Survival Of The Fittest

Chapter 1 Unnatural Selection

A/N: Not meaning to infuriate some people, but I'm just not for Picard/Crusher pairings. If you wanna take something different, read on. Otherwise NO FLAMES! This is my first attempt at a TNG fanfic. So if it needs work, constructive criticism is surely welcome. I realize that there will be a good bit of dependency on "Unnatural Selection". Oh and there is no definite pairing, so if you have any suggestions for one or multiple ones, let me know. Contact me at Thanks.

"There's no way to reverse the effects of the mutation. Chief medical officer's log supplemental, I have just been severely aged in an attempt at saving children from the Darwin research station. He has been transported back here and I will also remain behind with him due to a risk aboard the Enterprise. Although his genetic make up is superior to anyone aboard the vessel mentioned, he is the cause of the genetic mutation. This will be my last entry. Lieutenant Commander Data will be returning for lack of exposure. Good luck to all of you, and use your remaining time wisely."

"Mute."

Jean-Luc Picard turned away from the view screen with a look of pure despair and self-loathing. "Damn that woman. Transfer this to my quarters. You have the bridge, number one." He turned on his heel and marched off. Doors to the bridge opened and closed as he tried to contain the uprising emotions that would surely spill through the barrier between humanity and captaincy.

"Captain?"

Counselor Deanna Troi emerged from her quarters. "I sense rage, discomfort, and loathing. What has happened?" Just one look into his clouded royal blue eyes answered that question. "The shuttle, are they alright?"

"No. Data and Pulaski are both at the Darwin station as we speak. She was exposed to the disease. She doesn't have long, and neither do I. I will speak to you later on this matter, counselor. Report to the bridge to learn more." That was a clear 'get away from me, I'm not in my clearly sane mind. Go figure it out elsewhere' dismissal. He slipped through the opening doors to his quarters and adjusted the view-screen to suit his position.

"I'm here. Proceed with the transfer, ensign."

"Ay sir. Transfer is underway." A few seconds after that, Katherine Pulaski's aged and discouraged face appeared. "Katherine, I just-"

"No Captain, I volunteered to try this, and it's all my fault that this has happened. I'll die with all my fellow medical officers laughing at my mess-up for the rest of eternity." She turned as Data approached. "Go back to the ship, Lieutenant. Your job is done."

"Captain, you should hear this. I think I have found the source of the genetic disturbance. It is the children."

Picard studied his lieutenant commander knowing it was no use. His expression was one of blank normalcy. "What do you mean, Lieutenant?" Data went to the monitor opposite their current position. "It is quite simple, sir. Their immune systems are so advanced that they can stop any unknown illness."

"Yes yes, but how does that explain-"

"When the first officer of the USS. Lantree carried the thelusian flu, it triggered the antibodies, and they emitted a substance that could eliminate the viral cells. The problem is they didn't stop. The chemical is still being emitted as we speak. That is what caused the genetic mutation." He showed normal DNA compared to the mutation.

"Damn.. Suggestions, Mr. Data?" He knew that was useless. Data would probably say it was impossible, that there was no reversal of the mutation, and that there was no hope for the doctor. Beverly had left and taken part of his heart with her, but now Pulaski. had regrown it in the short time she had been there, and this was going to take it all away. This was simply one of those times where you wanted to give anything to take the invalid's place. Data stood in front of the computer monitor with what looked like doubt gleaming back through his golden eyes. "I'm sorry Captain, but there is no way to reverse it. Should I return to the ship alone?"

This was the tough decision that would either cost or save a life. "No…take her with you as you beam back up." He nodded just as Katherine was about to object, she brought her hand up to stop Data, but it changed course and shot toward her chest. Apparently, this illness was taking a bigger toll on her than the others. "Quickly Mr. Data!" Jean-Luc had stood and prepared to leave when Data said "This is Lieutenant Commander Data. Two to beam up."

"O'Brien, this is the captain. Arrange to generate a forcefield for their transport."

"Ay sir." The adjustments were made, and the two began to dematerialize from the station. Picard's speed surprised him as he raced against time to transporter room two. They would be materializing there any moment, and he wasn't going to be the last one there. "How much time do I have left, O'Brien?" He stopped outside his destination and panted for a split second. "I'm coming in!"

They were almost completely solid when the doors opened and he stepped in. "What's going on? Surely they would be completely transferred by now!"

"Of course sir, but we should quarantine her to her quarters for now. The exposure level is dangerously high." They had finally become whole, and he hadn't listened to a word. He rushed forward and caught the falling doctor as Data stepped off the transport pad. "Sir, there is a possibility that I could cure her by getting a bit of her DNA that wasn't tampered with. Maybe I could try a transport trace. No guarantees, though."

"Make it so. Mr. Data, what can be done in the meantime?"

"Nothing sir, we'll need to find a strand of her DNA if Lieutenant O'Brien is correct. I think he could be 'On to something'." He and O'Brien took leave and headed for her quarters before they were contaminated.

"Jean-Luc, what have you done!" She had begun to move in his arms so as she could read his facial expression. It was one of deep concern. "You are risking the lives of the entire crew! Oh and never force me to use a transporter again!" Through all that, he had lost all feeling at the thought that she and the rest of the "elderly" could be cured. He finally came back to his slightly dulled senses. "What has you so terrified about the transporters?" Her face turned from one of fury to one of depression, sadness, and mourning. "I watched my brother dematerialize right in front of me, and he never reached his destination. His atoms are scattered across a Romulan sector. Who knows what the hell happened to him. I always think I'll lose myself every time I find myself on one. You've put everyone at risk including yourself, and now you're considering possible destruction of your transport beams! What has happened to you Picard!

"You have, Doctor."

Let me know what you think. Remember, any ideas are welcome. Might add original charactir later.