Paradise Planet (Part One)

Several starships have recently disappeared in Sector X2; everytime one goes to investigate, it vanishes, and is never heard from again.

Now the Enterprise has drawn the short straw to take a look; it would have to be us sooner or later, wouldn't it?

Admiral Warner is talking to me in my Ready Room.

"Well, Captain Picard" he tells me, "We have every confidence in you and the crew to sort things out."

"Are you coming with us?" I ask him.

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Captain" he says haltingly, "But there are err...so many meetings and tasks to take care of at Starfleet Headquarters....you understand..."

Yes, I understand.

We go to the Transporter Room; the Admiral seems keen to get off, just in case he accidentally gets left on the ship.

"Goodbye, Captain." he says, just before beaming off, "It's been a pleasure knowing you. Starfleet will remember you."

He vanishes, and we look like we've got trouble ahead.

"You look worried, Captain" says Deanna, "I sense an air of concern throughout the ship at this mission."

"It's probably just emanating from me, Counselor" I reply, "I'll need to break open a few stress pills on the way to Sector X2."

Riker is in Ten Forward eating a few donuts.

"Number One" I tell him, "I think you need to cut down on those."

"It helps me when I worry" he replies.

"Then give me some, and we'll keep on eating."

Worf looks very happy, in contrast to the rest of the crew.

"We shall look for a great victory." he proudly tells me, "Otherwise, it will be a good day to die!"

Speak for yourself, Mr Worf.

Data comes forward and volunteers to be 'Morale Officer' for the voyage.

I try to let him down lightly.

"Mr Data" I tell him, "Though you have many artistic talents, I fear that Dr Soong did not properly apply a sense of humour chip in you."

"I understand, sir" he tells me, in a voice that tries to make me feel guilty.

--------------------

Hours later, we arrive at Sector X2.

"The four missing starships are orbiting the third planet." Data informs me.

We get a hail from the planet. It is Captain Fraser, of the Velcro, one of the missing ships.

"Welcome to Paradisio, Captain Picard!" he joyfully tells me, " This will be your new home from now on."

I put on my most officious Starfleet voice.

"We've come to pick all your crew up, Captain." I tell him, "You could all be arrested for desertion."

"Who cares?" he tells me, "You'll want to stay here as well."

I switch off, can get ready to take an Away Team down to Paradisio.

Worf, Riker, Deanna, Jadzia, Beverly and myself all go down armed with phasers in order to round the ringleaders up.

This mission is easy, after all; I thought it was going to be so dangerous. We'll get those crews in the brig in no time!

We materialise on Paradisio. Fraser comes forward with the crew and Captains from the other starships to greet us all.

The planet looks wonderful, with lush vegetation, waterfalls and rich fruit. A truly beautiful place. Beverly and I could like it here.

I can't see why I should want to leave here; the others soon agree and we throw away our phasers. I kiss Beverly, Riker kisses Deanna and Worf kisses Jadzia.

I use my com to get the rest of the crew to come down. Everywhere is wonderful.

This is more like it, and we go to explore our new home.