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Within the Bonds

by Zlanna@AOL.com

Data decided that since he was the only one who currently knew who the changeling was, he would use that knowledge to surprise the changeling when he confronted the being. This strategy had the additional benefit of protecting the one the changeling was impersonating. Past StarFleet experience with changelings indicated that changelings rarely killed their mark, resorting to such tactics only when cornered or about to be discovered. A backup strategy was needed as well in case the first strategy of direct confrontation failed. StarFleet command needed to be informed of the existence of the changeling on board so if Data's attempts to apprehend the being failed, StarFleet would still be apprised of the situation. Data, accompanied by Dr. Crusher, made his way to the command seat on the bridge and accessed the computer terminal. Entering the First Officer's security code he quickly reviewed the outgoing reports. Just as he suspected. Commander Riker had kept StarFleet informed on his actions regarding the changelings and had reported the existence of a changeling on board, although Riker had informed StarFleet he hadn't known who the changeling was. It was curious though, there was no mention in Riker's reports of his having informed Picard of the existence of a changeling on board. Data catalogued the possible reasons for Riker's lack of candor: 1) Riker unofficially informed Picard, but had not indicated the conversation in the official records, 2) Riker had not informed Picard in order to protect Picard from association with Riker's unauthorized act of freeing the changeling pair, 3) Riker was under orders from StarFleet to not reveal the existence of a changeling on board to Picard. Data realized there was insufficient facts to determine which of the alternative possibilities might explain the former First Officer's actions. A quick analysis revealed that confrontation and arrest of the changeling was still the top priority and would be unaffected by Riker's actions. Crusher. Data evaluated Crusher's reactions to Data's interface with the on-board computer. She was waiting patiently for him to continue, still, apparently without a clue as to who the impersonator was. Rising Data smiled at the CMO, "Shall we bag our man?"

"Excuse me?" Crusher replied, staring at the android without comprehension. Data reviewed his slang reference program. Apparently he needed to more narrowly categorize the phrase, 'twentieth century on' did not seem a refined enough search criteria. "If you will accompany me, doctor, I believe now would be a good time to apprehend the changeling." Data turned, beckoning to the two security guards who always stood at attention beside the doors leading to the bridge. Both approached, led by the security chief. The small group convened in front of the Captain's chair. Data dropped his voice to a whisper, "I want you to know that the action I am taking is in the best interest of the Enterprise security." All nodded. That was, always their primary concern, as Data knew after years, of working beside Tasha Yar and Worf. "All will not be as it seems." No one spoke. Lack of silence on the part of the security detail was always its own signal of acceptance. Turning Data raised his phaser and stunned the two StarFleet Security guards stationed outside the Captain's ready room. Beside him Data heard the security chief, Frantz Graf announce, "So much for StarFleet's finest."

At once the remainder of the bridge crew snapped to attention. Graf announced calmly, "It was necessary." His stare dared anyone to argue. None did. A quiet nod from Graf encouraged Data to proceed. Data stored the incident for further analysis. As Data approached the door of the ready room he made a note for when he received his own command to review the file of Frantz Graf as a possible First Officer candidate. The door to the Captain's ready room opened and Data was confronted by two copies of Admiral Jellico. Both stared at the android and one quickly pointed at the other. "He's a changeling - kill him!"

Immediately the second Jellico pointed at the first and yelled, "No! He's the changeling. Stun him!"

Data calmly raised his phaser and setting the field for a wide range, stunned both men. Turning to Doctor Crusher, the android calmly replied, "I believe, doctor," Data pointed to the second Jellico, "You will find that this is our changeling."

Crusher quickly ran her tricorder over both entities. Shaking her head she announced, "the differences are so slight, if I didn't know one was a changeling, I doubt I would be able to discern which one was the fake." Applying a strong sedative to the changeling, Crusher turned back to Data, "How did you know which one was the changeling?"

"This one seemed shocked that the first told me to kill him. He then asked me to stun the other. Changelings abhor murder, an ethical trait the real Jellico does not share. Therefore, elementary, doctor."

"But where is Captain Picard?" Beverly asked worriedly.

"Computer. Please identify the whereabouts and condition of Captain Jean-Luc Picard." Data announced.

"Captain Picard is located in Jeffries tube section Deck 42-section 36 in a state of unconsciousness." came the calm reply.

Graf was already out the door before even the android could give the order.

Riker sat forward in his seat as the senior officer's all began to pool their knowledge of their experience with the changelings. Seated next to him Deanna asked, "Okay, so the only thing I don't understand is," she turned to Guinan, "why didn't you collaborate Will's story about Callahan?"

"Hey! Don't look at me. I can't remember why." Guinan protested.

"Precisely!" Data interjected, "and that was the tip-off that the changeling had taken on the form of Captain Picard." The android stopped as if no further explanation was necessary.

Shrugging Riker finally voiced what everyone else was wondering, "How, Data?"

Data looked up surprised, "Why because the changeling wiped Guinan's memory of the event clean. Once the doctor and I confirmed that our Guinan was indeed the real one, the only other explanation for her version of the story in Ten-Forward, was that the changeling, in the guise of Captain Picard had made Guinan forget the exchange."

"Well," Picard replied, "I for one am glad to put this adventure behind us."

"Put it behind us, Captain?" Riker laughed, "speak for yourself, Sir. I have two children on the way thanks to this little adventure." Then catching Deanna's indignant look, Riker quickly added, "and I wouldn't have it any other way!" Leaning over he quickly gave Deanna a kiss on the cheek, but when she pulled away in mock disgust, he looked over at Picard, "it seems I am still relieved of duty,Sir."

"Ah, yes, Number One. Computer?" Picard stopped when he saw Riker raise his hand.

"One moment if you will, Sir." Will reached over to Deanna and pulled her to him for a long, kiss, then broke away. As he caught her smile, Riker smacked his lips in satisfaction and nodded to Picard to continue.

Picard gave the order, "Computer, reinstate, Commander Riker to active duty! Quickly!"

Guinan watched the proceedings with amusement. Yes, she thought, if you live long enough all mysteries are solved, just as her father had told her, including the mystery of the amazing abilities of Luke Riker. But that, she realized, was another story.

The End for now...

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