Before you read Renegade, I would recommend reading my first book, Facing Demons. There are characters and situations in Renegade that are better understood with reading my previous work. That being said, I believe Renegade to be superior to Facing Demons. The action is better, the plot is more cohesive, and the story more compelling. Enjoy.

STAR TREK

RENEGADE

by Tyler Ayotte

Prologue

It was a good time for many. After extensive proceedings and negotiations, the planet of Vesuvia was being inducted into the Federation. Although they was still much to be learned about them, their petition to enter was granted unanimously. Their aid to damaged starships and battered officers during the Dominion War was much appreciated and was guaranteed their membership. The young, but dignified leader of the Vesuvian people insisted the signing take place on her homeworld so as many of her people could witness this historic event in person. Having been assidned to transport dignitaries to Vesuvia, the U.S.S. Enterprise arrived in orbit of Earth to beam aboard the leaders of both societies: President William Ross of the United Federation of Planets, and President Sha'Gra of Vesuvia. However, it would become apparent during the coming days that not everyone was looking forward to this event.

Chapter 1

Arrival

Captain Jean-Luc Picard strode into the transporter room with the carefree demeanor of a child. Already waiting for him were his first officer Commander William Riker, his chief of security Lieutenant Commander Alec Wilson, and Counselor Deanna Troi. The dress uniforms they donned were in honor of the guests that would be arriving shortly. Those included were President Ross of Starfleet, President Sha'Gra of Vesuvia, her ambassador Jobra, as well as the president's personal security detail, and a Federation ambassador. One had not been chosen at the time of the last status report so they were in the dark as to whom.

Picard had hosted numerous diplomatic functions as captain of the Enterprise, but the anxiety never seemed to go away. The prospect of something going wrong itched at him, and it soon manifested itself as fidgeting,

"Nervous, Captain?" asked Riker with a bearded grin. Having been Picard's first officer for almost eighteen years he was usually able to read his commanding officer.

"I don't know what you mean, Number One." said Picard as he looked at the empty transporter pad.

Counselor Troi didn't need to read Picard's body language to know he was nervous, although she could anyway. Her Betazoid empathic abilities allowed her to read his emotions. She had seen him like this before, she knew he could handle any problems should they arise. "I'm sure things will go smoothly, Captain."

"If all else fails, I could invoke martial law."

After he had lost his best friend James at the hands of the Borg Queen two years earlier, Alec had not been the same man. He was no longer as quick to crack a joke, and he took every situation more seriously. His wife Rene, was as sad about the loss of James as Alec, the three of them grew up together. But she was happy that her husband was no longer as reckless as he had been in the past, because he had children to raise. Only recently had he returned to his normal self.

"I'm sure that won't be necessary, Commander."

"How about a curfew?"

Picard opened his mouth to respond but he was interrupted by the transporter chief. "Excuse me, Captain." she said. "But President Ross is ready to come aboard."

"Thank you, chief. Energize"

Picard and his officers turned to face the transporter pad. They stood rigid, their arms at their sides. A series of beeps emanated behind them and were followed by the hum of the transporter powering up. A blue glow illuminated the transporter area and within seconds six figures were standing on the pad before them.

Picard took two steps forward to greet his guests, he smiled and met their eyes one by one. "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."

President Ross was the first to step down from the transporter pad. He extended his hand to meet Picard's. It was not necessary for Ross to introduce himself, but he did so out of formality. He along with the friends he made on Deep Space Nine had made names for themselves during the Dominion War. His name was one that would go down in history in Starfleet.

Ross had taken office the previous year after unrelenting pressure from numerous people. The war had left him drained and it drove him to pursue a different venture. He had mentioned the presidency to Captain Benjamin Sisko as a joke, who then put his full support behind the admiral. Because of his war effort, and his campaign outline - which put focus back on exploration but with defense in mind as well - he won with an astounding 75 of the votes.

"Bill Ross, honour and a pleasure to meet you, Captain. Allow me to introduce President Sha'Gra of Vesuvia."

The President stepped down from the transporter and stood next to Ross. The photos they had all see of her did not do her beauty justice. Her short red hair matched her clothing, which was presumably the formal attire for a person at her level of power. Her blue skin almost matched that of a Bolian, except there was no ridge running down the center of her face. But her eyes were what garnered the most attention. When she was in the dimmer light of the transporter pad they had been dark red, but now that she was in brighter light they were a light shade of yellow. It was mesmerizing at the same time understandable, all species evolve their own way of adjusting to light.

She smiled warmly and sincerely at Picard. "Thank you for having us aboard, Captain. I've heard stories about the Enterprise, we're honored to be aboard her."

It had been Picard who had made first contact with Vesuvia four years prior. After a week of nonstop combat duty, the Enterprise entered an unexplored system after Lieutenant Commander Data detected subspace transmissions emanating from a Class M planet. With the ship in standard orbit they hailed the planet where they were greeted with the friendly then President Ty'brel. The incredibly generous peopel allowed them to remain in orbit while repairs were completed and permitted the crew to take R&R on the surface. The beauty of their planet was such that many were saddened upon their departure. They were no doubt pleased to be returning.

"It is we who are honored, Madame President. I can only hope we do not disappoint. I was sorry to hear about Ty'brel's mysterious disappearance. Are there any leads to his whereabouts?"

Sha'Gra's faze saddened as she shook her head. "It's been two years since anyone has seen him. I'm afraid we have to assume the worst."

Eager to lighten the mood, Picard turned back and raised his arm to his officers. "Allow me to introduce members of my senior staff. My first officer, Commander William Riker. My chief of security, Lieutenant Commander Alec Wilson. And Counselor Deanna Troi. Commander Riker is in charge of ship's resources. If there's anything you require, please don't hesitate to ask. Commander Wilson is in charge of security at the summit, if you have any special security requests, feel free to let him know."

Each officer bowed their head when their name was spoken. Sha'Gra returned each bow with a smile as warm as a sun. "Your reputations precede all of you. Allow me to introduce Jobra."

A pudgy mid-sized Vesuvian man stepped down from the pad and shook their hands one by one. "It's an honor to be in such company, I look forward to hearing stories of your exploits. If you'll so indulge me."

Alec spoke up. "What a coincidence, Ambassador. Commander Riker here was just telling us how much he'd enjoy conversing with you."

Jobra was thrilled. "Excellent!"

Riker knew Alec was going to pay him back for the little practical joke he played. Alec despises kanar, so Riker reprogrammed Alec's replicator to give Romulan Ale the taste of kanar but keep its own color and consistency. He didn't know when Alec was going to strike, it appeared the wait was over. He put on his best smile and did his best to make it look like nothing was wrong. "I look forward to it."

"As do I."

President Sha'Gra gestured to the two giants on the transporter pad. "This is my personal guard, they go wherever I go, even after my term in office is over." They were taller than Nausicaans and looked tougher than Klingons. They sure had the intimidation factor needed for the job.

Alec was reminded of Secret Service agents from the old United States of America that used to protect the president of that nation. He laughed inside when he pictured them in black suits, sunglasses and wired communication devices lodged in their ears.

President Ross turned to the final person on the transporter pad, one who was displaying obvious signs of restraint. It was one whom the crew of the Enterprise was familiar. They had journeyed home from the Delta Quadrant together for two months just two years earlier. Stepping down was Ambassador Neelix, formerly of the U.S.S. Voyager and the only Talaxian in the Alpha Quadrant. During their journey home he had been their cook, confidant, and friend. They were glad to see him. "My friends, it's great to see you again!"

"Ambassador Neelix," Picard held out his hand which Neelix took in both of his and shook vigorously. "It's been too long."

"Far too long, Captain." Neelix stepped over to Riker. "Commander, I hope the recipes I gave to you are being put to good use."

Already known to be a talented cook, Riker had expanded his knowledge of cuisine after he and Neelix shared their personal favourites with each other. "Very good use, thank you. I just wish I could find a substitute for leola root."

"Believe me, he's tried." said Troi. She smiled at Neelix and hugged him as if he were a brother. "How are you, Neelix?"

"I'm well. Thank you, Counselor. I miss my friends but such is the life of an ambassador I suppose." He moved down to Alec. "Commander, how are the children?"

"Big." laughed Alec. "It's amazing how quickly they grow. I'm afraid I'll turn my back and they'll be graduating high school."

"Be thankful you don't have an Ocampan child." laughed Neelix. He was unaware that he was the only one that had gotten his joke.

"Madame President," said Picard. "Would you like to be shown to your quarters?"

"Please, Captain."

"Number One, Counselor Troi, would you be so kind?"

"Of course, Captain."

As Riker and Troi began to lead the delegates out of the transporter room, Picard had one more thing to say. "Madame President, there's a reception tonight being held in your honor, we'd welcome your presence."

"I'm touched, Captain." Sha'Gra smiled once more. "Of course, I'll be there."

Riker led the way out of the transporter room, followed by Troi, the President and her colleagues. Her guards almost had to hunch down to make it through the doorway. Picard put his attention to those who remained. "Commander Wilson, as I understand it you are now off duty. I leave you to your evening."

"Aye Captain, thank you. My apologies in advance if I am late for the reception this evening, my wife and I are leaving our children with their grandparents until we return to Earth. Our visit with them might go longer than expected."

"Understood, Commander."

"Mr. President, Ambassador, if you'll excuse me."

Alec exited the transporter room, not noticing the look of admiration from Ross. "Remarkable young officer." he said. "I wish Starfleet had more like him."

Not many in the Federation were unaware of Alec's Wilson's name. Two years prior, during an attempt by the Enterprise to retrieve Captain Sisko from the Prophet's realm, the ship was sent to the Delta Quadrant where it was united with the long lost U.S.S. Voyager. The two crews discovered that things were heating up once more between the Borg and Species 8472. The last conflict between the two threated the entire galaxy, if a full on war ensued it would have certainly meant the end for all.

When the two ships visited a devastated facility once manned by Species 8472, Alec was abducted by the Borg after an anti-assimilation technology he developed successfully prevented him from joining the Collective. Realizing the threat the Borg would represent if they got their hands on Alec's vast tactical expertise, the Enterprise and Voyager had no choice but to proceed to Unimatrix 01 - the 'capital' of the Borg Collective - to rescue him, or kill him as a last resort. With some help from Species 8472, they were successful in holding off the Borg defenses while Lieutenant James Moore planted explosives around the Unimatrix. Regrettably, Voyager was destroyed when she suffered a warp core breach. Luckily the entire crew was beamed aboard the Enterprise.

When his task was completed, Moore disobeyed orderes by beaming into the Unicomplex and joining the search for his best friend. Sadly, his decision cost him his life. The Borg Queen killed him as a demonstration of what would happen to the rest of his friends if he did not reveal the secret to his anti-assimilation technolgy. In a fit of rage, Alec struck down the Borg Queen and the away team was beamed out in time to escape the massive explosion that rid the galaxy of the Borg forever.

It was a story that captured the imagination of all who heard it. But most chose to focus more on the happier ending of the story: The crew of Voyager had returned home after seven long years in the Delta Quadrant.

"Indeed," said Picard. "The war might have ended much sooner if there had been. Now gentlemen, would you care to join me in my ready room?"

Rene still missed their old quarters, even though these were more suited for a family. Having children made her indescribably happy, but having quarters to just her and Alec is something she'll always think about.

She looked at herself in the mirror as she brushed her long, black hair. It had been over six months since she had seen her parents in person. She knew they didn't exactly approve of her living on a starship, especially now that she was a mother. If there's one thing that had been shown to Starfleet in the past two hundred years, it's that space can be a dangerous place. It was understandable for her parents to be apprehensive.

One thing she wasn't looking forward to was the questions. She could anticipate certain ones now: 'Any plans to pursue your career? What are you going to do when the children are old enough for school?' She dreaded those two the most, mainly because they were logical questions. Her career meant a lot to her, but not as much as Alec's happiness with his meant to her. There wasn't much one could do to pursue a career in botany on a starship that was constantly light years from Earth. After seeing what she could do on the Enterprise she wanted to find out exactly what she was capable of. The arboretum on board ship was visited by the entire crew at least once a week, and once a day by her, Alec and the children.

The question of schooling loomed over her head like an ominous storm cloud. With only a handful of children aboard, there was no extensive educational system. The holodeck was capable of creating a suitable environment and a more than adequate education but it was missing an equally important factor: friends. Little Sonia and James deserved to have a complete childhood, that included friends their own age to grow up with. She felt it unfair to deprive them of that. They had some hard decisions to make.

"Mommy," said Sonia as she tugged on her mother's dress. "When's Daddy going to be here?"

"Soon, sweetheart." Rene put down her brush and stroked her daughter's hair. "He's just meeting some people with your Uncle Will and Aunt Deanna."

"Are Unca Will and Auntie Dena coming with us to see Gramma and Granpa?"

"Sorry, Sonia." Rene walked her daughter over to the window. Outside was the beautiful planet she called home, moving ever so slowly by as the ship was propelled at standard orbit speed. Her son, James, was sitting on the sofa practicing his ABC's with his teddy bear. "Your aunt and uncle have to help with the people that came on board."

Sonia gave her trademark pout, and quietly whimpered. "Mommy, can you show me where we're going?"

Rene crouched down and held her daughter's arm. She raised Sonia's hand and pointed along with her own. She aimed them at the North American continent, more specifically western Canada. "We're going right there. White Rock, British Columbia." She missed the home she grew up in. She missed lying down on the beach on a hot summer day, with the tide rising up the surf onto her legs.

She expected it to be fairly lively down there, it was Canada Day. The nation was celebrating its 513th anniversary. Being the patriot that she was, she was wearing her red and white dress. Even though the nations of the world no longer lobbied for power, her parents still raised her to be proud of her heritage.

"It's so pretty, Mommy." said Sonia as she looked at the Earth.

"Daddy!" James' excited outburst surprised Rene. She turned her head and saw her son leap off of the sofa and run towards his father, who was standing in the open doorway. She released Sonia so she could go hug her father.

Alec knelt down, took a child in each arm and lifted them off the floor. "Oof, you guys are getting heavy. Pretty soon you'll be able to take on Klingons with your dad on the holodeck."

"We already can." said James as he made tiny fists.

"Mommy," said Sonia, turning back towards the window. "Daddy said I'm getting fat."

"I heard." Rene stepped away from the magnificent view of the window and approached the man she loved. "And if he says the same thing to me, they'll never find the body." She leaned over and kissed her husband, immediately hearing the protests of Sonia and James.

"Ew, gross!"

"Mushy stuff." said James.

"You guys will know better one day." Alec lowered his children back to the floor. "All ready to go?"

"Just waiting for you to change into something a little less Starfleet."

"Right away, sir." said Alec as he gave a mocking salute.

"That's ma'am. And make sure you wear something red and white."

"You Canadians." laughed Alec as he went into the bedroom. Being a lunar baby, he didn't exactly have a nation to call his own. His great grandparents lived in the United States before moving to Luna. He didn't think being three generations removed qualified him as an American.

Alec finished changing out of his dress uniform and into a pair of shorts with a shirt that was red and white. When he entered his quarters he took a look at the Earth through the window. He saw no clouds over the area they were going to be beaming down so even though it was almost 1700 hours it was summer, and therefore warm weather was expected. After placing his combadge onto his chest he left the bedroom. His wife and children were waiting by the door. She was holding both of their travel bags. He took one from her and kissed her once more, admiring her beautiful face, and that cute little mole she had on her cheek.

"What was that for?"

"For being the most beautiful Canadian on the ship."

They materialized at the far end of an old, wooden pier. When it was rebuilt after World War III it had been preserved over the centuries as it was one of the most recognizable landmarks of the region. All along the railings on both sides were people fishing, young and old alike. There even a few children showing their Vulcan or Bolian friends the nature of the activity.

A parade procession had just passed on the street above the mouth of the pier. Alec saw a sea of red and white. He was glad it had passed, he didn't want to get swept into the celebration. He wanted to get the children to their grandparents house and be back on board the Enterprise so she could leave for Vesuvia on schedule.

Upon reaching the street, Rene flagged down a horsedrawn carriage. After admiring the steeds for a moment she climbed into the carriage and took the children from Alec as he raised them up to her. Alec knew they would have to take the scenic route, as the nearby northern hills were too steep for the horses to pull the carriage.

He loved this area. Although the smell of fish alone was enough to make him gag. It was one of those places on Earth where if you had woken up after four hundred years of cryogenic sleep, you'd think you were still in the 20th century.

The ride took about thirty minutes. Rene's parents were standing in the second story window of the house, both of whom were wearing red and white. Her mother, Kate, and her father, Steven, waved to them as they stepped down from the carriage. By the time they had walked across the hedge-lined lawn and reached the front door, Kate and Richard were already standing in the doorway. Both were smiling, they were eager to see their grandchildren. Sonia and James practically jumped into their arms. For a moment, Rene thought her parents would be knocked over.

"How are you, Rene?" asked Kate as she embraced her daughter.

"I'm good, Mom. Nice to see the old house. Hi, Dad."

"Hello, princess." said Steven.

Rene hugged her father and cringed at the nickname she had since she was little. He only called her that in front of other people, much to her chagrin. She knew Alec would use this against her later on. "How are you, Dad?"

"I'd be better if your mother let me drink more coffee."

"Too much isn't healthy, Steven."

"Hasn't hurt me so far."

Kate stood next to her husband, they were almost the same height. "That stuff has stunted your growth. I've seen Ferengi taller than you."

"But they didn't father the perfect daughter." Alec stepped forward and held out his hand to Steven, and was surprised as always at his iron grip. He knew that Rene's parents liked him, but he also knew that they resented him for being the reason why she was away from home. He wasn't happy with that, but he understood it. "How are you, Mr. Miller?"

"I'm good, son. I hope you've been taking good care of my daughter up there."

"To the best of my ability, although apparently my pie replicating skills leave a little to be desired."

"You always forget my powdered sugar."

"Only because it goes straight to your hips." Alec laughed at his joke, which Rene responded to by hitting him on his shoulder.

Kate knelt down to James and Sonia. "And how are my favorite grandkids?"

"Tired." they said in unison.

"Well you had a busy day." said Rene. "Tell them what you did with your mom."

"We helped Mommy in the arbetum today."

"Oh really? You must have learned a lot about plants then."

"Uh-huh." said James. "Do you know what makes plants green, Gramma?"

"No, what?"

"Colorfill.""Chlorophyll, sweetheart." said Rene, correcting her son's obvious, albeit cute, error.

"That's what I said, colorfill."

Kate laughed. The innocence of a child was one of those things that was beyond words. She was happy for and envious of her daughter. Happy because Rene got to discover it for herself, and envious that she herself was no longer able to witness it on a daily basis. "Would you two like to come in for coffee before you go back to the Enterprise?"

"We should probably-"

Alec cut her off. "I could probably go for a cup."

"Good, I'll go make some."

"I know I'd love some coffee." said Steven, rubbing his hands together.

"You, get tea."

Steven followed Kate upstairs with James and Sonia behind him. Alec stepped inside and closed the door. Before they went upstairs, Rene hugged him. "You didn't have to do that."

"You haven't seen your parents in six months and I don't know when the Enterprise is going to be back here. Yes, I had to."

Sonia and James were sleeping shortly after being shown their rooms. Working in the arboretum had taken its toll on them. Alec and Rene said goodbye to them before they went under. Two days of maximum warp travel, plus however many days of festivities occurred thereafter, and finally the two day trip back could mean at least a week without seeing their children. They didn't want to leave without saying goodbye.

They hadn't spent more than a day away from the kids since their birth. It was most likely going to be difficult for them. But a relief as well, they needed their personal time after all. And that wasn't easy with two children a door away.

Alec took a sip from his cup. Real coffee. It had been so long since he had anything that wasn't from a replicator. Nothing beats the real thing.

His mind wandered to the mission he was about to go on. Destruction of the Borg aside, he had never taken part in such a momentous occasion. The Federation didn't gain a new member everyday, and he intended to make sure nothing went wrong.

He must have been sitting there daydreaming for ten minutes before being included in the conversation. Kate jarred him out of his daze. "So, Alec, how's work going?"

"Pretty routine." He sipped his coffee again, it was a little cooler than the last time. "Aside from a little skirmish with a Gorn ship last week, everything's running smoothly."

Steven was raising his teacup to his mouth, but had stopped upon hearing Alec. "Rene, you never told us about that."

"There wasn't anything to tell, the ship never came under fire."

"What happened?" asked Kate.

"He accused us of being in their space. When it was in fact his navigational sensors that were malfunctioning. He had his weapons locked on, but he powered them down as soon as he heard the name 'Enterprise' in Captain Picard's hail." Alec finished his coffee and placed the cup on the table in front of him. "I'd be willing to bet the only thing that would have made that Gorn captain more obsequious is if he heard the name James Kirk."

"Don't you ever miss home?" asked Steven, finishing from his own cup.

Damn. Rene knew where this was going. She had been beginning to think she'd make it through this without their pressure to come home. Not only was she upset that she was being subjected to this, she was angry that her father was putting Alec in the middle of it. She was pretty sure Alec knew what he was doing too.

"The Enterprise is my home. And as for people, everyone I need is on that ship." Which was true, his parents had long since been taken away from him, as was James two years ago. The only people he needed in his life were his wife, children, and the friends he'd made on the Enterprise since his posting.

I think he knows what you're doing, Dad. Rene was pretty sure that Alec wouldn't take the bait and be drawn in.

Kate stood up and moved to gather everyone's cups when Alec noticed and beat her to it. "I'll take care of that, Mrs. Miller."

Yep, he definitely knows. I'm proud of you, honey. Don't get sucked in.

"Oh Alec, you don't need to do that."

"Nonsense, I'm a guest in your home. It's the least I can do."

"Alright, but only if you stop calling me Mrs. Miller. When you married our daughter you became part of our family. And everyone in this family calls me Kate."

"Sorry. Being raised in a Starfleet family it's become a force of habit."

Rene met eyes with Alec and shot him a look of understanding. I'm sorry. He closed his eyes and nodded.

She waited until he had gathered the dishes and left the room before she scolded her father. "Dad," she said quietly enough so Alec couldn't hear her, but firmly enough so that her father knew she wasn't kidding around. "I know you want me to come home, but don't drag Alec into the middle of it."

"He has a responsibility to keep you three safe."

"By doing his job, he accomplishes that. And because of the people he works with everyday I couldn't be any safer."

"The same way he kept your friend James safe?"

If her children had not been sleeping and her husband not been in the next room, Rene would have stopped just short of throwing furniture to show her present level of anger. But she couldn't keep it all in. "Not a day goes by that he doesn't think about what happened to James. He has nightmares about it. I know, because I hold him when he cries. James was like brother to both of us. And if Alec had just heard you say that, I can guarantee that marital ties would not have stopped him from showing the restraint that I just did. And you know something else? I can't say I would have stopped him."

The tension was so heavy in the room that it could have stopped a ship moving at warp speed, and Alec sensed it immediately when he reentered. "Rene, Will just contacted me. The Enterprise is ready to leave orbit."

Rene turned away from her father, tears were streaming down her face. "Let's go, I have nothing more to say."