Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek: The Next Generation or any of the show's characters. Other characters not affiliated with the show are my own creation and do belong to me. Thank you.

A/N: Please enjoy.

Picard glanced at the remainder of his senior staff that was assembled in the Enterprise's observation lounge. Lieutenant Commander Data, Doctor Beverly Crusher, and Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge were seated at the sleek table, all their chairs canted to face their Captain.

With Riker, Troi, and Worf still on the planet below, as well as Lieutenant Sandy, Picard had to come to decision as how to proceed in order to ensure the safety of his officers.

Picard got the meeting underway. "What do we know, Mister Data?"

With a slight nod, Data tapped at the console in front of him. The picture of Andrej Prazak that Riker had sent along with the rest of the data appeared on the screen on the wall. Picard focused his attention to the screen at the end of the conference table.

He could see why his first officer was concerned about their host. Prazak was nothing short of physically remarkable. Standing bare-chested in snow and mud, he held a magnificent longsword in his right hand. Specks of mud splattered his arms and chest and the side of his torso was bleeding. His face was expressionless.

"This is the guy that our away team is with?" La Forge exclaimed.

"Yes, Geordi," Data replied. "According to Commander Riker's report, this man, General Andrej Prazak led a group of his soldiers in the rescue of the away team. They were then escorted back to the capital city where they currently remain. Lieutenant Sandy captured this image of the General while he was sparring with Lieutenant Worf."

Data paused briefly, but Picard nodded for to continue.

"Worf struck that blow to the General and as a result the away team was able to obtain a sample of the man's blood."

Doctor Crusher spoke next, "It's difficult to tell how severe the man's wound is just from the picture, but if I were to guess I'd say it was significant. Yet the report stated he shrugged it off. Based on the biometric scans from the tricorder and his blood, I have determined that Andrej Prazak is indeed human. Commander Riker assumes the other two men that accompany Prazak, General Herschel and Colonel Marking, are also human, however I cannot confirm this without scans or blood samples."

"There are no human colonies anywhere in this sector," Picard stated. "How did they get here? Are they from the lost shuttlecraft? From Starfleet?"

Crusher shook her head. "I ran Prazak's sample through the medical database that catalogues the DNA of Starfleet personnel. He is not from Starfleet." Crusher tapped her fingers on the table. "What I did find strange about the sample was how perfect it was."

"Explain," Picard stated.

"No traces of imperfections at all. No sequencing codes that could indicate susceptibility to hereditary diseases or illnesses. It's like he's perfect. The only exception being traces of a foreign substance that I have not yet been able to identify."

Data picked up where Crusher stopped. "Sir, based on Doctor Crusher's findings and the lack of any Starfleet record on this man, I broadened my parameters to search outside of normal Starfleet records."

"And you found something," Picard concluded.

"I did." Data nodded.

Geordi perked up. "Well, what is it? Who is he?"

"I will admit that I am a bit perplexed by the information I uncovered." Data tapped on his console again. A moment later another image popped up on the screen to the right of the current one. "According to historical records the man on the right is also Andrej Prazak."

Picard blinked. The two men were almost identical, sans the facial scruff Prazak currently sported. If Picard had to point out a difference, he would say Prazak appeared younger in the new image, but no more than ten or fifteen years at the most.

The new picture showed Prazak dressed in a twentieth century era suit and tie. Whoever had take the photo had captured the man mid-stride looking off to the side and somewhat over his shoulder. The scenery behind him was blurred, but what Picard could make out reminded him of the old world architecture of Earth's European continent.

Prazak had one hand on the knot of his tie as if adjusting it and the other held a handgun. Picard was unfamiliar with the different models of twentieth century firearms, but he did recognize that the pistol had what was commonly known as a sound suppressor, or silencer, attached to the end.

Data went on. "According to the information I found, Andrej Prazak is Czechoslovakian. He was born in the latter half of the twentieth century. Early records indicate he served as an officer in an elite Czechoslovakian Special Forces unit. I found no records of his activities after 1994, with the exception of the image on display."

"This is impossible." Picard was shaking his head. "This cannot be the same man. As a human he'd be long since dead. A descendant perhaps?"

Data tilted his head. "There is more, Captain. The more I searched, the more I uncovered. While I agree that it is far-fetched that these men are one in the same, our facial recognition program concluded with ninety-nine point two percent accuracy that the images are of the same person. I traced Prazak's family lineage and discovered that his mother was part of an experimental and secret program that took place in the 1960s and 1970s."

"Mister Data, are you suggesting…" Picard started.

"Yes, Sir. Andrej Prazak is an augment. He was born of the eugenics project that also produced the infamous Khan Noonien Singh. My hypothesis is that Prazak had some role to play in the Eugenic Wars, but what that role was is still unknown."

"That would explain his blood sample." Crusher was shaking her head, worry etched into her features. "And probably his ability to sustain injuries that would otherwise be life threatening."

La Forge whistled. "What in the world have we stumbled upon? Another Khan? Another fugitive? And how the hell is he still alive?"

Data looked at the chief engineer. "While it is unknown how Prazak has survived all this time, I would suspect the answer lies somewhere on the planet below."

Picard returned to the pictures on the screen. He nodded at both in turn. "The picture from Earth disturbs me. Look at his facial expression."

"Cold, detached," Crusher breathed softly.

Picard nodded. "Add that to the firearm he's carrying…men that carried silenced handguns were generally assassins. Killers. This man, this Andrej Prazak, is clearly dangerous. We need to get this information to Commander Riker."

"Captain," Data stated. "In my search a number of familiar names came up. Gary Seven and Roberta Lincoln for example."

Picard had heard those names before. "Mysterious time travelers that intervened in many cultures throughout the universe. To include Earth. It's quite possible they had a role to play in the Eugenics Wars as well."

"Yes, Captain. But also another. One that you can actually speak with."

Picard looked down at the console before him and nodded.

Frowning, Riker watched as Deanna entered the common room. Head held high, she walked with confidence towards the room she'd been sleeping in. She completely ignored Will.

Hoping to his feet, Riker strode towards the counselor, stopping her before she could enter her room. "Where have you been, Counselor?"

Riker was well aware that Worf and Sandy were watching the interaction.

She moved to open the door. "I went for a walk."

"I gave specific orders that no one should be alone."

"I wasn't alone," Deanna stated. "A soldier escorted me."

Riker's lips curled downward. Deanna pushed the button on the panel and the door opened. She stepped inside. Riker followed. He didn't care if she didn't invite him.

When the door slid closed, Deanna turned to face him. Her expression was dark. Angry. Angry at Will for following. "I did not invite you in here, Will."

Riker crossed his arms over his chest. "What's going on, Deanna? Where did you go? You went to see Prazak, didn't you?"

"I suggested earlier that I speak with him. You never said I couldn't."

Riker shook his head. "You know damn well I didn't want you seeing that man on your own."

"Why?" Deanna asked. "Jealous?"

Riker huffed a surprised laugh. "Jealous? Seriously, Deanna? This isn't about jealousy, it's about safety. Not only your safety but that of this entire away team."

"You're afraid of the man, I get that-" Deanna started.

Riker's eyes narrowed. "That's not it, Deanna."

Deanna continued to stare back, her eyes locked on his. Troi was always strong-willed, it was one of the things Riker found attractive about her, but in this case, he truly felt she was being guided more by infatuation than reason.

But he also knew that arguing wouldn't get them anywhere. He uncrossed his arms, letting his hands hang at his sides. "Did you manage to learn anything from him?"

She held his stare for a few more moments before her features softened. It appeared Troi wasn't prepared for an argument either. "A number of things actually."

"Such as?" Riker prodded.

"When I first arrived at his quarters-"

"You went to his quarters?" Riker interrupted.

Troi sighed heavily.

Riker shook his head. "Sorry. That just…caught me by surprise. I guess I assumed you saw him in a more public setting."

Deanna continued without acknowledging Will's statement. "When I arrived I walked in on him unexpectedly. I guess he opened the door, however he did it, thinking I was either General Herschel of Colonel Marking. Prazak had just injected himself with something."

One of Riker's eyebrows rose. "What?"

Deanna shook her head. "I'm not sure. All I saw was the syringe on the floor, a bottle of blue liquid and Prazak seated in a chair with his body spread across a table. He was clearly in pain. When he saw it was me at the door he became enraged, but then relaxed. Dismissing what he was doing as administering medication for his battle wound."

"But you didn't believe him?"

Deanna shrugged. "I was so surprised that I wasn't really searching his emotions. I cannot say for certain if he was telling the truth or not."

Riker catalogued the information. "What else?"

"We talked for some time. He opened up to a certain degree. He admitted to being a telepath as well as not being a native to this planet. He said he did not arrive on the shuttlecraft. I believe he was telling the truth. He knew I was wanting to know if he was human before I even asked."

"You think he detected the tricorder scans?"

"I don't know," Deanna replied. "He made no mention of it. It might be more because of what you said to him back in the conference room. Either way, when I pointed out that humans aren't telepathic he deflected and gave an ambiguous reply."

"Interesting." Riker stroked his beard a little.

"He explained a bit about this war they are fighting and why. It's a noble cause, Will."

"If he's telling the truth that is."

"I believed him. Anyway, just before I left he was suddenly overcome with intense pain. It actually frightened me."

"What type of pain?"

"In his head," Deanna answered.

"Could he have been faking it?"

Deanna shook her head. She sat down on the edge of the small bed. "No. It was real. I felt the residuals that bled off of him. Someone was attempting to enter his mind telepathically. Who and why, I don't know. He didn't say. But it was clear the intrusion caused him significant physical pain. I've seen similar things before in other telepaths. Usually it caused by lack of training or discipline. The one attempting contact might not even realize they are hurting the other. He said the intrusion was not unwanted, just unexpected at that moment. He knows who it was, he just wouldn't tell me."

A knock on the door interrupted to conversation. Deanna stood as Riker turned and hit the button to open the door.

Sandy and Worf stood on the other side.

Sandy held up the tricorder. "Sir, data from the Enterprise. They uncovered Prazak's true identity. I think our situation just got a whole lot worse."

Picard rubbed his eyes. After dismissing his officers, he'd adjourned to ready room and spent the last two hours reading and rereading the files currently displayed on the screen before him.

Starfleet Directive 715-2.

United Federation of Planets File 3B-82X.

Both marked: For Captain's Eyes Only

The documents were the source of Picard's current dilemma. Each laid out directives and actions to be taken in the event that a Starfleet vessel or personnel encountered any augments or their direct descendants. The short of it was that Picard's primary mission had suddenly changed upon learning of the existence of the augment Andrej Prazak. According to the directives, Picard was now responsible for arresting the augments and returning them to Earth to face a war crimes tribunal.

Picard stood, heading to the replicator.

"Tea. Earl Grey. Hot."

When his drink materialized he returned to his desk and set the saucer down.

His orders were clear enough. There was no question as to what he had to do. Yet it still bothered him. On one hand, these men could be war criminals, murderers. On the other, they'd lived so long away from Earth, what good would be accomplished by arresting them.

"But they did flee," Picard said out loud. "Why flee if you're innocent? And what of the lost shuttlecraft? Were these men picked up in space in a similar fashion to Khan and his crew? Did Prazak commandeer the craft? Or was Prazak's location known to the Federation and a ship had been sent to retrieve him?"

He dismissed the last thought. If that had happened there would be a record. And currently no connections had been made between the augments and the missing craft other than occupying the same planet.

"What are we missing?" Picard took a sip of his tea. "Is the missing craft indeed a completely separate issue? It just happened to crash on the same planet these men decided to call home? A pure coincidence?"

He wouldn't know that for sure until they found the missing shuttlecraft. Or until he met face to face with Prazak.

However, there was one task Picard had to do. Entering the proper codes, he opened his logs. With a sigh, he began to transcribe his subspace message to Starfleet Command.

He ignored the knock at his door.

Head cradled in his hands, elbows propped on the edge of his desk, Andrej tried to focus on the documents strewn before him.

But he wasn't really seeing them. The dull throb in his head wouldn't leave. It never really did, at least not until a day or so later. As much as the summonings pained him, the follow ups were far worse.

The knock persisted.

With a sigh, he looked up. Herschel stood in his doorway. When Prazak looked at him, he came forward, the door shutting behind him.

"How are you, brother?" Herschel asked as he took a seat in one of the chairs on the other side of Prazak's elegant workspace.

"How do I look?" Prazak laughed. Even that hurt.

"Like hell," Herschel remarked. "I don't see how you do it, Andrej."

"It's for the greater good." Prazak leaned back. "And eventually, with time, it won't be as painful. As strenuous."

Herschel nodded. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but-"

He held out a datapad over the desk. Prazak shut his eyes for a moment, then opened them to take the pad. Reading it didn't help his headache. When he finished he set the pad down. "You were right. I was a fool. And I've been paying for it ever since."

"No one faults you for saving them, Andrej," Herschel offered. "But we should have just sent them on their way after that."

"My intentions were good," Prazak said in his own defense.

"And we both know what the road to hell is paved with, don't we?" Herschel smirked. He nodded at the pad. "Captain Picard has requested to meet in person. He doesn't know that we intercepted this data sent between his away team and his ship. We still have the upper hand, Andrej."

Prazak slammed a fist on the desk. "I don't see why they think we had anything to do with their blasted shuttlecraft!"

Herschel kept his composure, as he always did. "They know who we are. Of course they think we had something to do with it. My guess, Andrej, they assume we are murderers and criminals. Just like Khan."

Prazak sneered at the mention of that name. "I don't care who this Captain is. If he dares to compare us to that murderous egomaniac, he'll regret it. Even if it starts a damn war with their Federation."

Herschel steepled his fingers in front of his mouth. "What do you propose? We can always deny them entry to the facility. Send the others back in their craft."

Prazak shook his head. "It's too late for that. No. We'll meet with Picard and see what he has to say. We'll figure out the rest from there."

Herschel nodded in agreement.

Prazak was ready to change the subject. "What of Marking's patrol?"

"They should return by morning," Herschel stated. Then he added, "I heard you met with the Betazoid woman."

Prazak huffed a short laugh. "She came to see me."

"Uh huh." Herschel stood up. "She's quite beautiful."

Prazak smiled at his longtime friend, all thoughts of their current predicament, memories of Khan, and his painful telepathic session suddenly forgotten. Replaced with thoughts of the starship counselor at the mere mention of her. "She is."

Herschel cocked his head before heading for the door. When he reached it he turned back around. "Don't let Sa find out."

Prazak grinned as he stood. "My relationship with Lady Sa is one of pure convenience."

Herschel laughed. "I don't think I've ever heard it put like that. Somehow I don't think Sa shares your opinion. She's dug her claws into you. Figuratively and literally. She's tenacious."

Prazak joined his friend at the door. "How would you know? You don't mingle with the nobility."

"That's your job, old friend. And just because I don't mingle doesn't mean I don't know what they are like. I am the head of Army Intelligence after all." He inclined his head towards the door. "I think a few drinks will do you some good, Andrej."

Prazak debated going with his friend. He needed to figure out the next move. Develop a plan. Prepare for the worst.

He shook his head. "I think I'll go for a walk. Clear my head. Check on the soldiers on the wall. Perhaps I'll join you later."

Herschel placed a hand on Prazak's shoulder. "Don't worry, Andrej. We'll fight if we must. To the end if necessary."

The side of Prazak's lips curled upward. "Agreed. To the end."

PADD in hand, Picard waited for a response. When the door swished open, he stepped inside. The lighting was low, as usual, and it took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the change.

Guinan was waiting for him. "Captain, to what do I owe this visit?"

The El-Aurian woman was dressed in her usual attire and had the same soft smile upon her face that greeted the patrons of Ten Forward on a daily basis. However, the woman's relaxed demeanor did little to settle Picard's thoughts.

"Guinan, I am sorry for intruding so late," Picard said.

Guinan's smile broadened a tad. "No intrusion at all, Captain. Please, come in. Have a seat. Would you like a tea?"

Picard shook his head as he sat. "No. Thank you."

Guinan nodded and sat across from him.

Picard exhaled and handed the PADD over to the woman. On it was the picture of Prazak from the twentieth century. "Guinan, do you know that man?"

Her eyes flickered ever so briefly as she examined the device. What she did next was not what Picard was expecting at all. Guinan's fingers brushed over the image in a manner that suggested some sort of close or even intimate knowledge of the man in question.

After a few moments, Guinan looked up at the Captain. "Yes. I knew him. His name was Prazak. Andrej Prazak."

"What can you tell me about him, Guinan? We already know he's an augment, but little else is known about him."

Guinan came from a race of listeners. Picard's choice of words did not get by her. "You speak of him in the present tense, Captain. Why?"

Picard shifted in his seat to sit up a little straighter. He motioned at the PADD. Guinan tapped it and the image changed to the one of Prazak taken by the away team. "We believe he is alive."

Picard knew there wasn't much that could surprise Guinan, but that revelation did. Her eyes went wide. She looked between the image on the PADD and Picard.

Then she chuckled. "I really shouldn't be surprised."

Picard swallowed. "What do you mean?"

"Andrej was always resourceful. It shouldn't surprise me that he found a way to survive." She looked down at the image again. "And not only survive, but stop himself from aging. He doesn't look to have aged more than ten years between these images."

Picard nodded. "What do you know of him, Guinan? Right now my away team is with this man and I need to know if he's dangerous. I fear he could be responsible for murdering the crew of the missing shuttlecraft we are looking for in order to keep his identity and location secret."

Guinan shook her head and set the PADD on the table between them. "Andrej was…excuse me, is a lot of things, Captain, but he's not a murderer."

Over the years, Picard had learned to trust Guinan's words and advice. She was his friend and a trusted confident he could rely upon. But right now he needed to know more. "Tell me what you know about him."

Guinan leaned back. Picard observed the way her eyes seemed to cloud over, looking into the past. A past she probably hadn't thought about in a very long time. Then her eyes focused and she looked straight into his own eyes. "The Andrej Prazak I knew was an extremely complicated man. A troubled soul if you will. You are correct, Jean-Luc, he was born of the eugenics program. He grew up in a very turbulent period of Earth's history."

"What happened to him?"

Guinan sighed. "I'll tell you what I know, but I don't know how much it can help you. I was on Earth for a time during the eugenics wars. I was working with a man named Gary Seven. Our ultimate objective was to stop Khan Noonien Singh's quest for global destruction and domination."

Picard nodded. "Everyone knows about Khan and I have heard of Gary Seven."

"Seven saw Khan's potential at an early age, however he was mistaken in his belief that Khan could be a force for good. A force that could band Earth's nations together. Khan believed himself superior to the rest of Earth's inhabitants. He did want to bring Earth together, but under his rule. By the time Seven realized Khan's goals it was already too late. Khan knew his biggest threats were his fellow super humans. So he attempted to bring them together under him. But just like Khan, most of the eugenics children had grown up to become egotistical and self-centered madmen and women. The eugenics wars started because of this. Innocent people were caught in the cross-fire of the embattled augments and Seven knew it had to be stopped before more innocent people lost their lives. He started searching for the remaining augments and began building a covert force to remove Khan from power."

"Prazak's role? He fought with Khan?"

Guinan shook her head. "No. A number of the augments wanted nothing to do with Khan or the war. They simply wanted to be left alone to live their lives as they saw fit. Prazak was one of those."

Picard couldn't help but laugh. "Prazak doesn't seem like the type of man that would balk from combat."

"He didn't balk. Not really. He was more…indifferent to the war. He didn't care." Guinan smiled. "It wasn't until Khan wronged Prazak that Andrej became involved."

Picard found himself getting sucked into the tale. "How so?"

Guinan shook her head. "I don't know all the details. Neither Seven or Prazak shared them with me. What I do know is that Seven attempted to recruit Prazak to fight against Khan. Prazak refused. Then Khan approached Prazak. Again, Prazak refused."

"So how did he become involved? How did he go from being a man wanting to sit on the sidelines to that man in the photograph? Carrying a handgun and looking like he just committed murder." Picard nodded at the PADD.

"Like I said, Captain, Prazak's not a murderer. He was a soldier." She must have seen the doubt on his face. "You have to understand how things were back then. It wasn't like Earth today. If anyone was truly a murderer it was Khan. When Prazak refused Khan, Khan tried to kill him. Shot him in the back as I understand it."

Picard whistled. "History tells us a different story about Khan."

"History can be wrong, Jean-Luc." Guinan smiled a little. She picked the PADD back up and returned the image to the one of Prazak from Earth. Again, Picard noted the look of affection on her face.

"So when Khan tried to kill him, Prazak joined your side?"

Guinan shook her head. "No. Seven kept tabs on Prazak, even after his refusal to join the cause. Therefore, he knew of the meeting between Khan and Prazak but he arrived too late. He found Andrej lying face down in a back alley in Western Berlin. He was able to save Prazak's life and while Andrej was grateful he still wanted nothing to do with the war. Prazak planned to return to his home in Czechoslovakia. When Khan learned that Prazak survived he became enraged. He ordered Prazak's entire family killed. Andrej joined us after that."

Picard didn't know what to say.

A sad look spread across Guinan's face. "I don't know what happened. Of what Khan and his followers actually did. All I know is that it was vicious. Sadistic. While Andrej never said, I believe one of the reasons he did not want to join in the war was because of his family. He had a wife and two young children. A girl and a boy. Khan and his followers murdered them, as well as Prazak's mother and grandmother."

Picard's chest was tight and he had to force himself to breathe. None of this was what he had expected to hear when he'd decided to seek out Guinan for her knowledge.

"Prazak joined the cause after that." Guinan gestured at the PADD. "He was a natural leader that rallied others, both augments and commoners as they called them, together to stop Khan. But deep down he was driven by rage. Anger. This picture. I know it. Besides the regular fighting, Prazak had vowed to avenge his murdered family. To personally make those that carried out Khan's orders pay for their crimes. With the help of two of his closest friends, Prazak tracked the killers down one by one. You can guess what happened just before this picture was taken."

"His friends? Other augments? Men named Herschel and Marking?"

"I assume they are alive as well?"

Picard nodded.

"Again, I'm not surprised. They are augments, Captain. Wilhelm Herschel was a German intelligence officer for West Germany's office of foreign intelligence services. John Marking, an American, worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. Neither man had revealed his true identity to the organizations he worked for. Yet Seven found them and brought them into the cause. Their access to highly classified information was vital to ending the war faster than expected. When Prazak joined us he bonded with those two almost immediately. Seven had mentioned that all three had been together at the Eugenic Project's secret lab, but because they were so young they didn't remember each other. Herschel and Marking fed information to Prazak on the locations of the men that killed his family. Prazak took care of the rest."

"But what right did Prazak have to take the law into his own hands? To become a vigilante? An assassin?" Picard questioned.

Guinan laughed a little then shook her head. "What law should Andrej have relied upon? Found faith in? Times were different back then, Jean-Luc. Very different."

"Does that justify his actions?" Picard countered.

"You may see it as murder, but Prazak didn't. And honestly, Captain, neither do I. Khan and his followers killed innocent people, including Prazak's family. His children. Khan thought he could break Prazak's spirit by destroying everything and everyone he loved. What Khan did was create his greatest enemy. You may not agree with Prazak's methods, but he did what he thought was right at the time. And unlike Khan, no innocents died by Prazak's hands. The only reason Andrej never got to Khan and those closest to him was because Khan escaped and fled Earth in secret. When the fighting was over, Andrej set down his weapons."

Picard assimilated the information. What Guinan was telling him helped paint a picture of the man down on the surface, yet it didn't assist Picard is making his ultimate decision. In fact, it complicated the matter even more.

"Do you know how Prazak and the others came to be on the planet below? Or how they've survived all these years without aging?" Picard asked next.

Guinan frowned. "No. I left Earth not long after the war ended. I thought those that fought with Seven had returned to their lives before the war. Something must have happened that drove them away. The only people that can answer your questions, Captain, are those three men down on the planet."

Picard rose. He picked up the PADD. "Thank you, Guinan. I'm sorry to have taken you back to a place that clearly is a sensitive subject to you, but I had to know just what type of man I'm dealing with. You're information has been helpful."

Guinan stood too. "I don't think that is the case, Captain. You appear more conflicted than when you walked in here."

Picard lowered his head and smiled a little. "You're right."

"Captain, let me offer you some advice. Everything I've told you is what I know of Prazak. I also know he is extremely loyal to those closest to him. Whatever you plan to do, be prepared for resistance. You said at the beginning you needed to know if Prazak is dangerous."

Picard looked into her eyes. "Yes?"

Guinan's jaw was set. "I would answer yes, Captain. Andrej Prazak is dangerous. Dangerous to his enemies. If you corner him, if he perceives you to be an enemy, he will attack. You have to ask yourself, Jean-Luc, is it worth it?"

"That is a question I still have yet to answer." Picard smiled wearily. He stepped to the door.

"Do you plan to meet with him, Jean-Luc?" Guinan asked as she followed him to the exit.

"I don't think I have any choice. While I don't believe he's holding our people as prisoners or hostages, I still need to know why he is unwilling to help locate our lost shuttlecraft."

"I'd like to go with you," Guinan said.

Picard blinked. "I'm not sure that is wise. You said it yourself, Guinan, he's dangerous."

Her smile returned, stretching across her face. "I said he was dangerous to his enemies. I am not Prazak's enemy. It might do some good for him to see a familiar face that is aligned with Starfleet. To alleviate his concerns."

Picard had to know. "How close were you to Prazak?"

Guinan lowered her head and chuckled. When she looked back up at him she was grinning. "Are you asking if he and I were lovers?"

"I didn't mean it like that," Picard stammered.

"Prazak was consumed with his quest for revenge. He loved his family. He was not interested in me. Not because I think he found me unattractive, but because he was still grieving from his lose. Prazak and I never shared a bed, but if he had needed that from me…well…let's just say I was more than willing."

Picard grinned. "Now, Guinan-"

She laughed. "Hey, he's a handsome man. Don't fault me for who I'm attracted to."

Picard nodded again. "Thank you, Guinan. Let me meet with him first. I need to make my own assessment prior to bringing you with me."

"I understand, Jean-Luc. Can I ask a favor?"

"Of course," Picard replied.

"Don't tell him about me." Guinan wore that smile that Picard knew so well. "If I can meet with him I'd prefer it to be a surprise."

With a nod, Picard couldn't help but wonder some more about the relationship between Guinan, Prazak, and the other augments. "That I can do."

"I'll be waiting, Captain."

Picard activated the doors and stepped through once they'd swished open. "I'll let you know. Again, thank you. You've been a tremendous help."

His leg muscles burned. But it was a good burn. He could have taken the lift that would transport him directly to the top of the wall, but Prazak preferred the stairs. The pump kept him going. Reminded him of his purpose. Of why he continued day in and day out.

Zoja kept pace with him the enter time. She was huffing slightly, but not enough for concern. Davnora cats lived in the Huron Mountains; their bodies built for harsh climates and steep climbs. While Zoja had spent most of her life with Prazak, he had no doubt the cat could keep up with her mountain dwelling brethren.

At the top, he patted the cat on the head. "Good work."

Zoja huffed and nipped at his hand.

The moon shone bright in the sky over the city, illuminating the planet below in a silvery glow. Snow continued to fall, but it was not as heavy as during the day. The wind was always stronger on top of the wall. Rolling his shoulders, Prazak brushed a hand through his hair that was dampened with both sweat and snow. He debated pulling the hood up from his cloak, but immediately dismissed the idea. He was used to the cold. In fact, he'd come to love it. He couldn't imagine how his body would react if he was suddenly thrust into a warmer climate.

"Probably kill me faster than a Ti'hi battle axe," he mused.

Zoja grumbled in response.

He smiled at his companion as they walked along the wall. Soldiers quietly manned their positions, watching the white plains below that seemed to stretch on forever. The stations closer to the mountain ranges used observation tools to scan the mountains for any suspicious activity.

Tonight all was quiet.

In addition to the stationary soldiers, walking patrols also manned the wall. As Prazak continued his journey, he came across the two soldier teams from time to time. When they saw him they nodded in recognition, greeted him with a hushed "General" or "Sir" then carried on. No soldiers would salute him on the wall. It was against protocol.

Prazak took his time. He always found his walks along the wall peaceful; tranquil. Even with the constant threat from the outside, there was something about the security the wall provided that set his mind at ease.

At the next station, Prazak stopped. A young soldier peered out into the darkness, watching the wood line to the south of the plains. His head moved from side to side and Prazak could see the tuffs of chilled breath pass the young soldier's lips every time he breathed.

Prazak stepped closer to the young man. "You're doing well, but never forget to listen for sounds from all angles."

The soldier's head wiped around. His eyes went wide and he stood a little more erect when recognition struck. "General...I..."

Prazak smiled and held up a hand. "Relax, young man. But remember, you may be on the wall now, focusing your efforts out there," He gestured towards the plains, "but when you are down there fighting you have to be aware of all that is happening around you."

The soldier nodded slowly. He lowered his eyes for a moment as if ashamed. "I've never fought a Ti'hi."

Prazak cocked his head. "What's your name?"

The soldier looked back up. Again, he stood a little straighter. "Timor."

"Timor," Prazak repeated. "How long have you been a soldier?"

"This is my first year, Sir," Timor answered.

Prazak turned to face the plains. Timor did as well. "I want to fight, General."

Prazak looked to the man. "Why?"

"My father and sister were soldiers. My father works in the mechanics shop now. He maintains your fleet. My sister...she died fighting the Ti'hi."

"You wish to do your part as well? To honor them?"

Timor nodded. "To keep Sardis safe."

Prazak placed a hand on Timor's shoulder. "Have you found your sister's name on the wall?"

Timor shook his head. "I've tried. But there are so many names."

"Yes." Prazak frowned. "If you go to the tower archives you can find her name's location on the wall."

Timor's eyes went back to the landscape. "I wished to find it on my own, but maybe I should go to the archives."

Prazak didn't answer him. They were quiet for some time until Prazak pointed towards the wood line. "What do you see?"

Timor looked briefly at the General then in the direction Prazak was pointing. Prazak watched Timor's eyes narrow. Then the young man frowned. "Nothing."

"Look harder," Prazak stated. "To the right of the leaning tree."

Timor repeated his actions. He nodded a little. "I see...something...movement."

Prazak waited. Minutes ticked by before three small figures emerged from the forest. Timor inhaled. "How did you see them?"

"You will learn to recognize the movements and behaviors of different creatures." He pointed at the trio near the forest. "A mother Fernt deer and her fawns. They move at night to avoid predators. Predators that include the Ti'hi."

Zoja growled. She must have caught the scent of the deer on the wind.

Prazak chuckled. "And Davnora cats."

With a pat on Timor's shoulder, Prazak stepped back. "Take the time to learn what creatures share our planet, Timor. Not just the Ti'hi. It will make you a more effective soldier."

"Yes, General," Timor replied.

Prazak saw a slight hesitation in the soldier. "What is it?"

TImor's eyes wandered to Prazak's longsword. "Is it true, General?"

Prazak smirked. "Is what true, soldier?"

"How you came to carry the Warrior Ruler's sword?"

Prazak placed a hand on the grip. "Tell me what you've heard."

Timor's eyes lingered on the magnificent blade's pommel for a moment before looking back at Prazak's face. The young man swallowed a few times before answering. "They say you killed the Ti'hi that ambushed the Warrior Ruler at Tega Peak. That you were outnumbered three to one. When the Warrior Ruler fell, mortally wounded by the Ti'hi chieftain's war hammer, you picked up the Warrior Ruler's sword, rallied our soldiers and slew the rest of the Ti'hi. They say you saved the Kindly One's life. They say the Kindly One presented you with his father's sword for what you did that day on Tega Peak."

Prazak listened the to the story with interest. "Where did you hear all this?"

Timor shrugged sheepishly. "Around. In the barracks. Over drinks in the pubs."

"What else did you hear about that battle?" Prazak wanted to know.

Timor smiled a little. "That with the Warrior Ruler's sword in hand you severed the chieftain's head in one blow. A chieftain that was over twice your size. In all, you killed twenty Ti'hi single-handedly that day."

Prazak took a step back and patted the side of his leg, calling Zoja back to his side. "You shouldn't believe everything you hear over drinks, Timor."

Timor's face fell, clearly disappointed.

Prazak cleared this throat, drawing the young man's gaze back to him. With a grin Prazak said, "The number was closer to forty."

Timor's face brightened. A wide grin splashed across his face before he regained his composure.

Prazak pointed towards the plains. When Timor nodded, Prazak turned to head back. He had a feeling that the moment Timor's duty ended the young soldier would be recounting his encounter with Prazak to his fellow soldiers.

Prazak smirked and shook his head. Next time I hear that story they'll be saying I defeated hordes of Ti'hi with my bare hands.

To Be Continued…