Chapter Text
When Jack and Sidney arrived at Sol Station, they were greeted by Commander Musiker, who stood waiting with a warm smile.
“It’s good to see you again,” Raffi said, her voice filled with genuine warmth as they descended the transporter platform steps.
“Have you been on board yet?” Sidney asked, her curiosity piqued.
Raffi smiled, nodding. “You’ll be quite surprised. This refit… well, it’s not what we were expecting at all!”
Jack cocked his head, intrigued. “Is that so?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” Raffi teased, leading them out of the transporter room.
Jack reached for Sidney’s hand, interlocking their fingers as they walked behind Raffi through the bustling main area of Sol Station, filled with busy and active officers and personnel. Raffi led them to the turbolift, stepping inside and waiting for them.
“We’re all meeting up on the observation deck,” Raffi said as Jack and Sidney stepped onto the lift. “Observation Deck 4,” she instructed the computer.
When they reached their deck, Sidney’s face lit up at the sight of her sister standing near their Captain, Mura by her side. Alandra turned to look towards the turbolift as Sidney stepped off and headed towards her.
“What are you doing here?” Sidney asked Alandra, giving her a hug.
“Well, I’m taking a position in Engineering,” Alandra replied.
“And I requested her,” Captain Shaw said, approaching the two sisters. He smiled warmly. “Have you met my wife?” He moved to pull a blonde-haired woman towards them. “Charity, this is Alandra LaForge, and her sister Sidney,” he introduced, watching as the three women nodded and exchanged greetings. He then looked at Jack. “And this is your new boss, Dr. Jack Picard,” he introduced.
“Right,” Jack said, looking down, a bit flustered. “I haven’t gone over my new staff report yet,” he admitted, flushing slightly. “Been a bit busy with the little ones,” he confessed. He held out his hand for Charity to shake. “Lovely to meet you though.”
“Charity served on the Washington when your sister was on board, when…” Shaw looked down briefly, his voice trailing off. “Anyways, she managed to escape and this is her first assignment on a starship since then,” Shaw explained to Jack.
Jack nodded. “Well, it will be lovely to work with you.”
“Alright everyone,” Seven said, getting everyone’s attention. “We have been granted a tour of our new ship, but before that happens, I think you all need to have your first look at her before the press gets here to take pictures.” She drew the curtain aside that had been placed there to hide the view, per her request.
Jack was surprised. “A galaxy-class? I thought they retired those years ago?”
Seven nodded. “They’ve decided, in light of the Frontier Day Massacre in '02, and more and more officers having families, it would be best to bring them back. The Enterprise-G is the first ship in the fleet to be given the refit.”
“That’s a great idea,” Elnor piped up, smiling at Kestra who held his hand.
“Who’s ready for the tour?” Raffi asked, smiling at the officers gathered as she led them towards the docking port.
The tour took a little over an hour, and then officers were released to find their quarters and drop off their personal items they brought with them.
“Deck 9,” Jack told the computer as he and Sidney stepped into the turbolift.
“Deck 8,” Alandra said as she and Mura joined them. “Do you find it strange that we’re on a different floor than you?”
Sidney shook her head. “No. We’re probably above you because we need bigger quarters is all.”
“Oh, that’s probably it, yeah,” Alandra looked down at her feet. “We’ll probably never need bigger quarters,” she sighed.
Matthew reached for her hand. “We’ll keep trying.”
Sidney looked at her sister as she raised her face to look at Matt. “Are you two trying to have a baby?”
Alandra nodded. “I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
“Sometimes it takes time,” Jack said gently.
Alandra nodded. “I know,” she looked at Matt. “At least I have Ben as a son.”
“Yeah, he loves you. You’re the only mom he’s ever known since his mother died when he was a baby,” Matt said.
Alandra nodded, her eyes softening. “Yeah. I love him too.”
The turbolift stopped at Deck 8, Alandra and Mura got off. When the doors shut, Jack pulled Sidney close to him, dropping the shore leave bag beside him so he could put his arms around her and kiss her passionately. Seconds later, they were at deck 9.
“Let's go find our quarters, I have plans for you,” Jack said in a husky voice as he picked up the bag and walked out ahead of her.
Sidney remained in the turbolift a moment longer, watching him walk away, admiring his backside for a bit before stepping off the lift and rushing to catch up with him.
~*~
October 2405…..
The Picards stood on the observation deck, their eyes fixed on the majestic sight before them. Admiral Jenkins, with a practiced hand, released a bottle of vintage wine, sending it sailing through the air until it shattered against the hull of the newly refitted Enterprise-G. The sound of glass breaking was immediately followed by a wave of applause and cheers from the gathered crowd.
The ceremony had been a grand affair, featuring heartfelt speeches from various officers and admirals, each reflecting on the storied legacy of the Enterprise and the bright future ahead. As the formalities concluded, the press eagerly captured the moment, their cameras flashing to document the historic event for news reels that would soon be broadcast across the galaxy.
With the christening complete, the only task remaining was for the crew to board their vessel. Excitement buzzed in the air as they prepared to embark on the Enterprise-G’s maiden voyage as a Galaxy-class starship, ready to explore new frontiers and uphold the proud traditions of Starfleet.
After ensuring their children were happily settled in the childcare area, Jack and Sidney made their way to the bridge. Jack took his familiar seat beside the captain, ready to serve as her counselor once more.
“Sol Station, this is the Enterprise. Permission to leave spacedock,” Seven called out, her voice steady and authoritative.
“Permission granted, Enterprise. Safe travels,” came the prompt reply from Sol Station’s control.
“Lieutenant, take us out,” Captain Seven instructed Sidney.
“Aye, Captain,” Sidney responded, her fingers dancing across the console with practiced precision. The ship began to move, gliding smoothly out of the spacedock.
“Clearing Sol Station now, Captain,” Sidney reported as the massive doors of the station receded behind them.
“Set course for Andoria, Warp 8,” Seven commanded, her eyes fixed on the viewscreen.
“Aye, Sir. Andoria, Warp 8,” Sidney confirmed, inputting the coordinates.
Jean-Luc and Beverly stood side by side, gazing out the expansive viewport window of Sol Station. The vastness of space stretched before them, but their eyes were fixed on the sleek form of the Enterprise-G. As the ship’s engines roared to life, a shimmering blue light enveloped its hull. In an instant, the Enterprise-G surged forward, leaving behind a trail of stardust as it warped away on its maiden mission. The moment was bittersweet, filled with pride and a touch of melancholy. Jean-Luc’s hand gently squeezed Beverly’s, both of them silently reflecting on the legacy of the Enterprise and the new adventures awaiting its crew. The stars outside seemed to twinkle with promise, heralding the dawn of a new era for the storied starship.