Timeship Terrapin (Part Two)

I'm now back on the Bridge of the Enterprise after my chat with Captain Gordon and Lieutenant Arden on the Federation Timeship Terrapin.

There's a dangerous Brakenese fanatic named Tega who has escaped from the 30th Century and will try to sabotage the Zarn/Braken Peace Conference that is about to start on Tarsal IV.

As things would be, I'm the only one who can stop him. It's at times like this I wish I was on vacation.

I discreetly talk to Lieutenant Worf, and give Tega's description to him; tough, with long wild hair and a manic look.

"What has he done, sir?" asks Worf.

"I can't tell you that, Mr Worf." I reply, "He's a danger, and your security teams need to be on the lookout for him while the conference goes on."

Worf looks puzzled, as he always does when he hasn't got enough information, but circulates the description to the team.

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

Shortly after, I beam down in my best Captain's outfit, that I had cleaned in the laundry last night; with me is Deanna, Riker, Worf and Crewman Jenkins. I figured we might need a spare man for this, in the best traditions that had been practised by Captain James T. Kirk.

Before the conference starts, all the delegates are drinking, getting ready for the impending talks. The Zarn representatives are all very friendly to the Brakenese; not long ago it would have been a fight to the death.

I am looking pleased with everything, as I know I'll get the credit if all goes well; however, inside I am feeling uneasy that Tega may be somewhere about. If he succeeds, it'll play havoc with my Starfleet pension.

I use the communicator to talk to Worf.

"Everything all right, Mr Worf?"

"Yes, sir, no sign of the man you describe." he answers.

"Captain." says Deanna, "I sense great unease in you, as if you feel something bad will happen; surely this will be a time of great joy?"

"Just a little nervous, Counselor." I reply. Deanna looks suspicious.

I then go to talk to Crewman Jenkins on my Com. No reply. I try again and alert Worf with the Security team.

Eventually, we find Jenkins lying unconscious in the bushes away from the conference area; his uniform is missing, but wearing a prison outfit.

"What is going on here?" asks Worf.

"Temporal Prime Directive." I say to him, using the line Captain Gordon tried on me. It's actually quite effective, as no one questions it anymore.

"Just be on the lookout for the man I told you about." I tell him, Riker and Deanna, "He'll be wearing a Crewman's uniform; he's dangerous."

With the conference due to start in a few moments, we've got to find Tega. I'm not letting him spoil my chance of getting brownie points with Starfleet.

As the delegates assembe at the conference table, I see a tough tall man with long hair and a manic look in a Crewman's uniform that is too small for him; he's got a phaser and is aiming it at the Zarn representative.

I get my phaser and zap him quickly, like the marshal in a lawless wild west town.

Everything changes; I am back on the Terrapin. The body of Tega is next to me.

"Well done, Captain Picard." says Gordon, "The impending timeline disruption has been saved, and everything can now go on."

"Very adequate." sniffs Lieutenant Arden.

I guess there's no pleasing some people.

"We'll send you back to the conference now, Captain." says Gordon, "It will be a great success, but remember the Temporal Prime Directive."

How can I forget? I think I'll use it as a reply when I can't think of a good answer.