The second morning after Macen's capture had arrived. T'Kir maintained a stoic attitude. A layer of volatility seethed under the surface but she had surprised Riker with her level of control. He'd been concerned for her ever since her abortive attempt to hijack the ship.

The ship and crew had pushed hard for the last forty hours. They'd only had to drop below warp 9 once. Even then it had been a choice between blowing up and slowing.

Riker had already privately informed T'Kir of his plans to stop at DS9. Her eyes had flashed with anger but she remained silent. Dracas insisted upon at least eight hours to overhaul the engines. It wouldn't be a complete job but it would alleviate the worst problems.

Having the opportunity to have the station's engineers support the crew was a priceless gem. Twice as much work could be accomplished during the limited span of time. It was the best offer they'd get within the foreseeable future.

Riker had already commed ahead and set up a strategy planning session with Kira, Vaughn, Dax and Sam Bowers. Ro Laren had already announced her intention of sitting in on the session despite its purpose being outside her purview as the station's Chief of Security. Permission to attend had come at Vaughn's behest.

Riker was bringing T'Kir, Daggit, Radil and Grace to the meeting. That covered the usual Investigation Team and Riker's 2nd Officer. He wished he could bring Shannon Forger but she needed her sleep. Riker needed her fresh and alert when the time came for her to be on the bridge. He would brief her during her next shift.

"Now entering the Bajoran sector." Grace's announcement shattered Riker's reverie, "Bajor system in one hour twenty minutes. Add another thirty minutes or so to reach DS9 at sublight."

"Excellent Helm." Riker commended her, "Carry on. T'Kir, if you would join me in the Ready Room?"

T'Kir shrugged and rose out of her place in the XO's chair. Riker rose, straightened his flightsuit and gave Grace her final orders, "You have the ship, Grace."

Ceryx padded over from his place at an auxiliary station and relieved Grace at the helm. She made her way to the Captain's seat and lowered herself into it.

Speaking to the OPS officer, Grace issued her first order, "Continue scanning for traffic. We're headed for a commercial centre so we're bound to have a lot of company."

"Yes, ma'am." The OPS rating crisply replied.

Once inside the Ready Room, Riker seated himself behind Macen's desk. T'Kir, breaking tradition, decided to forgo the couch and instead took one of the two chairs arrayed in front of the desk. She was visibly upset.

"Don't get too comfortable, Tom." she irritably remarked, "We'll be getting Brin back."

Riker leaned forward to lean on his elbows. Folding his hands together, he spoke, "A temporary redoubt to be sure."

"Just remember that when the time comes to give up command." T'Kir warned.

"T'Kir, on average I'm in command for ninety percent of my shift and usually part of Shannon's. Why would I need to cling to the Captain's seat?"

T'Kir paused, grew uncertain and then blurted out, "I don't know. Just don't."

Riker grinned, "I'm duly warned. Now, about your strategy proposals, any thoughts?"

"A straight forward assault." T'Kir described, "We use elements of the Security details of both the Obsidian and the Defiant and tear wherever they're holding Brin apart."

Riker looked pained, "Have you ever thought that they'd execute him before we could reach him? What about the hostages? We can't abandon them."

T'Kir waved her hand as if swatting an insect, "Of course we rescue the hostages. That's a given."

"And how do we locate them?" Riker enquired.

"All right. My idea sucks. Let up already." T'Kir stuck out her lower lip.

Riker wearily shook his head, "That ploy may work with Brin but it's wasted on me."

"Spoilsport." T'Kir stuck out her tongue.

"You're free to go. Ask Daggit to come in here." Riker requested.

"Yessir, Boss Man!" T'Kir hopped to her feet and she exited the Ready Room.

"What a nut." Riker murmured.

Riker and the SID team members invited to the planning conference sat across from the station staff. Kira had requested an update of the SID's progress thus far. In exchange, she offered a synopsis of Starfleet Intelligence's latest reports. Now she opened the meeting to operations planning.

"My information is that the Defiant once again has a Romulan cloaking device." Riker said, "Is this true?"

Vaughn nodded, "The Star Empire equipped the latest ship with a cloak. They feel that since we're the frontline defence against a resurgent offence by the Dominion that we should have every advantage available."

"That plays in perfectly with my proposal." Riker announced, "My suggestion is that the Obsidian openly enter the Chandillan system. The Defiant would trail us under cloak. Once we were intercepted by the local defensive forces, the Defiant could position herself to best help the Obsidian."

Riker paused before continuing, "The Obsidian would directly negotiate for the prisoners' release. If hostilities broke out then Commander Vaughn's forces could come into play and help even out the odds somewhat."

"Do you have any estimate of the Chandillans' defensive strength?" Kira enquired.

"No." Riker admitted, "Given that this was presumably a Bajoran colony, I'm assuming the worst. Given Bajor's armaments program and the Militia's strength I'd have to estimate that they have somewhere in the neighbourhood of twenty-five vessels."

Vaughn whistled, "If that's true, then we'd be hard pressed if hostilities do break out."

"Pressed but not out of options." Riker countered, "Odds are that the force will be spread out across several systems, patrolling for threats. The home force should be fairly small and the Defiant's opening sneak attack will cripple several ships at the outset. The combined jamming capabilities of both ships should prevent the homeworld from contacting reinforcements."

Vaughn rubbed his chin before grinning, "You've thought this out, Commander."

It was Riker's turn to grin, "I did my best."

Vaughn laced his fingers, "Well, Captain, I think we've heard a workable option."

"But is it the best plan, Commander?" Kira asked.

Vaughn wore a rueful grin, "I came up with the same plan. It seems to maximise our assets without exposing us to unacceptable risk."

Kira considered this for a moment and then nodded once, "I agree. Good luck and may the Prophets be with you."

Kira turned to Ro, "Is Pytor Boromov in protective custody?"

"He's being guarded by personnel that have had no contact with Kara Gena or her accomplices."

"Good." Kira said firmly, "Everyone is dismissed."

Astris paced back in forth. She glanced out of the living area's large window. The sky was brilliant and the city stretched out before her. She wished the beauty could alleviate her nerves. Kara had been gone for almost an hour now and she was sorely tempted to exit and go exploring.

Too soon, Astris chided herself, wait until you've gained Gena's trust.

In an effort to establish her credentials as a harmless prisoner Astris had listened to Kara's endless assurances of her safety and a promise from Kara that she would not allow any of the "honoured guests" to come to harm. The saddest part of it was that Astris believed her. Her being in Kara's flat ran contrary to Garane's wishes.

In the end, Astris had comforted Kara. They'd gone to bed and enjoyed a bout of lovemaking that was nearly frightening in its intensity. The raw honesty that came with all of their secrets being laid bare opened up a new dimension that enthralled Astris. Their relationship had a reached a new pinnacle. Astris was loathe to destroy it with her newfound secret.

I must, Astris reminded herself, no matter what it costs me personally. I must gather my wits about me and seize the first available opportunity to escape.

Resolved, Astris began striding for the front door when it suddenly opened. Kara breezed in and radiantly smiled, "I just spoke with Proconsul Garane. Your being here has been authorised."

Astris frowned, "And if it hadn't?"

"You'd be here anyway." Kara replied, "Or aboard our ship."

"You have access to a ship?" Hope rose within Astris' heart.

"Of course." Kara laughed, "Don't you remember?"

"I didn't see much of it." Astris dryly reminded Kara, "What type is it?"

"It's a Q-ship." Kara answered, "We took a stock Nue Yards freighter and converted her into a gunship."

Astris reflected on that. The Nue Yards were Bajor's largest shipbuilding concern. Nue Efram was most likely the most prosperous person on Bajor. His favour had created other, lesser commercial empires.

The conversion had to have taken place away from Bajor. Astris inquired as to where the work had been done. Kara promptly informed her that the modifications and refit had been done at Morrifate.

Astris was aghast. Morrifate was the primary supplier of raiders to the Orion Syndicate and independent pirate captains. Outside of the Federation, Starfleet was hamstrung as to what to do. The Federation Council had imposed a trade embargo but it was next to useless since illegitimate concerns financed Morrifate's shipyards.

"They're criminals!" Astris protested.

Kara shrugged, "They were quite accommodating."

"Of course they were accommodating!" Astris shouted, "Latinum is latinum after all. You couldn't go to a legitimate shipyard because, after all, how can you legitimise a damned illegal operation?"

To her credit, in Astris' opinion, Kara wavered for an instant before replying, "It is a legitimate operation in the eyes of my government. Chandilla is my homeworld, Beru. It is more of a home to me than Bajor ever was. After experiencing life in the Federation I'll admit that some of its views are provincial but it's where I came from."

"Came from?" Astris repeated.

Kara squirmed, "I made my home with you, Beru. I don't want to leave your side."

"Are you certain you haven't already?" Astris asked.

"I hope I haven't." Kara's voice quavered slightly.

"You'll have to choose." Astris predicted, "Before this is over you'll have to make a choice between me and this life."

"Please," Kara pleaded in a whisper, "don't force me to."

Astris closed the distance between them and gently stroked Kara's cheek, "It's inevitable, my love."

A single tear trickled down Kara's cheek. She forced herself to remain calm despite the roiling emotions tearing her apart. Suppressing her fervent desire to sob, she spoke in an emotionless tone.

"Things are happening in the dormitory. You're needed."

Astris sighed. Her hopes were quashed. She'd seen the indecision in Kara's eyes and had momentarily felt her estranged partner would choose her over the madness of the Chandillan position. Now it seemed her anticipation was in vain. She wearily followed Kara out into the corridor and to the lift.

When Kara and Astris arrived, the dormitory was in chaos. Dozens of planetary leaders had arrived during Astris' absence. Gelt bristled when he saw Astris arrive but he remained where he was, content to unleash sullen stares. The entire room was centred on four figures.

During the planetary night, Gant Delane and the three Terran presidents had arrived. The beleaguered Federation President was in a defensive posture as a score of various sentients tried to push their way past Wynter, Parsons and Schrieber. Astris noted that Kirov was removed from the throng and was sadly shaking his head.

Astris dove into the crowd and waded through it. Reaching the human presidents she turned and began shouting at the encroaching, panicked public officials. She punched the closest leader in the nose. Next, she slapped the Duchess of Palegonia across the face. The crowd subsided and gave her room.

"Look at you!" Astris shouted, "You're like a nest of Cardassian voles salivating over a piece of detritus. If your constituents could see you now, what would they think?"

"The lady is right." Kirov called from the rear, "You're making fools of yourselves. Let the man have room and he'll set aside time to meet with you later."

The crowd began to disperse. They spread out across the common area and took seats at the tables or stood milling about. Astris turned and faced Delane. The three humans had dropped their arms and the Edosian was able to extend one of his hands in friendship. Astris accepted it.

Delane smiled, "My thanks Minister."

"I'm only doing what any ex-Starfleet officer would do, Mr. President." Astris grinned and wiped a strand of hair out of her eyes.

"Quite effectively I'd say." Delane chuckled.

"Hello." Amelia Wynter thrust out her hand, "I don't think we've ever been introduced. I'm Amelia Wynter."

Astris shook her hand, "The esteemed President of Earth. Yes, I know who you are. I'm Astris Beru."

Schrieber came next, "Korista Schrieber. Call me Kori. I think you've earned the privilege."

Astris laughed, "Only if you call me Beru."

Schrieber smiled ear to ear, "It's a deal."

Parsons approached, "I'll admit I'm impressed. Drake Parsons is the name."

"That name is attached to a purported ladies' man." Astris wore a wry smile.

"Interested?"

"You're not my type." Astris replied.

"I can become your type." Parsons assured her.

"Not without a sex change operation." Astris dryly revealed.

The rest of the entourage laughed and Parsons shook his head, "That's a little more extreme then I'm willing to go."

"Too bad." Astris said mischievously, "I think you'd make a handsome woman."

"'Handsome' would be the word for it." Parsons muttered.

"Say," Delane was staring at the entrance, "isn't that your Legal Minister?"

"Yes," Astris said forlornly, "it is."

"Is she one of them?" Wynter asked.

"Yes." Astris answered in a dead monotone.

"You and she are, were, close." Wynter added.

"Yes." came the monotone reply.

Kirov approached and interceded, "Our dear Beru is utilising her romantic relationship with Minister Kara to affect an escape."

"A dangerous gambit." Delane commented, "The personal cost may be more than you're willing to pay."

"I'm not sure how much I'm willing to pay for our freedom." Astris admitted, "If Kara is willing to help then we have a future. Opposition will only breed resentment."

That caused a lull in the conversation. Kirov recovered first and took Wynter's hand, "My dearest Amelia, so good to see you again."

Wynter indulgently smiled, "You have always been a charmer, Vladimir."

Kirov sighed, "For all the good it does me."

"Vlad, your wife and I are friends." Wynter lectured, "You two may have an open marriage but I'm not quite that liberal."

"Too bad." Kirov murmured.

"How is it you've never come on to me?" Schrieber queried Kirov.

"Your tastes are a little wild even for me. I prefer one on one encounters not pluralistic sexual extravaganzas."

"You're no fun." Schrieber pouted.

"Can we focus people?" Delane asked, "One of our captors is giving Ms. Astris venomous looks and her Legal Minister is approaching."

Astris turned and falsely smiled, "Gena, come meet the Federation President."

Kara smiled with genuine delight, "Mr. President. I'm so honoured to have you here."

"An invitation usually works, Minister." Delane dryly remarked.

Kara blushed, "Hopefully you will soon learn why we had to take the steps we did to insure your presence."

"We'll see." Delane said noncommittally.

"Is there anything I can get you?" Kara asked.

"Yes." Wynter replied, "You can get us a flight out of here."

"You'll have the opportunity to leave after Proconsul Garane explains our proposal."

"She'd better hurry." Schrieber declared, "I've got a Prime Minister that's going to wreak havoc in my absence."

"Same here." Parsons agreed, "Myers has always wanted my job. Even though I've already got a Vice President she'll try and take over."

"I'll see what the Proconsul intends and get back to you." Kara assured them. Turning to Astris, she said, "If Jern gives you any trouble let me know and I'll deal with him."

Astris nodded, "I will. Hurry back."

Kara beamed, "I will. Trust me."

As Kara walked away Astris whispered, "If only I could."

"We're entering orbit." The Helm Officer reported.

Makra swivelled to face him, "Assume standard orbit. Communications, alert the Proconsul's office and inform her that her last honoured guest has arrived."

"Yes, ma'am."

Makra hit her comm badge, "Makra to Nelos."

"Nelos here." came the disembodied reply.

"Bring our guest to the transporter room." Makra ordered, "I'll join you there shortly."

"How many pieces do you want him in?" Nelos asked.

"Only one." Makra chuckled.

"Too bad." Nelos sulked.

"Poor baby." Makra said consolingly, "Get a move on."

"Yes, Captain. Nelos out."

Makra, Nelos and Macen beamed to the central courtyard before the Tower of Cooperation. Macen observed the statues. Their depictions weren't surprising since he'd witnessed the unity of the Bajorans and Cardassians aboard Makra's ship. The level of trust between them was indicative of a common cause.

"Impressive, is it not?" Makra playfully enquired.

"It's a laudable achievement." Macen conceded.

"Move it!" Nelos commanded as she jammed the barrel of her phaser into Macen's back.

"Gently." Makra chided her.

"This is a waste of time." Nelos fumed, "Let's take him straightaway to Interrogation and be done with it. Let the mind probe have him."

"Won't work." Macen predicted.

"The mind probe works on everyone." Nelos sneered, "No one can hide their memories from it."

Macen shrugged, "There's a first time for everything."

Rage threatened to consume Nelos and Makra intervened, "Remember your duty, Jari. The Proconsul wants to personally interview him."

Nelos let out a deep breath, "Come along, Captain Macen. Our Proconsul awaits."

"It'd be my pleasure." Macen said in a chipper voice. Makra led the way and Nelos trailed along. Macen noted everything but he held back on an escape attempt. He wanted to meet this Proconsul and he still had to find a way to help the detainees. Obtaining transportation off of this world was also a must.

So much to do and so little help. Macen mentally sighed.