<div class="floatleft">(https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/e/e8/Picard2379.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120311033504&amp;path-prefix=en)</div><strong>Character Name:</strong>Jean-Luc Picard<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Starfleet Academy, Arik Soong's Office<br/><strong>Transition Info:</strong>None<br/><strong>Tagging/Mentioning:</strong>Arik Soong<br/><strong>NSFW Warning:</strong><br/><br/><hr/>Jean-Luc's smile was easy and warm and again it was clear to see why the man had such an accomplished career as a starship captain.  Not because of his tactical and strategic skills.  Near ever captain in Starfleet had those skills, more so than some, yet the Starfleet Academy did not let any cadet who decided the Command track would be their major graduation unless they had a beyond fair understanding in the fundamentals of combat.  No it was how he could make someone feel like a friend, a confidant, a man who could understand another upon their level and to make a situation like this seem causal and friendly, rather than intimidating.<br/><br/><strong>"Please, Jean-Luc, we are both captains, and from what I have read of your record, Arik, your promotion was well deserved.  Data always spoke highly of you in the conversations we had with one another."</strong>There was a bit of a pause at the end of the sentence.  Commander Data had sacrificed himself during the Battle of Bassen Rift.  While key components of his were recovered, most importantly the Android's positronic brain, but it would be easy to see how speaking of him would bring up at least memories of regret for rebuilding Data was by no means a sure thing, and Picard was the type of officer who would give himself for one of his crew.<br/><br/>The smile game to the aged man's head and after a slight shake of his head.  He moved to take a seat and waited for his host to join him before he continued.<strong>"As for my presence here, Starfleet often likes to pair up an experienced Captain who had been out there in space to speak to one accepting their first command.  In fact when it had been announced only a few weeks ago it was to be you, I volunteered.  I believe I have a unique understanding and insight.  I am sorry it had taken so long.  Debriefings as to the events with the Romulans, as well as repair efforts for the <em>Enterprise</em>.  It was near less effort to lay a new ship from keel than to repair the damage done to my ship, but I think I have earned a few favors in my time, and the <em>Enterprise</em> is my ship, just as the <em>Redemption</em> is about to be yours.  A good ship you are getting.  I am sure I do not need to tell you size is not everything, and the new warp core you have will make her a fast ship that can pack a punch if need be."</strong>