Author's Note: Oy! I almost forgot to post this one. Sorry guys...
Well, hope you enjoy!
/-/-/-/
/- Unknown Time
In the cold, silent room, the man laid on his side, his eyes and mind closed to the world as he lived in his own for a short time. But the peaceful serenity was quickly broken when sunlight streamed into the room, settling itself in Picard's eyes.
He winced at the warm, precious substance he saw so little of and brought a hand to his face. A small moan escaped his lips as soon as his groggy mind allowed him to realize where he was.
Slowly, he brought himself to sit up, leaning against the back wall. He could hear the echoing of footsteps on the stone floor, the sound ringing loudly in his ears. He knew this was how all the guards entered: they would shine light and created odd sounds to wake him.
Listening to the echoes, he realized the guard was approaching him, the guards' pace agonizingly slow. He sighed, looking to his pained shoulder. In the light he could see three red marks on his half-bare skin. Rubbing it gently, he knew black bruises would thrive there for weeks.
Five distinct clicks of the magnetic lock told him they were about to enter. A sudden pain spread over his leg, knowing that the guard had kicked him. "Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty."
A second later, he felt two sets of hands wrap around his upper arms and then was pulled roughly to his feet. Without a moment to get his bearings, he was drag to the door and out into the halls.
He struggled half-heartedly against their hold as he was dragged through the hall. He watched as the ceiling passed by, noticing nothing different or interesting about each tile. His eyes turned to the side, suddenly noticing the amount of doors that lined the corridor.
He wondered how many were occupied. How many others were like him, stuck there without much at all.
They stopped suddenly, one of them letting go. Picard felt the other guard force him to the ground, holding him uncomfortably. He knew this was how they held him until the door opened, but he couldn't be near his cell.
He heard the door unlock and open and the guard pulled him back onto his feet. He struggled once again, the guards not caring as they shoved him into the room. He stood, turning back to see the smirk on the guard's face as the door locked him in the cell.
/-/-/-/
/- July, Two Weeks Later
"Captain's Log: Stardate: 37407.20:
After several days of thinking over Ambassador Troi's invitation into the Alliance, I brought up the proposition to the other Captains. A majority vote among the crews has decided that the fleet will join the Alliance.
"The Enterprise, the Roddenberry, the DeForest, and the Apollo are on our way to Betazed to officially join as both citizens and the, quote unquote, Starfleet of the Alliance.
"I still don't know how I feel about this, joining the Alliance I mean. But it will do better in the long run. Besides, we could hardly have continued as renegades- we're running low on power and supplies once again.
"But this was a good choice… I guess. Now the real wonder is what President Amen is thinking."
/-/-/-/
/- Around the Same Time
"While I'm on Deep Space Nine, I'll need you to contact the Prime Minister of Keltra. He'll need to be informed of the changes."
"And what should I say if O'Mina tried to contact you?"
"Who?" Lwaxana glanced at the young Trill as they hurried down the hall.
"The Fran'rek Prime Minister. We've promised to give aid to her continent last year before the break up."
"Oh, right… I had completely forgotten about her. Ah well… make something up. You're good at that, right… Todd?"
"It's Tayd."
"Right." Lwaxana turned quickly down the hall, glancing at the screens of the three PADDs she held in her hands. "This," she shoved one into his hand, "is the schedule for the Kadnil Meeting. Make sure that the Council of Representatives know that they must consult with us before anything."
"Rig-"
"This is for Prime Minister Alkesh and this is for Ambassador Krin. Don't mix them up."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good, now be off."
Tayd nodded shortly, watching Lwaxana hurry down the hall away from him before looking down at the PADDs in hand. He sighed, moving to turn away.
"Talyn! Talyn!" The Ambassador shouted as she walked back to him.
"It's Tayd," he muttered.
"Yes, Tayd, you are new right?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Don't talk to the Ambassadors or any leaders of any planet longer than you must. Say what I told you to say."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good." She turned, taking only a step away before turning back. "And don't speculate. Never speculate about anything. Especially with Dekarians, they will always assume it is fact."
"Of course, ma'am."
She nodded, turned, and then turned back. "And try not to ever say facts. Those are often misinterpreted."
"Yes, ma'am."
Again she nodded. She went to turn, only to stop and tell Tayd, "And one last thing… never call me ma'am again."
"Yes… Ambassador."
"Better. Good day, Tayden."
The Trill resisted rolling his eyes, waiting there a moment as he watched her hurry back on her way. He sighed, rubbing the spots along his neck. The sad part was, he was pretty sure she was serious about all that.
/-/-/-/
/- A Few Days Later
"Captain Riker."
Riker looked up from the floor, smirking as she stepped inside. "Ambassador… Lynn, right?"
"Yes," the Trill said. Riker nodded awkwardly, leaning back against the turbolift wall. "Deck Eighteen." With a small jolt, the lift began moving once again.
"How's the trip so far?"
Pell looked over at the Captain. "It's been wonderful… and your Ten Forward is magnificent."
He chuckled softly. "I'm glad you approve." She nodded, both of them quieted.
"I was glad to hear that you decided to join the Alliance," she said after a short pause.
"Oh, yeah. It seemed… it seemed like the proper thing to do," he said, looking at the door rather than the Ambassador.
"The proper thing but not what you wanted to do."
Riker looked over at her, an eyebrow raised. "Funny, I could have sworn that you were the Trill ambassador…"
"Funny," she joked with a smile. The lift slowed and the doors opened. Stepping up to the exit, she turned and looked at Riker. "Captain?"
"Yes?"
"I was just thinking- we'll be a few days before we reach DS9… maybe you could show me around. I'd love to see more of your ship."
Riker coughed uncomfortably. "Uh, Ambassador, I'm married-"
"And I'm a homosexual. I'd just like a tour but-"
"I didn't mean to offend… tomorrow maybe."
"Tomorrow then." She smiled at him, amusement playing in her eyes.
Riker nodded, swallowing hard only once she had walked away from the doors, letting them close.
/-/-/-/
/- The Following Day
"You want to eliminate him? What for?"
"It was his faulty work that got us into this trouble in the first place. Federation officials want to question him. One question and he'll probably crack and tell them everything."
"You hired him, you should have checked in after him."
Ken sighed in frustration, his tongue in his cheek as he looked away. "I did-"
"Not very well. He's your mess now," Amen scolded, looking away from the young Ambassador. "I have more important things to worry about. Besides, he's been doing good work on his newest project."
"Which he'll probably squeal about. Just let me-"
"Kill him? No. No, I can fix all this. But don't," his voice became deeper, more threatening, "make it a habit to expect me to clean your messes. Next time you screw up…"
"Right," Ken sighed.
"Get used to it, Ken, you're going to be working with him a lot over the next couple of years."
"Years?"
"Yes, you didn't think this project would take a few days? Hardly. It will be a while before it's anywhere."
"But-"
"It's alright. You'll learn to like him."
"But-"
"Oh, and Ken, could you give this to Admiral Gange when you see him? Thanks."
Ken's mouth dropped, moving without sound coming out of it as Amen walked away, leaving him there.
/-/-/-/
/- Around the Same Time
"Elizabeth! Get back here!" Liz heard her father as she ran around the corner. A soft giggle emanated from her throat as she speed away from him, the game amusing her.
"Uphf!"
Liz slowly arched her neck, finding a woman smiling down at here. She crouched down, bringing herself to eye level with the girl. "What do we have here?"
Liz just looked at her, eyes big and captivated. Her hand reached out to touch the woman's face, small fingers running over the brown spots lining the side of her face.
The Trill smiled brightly at the girl. "Where are you parents, I wonder?"
"Right here," Will sighed heavily, eyes on his daughter. The Trill looked up, surprised at hearing the Captain's voice.
"So you must be Ms. Elizabeth Riker? My name is Pell."
"Hi," she said shyly, her voice soft and whispered as she moved away, hiding behind her father's leg.
"Oh, now you're shy," she teased, straightening to better see Will.
The father was smiling down at his child, bending to pick her up. "Now what was that for? Running away from me? Huh?"
Liz giggled as her father tickled her stomach. Pell smiled with the man, watching the pair fondly.
"Thank-you for stopping her."
Pell shrugged off the compliment. "She's adorable."
"Yes. She takes after her mother."
Pell grinned as the girl laid her head on Will's shoulder, brown eyes not leaving the Trill.
"Are you going this way?"
"Yes." He nodded, falling in step with her. "Do you have any kids?"
A small laugh escaped her. "No, no. Lynn has… before."
"Right," Will replied slowly, mind processing her meaning. "How many?"
"Four. Three girls, one boy. My- uh, Anrai's son is still alive, actually. He'll be… forty next month."
"Whoa, I can't imagine what it's like to… to be joined. I mean… I have been joined before, but I don't remember anything about it."
"You've been joined?"
"Long story. But your son is a decade older than you. Isn't that weird?"
She shrugged. "It doesn't really matter. We're not technically related any more. I was his father, his father died, and now he isn't involved with Lynn anymore."
"I'm sorry? I don't follow…"
"My last host, Anrai, had Rei. Anrai died five years ago and I was given Lynn." Pell looked over at Will then, noticing the look of confusion in his face as he fast tried to comprehend the complexities of her culture. "But rules now prevent me from seeing him. It's for the best…"
"I guess it would have to be."
"Yes… could you image if there weren't laws like that? Everyone on Trill would some how be relate- either through blood or married, or joining."
They both laughed slightly, thinking of the absurd thought. "Well… this is my stop. Good-bye, Will. Good-bye, Elizabeth."
"'bye."
"Good day, Ambassador."
"Pell, please," she said just as the doors shut.
/-/-/-/
/- Around the Same Time
Will glanced up at Deanna, handing her the half empty plate. She nodded uninterestedly at what he had said, taking the plate and setting it on top of the others. Silently, she told the replicator the recycle them, turning away to finish cleaning up.
"How's Jabez doing? Better, I hope?"
"Yes, the sessions are going well." Will sighed, scratching the back of his neck. He looked over at the Betazoid, irritated by her lack of interest in conversation that night.
"What do you think about the Council members?" He asked, looking over to his wife. She just shrugged, not looking away from her work. "What is it? You've been quiet today."
"Nothing… I couldn't help noticing that you've been spending a lot of time with the Trill Ambassador."
Will looked over at her, suddenly grinning. "Deanna… are you jealous?"
"Jealous? Hardly."
"Well… there's nothing going on between the two of us. We're… we're friends."
"If you say so."
"Deanna, she's married-"
"And so are you."
"You didn't let me finished… she's married to a twenty-seven year old, female Trill. She's hardly interested."
"Doesn't mean you aren't."
His mouth dropped hearing her words, a response not able to come to his lips. "I- I can't believe I just heard you say that. Deanna, I am interested in her only as a friend and as an ambassador. Nothing more."
She shook her head, turning away from him. "Deanna… this isn't fair."
"Whatever, Will."
"Deanna, don't walk away."
"I can walk anywhere I want."
"Deanna," he sighed, taking a few steps forward, his anger slowly changing to annoyance.
She spun around violently, halting Will's movements. Looking at him, she said calmly. "I am going to take a nice, long shower… unless you have a problem with me walking there."
Will looked away, closing his eyes. He could almost sense her turn away. He heard the door close, knowing she was gone.
He sighed. He hated fighting with her… but it was far worse when he didn't even know what they were fighting about.
Oh well, leave her be for the moment and talk to her later. Perhaps then he could try to pretend like he knew what was going through her mind.
/-/-/-/
/- Around the Same Time
Amen sighed, his face one of disgust. He shook his head, muttering something to himself.
"No, no, no…" Another shake moved his hair from his face. "All wrong. Absolutely horrific."
A groan sounded from his throat as he tossed his brush on the paint-covered rag. He shook his head again as he stepped back from his stool. Turning his head this way and that, his eyes looked for the proper angle. But he found none.
Amen sighed, sitting back down in his chair. "Something is wrong. Something… it needs… hmm… I don't know…"
Amen's gaze drifted back to the window, eyes blinking back the radiant beams of light. It was past noon and still he had not completed what he had hoped to.
Painting, he thought, would help quiet his mind but instead it only brought out more questions he didn't yet have answers to. Questions he hadn't yet been able to ponder.
But it was one question that had been bugging him for the past few days. One he needed a quick answer to. But what…?
"Red." The single word echoed quietly in the room as Amen turned back to the painting. "More red here, I think."
His hands worked easily and naturally, gliding the paint over the canvas. A few seconds later, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Not bad. Not done, but not bad."
A sigh escaped him as he rinsed the brush and put it down in its place. Rubbing his hands with the old rag, he stood and walked behind his desk, the fantasy of his painting leaving him as he activated his console.
The screen remained blank a few minutes as he waited for the Lieutenant to get a hold of the man he asked to speak with. Finally the screen activated, a familiar face appearing.
"Commander Jaron."
"President Amen," the Mikolian said, his face void of emotion. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Yes… where are you now?"
/-/-/-/
/- Around the Same Time
Will sighed, tossing the PADD back onto his desk. Rubbing his eyes tiredly, Will leaned back in the chair, allowing his mind to wonder away from the recent reports.
Captain Jayton had reported that he had properly distributed the supplied among all the ships and were currently on their way to patrol Alliance space.
True, Will was pleased that they were adjusting well to the newest assignment they faced. And he was worried about what might be brewing in the Federation. But, at that moment, he just couldn't bring himself to really care.
Pushing himself from the chair, Will stood before the floor to ceiling window. Not much of anything could be seen from there. He sighed, thinking of the planet they were head for.
Bajor was gorgeous from space, he remembered. Even the planet itself was said to hold one of the greatest beauties in the quadrant. Will sighed. He couldn't imagine that the Cardassians would leave much of that wonder untouched.
The short, tuneless melody of the chime hit his ears. He turned slowly to look at the door. He could sense that it was Deanna behind it, standing there on the bridge waiting for entrance. Their connection was one of those rare wonders in the galaxy, just like Bajor. It might not be visible, and it might not be understood, but it was to be cherished nonetheless.
He took a deep breath. He still didn't understand what had set her off early. He honestly didn't care. He just wanted to understand; he wanted to fix whatever had upset her.
The chime sounded again and Will answered. The doors opened with his simple words, Deanna pausing only a second before entering. He watched her closely, noting immediately that she, unlike him, wore her civilian clothes. Lavender Betazed silk flowing gracefully to the ground.
Will's eyes wandered up, catching hers, a soft smile gracing his lips…
/-/-/-/
/- A Week Later
"The wormhole is opening."
Sisko nodded with a sigh. "Our Dominion ship?"
"Yes."
"Lifesigns?" he asked the Trill to his right.
She glanced down at her console before looking back up at the Captain. "One changeling, one Vorta, and seven Jem'Hadar."
Sisko nodded again, exhaling as he looked to his first officer "I don't like this," the Bajoran woman said, arms crossed over the chest of her dress uniform.
"I know."
Looking back toward the view screen, his eyes caught the wormhole close, the Dominion ship left against the dark background.
"Chief, how much longer until the Enterprise reaches us?"
"About two hours, sir."
"They're requesting docking permission," Dax reported, looking up at her Captain.
"Tell them Pylon Three."
"Aye, Captain."
"Major. Is Odo-"
"Already there and with two officers," she interrupted, walking with him to the turbolift.
"Very good," the Ops crew could hear as they disappeared.
/-/-/-/
/- Around the Same Time
"Did you know that I've never actually seen a Jem'Hadar?" Pell commented as she walked from Riker's Ready Room. The two glanced up to see the other four Ambassadors waiting to leave, Data positioned easily in the Captain's chair.
"See you in a few, Data," he said quickly, the android nodding his head in acknowledgment. "Really?" Riker then said, looking back over to the Trill next to him. "Me neither, come to think of it. Nor a Vorta… changeling once."
"Constable Odo?"
"I believe that was his name."
She smiled, looking up at Lwaxana. "I don't believe that the Ambassador has seen any either. Isn't that right?"
"Pell, William, I doubt that anyone outside of this station and those that have gone through the wormhole has seen them. Now can we hurry along?"
"She must have a hot date," the Trill whispered in Riker's ear.
"I heard that." The two laughed and continued, hiding their smirks as they stepped onto the turbolift. "Airlock four."
"So, you must be the new edition to the… uh-"
"Alliance Council."
"Right," Riker said with a nod, extending his hand to the young Vigolian. "Captain Riker."
"Yes. Ambassador Lyson Moricz."
Riker nodded, looking away. All of the others were quiet, watching the door as they waited for it to open. He sighed, glancing back at Lyson Moricz. He had only even seen a Vigolian once before, and then it had been a brief encounter.
Light blue scales had grown along his jaw and a few covered his temples. His black hair was long and covered the tips of his ears and most of the back of his neck. The roots of his hair were naturally streaked blue to match his many scales. Moricz glanced over at him, Riker looking away at the sight of his mechanical looking eyes, ones much resembling Geordie's implants.
The lifted finally slowed, its doors opening to allow them out into the hall. Lwaxana led the way, Pell, Pok, and Moricz following. T'Pel stepped out after them, Riker at her side.
"Data?" Riker said as they approached the airlock.
"Captain."
"Weren't you just-"
"I came to ask your permission to meet with friends on Deep Space Nine."
The Captain sighed, looking back behind himself a second before looking back at the android. "Yeah, of course, but-"
"I placed Commander Worf in command of the Bridge."
"Right. Well, shall we?"
Lwaxana nodded, stepping aside to allow Riker to type in his access code, releasing the hatch. The seven stepped into the airlock, Riker glancing behind him as the door rolled into place.
It was a mere second later before the room was equalized with the station and the other door rolled open, Captain Sisko and Major Kira standing there to greet them.
"Captain Riker," Sisko said with a nod.
"Captain Sisko, it's nice to meet you under better circumstances."
The man nodded his agreement, gesturing then to the Bajoran next to him. "This is my first officer, Major Kira."
Lwaxana stepped forward, T'Pel and Pell behind her. "It's good to be here again."
Sisko smiled, a knowing looking behind his eyes. "Yes, Ambassador, it is. Please, Ambassadors," he then looked the all of them. "This way." Stepping away, the Captain walked slowly to the right leading the Ambassadors away.
Riker stepped down, his first officer a step behind him. Kira smiled as she waited for the two to come down. "How have you been, Captain?"
"Pretty good, all things considering," he said with a smirk, turning quickly to glance at the Ambassador.
"Captain?" Riker turned and immediately nodded at the silent question. Data walked away, Kira not bothered to offer her assistance for she already knew he would not need it.
"So, are we going to catch up with them or sneak away?"
The Major grinned, almost wickedly. "It's not like we're going to be of any help."
"True, but I don't think they care if we do anything. It's really all about how many people are there so that they seem more important when they're the one's talking."
She smirked. "You may be right… we should get going."
"Right," he sighed, walking with her down the hall.
/-/-/-/
/- A Few Days Later
"Beverly!"
"Over here!"
"Over where? Oh!"
Beverly smirked, amused at having startled her empathic friend as she left her office. "Sorry." Setting her hand on the back of Deanna's back, the doctor led her over to the exam room. "What can I do for you?"
Deanna looked up to see Beverly step away and organize a few PADDs, saying, "Well, I haven't been feeling too well."
"Oh…" Beverly turned around quickly, "I didn't realize this was a doctor visit. I'm sorry."
"That's alright."
"Sit down. Sit." Deanna did as told, sighing. "What- what seems to be the problem?"
Deanna looked at her friend. She sighed, hesitantly admitting, "Stomach aches."
"Any vomiting?"
"A little… three times this week."
Crusher looked up at her, a frown on her lips. Deanna looked down at her hands instead, sensing the obvious disapproval of her timing. "When?"
"Once this morning… and Twice yesterday."
The doctor nodded, running the scanner over Deanna's body, her eyes focused on the tricorder readings. "Hmm."
"Hmm? What's 'hmm' mean?"
Crusher looked up, her face one of surprise. "Well… you have elevated levels of hCG."
"Which means?"
"Which means," Crusher echoed, "that you are… pregnant."
Deanna paused completely, her mind going bank. And then, just as suddenly, it started up again, thousands of questions running through her mind.
"What-? H-?… Pregnant?"
"Yes!" Beverly's grin threatened to split her face as she watched in wonder of her friend's confused emotions. "You're going to have another, healthy child."
Deanna closed her eyes, forcing her mind to quiet. A smile grew on her lips as the reality sank in. "I'm going to be a mom again." She paused. "Is it a boy or girl?"
"A-"
"Wait! Never mind. Don't tell me. Not yet."
"Okay. Secret safe with me."
/-/-/-/
/- Around the Same Time
Sisko stepped aside, letting the Ambassadors walk in before him. The five passed by, paying no attention to him as they went. Quickly, though, their attention was captured by what was in the conference room.
The Captain looked away from them, seeing that Riker and Kira were taking up the rear. "Major Kira, you may go now. Thank-you."
She nodded to both the Captains, a short good-bye directed towards Will. Then the Bajoran walked on, heading back to Ops.
Riker sighed, looked into the room. "I guess my job here is done." Sisko nodded. Riker smirked as he looked back at the man. "Have fun." The African American Captain sighed, shaking his head as Riker turned away.
Sisko took a hesitant step inside, the doors finally able to close. His eyes scanned over the room, halting when they spotted the Jem'Hadar at the back of the room. He was unarmed, but, as the first, he insisted on protecting the Founder.
Which brought his eye forward. Finding the female shape-shifter sitting comfortably in a chair. Weyoun respectively standing behind her. It seemed that it was hardly allowed for him to sit beside one of his gods.
Walking farther into the room Sisko's gaze caught the two Bajoran guards standing by the far wall, Starfleet officers standing back at the door. He looked to see that the five Council members were already seated, the Betazoid already speaking to the Founder.
"Captain Sisko." He looked over at Weyoun, aware that the Vorta's outburst had centered all attention on him.
"Weyoun."
"Please join us, Captain," the Vorta said, his voice as sly and manipulative as he recalled.
"I'm afraid I can't. This is far more for their skills. Weyoun, Ambassadors…" his eyes settled on the Founder, unnerved by the intensity of her grey eyes. She looked just like Odo, thought somehow he imagined it was only to appease the segregated shape-shifter.
"I am afraid I do not know your name."
"I have none."
"Right." Sisko inhaled deeply, nodding at the Ambassadors. Turning quickly, he fled from the room.
"What is it that you want from us?"
Lwaxana turned her attention back to the Founder, surprised to hear the voice. It was old, gravely almost. But at the same time, it was young and strong.
Pell spoke first, finding words to say faster than the others. "Quiet frankly, we want the Dominion out of the Alpha Quadrant."
The Founder titled her head to the side, something resembling smile on her lips. "But the Dominion is not in the Alpha Quadrant."
Lwaxana sighed, nodding. "What Ambassador Lynn meant was that we want your assurances that the Dominion will have no farther participation in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants."
"The Federation does not control all those areas of space."
"The Federation," Lwaxana jumped in, "is no longer your concern."
"I see." The Ambassador shifted at the sound of the Founder's voice. "But you did not answer the question."
"We control your entrance into these quadrants," T'Pel replied in monotone.
"Yes, very true. But you must know that the Dominion has no intent on… conquering your quadrants. If that is your fear."
"No… no, that's not it," said Lyson Moricz.
"We'd just prefer to have no Dominion activities in the Alpha Quadrant. At least not for some time."
The Founder tilted her head again, Lwaxana's brow creasing as she tried to understand the gesture. "And what, may I ask, will the Dominion benefit from this agreement?"
Lwaxana leaned forward, looking the Founder in the eye. "We will not enter the Gamma Quadrant as long as you do not enter ours."
/-/-/-/
/- September, Three Weeks Later
"Captain's Log: Stardate: 37409.12.
"We've been here for over… four weeks. And so far nothing has been accomplished. At least they say it's going well… I just don't believe that.
"The Dominion have stalled the talks twice already… they just walked right out… Luckily Pok is one of the best speed-talkers in the quadrant, or so Ambassador Troi tells me. She says that he's saved many treaties before with his abilities. I knew they kept him around for-
"No, computer, delete last sentence."
"Sentence deleted," the computer reported.
Riker stood, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I fear that the Dominion has never been interested in any kind of peace-treaty with the… I almost said Federation… with us here in the alpha quadrant… I guess is what I mean.
"I'll admit that all this Alliance and Federation stuff still confused me. I hardly even know who's who and all."
He paused again. "Computer, delete last paragraph."
"Paragraph, deleted."
"Uh," he stuttered, collecting his thoughts, "Ambassador Troi tells me that it may still be a while before they're prepared to leave… if that means they're staying until they get results, it may be a while…
"Computer… end log."
/-/-/-/
/- A Week Later
A silence had fallen around the conference room. Pell took the time to sip at the water in front of her, swallowing as she organized the thoughts running through her head into sentences.
"We cannot accept this agreement," the Founder said after a few moments, looking up at the five council members before her.
"What about this are you so against!" Pell shouted suddenly. "If your claims that you have no interests in this region are true, why do you want to come here?"
The Founder paused, eyes falling on the Trill. "That is not true. We have interest in helping you, not conquering you."
Pok leaned forward, folding his hands in front of him. "But, what we are saying is that, we don't want your help. Don't need it."
The Vulcan's fell on the unnaturally smooth of the Founder. Her dark eyes looked at the grey ones that were left visible only because of the slicked back style she wore her hair. T'Pel was unaffected by the dullness of the Founder's eyes.
"If we have no desire for you to help us, you no longer have reason to be here."
T'Pel's logic made the Founder nod. She leaned forward before saying, "That is true, but would you so blindly turn help away?"
"This is hardly a blind decision."
"Are you sure, Ambassador Troi? Have you and your council truly thought through the possibilities the Dominion can offer you?" Lwaxana said nothing. She just leaned back in her chair.
"Can you really say that there is nothing the Dominion has that you would not like for yourself?"
"That may be the case," Lwaxana startled slowly, "But, perhaps, these things you want to help us with, we must first try to fix ourselves? Maybe in time, your assistance will be more… easily accepted. But not now."
/-/-/-/
/- About the Same Time
"Relax, buddy, she has eyes only for you."
Julian looked at the hologram, "Uh, thanks… I guess."
"Alright. I gotta get back up there, but just remember: stay calm and ask her to dance."
"Dance?" He squeaked out.
"Yeah. Ya know. Dance- hold a person and move with the music. I'm outta here."
"Wait, Vic!" He called as the hologram jumped onto stage.
"Miss me?"
Julian turned around quickly and smiled, seeing Jadzia before him. Relieving her one hand of the glass she held, he put on a sly smirk and answered, "Every second."
Jadzia took a slow sip of the liquid, wincing when she swallowed. "I didn't know holographic drinks could taste real."
"Yeah, that's Felix for you," Julian laughed, not daring to taste the stuff as he glance up at Vic.
"This is an oldie but a goodie. Now, gather up a partner." Vic winked at Julian, turning to lead the band before he started singing. The doctor listened for a moment but couldn't identify the song.
With a deep breath, he stepped closer to Jadzia, setting his drink down. "Would you care to dance?"
Dax smiled, finding herself being swept up in the program, enjoying how well Julian's costume and British accent mixed. Accepting his hand, she stood from her seat. "I would love to."
Julian led her to the dance floor, which was nothing more than room left between the tables and stage. Slipping his hand into hers, he set his other on her hip, Jadzia placing hers on his shoulder.
With a deep breath, Julian tried to remember all the dance lessons he had received when he was younger. But nothing came back. Instead he just moved with the music, willing it to make him dance.
Julian relaxed, finally noticing how warm her body was against his, melting wonderfully against him. Slowly, he moved his hand from her hip, slipping it onto the small of her back. She didn't seem to mind. In fact, she set her head against his chest.
They stayed like that for some time, just rocking slowly with the music, Vic's voice seeming far in the distance. It seemed like eternity before the song ended, by they stayed where they were. Who cared who saw them- they were all holograms anyway.
But as soon as that song ended, another one began and it no longer mattered.
Julian's eyes slide closed, allowing himself to enjoy the sweet scent of her hair and the feel of their bodies close to each other. But slowly, he felt her lift her head from his chest. He looked, catching her eyes.
There was a soft, content smile on her lips; that beautifully insane gleam in her eyes. The same look she got when she was about to do something wild or unexpected. And indeed it was for Julian.
For just a moment, he stiffed when he lips meet his, unsure of just what she had done. But quickly he relaxed, enjoying the tender kiss. It seemed to both that it was an eternity later that Jadzia pulled away, a smile playing in her eyes.
Julian smiled, feeling a soft blush burning in his cheeks. But, if she had noticed, she said nothing. Instead, Dax rested her head back under his chin, tightening her hold around him.
/-/-/-/
/- Three Weeks Later
"Deanna!"
"Hey." A hesitant smile fell on her lips and she walked farther into the Sickbay. "So, where do you want me?"
"Right over there." Beverly watched Deanna head over to the biobed, looking away to pick up her instruments. "No Will? I would have thought that he'd come with you."
There was no answer at first and she turned to see if her friend had heard her answer. Deanna was looking down at her hands, contemplating them as if they were the most interesting thing in the world.
"Deanna? Will does know… you're here, right?"
"No. I didn't tell."
"Why not? He could have come down-" Beverly stopped mid-sentence, her feet stopping as well. Deanna finally looked up, regarding her friend closely. "You haven't even told him about the baby yet, have you?"
A quiet whisper came from her lips. Beverly didn't hear the word, but knew what it was.
"It's been three weeks."
"I know! But… but he's so busy lately and whenever I try to say something, we're just interrupted or…. Or the words just don't come out."
"Well you have to tell him some time."
"I know. I know. But…"
Beverly freed her hands of the tricorder, gently seating herself besides Deanna. Brushing the woman's arm, Beverly caught her eye. "But what, hon?"
"I don't know." She took a deep, audible breath. "Tomorrow."
"Tonight."
"He's on duty tonight."
"Then go see him. No one will say anything off you pull him off the bridge- except maybe him."
Deanna laughed at Beverly's thoughtful expression, the empath knowing where her friend's thoughts were going. Her husband would certainly not enjoy behind pulled from work, not until he knew why.
"How about," Beverly started, catching Deanna's attention. "I finished this up and then you head off to tell Will? Sound good?"
"I guess."
Patting her friend's knee, Crusher stood and picked up the tricorder. "Good."
/-/-/-/
/- About the Same Time
"Deanna?"
"Hey," she whispered, giving him a small smile. "What are you working on?"
"Nothing important." She nodded, crossing her arms over her chest as she walked slowly toward his desk. She stopped in front of it, her stomach just barely touching the edge. "Just finishing some reports."
She nodded again. "So… can I talk to you then?"
"Yeah." He typed something quickly, looking up at her. "Shoot." Deanna, taking a deep breath, swallowed hard. "You okay?"
"Yeah, um…" She looked away, pausing to collect her thoughts. And then looked back at him. "I've been trying to find a way to say this for a while and, um-"
"Captain, there is an emergency transmission."
Riker glanced at Deanna, tapping his combadge, saying, "I'll be right out." Then, tapping it a second time, he looked back at his wife. "Can this wait?"
Closing her eyes, she dropped her head to her chest. "Yeah."
"Okay." He stood the, walking quickly around the table and to the door.
"I'm pregnant."
The hushed words reached Will's ears just as his foot stepped over his office's threshold. He froze, mind blanking as the words sunk in. He forgot for that moment that something urgent had called him away. He forgot that he was exposed to the bridge's eyes and that all were now watching him.
With a deep breath, he turned slowly, pivoting his body as his eyes found his wife. Her arms were crossed over her chest, protective of her stomach. She sat half on his desk, her foot on the ground to support her. Her head was down, chin on chest. But slowly, she looked up.
Brown eyes met blue. His were empty for a moment, fear and confusion the first emotions to sink in, but not completely. A small smirk started to tug at his lip, Deanna sensing joy somewhere in him.
But as soon as the moment began, it was destroyed. A crackling of white noise sounded loudly on the bridge, drawing Riker's attention away. The view screen flickered to life, static creeping over the edges and down the middle.
Nonetheless, a face was visible beneath; a woman in a Starfleet uniform. He noticed she was black; the mark on her neck showing her to be a Telkra was by pure chance.
With a glance back at Deanna, Riker finished his earlier path onto the bridge, turning to face the Telkra woman. She has already begun to talk, but most of their words were lost and distorted by the static of the bad connection.
"I… Commander Hayd… lliance outpost 375... under attack. The enemy ship is unknown…. sending visual feed…"
"We're having trouble understanding-"
"Don't come after... started evacuation… Captain-"
The screen became fuzzier, turning off suddenly. Riker spun around. "Get it back! Get her back!"
"I can't, sir. She's gone."
Will sighed, eyes falling back on the screen, DS9 there rather than the Telkra. "What about the image of the ships, Data?"
The android looked up. "They appear to be Mikolian."
Will's face hardened, his body tensing. Slowly his head turned, finding Deanna in the doorway of his ready room. He swallowed hard, one work on his lips:
"Amen."
/-/-/-
Picard's alive? And who thought he was dead? Come on...
I love Tayd! I just had to mention that because scene between him and Lwaxana were an absolute delight to write.
Okay, beyond that, I didn't have time to re-read this chapter (because it was either I didn't or you didn't get a chapter before I leave for school...) Either way, I hope to see some of your thoughts at the close of Year 3. Keep an eye out for Year 4, it'll be up soon!
