surprisingly, the captain seemed reborn; Troi had expected that the loss of the Enterprise would come as a double blow, but Picard took it well, and appeared to have resolved his grief over the deaths of his nephew and brother.
She was far more concerned about Data. At the moment, she stood near him, gazing out at piles of collapsed bulkheads and bared, twisted circuitry.
The androids expression was faintly anxious but composed as he aimed his tricorder at a pile of rubble. I would like to thank you, Counselor, for helping me with my search. It is very kind of you.
Its no problem, Data. She looked up from the tricorder readout to smile at him. Ive already cleared out what I can from my quarters. Im afraid there wasnt much left.
You are dealing with your loss very well. Certainly