Danny Amor's Online Library/Danny Amor's Online Library - Volume 1.iso/html/startrek/old-incomplete/aliensmeetstng.p1.repost

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Subject: AliensMeetsSTTNG
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    This is a repost of Aliens Meets TNG.  I've fixed a lot of things
in the beginning and have added a lot of other stuff.  I appreciate
the suggestions everyone mailed me.  They've helped a lot!
    BTW, if some of the text sounds awkward it's because I've been
writing scripts for the last year or so.  It's very strange switching
from scripts to novels.  All of the rules change.  Anyway, I hope
you like it.  I'll try to finish it soon.
    Oh, one other thing.  I tend to change stuff I write in the beginning
as I progress, so each posting may have new stuff in it.  I'll mention
that if it's the case.

                                                    Julie
___________________________________________________________________________

Aliens Meets TNG (Part One of who knows?)

"Sir, there is a small ship of unknown origin on our scanners," Data said.
"On screen," Picard stood up.  The viewscreen changed from its familiar
star field to an old, beat-up escape pod.  "Any life signs?"
    Data scanned his controls.  "Yes sir.  I cannot clearly identify
exactly how many there are."
    "Very well.  Number One, assemble an away team," Picard said.
    "Aye sir.  Worf, Data, Troi."  The four officers entered the turbolift.
                                    ***
    Dr. Crusher sat in front of her desk as she stared at her computer
screen.  She leaned back in her chair, still staring at the screen when
her communicator sounded.  Breaking her concentration, she angrily tapped
the pin.  "Crusher here."
    Commander Riker's voice filled the air.  "Doctor, we may have a
medical situation.  Report to Transporter Room Three."
    "On my way."  Dr. Crusher tapped her pin and stood up.

                                    ***

The hazy images of five officers slowly appeared on the unknown ship.
Each officer quickly opened their tricorders and began scanning the area.
"The life signs are coming from over here," Dr. Crusher said as she
entered another room.  Data, Troi and Riker followed her.
    The room contained four life pods.  "These resemble cryogenic
chambers," Data stated.
    "Oh no, not more of them," Worf said, remembering the last group they
had saved.  Troi looked at Worf and smiled.
    "Let's get them back to sickbay," Riker said.  He tapped his
communicator.  "Five to beam back.  And Chief, lock onto these cryo tubes
and beam them directly to Sickbay."
    "Aye sir," the familiar voice of Chief O'Brien said.  The away team
slowly began to fade away, along with the cryo tubes.

                                    ***

    Once on board the Enterprise, the away team went directly to sickbay
to examine the cryo tubes.  Dr. Crusher walked over to the pods and
examined each person with her tricorder.  The first person, a man, seemed
to have severe acid burns to the upper body.  A nurse handed Beverly a
small unit that resembled a syringe which she magically moved over the
man's burns.  Within a matter of seconds, the burns had disappeared.  The
next tube contained a woman in her thirties.  The third tube held a young
girl around ten years old.
    The fourth and final tube was perhaps the most fascinating.  "Data,
take a look at this," Dr. Crusher said as she stared at the upper body of
a man who had apparently been ripped in half.  His lower half was no where
in sight.
    Data examined the torso carefully.  "It is obviously an android.
This series, I believe was discontinued in the 23rd century."
    Captain Picard entered the room.  "I heard you found more cryogenic
tubes."  Under his breath, Picard mumbled, "I hope this group is a lot
more ruley than the last group."
    "What was that sir?" Riker asked Picard, a twinkle in his eyes.
    Picard ignored Riker as he looked in each tube.  When he came upon
the fourth tube, he stopped to examine it.  "What is this?"
    "It appears to be an android," Data said again.
    "I can see that.  Is there anyway to see if he's still active?" Picard
asked.  Data examined the upper body again.
    "I think so, sir."  Data connected some wires to the upper body.  After
a few minutes, the torso slowly began to respond.  After another minute or
so, the torso was completely alert.
    "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise.  We came
across your ship floating lifelessly in space.  We examined it closer and
found these cryogenic pods.  Do you mind telling me your name."
    The torso pushed itself up a little in his tube with his hands.  "My
name is Bishop.  I'm from the planet Earth."  Riker looked at Troi.  Troi
shrugged.
    "Who are these other three people?" asked Dr. Crusher.
    "Corp. Hicks, Ripley and the little girl is Newt.  Tell me, are they
alright?"
    "Corp. Hicks seemed to have some severe burns, but I've already taken
care of them.  The other two seem to be fine.  They're still resting,"
Dr. Crusher said.
    "Can you wake them," Bishop asked.  Dr. Crusher looked at each of the
officers.  After affirming nods, Dr. Crusher shrugged.
    "I don't see why not."  She walked over to Newt's tube and pressed
the appropriate buttons.
    "Ripley!"  A little voice shouted.  The little girl sat bolt upright.
She quickly looked around the room before jumping out of her cryo tube and
onto the floor.  She climbed underneath a medical bed, clutching her doll
head.
    "What was that?"  Asked Riker.
    "Newt?"  Turning to Dr. Crusher, Bishop said, "If you had asked, I
would have suggested you awaken her last."  He turned back to where Newt's
yell had emanated from.  "Where are you?"
    "Bishop?  Where are we?"  Called a tiny voice from under the bed.
    "It's alright.  You can come out," Bishop calmly said.  A small head
peered out from under the bed.  A moment later, Newt crawled out and walked
over to Bishop.  She looked at him and held his hand.  The bed was a
little high for her to see inside, so she had to stand on her toes.
    "Where's Ripley?  And who are these people?" Newt whispered to Bishop
in that soft child voice of hers.
    "She's right next to you.  Hicks is there too," Bishop said.
    Newt pulled herself as close to Bishop's ear as she could.  "Are there
any of them on board?" she asked.  If Bishop weren't an android, he would
have had to strain to hear her.
    "I don't think so," he said.  Troi pulled Riker aside.  "What is it,"
he asked.
    "I sense grave fear from the little girl.  She seems to have calmed
down a little since talking to Bishop, however she is still frightened,"
Deanna said.
    "I'm sure she is.  She is on an unknown starship.  If I were her, I'd
probably be scared to."  Riker smiled at Troi.  "Don't worry.  I'm sure
it's nothing."
    "I don't know..." Deanna said.  She walked over to Newt and kneeled
beside her.  "You look like you could use a bath."  Newt grabbed her doll
tighter.  She carefully looked at Troi.  "I promise I won't hurt you."
    "I want to wait for Ripley," Newt said.  Troi looked up at Beverly.
    "I'll wake her up along with the Corporal."  Beverly woke the
sleeping Ripley.  In a matter of seconds, she was fully alert.  She sat
up in bed, a serious look on her face.  She looked around the room,
carefully taking in her surroundings.  She caught site of Newt standing
beside Bishop's bed.  A broad smile spread across their faces.  Ripley
hopped out of her bed and hugged Newt.
    "Something weird's going on," Newt softly whispered into Ripley's ear.
    "Like what?" Ripley asked.
    "I don't know."  Ripley stood up and looked at the crew.
    Beverly then woke Hicks.  He slowly sat up, rubbing his head and
moaning.  "Do I feel hung-over.  What did I drink?"  Ripley smiled.
    "Acid."
    "Oh yeah."  Hicks slowly got out of his pod.  Stiffly, he walked over
to Ripley and Newt.  Kneeling beside Newt, he hugged her.  "And how are
you beautiful?"  Newt smiled.
    "A-okay," she said.  Hicks stood up and looked at Ripley.
    "And how 'bout you?  You alright?"
    "I'm fine but you look like hell," Ripley said.
    "Yeah, well I feel worse," Hicks said as he leaned up against one of
the cryo tubes.
    "I'm afraid you're going to be a little stiff for a few days,"
Dr. Crusher said.
    "That's alright.  I've felt worse," Hicks said as he worked out a
crick in his neck.  He turned and looked at Bishop.  "Bishop, you actually
look worse than I do.  How do you feel?"
    "I don't feel much of anything," Bishop said.  Ripley turned to Picard.
    "Where are we?"
    "You're on a starship, the Enterprise," Picard said.
    "How far away are we from LB246?" Ripley asked.
    "LB246?  I'm not familiar with that planet." Picard turned his attention
to the computer.  "Computer, locate LB246," he said in his stern command
voice.
    The delicate computer voice replied, "There is no such planet as
LB246.  That name was last used in the 23nd century for a planet ten
light years from here.  That planet has since been destroyed."
    "23nd century?  What century is it now?" Ripley asked with anxiety in
her voice.
    Hesitantly, Picard began to answer.  "I'm afraid we're in the 24th
century."  A horrified look entered Ripley's eyes.  A shiver went up Troi's
spine.  She gasped softly.  Ripley turned away from everyone and looked
off distantly.  "I know this must come as a shock to you, but-" Picard
was interrupted.
    "Not again."  Ripley's voice trailed off.
    "Again?  I'm afraid I don't understand.  This has happened to you
before?" Picard asked.  Ripley turned around to face him.  Her eyes were
blazing with anger.
    "It's a long story," Ripley said.
    "Why don't we let you get settled into your quarters before you
explain everything to us?" Picard suggested.  "Number One, why don't you
show our guests to their rooms.
    "Certainly sir," Riker said.  "How many rooms will you be needing?"
Hicks looked at Ripley and smiled.
    "Oh no, we're not...I mean the two of us..."
    "Two would be fine," Ripley said.  Hicks put his hands in his pockets.
    "Why don't you follow me," Riker said.
    "What about Bishop?" Newt asked.
    "I'll be alright, sweetheart," he said.
    "I'll see what I can do to aid in his repair," Data said.  Riker walked
out of Sickbay followed by Hicks, Ripley and Newt.

                                    ***

    Ripley was sitting in the living room, staring out at the stars when
a freshly washed Newt walked in.  She walked over to Ripley and put her
arm around her shoulder.  "Will we ever get home?"  Ripley turned and
hugged Newt.  The door chime sounded.
    "Come in," Ripley said.  The door slid open, revealing Hicks.  He
walked over and looked out the window.
    "Man, I never thought I'd be able to see them again."  He turned and
looked at Newt.  "Wow, look at that.  There's a little girl under all that
mud and grime."  Newt smiled.  "How are you holding up?" Hicks asked,
looking at Ripley.
    "We're okay," Newt whispered.  Hicks nodded.
    "I heard what happened to you after the first trip.  I know it must
be rough on you, but..."
    "Just drop it.  I'll be fine," Ripley said.  The door chime sounded
again.
    "Who is it?" Newt asked.
    "Commander Riker."
    Hicks smiled at Newt's innocence.  "Come in," he said.  The door slid
open and Riker walked in the room.
    "If you're up to it, the Captain would like to meet with all of you.
He's very interested in finding out what happened to you," Riker said.
Hicks looked at Ripley.
    "It's happening all over again," Ripley said.
    "It'll be okay this time," Hicks said as he placed a hand on Ripley's
shoulder.  "C'mon, the Captain's waiting."  Ripley slowly stood up and
gazed out the viewport for another minute or so before she turned to leave
the room.  Everyone left the room following Riker.

                                    ***

    Picard sat in his chair at the head of the long oval table in his
ready room.  Troi, Geordi, Worf, Beverly and Data sat in their usual seats.
"Counsellor, have you been able to sense anything in the three travellers?"
asked Picard.
    Troi turned in her large chair to face the captain.  She placed her
folded hands on the table before her.  "From the child, I sense grave fear.
From all of them, actually, but Newt's is the strongest.  Ripley feels lost,
almost destroyed.  And Hicks seems to feel sorrow mixed with anger."
    The door slid open.  Riker walked in and stood by his usual chair.  He
motioned for the others to find a seat.  Ripley sat down next to Geordi
followed by Newt and Hicks.
    "I trust all of you are well rested," Picard said.
    After an awkward moment of silence, Hicks decided to answer.  "Yes sir."
    "Could one of you tell me just what exactly happened to you?" Picard
asked.
    "We managed to runaway with our tails between our legs," Ripley said,
looking at no one in particular.
    "What she means is we discovered some kind of fucked up alien, if
you'll pardon my language sir," Hicks added.  Picard shifted in his chair.
    "Can you describe it in a little more detail," Picard said.
    "They're big and scary and they have acid for blood and they don't
like people very much," Newt said as she shuddered in her seat.
    "Acid for blood?  I find that difficult to imagine," Riker said.
    Ripley slammed her fist on the table and stood up, turning away from
the table.  "Damnit, don't you see?"
    "Calm down Ripley.  We're not going back there.  The planet doesn't
exist anymore," Hicks said.  He sighed and shrugged his shoulders.  "It's
over, give it up."
    "I will not give it up," Ripley said as she turned around to face
Hicks.  "This is how it all started the last time.  I told everyone about
the aliens.  No one believed me.  Next thing I know, I'm on that god
forsaken planet again.  How many were there in the beginning?  Huh Hicks?"
Ripley leaned over Hicks's shoulder.
    "I don't know."
    "How many?"
    "I don't...ten, thirteen including the Lieutenant," Hicks finally said.
    "And how many of us made it out alive?" Hicks didn't answer.  Ripley
straightened up and walked over to the viewport.  "I'll make a formal report
and that's it.  No more."
    The room was silent for a few awkward moments.
    "I'd very much like to see that report when it's ready," Picard said.
Ripley slowly turned and faced the captain, giving him a cold glare.

                                    ***

    Beverly curled up under the warm sheets of her bed, reading Ripley's
report.  She took a sip of her tea before placing the cup on her
nightstand.  She couldn't believe what she was reading.  First, the horrors
that Ripley saw on her first visit to the planet, but even worse was coming
back to Earth and learning of her daughter's death.  Then meeting the
sleezy official, Burke, who practically forced her to return to the
planet.  Then the events that happened there; being locked in a chamber
with a facehugger, most of the crew dying, Newt disappearing.  And now
winding up on a starship a century later.  Ripley was right, will it ever
end, Beverly thought.
    After finishing Ripley's report, a shiver crawled up Beverly's spine.
She finished the last of her tea before finally going to sleep.  It had
been such a long day, and tomorrow didn't seem to show signs of being
shorter.

                                    ***

    Data cocked his head as he looked at Bishop.
    "Do you think you can repair me?"  Bishop asked without much concern.
    "I have accessed my records on your particular model and believe that
I can repair you."  Data continued to look at Bishop with wonder.  "Tell
me, was it not once standard to have an android on every starship?"
    Bishop shifted in his bed.  "I prefer the term artificial person.
And yes, it was standard.  Isn't it still?"
    "No.  As a matter of fact, I'm the only and..."  Data stopped to
correct himself.  "...artificial person in Starfleet."
    "What happened to the rest of us?"  Bishop asked with a little concern
edging into his voice.
    "After the war on Tetra Four where artificial people were reprogrammed
by the enemy to attack their own armies, Starfleet discontinued their
use.  Until a man by the name of Dr. Noonion Soong created me.  My
programming is so complex that, most likely, the enemy would not be able
to tamper with me.  I also have a self destruct button I may push if I
feel the need."
    "Reprogrammed to attack their own kind?  That's horrible," Bishop said
as he considered what Data had said.
    "I will get started on your repairs."  Data picked up a tricorder and
studied its readings.

                                    ***

    Picard was in his office, sitting behind his desk.  In one hand, he
had a hot cup of Earl Gray.  In the other, Ripley's report.  The door chime
sounded.  Without looking up or emptying his hands, Picard said, "Come."
    The door slid open and Beverly walked in.  "Gee, I wander what you're
reading," she said with a sly grin.
    Picard put the computer padd down and finally looked up.  "Beverly,
please, have a seat."  He motioned with his hand.
    "Thank you," she said as she sat down in front of his desk.
    "I trust you slept well?" Picard asked.
    "I've had better nights."  Beverly tucked her legs underneath of her.
"I read Ripley's report last night before going to bed.  Needless to say,
I didn't get very much sleep."
    "So what do you think of it?" Picard asked.
    "I find it most extraordinary."
    "Yes, so do I.  What interests me the most is what she discovered on her
first visit to the planet.  She explains she discovered another spaceship
that crashed.  When examined closer, it was obvious that the aliens had
been there," Picard said.  He took a sip of his tea, then leaned back in
his chair.  "I wonder...do you think the aliens came to the planet on that
ship, or do you think they attacked it once it had already landed?"  Picard
played with his chin.
    "I don't know.  Ripley seems to think they arrived on the planet through
the ship," Beverly said.  She crossed her legs.
    "Do you think it's possible there is an entire planet full of these,"
Picard spread out his hands before him and shrugged his shoulders, "acid
bleeding creatures?"
    "I suppose it is possible.  It's odd, however, that there are no other
incidents such as this one."
    "Yes, it is odd," Picard said.
    Data's voice suddenly hung in the air.  "Captain, we have an
unidentified ship at heading 31 mark 14.  Do you wish us to investigate
it further?"
    "I'm on my way Mr. Data."  They both stood up and exited the room.

                                    ***

    Picard and Dr. Crusher entered the bridge.  "Mr. Data, put the ship on
screen," Picard said as he sat in his chair.  The alien ship appeared on
screen.  The small freighter seemed to aimlessly drift along.  "Are there
any life signs?"
    Data quickly ran his fingers along his keyboard.  "No sir."
    "Hmmm.  Number One, assemble an away team and take a closer look at
the freighter."
    "Aye Sir."  Riker stood up.  He, Beverly, Troi, Worf and Ensign Generic
entered the turbolift.

                                    ***

    The five hazy images slowly began to take their natural form.  Each
officer immediately pulled out their tricorders and began scanning the area.
    "My God, what is this?" Beverly asked as she looked at the chitinous
shell that covered the floor, walls and ceiling.
    "I'm not quite sure, but whatever it is, it's organic," Worf said as he
kneeled down to examine the shell closer.
    "Someone's still alive," Troi said, turning around to face the back of
the ship.  The hair on the back of her neck stood up as shivers ran up and
down her spine.  She ran towards the life sign that was tickling her brain.
Troi dug through supplies that had fallen to the ground.  Riker and the
rest of the away team ran up behind her.
    Beverly looked at her tricorder.  "I'm still not picking up any life
signs."
    Troi frantically continued to dig through supplies and a sort of
mucous-like excretion.  She stopped when she came across a face staring
back at her.  She gasped and jumped back slightly.

                                    ***

    The door chime sounded.  "Come in," Ripley said.  The door slid open
and Bishop entered the room.  Newt smiled as she ran over to hug the
artificial person.  Bishop bent over and hugged Newt.
    "Hey Bishop, good to see ya on two legs again," Hicks said.  He shook
Bishop's hand.
    Ripley was leaning against a table in the center of the room.  Bishop
looked at her, wondering what her reaction would be.  She smiled as she
said, "It's good to have you back."  Bishop smiled at her reaction.
    "This calls for a celebration.  Let's see if we can get some drinks
somewhere."  Hicks walked over to the computer panel on the wall.
"Computer, where can we get something to drink?" Hicks asked.
    "And something to eat, I'm hungry," Newt chimed in.
    "And something to eat," Hicks finished.
    "You can find food and drink in Ten Forward," answered the computer.
    "Well what're we waiting for?" Hicks looked at everyone.  Ripley smiled
at him.  It was so nice to see everyone so relaxed.  They exited her
quarters.

                                    ***

    "My God," Beverly said again.  The face started to gasp.  Riker removed
all of the other supplies covering up the body.  The man's legs and arms
were completely encased in mucous.  His left hand twitched.
    "Kill me," the man gasped.
    Beverly kneeled down beside the man and ran her tricorder around his
body.  "There's something inside of him."
    "A symbiot, perhaps?" Worf suggested.
    "I don't think so." Beverly's voice was shaky.  The man's chest began
to stretch in an odd way.  Dr. Crusher's eyes grew wide. She leaned away
from the man.
    "Get back," Riker grunted as he pulled Troi away.  Beverly stood up
and took a few steps back.
    "Set phasers to stun," Worf sternly said.  Each officer pulled out
their phasers.  Riker quickly adjusted his setting, then aimed his phaser
at the man.
    The man's chest continued to grow and stretch.  His face froze in
horror as a nasty looking alien burst out of him.  He screamed in pain,
his arms flailing through mucous.  Troi's eyes widened, her mind grew
fuzzy with the man's pain.
    "Shoot the slimy bastard," Riker belted.  All four officers fired.
There was no effect on the alien.
    "Increase power," Worf ordered.  The officers changed settings and
fired again.  Still no effect.  The alien jumped out of the body and
onto the wall.  Beverly ducked as the slimy creature dove directly at
her head.  She scurried away as the alien landed on a supply shelf.
"Change settings to kill."  The officers continued to fire at the alien.
    Finally, there was a resounding thud as the alien fell to the floor.
Riker leaned over to examine it closer.  "It looks like the aliens Ripley
described in her report.  We'd better get it back to the Enterprise."
    "You'd better not touch it.  There's no way of telling how it can effect
us," Dr. Crusher said.
    Ensign Generic screamed.
    Riker turned around only to discover a face hugger attacking him.
"Quick, get it off of him."
    Worf rushed over and tried to pry the alien from Generic's face.
Riker began to shoot it when it slapped his phaser away with its tail.
Ensign Generic grabbed at the alien, then collapsed.  Beverly rushed over
to examine him.
    "It's attached itself to Generic's respiratory system.  I can't remove
it without killing him," Beverly said.  She tapped her communicator.  "Two
to beam directly to sickbay."  She and Generic faded away.
    "We better check the rest of the ship," Worf said as he cautiously eyed
the ceiling.  After a careful examination of the ship, the three remaining
officers beamed back to the Enterprise.

                                    ***

    Dr. Crusher was busy examining Ensign Generic when Captain Picard
entered sickbay.  He walked over to the bed where Generic lay.  "How's he
doing?"
    Frustrated, Dr. Crusher said, "not very well I'm afraid.  I can't seem
to separate the alien from Generic without killing him."  Beverly looked
down at her tricorder.
    "Perhaps we should ask Corporal Hicks and Ripley for their opinion,"
Picard suggested.
    Beverly put her tricorder down on the bed in front of her.  She absently
ran her hand through her auburn hair.  "Computer, locate Ripley and Hicks."
    "Ripley and Corporal Hicks are in Ten Forward," the delicate voice of
the computer stated.
    "I'll get them.. I could use a break," Beverly said as she exited
Sickbay.

    ***

    Bishop, Hicks, Newt and Ripley sat at a table in the back of Ten
Forward.  Ripley absently played with her glass as she stared out the
viewport.  Newt was busy devouring a chocolate sundae only slightly
smaller than her.  Bishop was watching the excitement on Newt's face.
Hicks had just finished an American beer.  He placed his mug on the table.
"Aaahhh.  I haven't had one of those in a long, long time."  He turned to
face Newt, placing his elbows on the table as he did so.  "How's your
sundae, sweetheart?"
    Newt had fudge smudged around her lips.  After finishing a bite, she
proudly stated, "Delicious."  A large smile spread across her face.
    Ripley turned to look at her.  She couldn't help but smile.  "Newt,
you've been eating that sundae for the last twenty minutes and you've
hardly made a dent."
    "Yeah kid, it looks bigger than you."  Hicks picked up a spoon.  "I
think you're going to need some help eating it."  Hicks dug his spoon into
a huge mound of fudge.  Seeing Hicks' eyes grow wide, Ripley picked up her
spoon and helped in the destruction of Newt's mountainous sundae.
    "Bishop do you want some?" asked Newt.
    "Um, I...," Bishop shrugged.
    "Oh come on, live a little," Ripley said as she handed Bishop a spoon.
    "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt."  Bishop took the spoon Ripley handed
him and took a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.  "It's good."
    Dr. Crusher walked into Ten Forward looking very tired.  She casually
looked around the room before spotting Hicks and Ripley.  They seemed to
be having such a good time, she hated to disturb them.  It had taken them
so long just to smile, let alone laugh.  Beverly walked over to the bar
and asked for a drink.  She sat down on a tall bar stool, or more like
plopped down.  She was really tired.  While drinking her Ambrosia, she
could hear Newt's laughter.  There was something about a child laughing,
she thought.  She shook her head as if to clear her mind from her
exhaustion.  Maybe it had been so long since she had a young child of her
own.
    She finished her drink and turned around to face the inevitable.  She
walked over to Ripley's table.
    Newt didn't see Dr. Crusher, but Ripley certainly did.  She abruptly
stopped laughing, stopped smiling.  She looked up at the Starfleet Officer.
"Yes?"
    "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm afraid we discovered...well...we
encountered what we believe to be one of your aliens."  Dr. Crusher really
hated saying this.
    Newt stopped laughing and dropped her spoon.  Her face turned to a
frozen expression of horror.  She turned to face Ripley and softly
whispered, "I thought it was over."
    Ripley placed her hand lovingly on Newt's hand.  "It is sweetheart.
I promise nothing will happen to you."
    "What happened?"  Hicks pushed his chair away from the table as he
stood up.  "You didn't bring one of them on board did you?"
    Dr. Crusher laced her fingers in front of her.  She really did hate
telling them this.  After she had read Ripley's detailed report, she had
trouble sleeping that night.  Such horror forced on a person...her mind
wondered back to Hick's question.  "It attacked one of our officers.
Somehow it's lodged itself on his face in such a way that..."
    Ripley jumped up from her seat.  "Did you kill them?"
    Dr. Crusher continued to fiddle with her hands.  "No, we thought we
could..."
    "Damn.  I hope it's not too late."  Ripley grabbed her jacket that
had been draped across the back of her chair.
    "Lets go kill the muther," Hicks said.  Bishop, Ripley and Hicks
started to leave Ten Forward.  Newt quickly followed when Dr. Crusher
grabbed her.
    "Honey, I think you should stay here," Dr. Crusher tried to say
sternly yet considerately.  Hearing that, Ripley stopped and turned to
face the doctor.
    "Where I go, she goes," Ripley said unblinkingly.  Dr. Crusher
straightened up.
    "I just thought it was not the proper situation for a young girl to
see."
    "Yeah, well this young girl has seen more death in the last  year than
most people see in a lifetime."  Ripley held her hand out towards Newt.
"C'mon sweetheart."  Newt ran and grabbed Ripley's hand.  Bishop, Ripley,
Newt and Hicks exited Ten Forward.  Dr. Crusher stood behind for only a
moment.  She tried to understand what Ripley was going through and what
she had already experienced.  However, she was still a pain in the neck.
Dr. Crusher exited Ten Forward and made her way to sickbay.

                                    ***

    Ensign Generic laid on the bed absolutely motionless.  The facehugger
was still attached to him.  Ripley looked at him then turned to Dr. Crusher.
"Put them both in the airlock."
    "What?  We can't do that."  Dr. Crusher picked up her tricorder and read
the display.  She then turned to the computers on the wall.  "The alien is
barely keeping him alive."
    "It's just going to plant eggs in him.  If you don't kill him now, the
whole ship will become infected."  Anger crept into Ripley's voice.
Dr. Crusher looked at the medtech standing next to her.  "I can't just
terminate his life."
    "Put him in a containment field or something.  Don't you understand
what will happen if you don't?" Hicks pleaded.
    "They're right.  This is how it happened before."  Bishop moved closer
to Ensign Generic.  He leaned over and looked closely at his face.  "This
man will die if you try to remove the alien.  After it lays its eggs, it'll
die anyway."  Bishop straightened.  "Then the egg will hatch in this man's
chest.  It will then try to hatch as many eggs as possible.  In the end,
99% of the people on this ship," he paused for emphasis.  "Will die."
    "I'll put him in quarantine then, but I cannot terminate his life or
the alien's.  Our mission is to study new life forms, not destroy them,"
Dr. Crusher said.  It was clear she did not necessarily agree with the
Prime Directive in this particular case, however, she didn't have much of
a choice.
    "I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall."  Ripley ran her hand through
her hair in frustration.  "You can't study these creatures alive.  They are
too dangerous.  Kill this one, then study it."
    "I realize the situation, but my hands are tied.  If you have further
complaints, I'm afraid you'll have to take them up with the captain."
Dr. Crusher turned to a medtech.  "Put him in quarantine."

                                    ***

    Picard sat in his ready room.  He carefully took a sip of his tea
before reading Ripley's report again.  The door chime sounded.  Picard put
the computer padd down and took another sip of tea.  The chime sounded
again.  "Come."  The door slid open.
    "Captain, we have to talk," Ripley said as she strode into the ready
room.
    Picard put his teacup on his desk.  "Please, sit down."  Picard motioned
for Ripley to take a seat.
    "The ensign in sickbay must be killed along with the alien.  If you
don't..."
    "I'm well aware of the risks.  I've read your report of the first
two encounters you've had with the aliens.  As long as we take the proper
precautions, I don't see where there should be a problem."  Picard shifted
his weight in his chair.  "If there are no further questions..."
    Ripley was pissed.  No matter how many times she told people of the
alien's destruction, they never listened.  Maybe she wasn't convincing
enough.  No, that couldn't be it.  Maybe people were just to damned stubborn
to listen.  Yes, that was it.  First Burke and the Company, now Picard and
Starfleet.  When will it ever end, she thought.  "There is one other thing."
Picard shifted his head.  "I want to leave this ship immediately.  I don't
want to be around when those aliens take control of your ship."
    "Now wait a minute," Picard said, anger in his voice.
    Ripley stood up.  "No you wait a minute.  These aliens aren't stupid.
They're a lot smarter than you think.  They have an innate ability of
discovering ways in and out of sealed areas and I don't want to be around
when they do."  Ripley stopped to catch her breath.  Her tone of voice
calmed.  "That is within my rights, isn't it Captain?  You're not going
to hold me on this ship against my will, are you?"
    Picard stiffened a little.  "No, of course not."  He stood up and
stepped in front of his desk.  "I assume your friends will be leaving with
you."
    "Yes."
    "Very well.  I'll make the appropriate arrangements."
    "How soon before we can leave?"  A slight hint of concern could be
heard in Ripley's voice.
    "I'm not sure.  There aren't too many Class M planets in this sector."
    "What about another starship?"
    "We're deep in space, there is nothing for light years."  Picard's
communicator beeped.  Turning slightly away from Ripley, he tapped it.
"Yes?"
    "Captain, I think you should see this," Beverly said with amazement
in her voice.
    "On my way."  Picard tapped the communicator again.

                                    ***

    Dr. Crusher stared at Ensign Generic through the force field.  Generic
seemed fine, yet Dr. Crusher didn't want to let him out of quarantine.  In
her report, Ripley stated that the victim appeared fine when suddenly an
alien erupted from his chest.  Dr. Crusher hoped that wouldn't happen in
this case.  Generic was such a nice man.  He has so much to look forward to,
Dr. Crusher thought.  He and his wife just had their first child, Generic
was up for a promotion in another month.
    Beverly's thoughts wandered back to the sight before her.  She shuddered
at the thought of what was most likely going to happen to Ensign Generic.
Whatever was going to happen was going to happen now.
    After the alien had died, Generic had felt fine, but then he lay on the
bed, pale and almost catatonic for awhile, but now his eyes were open.
He looked as if he came back from the dead.
    Picard and Ripley entered the room.  Ripley knew from one glance what
was happening.
    Generic suddenly began to twitch and shake.  His chest began to stretch
and contort as Generic screamed.  Suddenly, a small, slick, black, chitinous
head erupted from his chest.  It clawed its way out of Generic's body,
leaving a gapping bloody hole.
    Ripley turned her head.  Though she had seen this a thousand times, it
seemed, she still couldn't bare to watch.
    Picard's face filled with horror and disgust.  Instinctively, he stepped
away from the force field.
    Dr. Crusher had already seen this on the freighter, but she still
couldn't believe it.
    The alien crawled out of Generic and jumped towards Picard.  He took a
few more steps away.  The alien hit the force field with a zap, stunning it.
It dropped to the floor and stretched what could be considered a hand, to
the force field.  Slowly and carefully, it touched it with no effect.  It
then pushed its hand through.
    "Computer, increase power to force field in Quarantine One," Dr. Crusher
said, her voice full of panic.
    The alien was electrocuted as the force field's power was increased.
Its tiny dead body fell to the floor.  "Good God," Picard said.
    "Now do you see why I want off this ship?" Ripley said sarcastically.
    "After we will properly dispose of the bodies, there shouldn't be any
threat," Picard said, straightening his jacket.
    "Well I'll take my chances elsewhere."  Ripley turned and walked away.

                                    ***

    Worf stood behind his computer display and frowned.  "Captain, this
star will go super nova in twenty two hours."
    "Are there any class M planets in the vecinity?"  Picard continued to
sit in his command chair.
    "Yes sir, only one.  It is a small Federation Outpost."  Worf paused
for a moment as he touched some keys on the computer.  "There are signs of
life."
    Picard straightened his jacket.  "Can you hail them?"
    Worf touched his computer some more.  "There is no response, sir."
    "Hmm.  Any explanations as to why they don't respond?"
    Worf looked at the computer before him.  "Negative, sir."
    Picard turned in his seat to face Riker.  "Number One, assemble an away
team."
    "Yes, sir."  Riker stood up from his chair.  He, Worf, Data and Troi
entered the turbolift.

                                    ***

    The planet looked like hell if there were such a place, Riker thought
to himself.  The atmosphere was dark and dreary with a feeling of, he
couldn't quite put a name to it, a feeling of death, he thought.
    "Over here, sir," Worf said, standing on top of a hill.  The rest of
the away team ran over to where Worf stood.
    On the other side of the hill was a large building, or what was left
of it.  "I can't sense anything," Troi said.
    Data looked at his tricorder.  "There are no signs of life in this
area."
--
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------    Fare thee well for I must leave thee
        Do not let this parting grieve thee
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