Title: Prophecy Part Three: Fallen Angels
Author: Meghan Elizabeth
Series: Crossover- DS9/TNG (more DS9)
Part: NEW 1/?
Rating: PG
Codes: (TNG) R, T, C, Q (DS9) B, K, Ez
Section 31
Notes: Other characters from both DS9 and TNG appear in the story
for a shorter length of time.
Disclaimer- Paramount owns all but Victorianna Leonard, Cmdr.
Alexander, all the Admirals mentioned, Sid, Adams, Junior and all other
people places, ships, etc. not mentioned anywhere in the Star Trek
universe before.
Feedback: Please send all types of feedback
(meghanelizabeth@crosswinds.net)
Summary: When Vicki Ann returns to DS9, yet another secret is
revealed about her past and her career is in jeopardy. She struggles
to find something to believe in as her first love-medicine- is taken
away. Also, Julian must struggle to save a friend who got involved
with Section 31.
Chapter 1
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.
Let him who wishes for peace prepare for war. (Vegetius. Also quoted
si vis pacem, para bellum -- if you desire peace, prepare for war.)
Commander David Alexander entered his quarters on the Goddard.
"You have one message," the computer told him.
"From who?" he asked, as he took off his uniform jacket.
"Dr. Victorianna Troi."
Vicki Ann? "Play message."
"Message is text-only."
Text-only? "Then display message." He threw his turtleneck on the
bed as he went over to his desk and sat down.
"Dear David,
I'll bet you didn't expect to hear from me. Well, I wasn't sure who else to turn to. I'd feel
uncomfortable talking to Ezri about it, Deanna would psychoanalyze me and Will would tell
Deanna. Alright, I'll get to the point. I did it again. I ran. I got scared and ran for my life.
Just like I did with you.
You see, Captain Sisko offered me a position on Julian's staff. I accepted it temporarily.
Everything was perfect. Julian and I were back together and I had a great job back in
medicine again, doing what I loved. And I threw it all away because I'm a coward. A
coward pretending to be brave by wearing a Starfleet uniform. I can battle viruses, fight
the Dominion and fly circles around the best pilots, but I can't make a commitment to the
man I love.
Why is that? Never mind, I already know the answer. It's the low self-esteem Will reminded
me of making me believe that I'm not worthy of receiving honest, unselfish, unconditional
love from a wonderful man like Julian. My mind believes that the only men I'm capable of
receiving love from are psychopath losers.
It's that combined with my curse for bad relationships. I knew that Julian wasn't going to
hurt me, but I still panicked. You should have seen me in Sisko's office when he asked me
if I wanted to keep the job. My pulse raced, I couldn't breathe and my blood pressure
went through the roof. If Julian would have seen me, he would have immediately known
that something was up, after all, I don't get sick very often.
It was almost funny. Sisko asked if I was alright and I told him I was ill. He suggested that
I go to the infirmary. I told him that I would, but instead I sprinted for Julian's quarters and
started packing.
What am I going to do? Why do I keep doing this to myself? I'm sorry for throwing all of
this on you. I don't expect you to answer or anything. I just needed someone to listen.
Thank you. I'll see you the next time the Goddard cross paths with the Enterprise.
Love, Vicki Ann"
David sighed as he leaned back in his chair. She had poured her heart out to him, all over
another man. Once again, another one of destiny's practical jokes.
Vicki Ann walked into the restaurant on Starbase 17. You wouldn't know there was a war
going on. She went over to the bar and order a drink. A little while later, she felt a hand
on her shoulder. She turned around. "David, hello. Goddard in for repairs?"
"Yes, Enterprise, too?"
"Even the flagship needs repairs once and a while."
"Getting dinner?"
She shrugged. "Probably not. I'm not very hungry."
"Come on, you need your strength if you're going to battle the Dominion."
"No, I'm fine."
He frowned. "Vicki Ann, I know you. You probably haven't eaten anything at all today. So,
I'm going to order you to have dinner with me."
"You can't order me around. You're not my superior officer."
"No, but I can talk to Dr. Crusher and Captain Picard and have them order you."
"If you're going to harass me about it. . ."
"I've got to speak to the captain first. Give me an hour. Meet me at my quarters on the
Goddard."
"And where are they?"
"You mean you don't remember? You spent enought time in them-."
He stopped when she frowned at him. "Okay, they're at deck seven, room 3029."
"Alright, you talked me into it."
Vicki Ann walked to David's quarters. She rang the chime. A moment later, the doors
opened. She walked in and glanced around. The room was dark except for some soft light
emanating from the dining room.
"David?"
"In here," he called.
She followed his voice into the lit room. "David," she said, putting her hands on her hips
and frowning.
"Yes," he asked. He was at the replicator and his back was to her, but she knew he was
grinning.
"I told you. I just want to be friends."
"And that's what we are. Friends having a nice dinner together to try and forget their
troubles," he replied, turning around and setting the food on the table.
She didn't buy it. "Then what's with this?" she asked, pointing to the flowers and candles
on the table.
"Decorations."
"Ha-ha."
"Don't analyze it, Vicki Ann. I think your sister is rubbing off on you. You never used to be
such an analytical person."
"Well, I'm just trying to think with my head, not my heart."
"Why?"
"It always gets me into trouble when I think with my heart."
"But it's a hell of a lot more fun. And besides, isn't it worth it?"
"Is it?" she asked, sighing.
A few months later, Vicki Ann returned to Deep Space Nine. The Enterprise and a few
other ships were getting repairs done and resting at the station after the war ended. Until
this moment, she'd kept herself busy in order to keep her mind off what she'd have to do
once she got here. She knew sh'ed run into Ezri and Kira, not to mention Julian. She hadn't
spoken to any of them since she'd left so many months ago. Gods, with the war, it seemed
like years since she'd been on the station. She hadn't really wanted to leave, but she'd let
her fears get the best of her and she'd ran, away from the station, away from her friends,
away from Julian. She really didn't know why she'd left. She'd known that Julian wouldn't
turn into a sociopath once she moved in with him permanantly. She supposed it was just
her subconscious mind stopping her before things went too far, before she got in so deep ,
she couldn't get out if something went wrong. She had regretted her decision, but hadn't
contacted Julian because she was afrarid he would still be angry. Maybe if she had
explained. . . No, she had moved on. The problem was, she still had to tell Julian. She
couldn't hide forever.
Commander Alexander watched Vicki Ann as they walked on the Promenade. He could tell
that the war had taken its toll on Vicki Ann.
She was quiet and her usually smiling face was neutral. Her smiles appeared forced and her
eyes no longer twinkled. He could tell she needed to forget what they had been through.
"Want to go get a drink at Quark's?" he asked her.
She smiled slightly. "Sure."
Julian and Ezri sat in Quark's. They were talking about how much things had changed in
the past few days, since the end of the war.
They did not mention the war directly, neither of them ready to deal with all they'd been
through. Julian looked up and noticed a familiar face approaching. She was not looking at
them. Her attention was focused on her companion. She was smiling, but it was obvious
that it was forced. The twinkle was gone from her eye. She was a shadow of the person
she used to be. He remembered when her smile made her eyes light up like a million stars.
He remembered when all he wanted to see were those blue eyes. It hadn't been that long,
only a few months, but with the war, it seemed like years. He remembered how she used
to be his friend. He loved Ezri, but longed for his old friend back.
Ezri noticed Julian's lack of attention. "Julian?" She looked the direction he was looking and
saw Vicki Ann. "Oh," she said. "Vicki Ann."
Julian turned to Ezri. "You haven't told her about us yet, have you?"
Ezri shook her head. "I haven't spoken to her either."
Julian stood. "I'm going to talk to her." He made his way through the crowd and over to
the bar where she was. He had no idea what he wanted to say, but he hoped she'd listen.
Vicki Ann looked up and saw Julian standing in front of her. "Julian."
"Vicki Ann."
They stared at each other for a few minutes, unsure of what to say. The tension hung in
the air, thick and almost tangible. Neither of them knew if the old feelings were still
present in the other. They weren't sure of how to tell the other that they had moved on
without them.
Finally, Vicki Ann broke the silence and tension by embracing Julian and saying, "Thank
God, you're all right. I've already lost too many people to the Dominion."
Julian smiled at her as she pulled away.
Vicki Ann looked away nervously for a moment. Then, she turned back to Bashir and said,
"Julian, I want to apologize for the way I left. I never meant to hurt you."
Julian nodded. "I understand." He held out his hand. "No hard feelings."
Vicki Ann shook his hand. "Agreed."
"I'm glad you're okay, too." Julian paused for a moment. "Vicki Ann, there's something I
need to tell you. Ezri and I are -."
Vicki Ann interrupted him. "Together."
Julian was shocked. "How did you? Wait a minute. You had your barriers down, didn't you?"
Vicki Ann shook her head. "I just sensed your emotions and who they were directed at.
Simple empathy," she replied, smiling.
"Come join us," Julian said, pointing to the table Ezri was sitting at.
As they walked over to the table, Vicki Ann said to Julian, "I'll bet you thought that I was
pining away for you all this time."
Julian acted coy. "Of course not."
Vicki Ann laughed. "Well, Julian, I wasn't. I found other things to occupy my time," she said
smiling as she linked her fingers through Alexander's.
Julian returned the smile. "Looks like things worked out for the both of us."
Julian, Ezri, and Vicki Ann spent the next few hours catching up. Julian noticed that
Alexander kept his arm around Vicki Ann the entire evening. Julian smiled. Alexander
probably saw him as a threat, just like Julian had seen Riker as a threat. Vicki Ann was
happy with Alexander, but something was wrong. She didn't seem right. Maybe it was just
the aftereffect of the war.
Alexander leaned toward Vicki Ann and whispered something in her ear. She turned to him,
her expression sad. They spoke quietly to each other for a few moments. Then Alexander
stood and Vicki Ann followed suite. She embraced him and they kissed. Julian thought he
heard her whisper, "I'll miss you." Alexander lifted her chin with his hand so that she was
looking him in the eyes and he tried to reassure her. A few moments later, Alexander
turned to Julian and Ezri. "The Goddard is leaving in a few hours. I have to inspect all the
systems before we leave. It was nice meeting the two of you."
Julian and Ezri returned the sentiments and Alexander left. As Vicki Ann sat down, a
familiar face came over to their table.
"Hello, Julian and Ezri," Beverly Crusher said as she took Alexander's seat. She turned to
Vicki Ann. "You haven't made up your mind yet, have you?"
Vicki Ann shook her head. "No, I haven't."
Beverly smiled. "I'm going to keep bugging you until you say yes."
Vicki Ann nodded. "I know."
Beverly smiled. "I have to go. I've reserved a Holosuite and I don't want to be late. See
you later," she said, waving goodbye.
"What was that all about?" Julian asked.
"She offered me the position of her assistant," Vicki Ann replied.
"That's wonderful!" Julian exclaimed.
When Ezri saw the lack of enthusiasm on Vicki Ann's face, she added, "Isn't it?"
Vicki Ann sighed. "I suppose."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Julian asked.
"I don't know," Vicki Ann replied. "Things have changed so much since the war began. Not
just the world around me, but things that I've always believed to be important are being
tossed aside like they never mattered."
"Like what?" Ezri asked.
"This uniform, for example," she said, pointing to her uniform.
"This uniform is supposed to represent what the Federation and Starfleet stand for. That
being truth, justice, integrity, diplomacy, humanitarianism, and non-judgementalism. The
war made us forget all of that. It stopped being about standing up for out beliefs and
starting being about survival. I didn't join Starfleet to fight in wars. I joined Starfleet to
help people and to see things that had never been seen before. But what have I been
doing? Fighting in a stupid war that could have been stopped a long time ago if Starfleet
had given the Founders the cure. If the beliefs behind this uniform don't matter anymore, I
don't know if I want to wear it."
Julian thought he was hallucinating for a minute. Listening to Vicki Ann's enthusiasm
about Starfleet had always been able to make anyone join. "You can't mean that."
"I don't know anything anymore, Julian, but I have been thinking about this for a long
time," Vicki Ann replied.
"How long?" Ezri asked.
"Since the attack on Starfleet Headquarters," Vicki Ann said.
"That shook us all," Julian replied.
"I try to put it behind me, but all I can think of is all the people who died so that we could
be here talking to each other." Vicki Ann's comm badge beeped. "Dr. Troi here."
"Admiral Kelley would like to speak to you, Doctor. Please report to Colonel Kira's office,"
was the reply.
Vicki Ann replied, "I'm on my way." She turned to her friends.
"I'll see you later."
As she stood, Julian also stood. He stopped his friend's departure by putting his hand on
her arm. "If you need to talk, or an opponent for racquetball or just someone to be there
so you won't be alone," Julian said, smiling. "Let me know."
Vicki Ann nodded. "I will."
When Vicki Ann walked into Kira's office, she couldn't help but think of it as Sisko's office.
But, things change. Lately, though, it seems that everything is changing. Nothing is
staying the same. She smiled at the Admiral, who was speaking to Kira. "Admiral, I wasn't
aware you were on the station."
"I was on my way to Earth when Starfleet Command alerted me to a disturbing situation,"
the Admiral replied.
"What kind of situation?" Vicki Ann asked.
The Admiral placed a PADD on the end of the desk. "As a doctor, what do you see on this
PADD?"
Vicki Ann went over and picked up the PADD. "Both images are DNA patterns. The second
is similar to the first, except it's been resequenced. This looks like the before and after
patterns of someone who's been genetically enhanced."
"Correct, Doctor. Do you know whose pattern those are?" When Vicki Ann shook her head,
the Admiral replied, "The second image was from the DNA scan that was done during your
physical upon your admittance into the Academy. The first image was just found recently.
It was from a small hospital on Betazed where your adopted parents took you after they
found you. It was found along with your pre-adoption hospital records, which were sent to
Starfleet. Someone at Starfleet Headquarters noticed the discrepancy and alerted us.
You, Doctor, are genetically engineered. Unfortunately, because of this, you cannot
remain in Starfleet and your medical license is hereby revoked."
Vicki Ann replied, "But, it obviously wasn't my fault and I didn't even know about it until
now."
"I understand, but we can't break the rule just because there's no one to take
responsibility for it. Therefore, you must take responsibility for it." He held out his hand.
"I'm sorry to do this, but I must ask you for your Pips and comm badge."
Vicki Ann handed them over.
"As for your uniform, Colonel Kira will take it after you have changed."
Vicki Ann nodded.
Kira walked over to Vicki Ann and said, "I'm sorry. You can stay here as long as you like."
Vicki Ann nodded. "Is that all, sir?"
The Admiral nodded.
Vicki Ann wondered back to the Promenade. She didn't remember going in any specific
direction, just walking and having no idea where she wanted to go.
Julian saw Vicki Ann approaching and noticed the vacant look on her face. He got up and
walked over to her, with Ezri right behind him.
"What happened?" He noticed the missing pieces to her uniform. "What happened to your
badge? And the Pips on your collar?"
"I've been kicked out of Starfleet," she replied.
"What?" Ezri and Julian echoed.
"It appears that there is a discrepancy between the DNA scans from my birth and the ones
from when I entered the Academy," she replied, bitterly.
"What do you mean?" Julian asked.
"Well, Julian, you and I have more in common then our profession. It seems that I was
genetically engineered."
Her voice dripped with bitterness. Julian knew how she felt. He remembered how it had felt
when he had found out what had been done to him. He also remembered when he had
almost lost his job when Dr. Zimmerman found out about his genetic resequencing. He had
thought he'd be kicked out of Starfleet and he thought that his life was over. "But, it
wasn't your fault."
"No kidding. But, the Admiral says that since there's no one to take responsibility for it, I
have to," she replied.
Julian became angry. "This isn't fair! Let me go talk to the Admiral."
Vicki Ann stopped Julian's departure. "No, Julian. I have to accept that this has happened
and deal with it."
"I think you need to take your mind off of it for a while. How about a game of racquetball?"
Julian replied, trying to cheer her up.
"No. I need to be alone for a while." Julian started to say something, but Vicki Ann stopped
him. "Julian, please. Stop being a doctor for one minute and listen to your friend. I need to
be alone. Okay? If you're worried about me locking myself in my quarters forever, I'm not
going to do that. I'll be fine."
Julian didn't look convinced, but he didn't want to make her angry. "Alright, but under one
condition. You meet us here for breakfast tomorrow at 0800 hours."
Vicki Ann smiled slightly. "Alright, see you tomorrow."
Vicki Ann walked into her quarters. She sat down on the couch and put her head in her
hands.
"You've dedicated over half your life to Starfleet and this is how they repay you, by
kicking you out. Not only have they forgotten the ideals they stand for, but they've
forgotten who helped to uphold those ideals," a voice said.
Vicki Ann looked up. A man in a black uniform was sitting in a chair across from her. "Who
are you?"
"A friend. There are people in the Federation that still believe in the ideals you believed in
when you joined Starfleet. And we invite you to join us."
"And who exactly are you and your friends?"
"We're called Section 31. Your talents would be very useful with us, Victorianna."
Vicki Ann couldn't believe that this was happening. She smiled.
"What the hell? What have I got to lose? Certainly not my job."
Vicki Ann's instincts told her that there was someone behind her. She went to turn around
to view the intruder, when the hiss of a hypospray stopped her dead in her tracks.
Author: Meghan Elizabeth
Series: Crossover- DS9/TNG (more DS9)
Part: NEW 1/?
Rating: PG
Codes: (TNG) R, T, C, Q (DS9) B, K, Ez
Section 31
Notes: Other characters from both DS9 and TNG appear in the story
for a shorter length of time.
Disclaimer- Paramount owns all but Victorianna Leonard, Cmdr.
Alexander, all the Admirals mentioned, Sid, Adams, Junior and all other
people places, ships, etc. not mentioned anywhere in the Star Trek
universe before.
Feedback: Please send all types of feedback
(meghanelizabeth@crosswinds.net)
Summary: When Vicki Ann returns to DS9, yet another secret is
revealed about her past and her career is in jeopardy. She struggles
to find something to believe in as her first love-medicine- is taken
away. Also, Julian must struggle to save a friend who got involved
with Section 31.
Chapter 1
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.
Let him who wishes for peace prepare for war. (Vegetius. Also quoted
si vis pacem, para bellum -- if you desire peace, prepare for war.)
Commander David Alexander entered his quarters on the Goddard.
"You have one message," the computer told him.
"From who?" he asked, as he took off his uniform jacket.
"Dr. Victorianna Troi."
Vicki Ann? "Play message."
"Message is text-only."
Text-only? "Then display message." He threw his turtleneck on the
bed as he went over to his desk and sat down.
"Dear David,
I'll bet you didn't expect to hear from me. Well, I wasn't sure who else to turn to. I'd feel
uncomfortable talking to Ezri about it, Deanna would psychoanalyze me and Will would tell
Deanna. Alright, I'll get to the point. I did it again. I ran. I got scared and ran for my life.
Just like I did with you.
You see, Captain Sisko offered me a position on Julian's staff. I accepted it temporarily.
Everything was perfect. Julian and I were back together and I had a great job back in
medicine again, doing what I loved. And I threw it all away because I'm a coward. A
coward pretending to be brave by wearing a Starfleet uniform. I can battle viruses, fight
the Dominion and fly circles around the best pilots, but I can't make a commitment to the
man I love.
Why is that? Never mind, I already know the answer. It's the low self-esteem Will reminded
me of making me believe that I'm not worthy of receiving honest, unselfish, unconditional
love from a wonderful man like Julian. My mind believes that the only men I'm capable of
receiving love from are psychopath losers.
It's that combined with my curse for bad relationships. I knew that Julian wasn't going to
hurt me, but I still panicked. You should have seen me in Sisko's office when he asked me
if I wanted to keep the job. My pulse raced, I couldn't breathe and my blood pressure
went through the roof. If Julian would have seen me, he would have immediately known
that something was up, after all, I don't get sick very often.
It was almost funny. Sisko asked if I was alright and I told him I was ill. He suggested that
I go to the infirmary. I told him that I would, but instead I sprinted for Julian's quarters and
started packing.
What am I going to do? Why do I keep doing this to myself? I'm sorry for throwing all of
this on you. I don't expect you to answer or anything. I just needed someone to listen.
Thank you. I'll see you the next time the Goddard cross paths with the Enterprise.
Love, Vicki Ann"
David sighed as he leaned back in his chair. She had poured her heart out to him, all over
another man. Once again, another one of destiny's practical jokes.
Vicki Ann walked into the restaurant on Starbase 17. You wouldn't know there was a war
going on. She went over to the bar and order a drink. A little while later, she felt a hand
on her shoulder. She turned around. "David, hello. Goddard in for repairs?"
"Yes, Enterprise, too?"
"Even the flagship needs repairs once and a while."
"Getting dinner?"
She shrugged. "Probably not. I'm not very hungry."
"Come on, you need your strength if you're going to battle the Dominion."
"No, I'm fine."
He frowned. "Vicki Ann, I know you. You probably haven't eaten anything at all today. So,
I'm going to order you to have dinner with me."
"You can't order me around. You're not my superior officer."
"No, but I can talk to Dr. Crusher and Captain Picard and have them order you."
"If you're going to harass me about it. . ."
"I've got to speak to the captain first. Give me an hour. Meet me at my quarters on the
Goddard."
"And where are they?"
"You mean you don't remember? You spent enought time in them-."
He stopped when she frowned at him. "Okay, they're at deck seven, room 3029."
"Alright, you talked me into it."
Vicki Ann walked to David's quarters. She rang the chime. A moment later, the doors
opened. She walked in and glanced around. The room was dark except for some soft light
emanating from the dining room.
"David?"
"In here," he called.
She followed his voice into the lit room. "David," she said, putting her hands on her hips
and frowning.
"Yes," he asked. He was at the replicator and his back was to her, but she knew he was
grinning.
"I told you. I just want to be friends."
"And that's what we are. Friends having a nice dinner together to try and forget their
troubles," he replied, turning around and setting the food on the table.
She didn't buy it. "Then what's with this?" she asked, pointing to the flowers and candles
on the table.
"Decorations."
"Ha-ha."
"Don't analyze it, Vicki Ann. I think your sister is rubbing off on you. You never used to be
such an analytical person."
"Well, I'm just trying to think with my head, not my heart."
"Why?"
"It always gets me into trouble when I think with my heart."
"But it's a hell of a lot more fun. And besides, isn't it worth it?"
"Is it?" she asked, sighing.
A few months later, Vicki Ann returned to Deep Space Nine. The Enterprise and a few
other ships were getting repairs done and resting at the station after the war ended. Until
this moment, she'd kept herself busy in order to keep her mind off what she'd have to do
once she got here. She knew sh'ed run into Ezri and Kira, not to mention Julian. She hadn't
spoken to any of them since she'd left so many months ago. Gods, with the war, it seemed
like years since she'd been on the station. She hadn't really wanted to leave, but she'd let
her fears get the best of her and she'd ran, away from the station, away from her friends,
away from Julian. She really didn't know why she'd left. She'd known that Julian wouldn't
turn into a sociopath once she moved in with him permanantly. She supposed it was just
her subconscious mind stopping her before things went too far, before she got in so deep ,
she couldn't get out if something went wrong. She had regretted her decision, but hadn't
contacted Julian because she was afrarid he would still be angry. Maybe if she had
explained. . . No, she had moved on. The problem was, she still had to tell Julian. She
couldn't hide forever.
Commander Alexander watched Vicki Ann as they walked on the Promenade. He could tell
that the war had taken its toll on Vicki Ann.
She was quiet and her usually smiling face was neutral. Her smiles appeared forced and her
eyes no longer twinkled. He could tell she needed to forget what they had been through.
"Want to go get a drink at Quark's?" he asked her.
She smiled slightly. "Sure."
Julian and Ezri sat in Quark's. They were talking about how much things had changed in
the past few days, since the end of the war.
They did not mention the war directly, neither of them ready to deal with all they'd been
through. Julian looked up and noticed a familiar face approaching. She was not looking at
them. Her attention was focused on her companion. She was smiling, but it was obvious
that it was forced. The twinkle was gone from her eye. She was a shadow of the person
she used to be. He remembered when her smile made her eyes light up like a million stars.
He remembered when all he wanted to see were those blue eyes. It hadn't been that long,
only a few months, but with the war, it seemed like years. He remembered how she used
to be his friend. He loved Ezri, but longed for his old friend back.
Ezri noticed Julian's lack of attention. "Julian?" She looked the direction he was looking and
saw Vicki Ann. "Oh," she said. "Vicki Ann."
Julian turned to Ezri. "You haven't told her about us yet, have you?"
Ezri shook her head. "I haven't spoken to her either."
Julian stood. "I'm going to talk to her." He made his way through the crowd and over to
the bar where she was. He had no idea what he wanted to say, but he hoped she'd listen.
Vicki Ann looked up and saw Julian standing in front of her. "Julian."
"Vicki Ann."
They stared at each other for a few minutes, unsure of what to say. The tension hung in
the air, thick and almost tangible. Neither of them knew if the old feelings were still
present in the other. They weren't sure of how to tell the other that they had moved on
without them.
Finally, Vicki Ann broke the silence and tension by embracing Julian and saying, "Thank
God, you're all right. I've already lost too many people to the Dominion."
Julian smiled at her as she pulled away.
Vicki Ann looked away nervously for a moment. Then, she turned back to Bashir and said,
"Julian, I want to apologize for the way I left. I never meant to hurt you."
Julian nodded. "I understand." He held out his hand. "No hard feelings."
Vicki Ann shook his hand. "Agreed."
"I'm glad you're okay, too." Julian paused for a moment. "Vicki Ann, there's something I
need to tell you. Ezri and I are -."
Vicki Ann interrupted him. "Together."
Julian was shocked. "How did you? Wait a minute. You had your barriers down, didn't you?"
Vicki Ann shook her head. "I just sensed your emotions and who they were directed at.
Simple empathy," she replied, smiling.
"Come join us," Julian said, pointing to the table Ezri was sitting at.
As they walked over to the table, Vicki Ann said to Julian, "I'll bet you thought that I was
pining away for you all this time."
Julian acted coy. "Of course not."
Vicki Ann laughed. "Well, Julian, I wasn't. I found other things to occupy my time," she said
smiling as she linked her fingers through Alexander's.
Julian returned the smile. "Looks like things worked out for the both of us."
Julian, Ezri, and Vicki Ann spent the next few hours catching up. Julian noticed that
Alexander kept his arm around Vicki Ann the entire evening. Julian smiled. Alexander
probably saw him as a threat, just like Julian had seen Riker as a threat. Vicki Ann was
happy with Alexander, but something was wrong. She didn't seem right. Maybe it was just
the aftereffect of the war.
Alexander leaned toward Vicki Ann and whispered something in her ear. She turned to him,
her expression sad. They spoke quietly to each other for a few moments. Then Alexander
stood and Vicki Ann followed suite. She embraced him and they kissed. Julian thought he
heard her whisper, "I'll miss you." Alexander lifted her chin with his hand so that she was
looking him in the eyes and he tried to reassure her. A few moments later, Alexander
turned to Julian and Ezri. "The Goddard is leaving in a few hours. I have to inspect all the
systems before we leave. It was nice meeting the two of you."
Julian and Ezri returned the sentiments and Alexander left. As Vicki Ann sat down, a
familiar face came over to their table.
"Hello, Julian and Ezri," Beverly Crusher said as she took Alexander's seat. She turned to
Vicki Ann. "You haven't made up your mind yet, have you?"
Vicki Ann shook her head. "No, I haven't."
Beverly smiled. "I'm going to keep bugging you until you say yes."
Vicki Ann nodded. "I know."
Beverly smiled. "I have to go. I've reserved a Holosuite and I don't want to be late. See
you later," she said, waving goodbye.
"What was that all about?" Julian asked.
"She offered me the position of her assistant," Vicki Ann replied.
"That's wonderful!" Julian exclaimed.
When Ezri saw the lack of enthusiasm on Vicki Ann's face, she added, "Isn't it?"
Vicki Ann sighed. "I suppose."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Julian asked.
"I don't know," Vicki Ann replied. "Things have changed so much since the war began. Not
just the world around me, but things that I've always believed to be important are being
tossed aside like they never mattered."
"Like what?" Ezri asked.
"This uniform, for example," she said, pointing to her uniform.
"This uniform is supposed to represent what the Federation and Starfleet stand for. That
being truth, justice, integrity, diplomacy, humanitarianism, and non-judgementalism. The
war made us forget all of that. It stopped being about standing up for out beliefs and
starting being about survival. I didn't join Starfleet to fight in wars. I joined Starfleet to
help people and to see things that had never been seen before. But what have I been
doing? Fighting in a stupid war that could have been stopped a long time ago if Starfleet
had given the Founders the cure. If the beliefs behind this uniform don't matter anymore, I
don't know if I want to wear it."
Julian thought he was hallucinating for a minute. Listening to Vicki Ann's enthusiasm
about Starfleet had always been able to make anyone join. "You can't mean that."
"I don't know anything anymore, Julian, but I have been thinking about this for a long
time," Vicki Ann replied.
"How long?" Ezri asked.
"Since the attack on Starfleet Headquarters," Vicki Ann said.
"That shook us all," Julian replied.
"I try to put it behind me, but all I can think of is all the people who died so that we could
be here talking to each other." Vicki Ann's comm badge beeped. "Dr. Troi here."
"Admiral Kelley would like to speak to you, Doctor. Please report to Colonel Kira's office,"
was the reply.
Vicki Ann replied, "I'm on my way." She turned to her friends.
"I'll see you later."
As she stood, Julian also stood. He stopped his friend's departure by putting his hand on
her arm. "If you need to talk, or an opponent for racquetball or just someone to be there
so you won't be alone," Julian said, smiling. "Let me know."
Vicki Ann nodded. "I will."
When Vicki Ann walked into Kira's office, she couldn't help but think of it as Sisko's office.
But, things change. Lately, though, it seems that everything is changing. Nothing is
staying the same. She smiled at the Admiral, who was speaking to Kira. "Admiral, I wasn't
aware you were on the station."
"I was on my way to Earth when Starfleet Command alerted me to a disturbing situation,"
the Admiral replied.
"What kind of situation?" Vicki Ann asked.
The Admiral placed a PADD on the end of the desk. "As a doctor, what do you see on this
PADD?"
Vicki Ann went over and picked up the PADD. "Both images are DNA patterns. The second
is similar to the first, except it's been resequenced. This looks like the before and after
patterns of someone who's been genetically enhanced."
"Correct, Doctor. Do you know whose pattern those are?" When Vicki Ann shook her head,
the Admiral replied, "The second image was from the DNA scan that was done during your
physical upon your admittance into the Academy. The first image was just found recently.
It was from a small hospital on Betazed where your adopted parents took you after they
found you. It was found along with your pre-adoption hospital records, which were sent to
Starfleet. Someone at Starfleet Headquarters noticed the discrepancy and alerted us.
You, Doctor, are genetically engineered. Unfortunately, because of this, you cannot
remain in Starfleet and your medical license is hereby revoked."
Vicki Ann replied, "But, it obviously wasn't my fault and I didn't even know about it until
now."
"I understand, but we can't break the rule just because there's no one to take
responsibility for it. Therefore, you must take responsibility for it." He held out his hand.
"I'm sorry to do this, but I must ask you for your Pips and comm badge."
Vicki Ann handed them over.
"As for your uniform, Colonel Kira will take it after you have changed."
Vicki Ann nodded.
Kira walked over to Vicki Ann and said, "I'm sorry. You can stay here as long as you like."
Vicki Ann nodded. "Is that all, sir?"
The Admiral nodded.
Vicki Ann wondered back to the Promenade. She didn't remember going in any specific
direction, just walking and having no idea where she wanted to go.
Julian saw Vicki Ann approaching and noticed the vacant look on her face. He got up and
walked over to her, with Ezri right behind him.
"What happened?" He noticed the missing pieces to her uniform. "What happened to your
badge? And the Pips on your collar?"
"I've been kicked out of Starfleet," she replied.
"What?" Ezri and Julian echoed.
"It appears that there is a discrepancy between the DNA scans from my birth and the ones
from when I entered the Academy," she replied, bitterly.
"What do you mean?" Julian asked.
"Well, Julian, you and I have more in common then our profession. It seems that I was
genetically engineered."
Her voice dripped with bitterness. Julian knew how she felt. He remembered how it had felt
when he had found out what had been done to him. He also remembered when he had
almost lost his job when Dr. Zimmerman found out about his genetic resequencing. He had
thought he'd be kicked out of Starfleet and he thought that his life was over. "But, it
wasn't your fault."
"No kidding. But, the Admiral says that since there's no one to take responsibility for it, I
have to," she replied.
Julian became angry. "This isn't fair! Let me go talk to the Admiral."
Vicki Ann stopped Julian's departure. "No, Julian. I have to accept that this has happened
and deal with it."
"I think you need to take your mind off of it for a while. How about a game of racquetball?"
Julian replied, trying to cheer her up.
"No. I need to be alone for a while." Julian started to say something, but Vicki Ann stopped
him. "Julian, please. Stop being a doctor for one minute and listen to your friend. I need to
be alone. Okay? If you're worried about me locking myself in my quarters forever, I'm not
going to do that. I'll be fine."
Julian didn't look convinced, but he didn't want to make her angry. "Alright, but under one
condition. You meet us here for breakfast tomorrow at 0800 hours."
Vicki Ann smiled slightly. "Alright, see you tomorrow."
Vicki Ann walked into her quarters. She sat down on the couch and put her head in her
hands.
"You've dedicated over half your life to Starfleet and this is how they repay you, by
kicking you out. Not only have they forgotten the ideals they stand for, but they've
forgotten who helped to uphold those ideals," a voice said.
Vicki Ann looked up. A man in a black uniform was sitting in a chair across from her. "Who
are you?"
"A friend. There are people in the Federation that still believe in the ideals you believed in
when you joined Starfleet. And we invite you to join us."
"And who exactly are you and your friends?"
"We're called Section 31. Your talents would be very useful with us, Victorianna."
Vicki Ann couldn't believe that this was happening. She smiled.
"What the hell? What have I got to lose? Certainly not my job."
Vicki Ann's instincts told her that there was someone behind her. She went to turn around
to view the intruder, when the hiss of a hypospray stopped her dead in her tracks.