I was a Star Trek fan long before the Tomorrow People was even a glint in my eye. With all the emerging crossovers, I was surprised that no one had ever posted a ST:TNG story. I figured it was my civic duty to come up with something. I know it's no masterpiece, but I was just going for something kind of cute to pay tribute to two of my favorite shows, *and* a great fanfic page. I really want to hear what you think. Just keep in mind, I've never written fan fiction (or any fiction for that matter). Be gentle.
The story takes place approximately three years after 'The Living Stones.' The Star Trek time is set somewhere between season two and three. The reference to the Traveler comes from an episode from the first season called 'Where No One Has Gone Before.' His purpose was explained to some degree in later episodes, but this story is set before those encounters.
All Stardates (as well as the 'Star Trek' year) are estimates made to the best of my knowledge. For any fans who actually understand the meaning behind Stardates, or know *exactly* what year each season took place in-I respectfully apologize for any errors. I did my best.
A very big thanks to Twilight and Jen for reading over this and giving me the guts to post it.
Disclaimer:
The characters of Ami, Adam, Megabyte and Jade all belong to Roger Damon Price, ITV and/or Thames Television and Nickelodeon. The characters and concept of Star Trek, all belong to Gene Roddenberry (my hero!). This story was only written in the name of good fun.:)
Ok. Here goes... I hope it's worthy.
Chapter 1
Enterprise: Stardate 43122.9
"Women troubles?" Guinan inquired as she produced another piece of cheesecake in front of the depressed teenager. Wesley Crusher looked deep in thought as he finished off his second piece and reached for the third.
"Why do you always assume it's my love life that brings me to Ten-forward? Maybe I was just hungry," he replied, not unkindly, but not searching for a listening ear either. Guinan raised her nonexistent eyebrows and gave the boy a knowing look as she moved down the bar to chat with Chief O'Brien. "Why does something have to be specifically wrong?" He muttered. Although his life was certainly not lacking in adventure, sometimes he found himself wishing for more. Specifically, someone his own age to talk to. Sure, there were other kids his age on the ship, but somehow he was different. He never really felt like he belonged. He related much better to the bridge crew, yet his belonging was limited to his knowledge of ship systems and, of course, his mother. Despite the crew's long overdue respect for him, he knew that he would always be considered 'the boy'. He sighed heavily as he pushed away the half-eaten slice.
The Space Ship (Earth): 1998
[Adam?]
[Yes, Jade...]
[Has anyone new teleported to the ship today?]
[No, why do ask?]
Jade materialized on the ship in front of him. "I don't know, I just have a feeling."
"That someone's about to break out?"
"Yes. Well, not exactly. I just feel a presence that I don't recognize."
"Can you explain how it feels?" He asked taking her intuition seriously. She looked up at the older boy and silently thanked him for not being the eternal skeptic that Megabyte would have been.
"Just sad." She explained. "Sort of depressed actually. You don't feel anything at all?" She asked looking disappointed. Adam smiled sympathetically. Sometimes we just connect to someone who's exhibiting strong emotions. Do you have a friend that's not feeling well?" He asked, settling down to the book he had been reading.
"No." she shook her head in frustration. "I know the difference between background emotions from people and the feelings from a fellow Tomorrow Person." She proclaimed indignantly. "This is definitely coming from a TP, only it's faint--barely distinguishable. I only felt it because I was reaching out...." She trailed off, not meaning to admit to her recent endeavor.
"Reaching out? Who were you reaching for?" Adam asked in confusion. Jade looked embarrassed and shifted from foot to foot as she tried to explain.
"I, um, sometimes try to contact other Tomorrow People." She finally mumbled.
"Oh, is that all," Adam smiled "we've all done that before. Lisa and I once tried when we first broke out, but nothing came of it." Jade looked at him with interest at the mention of Lisa. Aside from a few passing remarks about the mysterious Tomorrow Person, Jade didn't know much about her. Adam evidently saw the curious look on her face and changed the subject abruptly. "It's nothing to be embarrassed over. Maybe one day you'll trigger someone to break out." He said cheerfully. She thought of telling him more, but decided to save herself the true embarrassment. Not only was she trying to reach out for a new TP, she was sending out a rather specific signal. Male, around sixteen, and CUTE! Sure it was a long shot, but the continuous kid sister treatment from Adam and Megabyte was becoming unbearable. Jade sighed heavily at what she now classified as another failed attempt, and a little too much wishful thinking. 'I guess I'm just destined to be forever considered the kid,' she thought in defeat as she teleported herself home.
Chapter 2
Enterprise-Stardate 43122.9
"Acting-Ensign Crusher to the Bridge!" Commander Riker's no nonsense tone abruptly brought Wesley out of his self-pitying fog.
"Acknowledged," he responded already heading for the door. As he hurried out of Ten-Forward he almost toppled over Counselor Troi.
"Whoa, slow down Wesley," she chuckled. "On the other hand," the attractive Betazoid said thoughtfully, "I just came from the bridge and Commander Riker did not seem pleased with your tardiness for duty. Perhaps you *should* hustle." She teased.
Wesley rolled his eyes and picked up his pace. 'Typical,' he thought. 'This just gives everyone even more of a reason to consider me incompetent. Might as well flaunt the old immaturity and irresponsibility,' he chided himself. He stepped onto the turbo lift in frustration.
"Bridge!"
The Weston Home: 1998
Jade wildly paced about checking every calendar in the house. "What am I forgetting?" She asked the empty house. "I just *know* I'm late for something," she muttered. No birthdays, no appointments, no plans with the other TP-what am I late for? Ami's telepathic inquiry interrupted her nervous pacing.
[Hi Jade, we're all going for a bite to eat. Interested?] She looked around the house and shrugged in resignation.
[Ami, I'd *love* to. I have the biggest craving for cheesecake.]
Chapter 3
Enterprise: Stardate 43122.9
Wesley stumbled into the quarters he shared with his mother and flounced on his bed. Beverly Crusher looked in on him with a more amused then sympathetic look. "Rough shift?" she questioned innocently. Wesley only glared at her as he slid out of bed and sulked over to the replicator.
"Cheesecake, extra strawberries."
"Extra strawberries? This *is* serious." Doctor Crusher teased. Wesley looked up from his cheesecake in obvious frustration.
"I just couldn't get anything right today." He complained. "First I was late, then I took the readings for Mamlim Five wrong and if that weren't enough," he paused looking miserably at his feet, "I spilled tea all over Captain Picard."
"Tea?" Beverly Crusher asked not sure whether to be alarmed, or amused.
"Tea," he confirmed, "Earl Grey, hot." The amusement won out and she erupted in an uncharacteristic fit of the giggles. "Mother! This is *not* funny."
"I'm so sorry," she insisted, wiping her eyes, "But, I'm sure Jean Luc understands that this sort of thing happens." Wesley did not share her optimism. This was just the sort of thing that could give the captain an excuse to banish him from the bridge. And, the Academy! He thought in a wave of horror. Captain Picard was his most impressive reference and all he'll be able to say is 'Well, he's quite bright, but rather a bumbling klutz.' The young Acting-Ensign sighed and left his still chuckling mother to seek refuge on the holodeck.
The Weston Home: 1998
Jade lay in bed that night trying to decide if what she had felt earlier in the day was just random mental 'noise' or if she had indeed made contact with another Tomorrow Person. The others had abandoned her shortly after dinner to check out a new club in London. She didn't want to deny them a good time, but she couldn't help feeling jilted. She had even suggested that she teleport into the club, bypassing any insistent bouncers, but Adam put a cork on that idea before she even finished her thought. Instead, she had come home with the intent of going to bed early and feeling eternally sorry for herself. Her thoughts inevitably turned to the mysterious TP that she thought she had contacted that afternoon. In an effort to clear away the image of the others dancing the night away without her, she closed her eyes and searched for the distant emotions she had felt earlier. This time they came with ease. Still distant, but concrete. She desperately wanted to teleport and get a look at the Tomorrow Person she had discovered. Unfortunately, she knew Adam would have a field day if he found out she teleported to an unknown place without consulting him. She was about to cut the contact when Megabytes words from dinner echoed in her ears. 'Sorry kid. This new club is strictly 18 and over. Looks like you'll have to wait a couple more years to get jiggy with the rest of us.' The words were meant to be light, but were the tip of the iceberg for Jade. With all logical thought abandoning her in a moment of pent up frustration and anger--she teleported.
Chapter 4
Enterprise: Stardate 43122.9
Wesley sat on a grassy slope overlooking a lake and a beautiful earth sunset. Not that it made him feel any better, but at least he was away from everyone. Alone at last--or so he thought.
He heard a strange crackling sound behind him and turned to find a young blonde girl sprawled on the ground. That's odd, he thought. I didn't incorporate any girls into this program. Not this time, at any rate. The girl began to stir and tried to sit up. Wesley walked over to her void of concern. (This was just a hologram after all). "And just what are you doing here?" He asked, making a mental note to redefine a *deserted* lakeside spot for the computer. She seemed somewhat winded, but managed to stand up and face him.
"That was, by far, the worst teleporting experience of my life." She proclaimed rubbing her temples. She quickly regained her composure and smiled broadly at the boy. "I think I came to find *you*."
"I'm sure." Wesley replied, unimpressed with the computer's image of the girl. She was cute, yes, but her clothes looked like rags and her hair was a mess.
"I felt you. I came to find you because you're one of us." She insisted.
Wesley was intrigued by this rather original sequence of events. "And what exactly are you?" He inquired, curiosity getting the best of him.
"*We*" she stressed the word, "are Tomorrow People. We have certain powers that other people don't have. We are the next stage in human evolution." She explained excitedly.
"Yeah, well, my next step in evolution involves not being late for duty tomorrow. Sorry to disappoint you."
"But..." she started.
He turned away from her and spoke into the air, "End program." He, of course, had expected the background *and* the girl to disappear, cutting of any complaints.
"I have so much to...."
He whirled around and stared at the girl in disbelief. She stopped and stared at the now black room covered with a yellow grid-- and they screamed. Loud.
Chapter 5
Wesley cautiously backed away from the girl while glancing towards the arch. "End program!" He called out again nervously.
"What happened to the lake?" Jade asked slowly.
"Why are you still here?" Wesley replied. They stood staring at each other neither knowing what exactly to do next. Finally Jade knelt down and tentatively touched the floor.
"What *is* this place." She asked in awe.
Wesley looked closely at the girl and finally realized that this was a real person. Not a holographic image, but a very real, confused woman. "It's a holodeck," he said easily. "Haven't you ever seen one before?"
She stood up and stared at the boy. "No, I've never even heard of such a thing." She glanced behind him toward the arch. "Is this a jail?"
He followed her gaze to the large door behind him. "No, of course not. We're on the Enterprise." He said proudly, looking back at her. He seemed disappointed when she didn't look impressed. In fact, she just looked more confused.
"A ship?" She asked.
"Well, yeah. You've never heard of it?" He backed up and the door slid open to reveal a bustling hallway.
"I--I'm not sure." She said hesitantly. She wanted to just teleport home before the others found out what she had done. On the other hand, she desperately wanted to learn more about this new TP and this place she had found.
"Well," he started, "I'll give you the grand tour if you can shed some light on how you got here." She looked as though she were about to follow him when her eyes grew wide in horror and she collapsed to the ground. The young ensign turned to see Lieutenant Worf, phaser ready, standing in the doorway.
"We had an intruder alert." He said in his gruff Klingon voice. "Who is the girl?" He demanded. Wesley gave an exaggerated shrug.
"I wish I knew!" Worf scowled and hit his communicator.
"Doctor Crusher to Holodeck 4!"
Chapter 6
Jade slowly opened her eyes, hesitant to leave the comfortable confines of sleep. Much to her surprise she did not wake up in her familiar room, but in a strange place filled with complex monitors and a line of unfamiliar beds. She sat straight up in a panic.
"Not so fast young lady." A red haired woman appeared and gently pushed her back down as she waved a strange device over her body and smiled. "Good, your readings are normal." She patted the girl on the shoulder. "How do you feel?"
Jade sat up slowly and looked around the room. "I feel OK, I guess."
"I'm Beverly Crusher, the ships chief medical officer." 'Ship?' Jade thought. Everything started to come back to her. The boy, the room with the lake and... she shuddered convulsively. That terrible *thing*.
"Are you sure you're alright?" The doctor asked in concern. Jade turned to her and forced a smile.
"Yeah, just a little disoriented I guess. My name's Jade, Jade Weston."
"Well, Jade, our chief security officer Mr. Worf would like to speak with you. Do you think you're up for that?"
"Um... I'm not sure. Could I see Wesley first?" The doctor seemed surprised at this request and tilted her head in curiosity.
"I'm afraid he's on duty right now. I'll see that he stops by afterwards. How's that?" Jade stared at the doctor in confusion.
"On duty?" Jade jumped of the bio bed in a rush. "How long have I been here?"
"Calm down." the doctor insisted soothingly. "You fainted and were brought to sickbay last night."
"Last night!" Jade cried in a panic. "I've got to get home!" She headed for what she assumed was the door, but was stopped short by a monster in a gold and black jumpsuit. She quickly retreated back towards the bed and hid behind the doctor who did not appear concerned with the towering beast that just entered her sickbay. "What is that?" She whispered.
The doctor turned and gave the girl a reassuring smile. "This is Lieutenant Worf." She motioned toward the Klingon who stood, unfazed by the girl's uncomplimentary reaction to his appearance. "He needs to ask you a couple questions about how you ended up on the Enterprise."
"Perhaps," the Klingon suggested, "it would be better to have Commander Riker speak with the girl." Doctor Crusher nodded in agreement as she glanced over her shoulder at the cowering woman.
"I think that would be a good idea." The doctor answered. "I might also suggest that Wesley be present as well. It may make Jade feel a bit more comfortable." Jade smiled at the doctor gratefully as Worf turned to leave.
"Why don't you have a seat and relax while we wait. Would you like anything to eat?" Jade realized that she *was* pretty hungry and nodded enthusiastically at the Doctors offer. Beverly ushered her over to a small box in the wall and stared expectantly at her.
"What?" Jade asked confused.
The doctor motioned at the wall. "Tell it what you want." She said appearing perplexed by her hesitation. Jade looked uneasily at the wall, and then back at the Doctor.
"Um... How about a bagel?" She said nervously, wondering why this seemingly normal person was insisting she talk to a wall.
"Be specific, and speak clearly." The doctor encouraged. Jade again turned to the wall and tried again.
"A toasted bagel with butter and cream cheese." Her eyes widened as her requested breakfast materialized before her eyes. The doctor looked curiously at the girl's reaction.
"Haven't you ever seen a replicator before?" Jade carefully reached for her bagel and smiled in amazement
"Sure," she replied, "but I thought they were only good for juice!"
Chapter 7
Jade had a lot to think about as she munched her replicated bagel. She had come to the conclusion that she must be on some sort of cruise ship on another planet. This would explain the technological advancement and the creature she had seen earlier. (Doctor Crusher explained that 'Worf' was a Klingon and that there was nothing to be afraid of. Despite this assurance Jade felt better keeping a safe distance.) It also explained why teleporting was so difficult. She was still trying to shake the remains of a headache from the rather bumpy teleportation.
Most the people that shuffled in and out of sickbay seemed human and despite the one man with, what looked like one of those banana hair clips attached to his face, everyone seemed pretty normal. She knew she should teleport home, but her curiosity and excitement about being on another planet was just too much to give up. Besides, this might be the planet where *our* ship originated from, she reasoned. It would be silly to run home now before finding out anything for sure.
"Jade," the doctor said interrupting her thoughts. "Perhaps you would feel more comfortable in some different clothes." Jade looked down at herself and for the first time realized that she was still in her pajamas. She smiled sheepishly and accepted the doctors offer. By the time Commander Riker and Wesley arrived she was clad in a soft green jumpsuit type outfit and her hair was brushed and pulled into a braid that hung down her back. Wesley tried not to gawk, but it was apparent that he was impressed by her change in appearance.
"Hello Doctor." The tall man nodded curtly. " I hope our guest hasn't been to much trouble."
"Quite the contrary." The doctor replied. "It's been quite refreshing to be able to dress up a girl for a change." She smiled at Jade whose cheeks immediately turned bright red. "Why don't you three go somewhere comfortable to chat." She suggested. "I'm sure Jade would love Ten-Forward." Commander Riker smiled at the doctor.
"Perhaps that *would* be a good idea. Wesley?" The young Ensign, who hadn't said a word since entering sickbay, straightened.
"Yes, sir!" he replied. The commander looked amused.
"There's no need to be so formal Wesley, you're off duty." He paused sneaking a sideways glance at the doctor, "Besides, it's not *me* you spilled tea all over." The two officers tried to hide their amusement but were losing the battle. Wesley's shoulder's slumped in defeat as he followed Jade and the commander out of sickbay.
Chapter 8
As they headed for Ten-Forward Jade tried to keep her amazement of her surroundings to a minimum. After meeting *Lieutenant* Worf and *Commander* Riker she assumed that she was on some kind of military vessel. However, as she walked through the corridors of the ship she began to doubt that this was comparable to any earth bound military ship. Though most people wore the stiff two-toned uniform and walked swiftly through the halls going about their duties, the overall mood on the ship was relaxed. Many people greeted her escorts and nodded to her with friendly curiosity. A few couples walked by holding hands and chatting easily and even a group of elementary aged children trooped by in what appeared to be a school field trip. It seemed as though a whole community made it's home on this amazing ship.
They eventually entered a dimly lit room that appeared to be a restaurant of some kind. The back wall boasted a giant screen showing stars sweeping by, which gave the impressive illusion that they were moving through space. The commander headed for the bar to order them something to eat, while she and Wesley chose a table.
"So," Jade said pointing to the star screen, "is this another holodeck thing?" Wesley followed her hand and looked at the girl in bewilderment.
"No," he said giving her a puzzled look. "That's a window." She sucked in her breath and stared out in amazement. "This is a star ship." He explained. "Didn't you know?" She shook her head as Commander Riker approached with drinks.
"Well, Jade." He started in his booming voice, " how do you like the Enterprise."
"I like it very much," she said quietly, "I'm just a little awed by it all, I guess."
"I don't suppose you know how you ended up on our ship." He questioned smoothly.
"I... She glanced at Wesley who stared at her expectantly, "I'm not exactly sure. I mean, I don't really remember."
The two men looked at each other and then back to Jade. "Well, where are you from?" Wesley inquired.
"Where am I from? I'm from... another place." She squirmed self-consciously at the scrutiny she was receiving from the two men. Thankfully, the bar attendant approached the table with their food. The strange woman, wearing a rather obtrusive hat, appeared unnerved by Jades presence.
"I don't believe I've seen you in here before. Are you new to the ship." She asked pleasantly. Jade looked nervously at Commander Riker who addressed the woman with ease.
"Guinan, I'm afraid Jade's presence on the ship is rather unclear at the moment. We were just trying to sort it all out." The mysterious bar keeper smiled at them all, allowing her troubled eyes to rest on the girl long enough to alert Riker that she knew more then she let on.
"Well, don't let me interrupt." She insisted graciously. "Enjoy your lunch." Before the Commander could say a word, she was halfway across the room.
"Wesley," he said still staring after Guinan. "Perhaps you could entertain Jade for a bit, while I see to something else." Before Wesley could answer he was already getting up from the table. "I'll let you know when we can continue." The two teens watched the commander leave Ten-Forward and then uneasily turned to look at each other. Jade fidgeted nervously in her seat finding, for once, that she didn't have a clue what to say.
"Another place?" Wesley finally inquired. "You think you could have come up with something better then that." Jade couldn't help but laugh.
"I didn't know what else to say. I didn't feel comfortable telling the commander 'Hi, I'm from a planet called Earth, I come in peace.' Seemed to cliche."
"Earth?" Wesley questioned. "How can you be from Earth and not know what a Holodeck is?" Jade shrugged in confusion.
"I don't think anyone on Earth knows what a Holodeck is. Should we?"
"Well, yeah." He replied. "They're kind of famous. Not many ships have them and, well, they're pretty impressive." Jade nodded in agreement.
"That's an understatement." She mumbled. "So, have *you* been to Earth."
"Of course. I was born there." He admitted.
"This doesn't make any sense. We're still impressed with a Furby, and I'm supposed to believe that we created *this*?" She held her arms out in a grand gesture, indicating the Enterprise.
"What's a *Furby*?" The teen asked, seemingly baffled. Jade slowly lowered her arms as a thought struck her. She remembered a story Adam had told her about how the young King Tut, a fellow TP, had communicated with them through time to ask for help in retrieving the Maharba stone. 'Time,' she thought. The word echoed in her ears and she felt slightly nauseous.
"Oh---my---gosh," she said quietly. "What year is this?" Wesley's eyes grew wide as he replied.
"2364, why?"
"Adam's gonna kill me..."
Chapter 9
"I don't know Captain." Guinan's demeanor, as always, was totally calm. "I just know that she doesn't belong here."
"She doesn't belong on this ship, you mean?" Riker asked.
"No, Commander. She does not belong in this time." She replied simply. The captain paced his ready room thoughtfully.
"You don't think she's a 'Q' do you?" The captain asked slowly. Guinan shook her head with certainty.
"It's not their style. Somehow I don't see the continuum finding amusement in disguising themselves as a confused young girl." The captain nodded.
"Agreed." He sat down behind his desk and regarded Guinan and Commander Riker. "So what do you propose we do about her?"
"I have a feeling it will sort *itself* out." Guinan answered.
Chapter 10
"Tomorrow People?" Wesley asked as they walked through the corridors toward sickbay. "If you're the next stage in human evolution for the 20th century, then what am I... I mean, we're your future, right?"
"I guess so." She replied.
"So shouldn't *we* be the evolved species, and if so, why don't we all share your special 'powers'?"
"I can't answer that Wesley, but I know that you *are* like me." She grabbed his arm and pulled him aside. "You're a Tomorrow Person. I wouldn' t be here if you weren't," she insisted. "Maybe the Tomorrow People have a new roll in the future, but obviously we do exist. As mankind evolves, we continue to break out. In my time it is for the purpose of bringing peace to the earth. In your time our purpose may be completely different. Maybe it's even more incredible then you or I can imagine!" She exclaimed. "The point is, you *are* a Tomorrow Person, and you *will* break out." She let go of his arm and stared at him in frustration. "You don't believe me, do you?" She sighed.
Wesley's thoughts immediately turned to the Traveler, an unknown being, with powers he still did not understand. He had given Wesley a new confidence in himself and an assurance that he had talents that were given to him for a purpose. Could he be what Jade called a Tomorrow Person--the next stage in evolution? Had he been trying to tell me that I was one of them? It was too much to comprehend. He turned to her and smiled as he realized, for whatever reason, he felt a special connection to this girl and *wanted* to believe her.
"Let's just say, I don't disbelieve you." He assured. "It's just a lot to take in." She smiled up at him as they continued down the hall.
"I guess I should just be thankful you don't think I'm a total wacko."
"I wouldn't go *that* far." He replied grinning. They were both laughing as they rounded the corner and entered sickbay to find Doctor Crusher and Counselor Troi chatting.
"Well, hello you two!" The doctor exclaimed. "How was the interrogation?"
"Very short." Wesley replied still chuckling. "But lunch was good."
"Jade, this is Deonna Troi, the ships counselor." Beverly said motioning to the woman next to her. The counselor looked thoughtfully at the girl and extended her hand.
[Nice to meet you, Jade]
[Thanks, I...] she cut her telepathy short with a shocked gasp.
"You're extremely telepathic," the Betazoid informed with a friendly smile. "I didn't mean to startle you." Jade just smiled nervously and glanced at Wesley who seemed intrigued by the exchange.
"Mom, I was gonna show Jade more of the Holodeck. Do you think Commander Riker would mind?"
"I'm sure it would be fine." Doctor Crusher replied. "He knows how to find you if he needs you." The two women looked at each other knowingly as the two teens departed.
"Moonlit beach?" Deanna whispered.
"Not a doubt in my mind." Doctor Crusher confirmed.
Chapter 11
I didn't know she was your mother!" Jade exclaimed as they made their way to the Holodeck.
"Yeah. It's great having her back on the ship, but it's hard to be taken seriously when your mom is a member of the senior staff. Sometimes I think they all just think of me as 'Beverly's son'." He sighed heavily.
"I know how you feel." She replied sympathetically. "I hang out with a group who are a couple years older then I am and I'm constantly babied. They don't think I can do anything on my own." She added bitterly.
"I'd like to see if any of them would have handled Worf any better." He teased, and Jade punched his arm playfully.
"Cut me some slack. It's not every day you come face to face with an alien!" Wesley held up his hands in surrender.
"You're right, You're right." He laughed. "If it makes you feel any better, I don't think I felt comfortable around Worf the first time I met him." He paused and grinned at her sheepishly, "And I *had* seen Klingons before." By the time they reached the Holodeck they were talking and laughing like old friends.
"So, where do you want to go?" He asked.
"How about your favorite place." She answered. He thought for a minute and then spoke into the wall.
"Earth beach, number 43," he called and motioned her toward the door. "After you." Jade nervously stepped towards the door, which slid open to reveal a beautiful moonlit beach. In fact, the beach reminded her very much of the TP beach--her favorite place to seek refuge from the world.
"It's perfect." She whispered. They both entered, and the door slid closed and disappeared behind them.
"I come here a lot when I'm feeling sorry for myself. Generally, it has something to do with my latest screw up. I'm always the big joke," Wesley sighed. "If an adult messes up it's no big deal. If I mess up, I don't hear the end of it for weeks!"
"I know how you feel. I can't grow up if they won't let me make mistakes, and when I make mistakes they all tell me to grow up." Jade complained. "I can't win." She paused and grinned at her new found friend. "I'm not sure if it's comforting or disturbing that someone my age, three hundred years in the future has the same problems I do.
"I guess this just proves how important growing up is. Even the alleged "evolved" species of the future needs to be tortured by adult supervision." He made a face that sent Jade into another fit of giggles.
"Ensign Crusher, would you please bring Jade to the bridge." Jade looked around in confusion. Wesley frowned and tapped the gold and silver pin attached to his gray suit.
"Yes, sir." He looked at Jade who was still staring at his chest. "It's a communicator." He explained. "I'm afraid Commander Riker has decided to continue the questioning." "I think that's probably my cue to go home." She said regretfully.
"Couldn't you just stay a little longer?" Wesley pleaded. "There's so much I could show you!" She wanted to stay more then anything, but knew that she couldn't. She didn't like messing with time travel and was scared to death that she wouldn't be able to get back to her right time and place. A quick mental image of Megabyte bald or Adam in diapers, was enough to make her erupt in laughter, as well as make her realize how much she wanted to be home--the sooner, the better.
"I have to go." She said sadly. Wes nodded in understanding.
"I know."
"What do you suppose you'll tell everyone when they realize I'm gone?"
"That you're a Tomorrow Person and popped yourself back into your own time and place. What else?" He replied mischievously.
"Good plan." She replied straight-faced. "Just know that you might end up getting to know Counselor Troi *very* well!" She grinned and held out her hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you Wesley Crusher."
"The pleasure was all mine." He took her hand and suddenly pulled her to him and kissed her lightly. Jade stepped back smiling broadly.
"Just remember," she said grinning, "you bring to the world new hope. Don't mess it up!" Building up all the power she could muster, she closed her eyes in concentration.
[I hope this works]
"It will," he said reassuringly. She opened her eyes in surprise and smiled at him before she was enveloped in a burst of electrical light.
Chapter 12
With a rather abrupt jolt Jade was back in her bed at home. She sat up holding her aching head and looked around.
"Home!" She cried out happily. She quickly glanced at the red digital readout of her new clock-- 9:12. That's pretty close to when I left. Let's hope it's the right decade. She was about to go check on her mom when a familiar burst of light introduced three people to her room. To her relief, they looked the same as when she had left them.
"Oh, hi guys. Why aren't you still shaking your booty at the club?" She asked, surprised by the lightness of her words. They all looked at each other until Megabyte finally spoke up.
"It just wasn't the same without you, kid. We're a group. All for one, one for all--that sort of thing." Jade stared disbelieving at Megabyte and then glared accusingly at the others.
"All right, who put him up to this?" Megabyte looked genuinely hurt.
"Jade, I assure you, it was his idea to try and find something we could all do together." Adam insisted.
"Really?" Jade replied incredulously, glancing at Ami.
"Yes, really." She assured. "None of us felt right about going without you." She smiled and sat down next to her. "What do you say we all veg out and watch some TV?"
"Sounds perfect!" Megabyte said enthusiastically. "I think 'Attack of the Killer Squid" is on tonight."
"Great," Jade said jumping off her bed, "I'll make the Popcorn!" Everyone was all smiles as they trooped down the stairs.
"Hey Jade." Ami whispered. "What kind of pajamas are those?" Jade looked down and realized she was still wearing the strange green jumpsuit.
She linked arms with her friend and laughed. "If only you knew!"
End