Captain’s Log, Stardate 46403.3:
The Enterprise’s engineering team is currently undergoing scans within the Hilcom sectors in order to study certain particles found in this area. It is believed these particles could offer some benefit to the advancement of particular beams, such as phasers, by making them more efficient–but also more powerful.

“We should be finished with our scans in a few hours,” Commander LaForge stood at Jean-Luc’s side on the bridge. “Once we gather this data, we can start processing it to see just how these ‘ephem’ particles could react under different pressures, temperatures, and so forth.”
“‘Ephem’ particles?” Will repeated the word.
“That’s what we're calling them so far,” Geordi smiled a bit. “They’re sort of ‘ephemeral,’ after all. Hard to find, difficult to process; but if these work like we think they could, we could revolutionize phaser technology.”
“Then, continue the work. Thank you, Commander.”
Geordi bowed as he turned and exited the bridge.
Ace’s eyes followed him as far as they could until he disappeared within the turbolift. When he turned back, he found Data’s yellow eyes gazing at him from the other side of the helm.
“It would appear your first day on the helm will be an easy one,” he commented. “There will be little movement as Engineering continues their scans.”
“That’s all right,” the ensign brushed the loose bangs from his face, “it’s enough to just… be here.”
A cautionary beep rang out from tactical.
Gemini crouched closed to the screen. “Captain, we’re receiving a message. Unknown source.”
“Are there any vessels in this area?”
“It appears to be coming from a beacon, sir.” Gemini glanced up.
“On screen,” the captain stood.

The viewscreen flashed to a scene of lavash furnishings, lamps, and lounges. A rotund man in a dark, pin-stripe suit sat in the center of the frame. Three women in varying positions–and in form-fitted clothing–sat beside or behind him with sultry expressions.
“To those receiving this message, I bid you greetings,” the man said, his olive skin warm in the lamplight surrounding him. His accent was thick, as if he was chewing his words.
“Wait a minute,” Commander Riker rose to his feet beside the captain. “That’s… that can’t be.”
“To those who may not have heard of me, I am Mickey D. I am the richest man in this sector, and–depending on who you ask–they may have a few more phrases to describe me.”
Will lowered his brows. “Try ‘criminal?’”
Mickey spread open his hands as one of the women ran her hand around his shoulder to his lapel. “No matter how you feel about me, I have decided it is time to share my wealth with others–but I will not be simply handing it out. No,” he waved one of his hands. He then tossed away the woman’s hand and leaned forward. “I will be hosting the most prestigious poker championship this sector has ever seen. Only the one who proves their worth by their skill–and their luck–will be awarded with the greatest prize.”
Ace glanced backward to see the entire bridge crew watching the message with curious interest.
“The coordinates, date, and time are encrypted within this message. If you show up with the entry fee–also included–you will be welcomed.”
“He’s not serious,” Will turned to Jean-Luc, “every Federation vessel–every bounty hunter–will be scrambling to get to this tournament for a chance to pick him up!”
“But I warn you,” Mickey pointed his thick finger toward the screen, “those arriving with ill intent will not be permitted. And I don’t believe you’d like to try that.”
Ace bit his lip as the women around him seemed to glare into the screen with similar smoldering expressions.
“I will have metal detectors and scanners at the door. Not a single item that’s metallic or electronic will be allowed inside,” the man sat back in his chair, “so, I suggest you leave all weapons, explosives, and communication devices at home. You’re here to play poker, after all.”
He wrapped his arms around his middle and tipped up his round chin. “I look forward to meeting my challengers.” He then nodded his head toward his chest. “A biatu.”
The feed was cut, and the starfield of space again returned to the viewscreen.
The captain’s lips were parted, as if the effort to keep his mouth closed had been redirected to process thought. “Lieutenant Rowlett, begin decrypting the message.”
“Aye, sir,” she ducked down to the console.
“Commander Data, find the source of the beacon.”
“Aye, sir.” His fingers were already pattering away on the screen.
The captain returned to his chair. “What do you think, Number One?”
“I think this is incredibly risky–Mickey D is one of the most notorious criminals in Starfleet’s database. He’s got charges ranging from smuggling goods to manslaughter!” He shrugged exaggeratedly, “I don’t understand how he’s going to host an event like this and not get shot!”
“I’m sure that’s why he’s scanning everyone who enters,” Counselor Troi mentioned. “I’m more curious what the entry fee and prize could be considering the Federation no longer uses money.”
“Just because the Federation doesn’t use it doesn’t mean he has clients who won’t find it valuable.” Will narrowed his eyes.
“Could you read anything more out of the message, Counselor?”
The half-Betazoid laid her hands on her lap. “He seemed very laid back as he delivered his message. I couldn’t detect any deceit from his posture or tone.”
“Captain, I have decrypted the message,” Gemini’s fingers were on the screen before her. “The coordinates are for a Class M planet called Sette in the Eta 115 solar system. The championship itself is set for three days from now, and the entry fee is a… twenty-five units of dilithium.”
Jean-Luc blinked. “That’s a steep entry fee.”
“That’s going to cut a lot of people who get this message out of the running,” Deanna’s fingers were on her lips, “or at least limit it to those with warp capabilities.”
Data turned around in his chair. “Captain, I have verified the source of the probe was also Eta 115.”
Jean-Luc sat back and steepled his fingers. “Ensign Gallagher, determine a course.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Will cocked an eyebrow as he glanced at the Captain. “Are we going?”
“We happened upon this beacon and we have the entry fee,” Jean-Luc looked at him. “Do you see a benefit for us to attend?”
“Considering we wouldn’t be in it for the prize money,” Deanna glanced between them, “what could we gain by being in the presence of such an infamous figure?”
“Capture him?” Will looked up at her as she shrugged.
“We could learn why he made the choices he made,” Gemini leaned over the console.
“Or, learn about past jobs–or where his next job is so we can stop him,” Will pointed at her. “There’s no telling how many innocents have been caught in his snares.”
“We would turn his tournament into a way to gather information,” Captain Picard rubbed his chin.
“And then we could catch him,” Commander Riker waved his finger.
“Captain,” Ace turned halfway, “From our current position, it would take fourteen hours at warp seven to reach Eta 115.”
“Thank you, Ensign,” Jean-Luc turned forward. “If we go, who do we send?”
“I’ll go,” Will straightened.
“I think it would make more sense to send Data, since he can use his logic to determine the best hands,” Deanna suggested.
“Nothing metallic or electronic will be allowed inside,” Gemini glanced at the android across the room, “and unfortunately, Data is both of those things.”
“What about Ensign Gallagher?” Data replied matter-of-factly.
The bridge crew turned to the newest member.
“Gallagher?” The captain repeated.
“He plays poker quite well and frequently wins in hands played with crewmembers–including myself.” Data turned toward his fellow helmsman. “Would you be willing to go?”
“I don’t see why not?” Ace half shrugged, turning to look at the captain behind him.
Jean-Luc nodded, his eyes unfocused. “Number One, I want you, Commander Data, and Ensign Gallagher in the bridge conference room.” He stood as the others began to rise. “Lieutenant Rowlett, you have the bridge.”
Gemini blinked. “Aye, sir.”
As Ace rose from his chair, he watched Gemini, wide-eyed, step around the tactical console while Jean-Luc and Will departed the bridge. Just before he turned around, Ace saw Gemini sit down on the edge of the Captain’s chair–hesitantly, yet eagerly.
- There is already a "Mickey D" in existence in Star Trek TNG; however, I needed a good boss name, and that was the first time I thought up. It's also what my Sicilian grandfather called McDonald's, so it's a bit of a nod to him. And it makes for a good plot - as you'll see as you keep reading. :D