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Chapter 14

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: I apologize for another delay. I've been very busy at work and had little time for reviewing and editing. Was also on a short trip last weekend, so didn't have much time. I hope you all continue to enjoy. Thank you!

The tension was thick the entire journey to the infirmary, even though no one had spoken a word. Standing to the left, Picard kept stride with Prazak as he led the way swiftly back through the halls of the tower to the military complex below the surface. Even with all the traveling through these same halls he'd done earlier, Picard still imagined he'd find himself lost without the aid of an escort. General Herschel was present as well and even with his injuries, the blonde augment was keeping pace. The cat, Zoja, had stayed behind with the Empress and Marking. Picard remembered hearing that the cat did as she pleased, even though she accompanied Prazak more often than not.

Picard attributed the lack of conversation being due to the ever increasing strain of the current predicament. Sometimes he wonder if the only thing stopping Prazak from cutting down each of the Starfleet personnel was the looming threat that orbited Sardis.

Or it could be the fact that he's not a murderer.

There was that too. Counselor Troi was still insistent that Prazak's tortured past was the man's motivation for his continued existence on Sardis. That and his loyalty to those he serves.

Guinan had said the same thing. Prazak was unquestionably loyal.

And even that was difficult for Picard to wrap his mind around. It was a strange concept based on what the Federation knew about the children of eugenics, as Herschel had called the group. Yet everything Picard had witnessed leaned towards these men being different than what history claimed. And he trusted the words and insight of both his ship's Counselor and his friend in Ten Forward.

If only Starfleet Command felt the same way.

These men had seemed to disprove the belief that all augments were just like Khan. Which brought Picard's mind back his ultimate moral dilemma. If he chose not to arrest Prazak and his two friends, what would he tell Starfleet? How could he convince the admiralty that Prazak was not a threat to the Federation? He'd definitely have to return to the Enterprise and have another discussion with Guinan. Perhaps she'd remembered more about Andrej Prazak now that she knew he was alive.

Her and Counselor Troi.

Troi.

That reminded Picard of another issue nagging in the back of his mind.

"General," Picard said as they walked. "I'd like to ask you a question."

Without looking in Picard's direction, Prazak replied, "Yes?"

Picard inhaled. This was about to get uncomfortable. "I'd like to know what, if anything, is the nature of your relationship with Counselor Troi."

Mid-stride, Prazak froze. Picard halted just as quickly to avoid jostling against the man's arm. Prazak's head swiveled slowly. The expression he wore was one Picard couldn't clearly read.

Herschel paused momentarily. "I'll meet you in the infirmary."

Prazak nodded to his friend, who smirked in return then headed down the passageway.

"What do you mean, Captain?" Prazak asked coolly when they were alone.

"We're both grown men, General." Picard folded his arms over his chest. "I think you know what I mean."

"Do you require your personnel to clear their private relationships with you?" Prazak scoffed.

Picard narrowed his eyes. "General, it's a matter of safety. The safety of my crew. I'm not a fool. I can see what is going on. I do not require my crew to report to me the nature of their personal lives or who they spend their free time with. However, in this circumstance,-"

Prazak cut him off. "You feel your Counselor is in danger because she and I are attracted to one another." It wasn't a question. "I can respect your position, Captain, and I assure you that I know fully well that when you depart she will leave. I would never ask her to stay. I know her heart is with Starfleet. She and I have already spoken about it. But we are two consenting adults, Captain. And you have my word, as a man of honor, that I would not hurt any of your crew. Especially Deanna Troi. So perhaps you can accept that your Counselor is free to make her own decisions. And that neither of us should have to justify anything to you in regards to the matter."

Picard swallowed hard. Prazak was right. And while he hadn't come out and said it, the implication was there. Picard was convinced that Prazak and Troi were sleeping together. As the Captain, he could order Troi to return to the ship, but he knew that wouldn't do any good. And he truly needed her unique skills and perspectives here. Another course of action was to order her to stay away from Prazak if it became necessary. However, at the moment, he did not believe that was the case. Yet.

Managing a small smile, Picard nodded. "You're right, General."

He was pleasantly surprised to see Prazak's demeanor soften. "Believe me, Captain, I understand your position and where you are coming from. As a leader, it is your duty to look out for the best interests of those you command. But like I said, you do not have to worry about Counselor Troi. She is in no danger here. Not from me or anyone else."

Picard nodded slightly. "Thank you."

Prazak gestured down the hall. "We are almost there."

Falling back in step, Picard changed the subject. "How long did it take you to memorize the layout of your facilities?"

"I've been here for a very long time, Captain." Prazak laughed. "And I did help construct this place. But I imagine it was probably about the same for me as it was for you on your starships."

"I see your point," Picard mused.

"Are your starships all designed in the same fashion? I mean, are the layouts the same?" Prazak asked next.

There was nothing in Prazak's tone to indicate his question was anything more than simple curiosity. Still, Picard, chose to keep his answer vague. "Not all of them."

"I imagine it must be quite a magnificent vessel," Prazak stated. "I am no engineer, but I always found the things humans to be capable of quite interesting. One time, back on Earth, I stood beneath the Saturn V rocket that was on display in the United States. I was truly in awe. But I'm sure that is nothing compared to your ships."

"The Saturn V program is an important part of human history," Picard said. "Those scientists laid the groundwork that led others to develop warp technology after the wars. Fast forward a few generations and here we are today."

A thought clicked in Picard's mind just then. He stopped. Prazak did the same. "Captain?"

"General, may I ask how you got here from Earth?"

The edges of the augment's lips curled upward a tad. "I was wondering if you'd ever ask that question."

Arching an eyebrow, Picard waited.

Prazak sighed. "I don't know how much you've learned about our time on Earth after the war."

"Guinan told me a little," Picard replied.

Prazak visibly blinked.

"So you remember her?" Picard smiled.

Scratching his stubble, Prazak grinned. "I do. I haven't thought about her in ages, but that is one woman that is not easily forgotten."

"She said the same about you." Picard chuckled. Prazak must have known that Guinan wasn't human for he didn't seem surprised to hear she was alive. "What she didn't say was how you got here. She didn't know."

"Not many people did," Prazak agreed. "In fact, besides Mister Seven, Ms. Lincoln and a handful of their confidants, no one else knew of our escape."

"Escape? That's an interesting choice of words."

Prazak shrugged. "We escaped persecution. Not because we were guilty of any crimes, but because we were seen as being just as dangerous as Khan. Because of him, our kind were no longer welcome on Earth. Even though we helped save it. The commoners feared us. Governments issued decrees that if an augment was discovered we were to be executed immediately. No charges. No trials. No defense. Just death."

"The war generated fear and panic." Picard frowned.

Prazak nodded. "Sound familiar?"

Picard's eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak, but Prazak held up a hand.

"I do not need to hear excuses, Captain." When Picard closed his lips, Prazak continued. "We fled. Khan's sleeper ship was a prototype, but scientists were already building additional vessels. We managed to remain hidden for almost a year, thanks to Mister Seven, until the next ship was finished. He programmed the ship to bring us here. However, just like Khan we were found before we arrived."

"Wait. How do you know Khan was discovered by another starship?"

Prazak's sly smirk reappeared. "You are not the only one that can access information from other sources. I admit, my tactic was intrusive and slightly unethical, however I had to know more about why Starfleet had come to my planet. We may not look advanced to you, Captain, based on our weaponry, but trust me when I tell you we are more advanced than you think. We only fight with more primitive weapons because they are the best for penetrating the hide, muscle structure, and bones of the Ti'hi."

"You hacked into the Enterprise's databanks?" Picard asked. It sounded unlikely, but what other explanation was there?

Prazak shrugged, ignoring Picard's question. "Anyway, we were found, but not by a Starfleet vessel. It was a merchant ship. When they woke us, we paid the Captain what Seven had given us to bring us to this planet. It wasn't enough for him, so we agreed to work as laborers on board his ship until we reached Sardis. We kept our identities secret, but we were able to communicate thanks to the servos Seven provided. The Captain allowed us to read through the logs and that was how we learned what year it was and about Starfleet in general."

Picard exhaled, not realizing he'd been holding his breath. "Quite a tale."

"At one point during the journey, the merchant ship met with a ship from Starfleet. A supply transfer or something. We worked with the Starfleet personnel that were moving the equipment to their vessel. We were able to see some of the ship. Just the cargo hold and a shuttlecraft. When I saw your shuttlecraft near the Frozen Lake I knew that it was from Starfleet, even though it was more advanced than the one I saw years ago."

"And after that you were brought here?" Picard wanted to know.

Prazak nodded. "Yes. There were no more rendezvous with other vessels and the rest of the journey was relatively boring. Our hosts taught us a game called tongo which we played quite often to pass the time."

Picard chuckled. "You were rescued by the Ferengi."

"It was the first time we saw an alien, with the exception of Guinan, but she looks like you and I, Captain. I didn't really believe Guinan was an alien until later," Prazak responded. "As for the Ferengi, quite a culture shock if you ask me."

"I'm surprised the Captain didn't try to bamboozle you for more money when you arrived here. Ferengi are notorious traders and hustlers."

Prazak ignored the remark. "So, Captain, you can see that my followers and I were nothing like Khan. Where Khan attempted to take over the ship that saved him and his people, we simply wanted to be left alone. Khan was a murderer and I have not one shred of sympathy that he suffered before he died. He destroyed countless lives. He deserved his fate. I am not a religious man, not after all I've seen, both here and on Earth. Yet, if there is a Hell, I hope Khan is burning in it."

Picard assimilated Prazak's words. The General's hatred for his genetically engineered "brother" was very real. Picard's thoughts drifted back to the story Troi shared. The story of Khan's murderous actions against Prazak and his family. He wondered, if he'd ever ended up in a similar position as the augment, would he have acted differently? Picard wanted to say yes. That he'd let the law do what it was designed to do, but did that mean Prazak's decision was still wrong?

"Captain Picard?"

Inhaling slightly, Picard glanced at the General. They'd arrived at the infirmary.

Stepping inside, Prazak motioned towards the back then stepped away, joining Herschel and the Sardis doctor that was examining him.

The infirmary was quieter, less crowded than it had been earlier. Patients occupied about half of the beds and no soldiers sat on the floor anymore. The medical staff attended their charges, speaking in muted and hushed tones. Picard avoided the staff, ensuring he didn't get in the way of their duties as he headed for the room that was still guarded by two armor and helmet clad soldiers.

The soldiers allowed him to enter without challenging him.

Closing the door, Picard cleared his throat.

Crusher looked up from her padd. Over the years, Picard had seen the same tired and exhausted expression on his Chief Medical Officer's face that she wore now. Sighing, Beverly slipped the padd into her jacket and met Picard at the door.

"How was the dinner?" She asked warmly.

"Interesting," Picard answered. "I told Commander Riker to ensure you get something to eat."

Beverly smiled. "I appreciate that. Now that you mention food, my stomach is responding."

"How's the patient?" Picard inquired.

Dickerson was on the bed, his back propped up against a mountain of pillows. Picard could tell the man was awake, but he stared at the wall across from him, not even turning to acknowledge that someone had entered the room.

"He's calm. When he woke from the sedatives, I expected another bout of panic, but all he did was ask to speak with you. He's been waiting patiently ever since."

"Understood." Stepping forward, Picard paused when Crusher placed a hand on his arm.

"Jean-Luc, I'm still a bit apprehensive here," Crusher stated, her voice low.

"Explain."

"Like I said before, except for his strange spurts of apparent madness, he doesn't have any of the other signs we normally associate with prolonged captivity."

"Not every person reacts or deteriorates the same way when held captive, Doctor," Picard replied.

"I know." Crusher lowered her head for a moment, then looked back up at him. "Perhaps you should speak with him to form your own opinion."

Reaching down, Picard placed a hand over hers, squeezed a little, then removed her hand from his arm.

Approaching the bed, Picard felt Crusher's presence at his side. Dickerson continued to stare at the wall, even when Picard was right next to him.

"Lieutenant, how are you feeling?" Picard said.

Slowly, Dickerson turned to look at the Captain. His sunken eyes held something that Picard could not interpret, but whatever it was, it sent a chill down the Captain's spine. The darkness that emanated from the Lieutenant's orbs was both mesmerizing and terrifying.

Then it disappeared. Dickerson blinked. He smiled a little. "Captain, thank you for coming to see me."

Picard stared at the man. "You're a Federation citizen. It is our duty to ensure your health and safety. But I must admit, I have some questions for you, Lieutenant. The information you gave us before was not entirely accurate. However, I understand that you may be misremembering some things due to what has happened to you."

Dickerson continued to stare at Picard without commenting.

Taking a deep breath, Picard asked, "What is your first name, Lieutenant?"

A furrow appeared on Dickerson's brow. After a moment, he replied, "I think it's...Matthew."

Picard raised an eyebrow. "You think?"

"I can't remember for sure," Dickerson assured.

Picard set it aside for now. "You told Doctor Crusher you wanted to speak with me."

Dickerson's head bobbed up and down. Picard watched attentively as the Lieutenant's gaze drifted towards the closed door where it lingered for a few moments before he looked back at Jean-Luc. "Is he here?"

"Who?" Picard questioned. He knew who Dickerson meant, but he wanted the other man to say it.

"The General. The Specter," Dickerson whispered.

"You referred to him that way before. Why? Those creatures that held you prisoner call him that. Why do you do so as well?" Picard questioned.

Dickerson shrunk a little under Picard's scrutiny; his voice barely audible when he said, "Do not trust him, Captain."

"Why?" Picard prodded.

Dickerson licked his lips. "He is a lair. A deceiver."

"His soldiers rescued you, Lieutenant," Crusher gently reminded.

"Did they?" Dickerson's head tilted to the side.

Picard couldn't determine if the Lieutenant's statement was in response to Crusher's statement or a more sinister suggestion that the raid was something else.

"We were there, Lieutenant," Picard answered. "We witnessed it with our own eyes."

"Your eyes can be deceiving too," Dickerson smirked.

Picard frowned. "Tell me about the distress beacon. How was it activated?"

"I don't know," Dickerson said. "I was in a cell, remember?"

Not liking the sudden change in the Lieutenant's tone, Picard set his jaw. "So you're claiming you did not activate the beacon?"

"Ask General Prazak." Dickerson shrugged.

Picard shook his head, taken aback. "What would he know of it?"

"I told you, Captain, he is a liar. A deceiver. He is also a murderer." Dickerson made a clicking noise with his tongue at the end of his sentence.

"I have seen no evidence-,"

Dickerson sat up straighter. "Of course you haven't, Captain! Because he is that good. You won't see it until he rams his longsword through your back. When it's already too late. Then he will take what he desires."

"And what does he desire?" Picard questioned, refusing to be deterred by Dickerson's claim.

"Your ship," Dickerson stated. "He wants your ship. So he can return to Earth and destroy those that banished him."

Picard glanced at Crusher. Looking back at Dickerson, he asked, "You know of Prazak's true identity. How?"

Dickerson shook his head. "That doesn't matter. Just know that what I'm saying is true, Captain. He has only told you what he wants you to believe."

"I believe it does matter, Lieutenant. How do you know all this information?"

Rubbing his eyes, Dickerson sighed. "I'm tired."

Picard was firm. "I'm not done speaking with you, Lieutenant."

"Well, I am done, Captain," Dickerson shot back.

Without taking his eyes off the man, Picard addressed Beverly. "Doctor Crusher, ensure the Lieutenant here is ready to transport back to the ship."

Dickerson perked back up. "No!"

Picard smiled inwardly. He knew he could get Dickerson talking again. "You wish to stay here? Why? You are currently in a facility operated by a man that you claim is a murderer. Why would you wish to stay in his custody?"

Dickerson's mouth clamped shut.

"Tell me the truth, Lieutenant," Picard insisted. "Who are you and what are you really doing here? Why was a Klingon beacon found alongside the Starfleet one? Why are you scared of Prazak, yet refuse to leave?"

Dickerson shook his head, but said nothing.

"There was no diplomatic transport, was there, Lieutenant?"

"There was," Dickerson insisted.

Picard remained steadfast. "Tell me what your mission really was. Tell me who sent you here."

Dickerson started to fidget. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. "No one sent us here, Captain. We crashed. The others died. I don't know why you won't believe me. I'm telling you the truth! And what I say about Prazak is true. I witnessed his murderous actions with my own eyes."

"What does that mean?" Picard asked.

"Those creatures didn't kill my companions. Prazak did! He would have killed me too, but I managed to escape. I refuse to leave unti because Prazak pays for his crimes."

"Really?" Picard whistled.

Dickerson's tone went cold. His eyes shone with the earlier strangeness. When he spoke, his words were dually laced with ice and fire. "Captain, kill him. Kill Prazak now. Kill him before he murders you and every last member of your crew."

Seated around the table, Picard glanced at each of his officers in turn. They'd returned from the dinner and Picard had filled them in on the conversation with Dickerson.

He spoke candidly with his senior staff. "I feel even more conflicted now than before. Every time I lean towards the idea that Prazak is in the right, something happens to make me doubt my stance. Suggestions?"

Riker was the first to speak. "Even with all we've seen so far, I don't think we should discount Dickerson's statements, Sir. We should at least give him the benefit of the doubt before we side with Prazak. I'm not saying Prazak is lying, his actions certainly have saved us on more than one occasion, but I also don't think he's being completely honest either."

Picard nodded then focused his attention on Worf. As much as the Klingon attempted to hide it, Picard new his security chief was at least slightly intoxicated.

Mouth set in a straight line, Worf added, "I agree with Commander Riker. We should be siding with one of our own."

"Even though Prazak has shown no ill will towards us?" Picard challenged.

The slightest hint of doubt appeared on his second officer's face. "He could be biding his time. If what Dickerson said is true, that Prazak wants the Enterprise, it's not beyond reason that he could have set this entire thing up. We only know what they've told us. Who's to say they really found the beacon in that underground cave? It could have been all for show."

"Prazak could have discovered the crashed shuttlecraft," Worf surmised in support of Riker. "He could have killed everyone on board, yet somehow Dickerson escaped. Since the craft was damaged, or because he didn't know how to operate it, Prazak was unable to use it to leave. So he found the beacon set it up and waited."

From his side, Picard heard Troi's sigh. "Counselor? Your thoughts?"

Scooting forward in her chair, Troi folded her hands together on the table. "I think we are looking for reasons to justify Starfleet's orders, Sir. What harm have these men done to the Federation? We take the word of a man that was held captive by Prazak's enemies. What's to say he's hasn't been indoctrinated into the Ti'hi's cause?"

"Stockholm Syndrome," Crusher added. "It is possible."

"Do we really want to take the risk of finding out for sure?" Riker interjected with a dark look at Troi. "We've found the source of the beacon. I say we report back to Starfleet and be on our way."

"Without Prazak and his men?" Picard asked. "I have my orders, Will."

"He's already stated he won't leave," Riker countered. "Perhaps detaining one of them could be possible. But all three? Let's not forget what they are. They could easily overpower us. If Starfleet wants them, let them send another ship to rendezvous with the Enterprise. Then we return and take them into custody with force."

"Are you really suggesting an armed conflict to detain three men, Will? The only reason they'd fight us if we carried through with detainment." Troi set her black orbs on Will. "I suggest we leave them be."

Riker's voice rose an octave. "And what do we tell Starfleet Command, Deanna? Are you seriously recommending to the Captain that we defy orders because you're infatuated with Prazak?"

"That's enough," Picard cut in before Troi could counter Riker's jab. "This isn't a discussion meant to assign blame to any of us. Prazak has shown us many things, but it could all be a clever deception."

"Or it could not be," Troi mumbled. "Someone is lying, I admit. Yet we automatically assume it's Prazak."

"Captain," Crusher started. "Perhaps using the Enterprise's databanks we can keep searching for more information on Dickerson. Like we've already said, perhaps he is just not remembering things correctly. He gave us a first name. Let's use that to dig deeper. If we can prove his claim of transporting a diplomat is true, then it would seem likely that the rest of his story is true as well."

"And if it's not?" Troi stated. "What then?"

"That is something I shall decide if that time comes," Picard responded. With a sigh, he changed the tone of his voice in an effort to calm the room. "Weather permitting, I'll return to the Enterprise in the morning. Doctor Crusher, I want you to stay with Dickerson, find out whatever you can from him. Will, Deanna, Worf, tomorrow you will go with Prazak and his men back to the underground cave. Document not only their actions, but also what you find there. Recover any of our technology, whether its usable or otherwise."

Each officer acknowledged the orders.

Standing, Picard tugged on the bottom of his tunic. "It's been an extremely long day. I suggest everyone get some rest. Prazak has assured me, more than once, that we are all safe within his city. However, for tonight, we all need to stay here. Dismissed."

The others stood. As they moved off to their respective rooms, Picard called softly, "Counselor, a moment."

Troi paused. Picard saw the look that passed between her and Riker, but it only lasted a moment before Will disappeared into his own room.

When Troi turned to face him, Picard gestured for her to take a seat again. She did and Picard followed. "Counselor, I know this is difficult for you."

"Captain," Troi started.

Picard held up a hand. "Deanna, please, let me finish. Prazak connected with you on many levels. He told me about your relationship."

"Did he?" Troi breathed.

Picard smiled a little. For the briefest of moments, he found himself turning fatherly. But in a way, he was just that. He was the Captain and these officers served under his command. He cared for them as if they were family. Because in fact, that is just how he saw them. Family.

"Well, not in so many words, but I was able to infer," he admitted.

"Captain, if you order me to stop meeting with him, I will," Troi cut in. "However, I feel the connection I share with Prazak can be vital in learning the truth. Everything he has told me, everything he has shown me, feels genuine. I just don't understand why no one else can see it."

"Commander Riker thinks you've been biased by your relationship with Prazak. Your judgment compromised." Picard leaned back and waited for her response.

"Captain, my relationship with Will is no secret. The bond he and I share will always be there, even with us no longer being a couple. I've been able to move on, yet it seems he can't. At least not when it comes to my relationships. I never question what he does with his life. I don't appreciate him questioning my decisions. I do not find his accusations in regards to myself and Prazak relevant. If anyone is biased, its Commander Riker, not me."

Jealousy. As much as Picard yearned for an intimate, long term relationship, it was times like these he was glad he did not have one. It was hard enough dealing with the emotions of his crew, he couldn't imagine having to deal with something like Deanna and Will's relationship in his own life.

"That is something the two of you have to work through on your own," Picard replied sympathetically. "My role is to ensure your safety here and now."

"Prazak would never hurt me," Troi stated firmly.

"You sound so confident." Picard smiled a little.

"Because I am." Troi nodded. "And I say that because it goes beyond the physical. That is what non-telepaths or empaths can never truly understand. I won't lie to you, Captain. Yes, General Prazak and I have slept together. But before that happened, he showed me the things I told you about. I cannot explain how real the experience was for me. I was there. I watched it all unfold. I felt his pain. Real pain. When he buried his family. When he spoke to Gary Seven. When Khan called his wife a whore. It was real, Captain."

"And that's why you believe everything else as well." It wasn't a question.

Troi nodded. "I believe Prazak over Dickerson. I know that's not what you want to hear, Captain, but I truly believe if one of them is lying, its Dickerson. At the very least, he's covering something up. Not giving us the entire truth. If he is a Federation citizen as he claims, he would know Federation laws. He would know that we do not sentence people to death. Yet he told you to kill Prazak. Not arrest him. Kill him. My question is, why. Why does he want the General dead?"

Using his index finger and thumb, Picard rubbed his eyes. "That is an interesting question, Counselor."

"And one we should have answered before we move forward, wouldn't you agree, Captain?"

Picard chewed on the inside of his bottom lip and pondered the idea. He had one more question for his Counselor. "Deanna, I appreciate your unique insight into this matter. But I need to hear something from you. If I decide that arresting Prazak and his men is what must be done, you will support that decision without hesitation, yes?"

And without hesitating, Troi replied, "Yes, Captain. Without hesitation."

When dawn arrived, the sky was brisk and clear. Clad in his normal battle armor, heavy fur lined cloak and equipped with his dual swords, Prazak stood in the courtyard next to his command vehicle. Careening his neck, he watched Captain Picard's shuttlecraft depart. As it ascended, it rapidly became smaller and smaller until it was nothing more than a black speck against the morning light. A blink of the eye later and it was gone.

Sighing, Prazak turned his attention to the three Starfleet officers that approached. Commander Riker and the Klingon were intercepted by Colonel Marking, who directed them to another vehicle further back in the column.

"I still do not know what to do about these ones," Prazak grumbled.

Zoja, sitting back on her haunches, mewed at his words.

"Don't worry, Zoja my dear, all will be right in the end," Prazak stated and received another worried mew from the Davnora cat.

Troi was heading straight for him. Her stride was one of someone that was determined and dead set in her course as she cut a path through the previous night's snowfall to stand before him.

"It is cold this morning," Prazak said when the Betazoid woman reached him. "Not riding with your friends?"

"I thought the cold didn't bother you," Deanna responded with a nod of her head. She didn't say anything in response to the second statement, Andrej noted with curious intrigue.

"I was hoping you'd have come by last night," Prazak stated versus asking about her friends again. "When I left the infirmary..."

"I felt you searching for me, Andrej," Troi said before he could finish.

"Only searching, I did not intrude," Prazak remarked quickly.

Deanna sighed, a thick puff of cold air swishing past her lips. "I know, Andrej. I couldn't come by last night. There was too much going on."

"If you were upset about Lady Sa...if you still are..."

Troi shook her head. Prazak found himself stricken by the way her hair tussled in time with her movements and the slight breeze. "It wasn't that. I just needed time to think. This man you rescued has caused a lot of doubt."

"Doubt about what?" Prazak asked.

Deanna's eyes locked with his. "You, Andrej. You."

"I don't see why,-"

"Tell me the truth, Andrej. Right now. Did you know anything about this man prior to us finding him?"

Prazak's eyes narrowed. "I told you I did not. That is the truth."

He held her gaze until she finally nodded. "I knew it, but I was starting to second guess my instincts. I'm sorry, Andrej."

She looked away from him; down the row of vehicles. Looking the same way, he saw Riker a few vehicles back, staring at them with a look of anger spread across his face. He wasn't even trying to hide his displeasure at the situation.

Prazak smiled. "He still loves you."

Deanna sighed. "I know."

"Do you still love him?"

"That doesn't matter," Troi replied. She stepped towards the rear of the vehicle and climbed through the open hatch.

Prazak continued to stare down Riker. When a snarl spread across the bearded man's face, the edge of Prazak's lips curled upward. Riker's frown deepened, but Prazak looked away, heading to the back of the vehicle to join Counselor Troi.

To Be Continued...