A bright, warm sunbeam splashed onto the heavy, oaken table. The curtains were tied back to let plenty of light into the Provençal farmhouse kitchen, and a slight breeze meandered in through the open windows.

Captain Picard gestured for his guest to sit, and she did so. Despite the distateful scenario Picard had spared her from, Siobhan seemed to be in a reasonably pleasant disposition.

After her release, Siobhan had refused to use a teleporter--something Deanna had speculated was possible--and so they had instead taken on of Earth's last functioning trainlines from Colfax to New Orleans for lunch. After dining at Sisko's (at Siobhan's insistance), Picard had arranged for transport by shuttle to his brother's home in France.

During lunch and the shuttle ride, Siobhan had spoken very little; upon their arrival at the estate, she launched question after question about the vines and their care. Picard found himself telling her small memories from his childhood of tending the Earth and the vines.

Upon their arrival at manor, Jean-Luc greeted his family and explained as much as he was able--that Siobhan was a visiting "dignitary" and that Starfleet wanted her away from official channels until further notice. His brother reluctantly agreed for Picard and Siobhan to stay for a few days, and he offered to let them stay in the converted stables a bit west of the manor itself.

Picard straightened his uniform as he returned his thoughts to his actions. He browsed a small selection of wines and chose one, a fine table vintage. As he poured two glasses of the wine, Picard glanced at his guest.

Siobhan was relaxed into the plush armchair with her eyes closed. A soft smile was playing at her lips.

Picard carried the glasses to a small table among the collective of stuffed chairs. He set the glasses down gently and nearly silently, and Picard seated himself across the table from Siobhan. She opened her eyes to regard him; the smile was gone.

"For you," Picard said, gesturing to the glass beside her. Siobhan stared at him, and time stretched on for several moments.

"After you," Siobhan said softly, gesturing at the glass before him.

"Of course," Picard said with a gracious smile. He plucked up his glass and sipped lightly, setting his glass back down and holding his hands out as if to say, "See? It's ok."

Siobhan slid both glasses in matching, graceful arcs until she had swapped their positions. She took the glass now in front of her and took a cautious sip. Picard barely had time to process the inherent suspicion in her gesture before he watched her eyes close in reverent bliss. Siobhan clutched the glass close, and her eyes opened to gaze down into the drink.

"This is delicious," Siobhan murmured.

"I'm glad you approve," Picard commented, choosing his words with care.

Siobhan smiled, a wry twist of her lips.

"Captain," she said, "It's been a very long time since I've drunk anything grown on Earth."

"I see," Picard said, inclining his head gently. "I wonder, Siobhan, if you could tell me something?"

Siobhan's expression closed, and she regarded him cautiously.

"What would you like to know?" Siobhan asked in turn.

"How did you come to be on Deep Space Nine?" Picard asked. "That is such a terribly long way from Earth, after all."

Siobhan paused to consider her response.

"Captain... I believe someone has failed to be completely honest with you. Without knowing you, who you work for, or any other parties present, I feel it is best to keep my counsel regarding my motives and actions," Siobhan said. "Surely, you understand?"

"Of course," Picard replied, sweeping his hands in a gracious gesture of understanding.

They sipped in silence for nearly an hour, enjoying the simple pleasure of wine on a beautiful day. Siobhan seemed to relax more and more the longer she was allowed to sit in silence, so Picard reserved the questions he had intended to ask her for later.

After a time, Siobhan set her empty glass onto the table and stretched.

"Captain," she began, and Picard regarded her with a guarded curiosity. "When may I expect to return to Deep Space Nine?"

Surprise flashed across Picard's face before he stifled it.

"As early as tomorrow, if you wish," Picard replied. Siobhan nodded.

"That would be most agreeable, Captain," Siobhan commented softly.

Picard nodded.

"Very well," he said. "Would you prefer that I accompany you, in light of recent circumstances?"

Siobhan considered this, and then she nodded.

"Of course," Picard returned. "I'll clear it with Starfleet tonight, and we can be on our way as soon as you're ready tomorrow."

Siobhan nodded once more, and she picked up her empty glass.

"Captain, if it's not too much trouble," she said, "might I have another glass?"

Picard's face cracked into a grin, the picture of a pleased host, and he rose to refill her glass.

XXVI END CHAPTER XXVI