The door clanged shut behind her. Rose sat upon her cot and eased herself under the thin blanket provided to her. Her body ached as it often did when she left the General's company. Of all his girls, she was his favorite. She stretched out on the cot in her attempt to find some comfort. The other girls shifted around her. Her gaze wandered around the dim room as she tried to ignore the troubled emotions of her bunk mates. As she often did when she couldn't sleep, she began to think of her mother. Some nights she imagined that she heard her mother's voice calling out to her in response to these thoughts. She didn't know whether she hated her parents or yearned for their presence. Her memories of her father had dimmed over the years, but her mother's image remained clear as day in her memory. A narrow face framed by ebony tresses that rippled down over her shoulders, kind, dark eyes that could pierce the soul, and a soft smile made up the figure that she held onto. More than all that, however, were the emotions that radiated off her mother: love, determination, and strangely, fear. The woman she remembered would not have given her up willingly. That was the only hope she'd held onto after nine years in the General's care. That hope is what keeps Rose focusing on that face, reaching out with her feelings to remember the feel of a mother's love.

"Deanna," Captain William Riker pleaded for the hundredth time. The body lying before him refused to stir. Will stroked his wife's hair softly. It had been like this for three weeks now. Deanna had gone with an away team to a small, reportedly uninhabited, planet. She had sensed a life form on the surface and had requested to accompany the away team to investigate. He should never have let her go. Whatever entity had been on the planet had attacked the away team, leaving Deanna in a comatose state. Dr. Ogawa had made little to no headway in finding a way to revive her. The captain grasped his wife's hand as if it were a lifeline. He missed her smile. He missed her company. She kept him focused, and despite being half alien herself, she kept him human. There was no doubt in Captain Riker's mind that he would go crazy if Deanna was gone too long. For the first time since she was first declared hopelessly comatose, Will let tears flow freely down his face. It was almost worse than if she had died. He was forced to watch her still form while holding onto the futile hope that she would awaken. Will sat with her in silence. The captain's head shot up as he examined Deanna's face again. He could swear he had felt her hand move. Deanna's eyes twitched under her eyelids. Will stood up and cupped his wife's face.

"Deanna can you hear me?" Will asked desperately. Deanna remained still for a moment.

"Tea… dalera," she mumbled before returning to her previously immobile state.

"Doctor!"

Rose strolled down the corridor followed by the other girls. Maize, the youngest, only nine years of age, clung to Rose's arm as they travelled to a studio at the end of the hall. Upon arrival, Rose picked up Maize and addressed the rest of the girls.

"The General is expecting some guests at the end of the week. We will be performing for them," she informed the girls. The resounding sigh that rippled through the group was not unexpected. The General had handpicked these girls for his entertainment. Most were young girls between the ages of twelve and seventeen. The oldest, Kitty, was twenty-two. Despite being younger in age, Rose had emerged as leader of the group. Having been with the General for the longest, she was the only one he'd ever started so young and kept so long. She was his prize, molded into his perfect plaything. She had grown up fast. She had to. Rose began instructing the girls in a dance and outlined their duties for the coming festivities. Suddenly, a voice shouted from Rose's communicator.

"Rosie! Docking bay four. Now!"

"I'll be back," she informed the girls. She hurried down to the docking bay and was met with a throng of people.

"Rosie baby, over here," a voice called. Rosie approached the human male. He was an older, sturdy man, though fairly thin, with a receding hairline and sharp features. His hair was jet black with flecks of gray throughout. His apparel was gaudy, sewn with gold thread and adorned with precious jewels.

"General," she greeted slipping under his outstretched arm.

"I brought you some new ones honey," he sang in his naturally repugnant way. Rose scrutinized the people before her. They appeared to be very plainly dressed humans. They were disheveled and had quite obviously been brought aboard the ship against their will.

"Welcome," she greeted kindly. They remained silent.

"I want you to help me pick 'em baby," the General interjected. Rose looked questioningly at her master.

"Pick them?" she asked.

"How many do you have now?" he asked as he returned his attention to the captives before him.

"Including myself there are seven of us," she replied.

"Oh, that won't do," he balked, "I'll give you five more. I want to impress our guests."

"I don't know if I can have them ready in time," Rose argued.

"You wouldn't wanna disappoint me now, would you Rosie?" the General asked, gripping her arm more tightly. Rose shook her head and looked at the people before them. The General smiled. "Take the men away," he commanded his male slaves. When only the women remained, the General began to walk through the group. Rose watched with uncertainty. "Which ones do you like?" he asked with a smirk. Rose looked at the women and could not bring herself to condemn them to the fate the General indicated for them.

"It is your pleasure General. You should pick," she stated meekly.

"Don't presume to tell me what I should do," he screamed, slapping her as he spun to face. Rose felt the flesh of her cheek burn as she regained her balance. "Now I told you what I want Rosie, and I won't say it again," he growled.

"Forgive me," she said calmly.

"Aw Rosie, you know I love you baby," he said, immediately changing his demeanor to one of cheerfulness. Rose nodded with a small smile. "Pick me some winners, Rosie." Rose gingerly walked about the women. There were few women of the ages the General usually preferred, but she tried to pick suitable specimens. She picked a young girl, who appeared several years her senior, with long blonde hair past her waist. She hoped that the addition of another blonde might take some attention away from Maize. Two more, closer to Kitty's age that appeared identical, were added to her line up. Both looked strong and she figured the General would find their similarity fun. She continued to walk through the women. Finally, she came upon a young girl, younger than herself. She could feel the girl's fear, but Rose knew that this girl would be singled out by the General if he saw her. He had recently been bringing in younger girls, the latest of whom was Maize. A woman standing next to her seemed to notice Rose's attention on the girl. The woman was older, appearing to be in her thirties, yet she was still very attractive. Rose felt the woman's fear as well, but it was for the girl not herself. It was as if she was begging Rose to spare the girl. Rose looked around. None of the women surrounding her appeared to be over forty, yet few of them were younger than the oldest girl in her current group. She glanced back at the woman and the girl. She glanced at the General, who was shrouded by the other women. She quickly shoved the girl behind a cluster of older women. She then grabbed the older woman and added her to the three she had already chosen. Then, she chose one last woman from the group the General had been salivating at from the other side of the room.

"General," she said. The General came to look upon the girls she had chosen.

"Very good Rosie. You have a good eye. You believe they can do what is required of them?" he asked her.

"Yes sir, they are all suitable," she responded. The General eyed the final girl she had picked with unyielding lust.

"Very good… this one is older than the others. Why?" he said, indicating the woman who had protected the younger girl.

"Yes, she is older than the others, but you cannot deny she is beautiful. Her age seems not to have touched her appearance, and you yourself claim to enjoy new and exciting experiences," she replied with a smirk. The woman looked between them, obviously frightened. Rose gave her a reassuring nod as the General examined her. The woman flinched as he began to laugh outright.

"You pose a convincing argument Rosie… very well. You may keep them. Prepare them for our guests. They should be arriving within the week."

"Yes sir," she nodded.

"And Rosie," he called after her, "prepare that one for me tomorrow." He was pointing at the last girl. Rose nodded and turned back to the exit. She beckoned the women to follow her. Rose led them to their quarters, wishing to let them acclimate to the ship before being introduced to the other girls.

"Welcome," she said once they had all entered, "These will be your quarters. I'll introduce you to the other girls once you have all settled."

"Where are we?" the older woman asked.

"The General's ship. I'm afraid I am unable to give you any more information than that. I know not where we are nor how to escape. I apologize if you hoped for that. You are here to pleasure the General, though you may already have guessed as much," Rose explained.

"Yes," the older woman replied again, "that is why I did not want him to take Daria."

"The girl?" Rose asked. The woman smiled gratefully and nodded.

"What are your names?" she asked.

"I am Anij," she greeted.

"I am Alora," the young blonde said, stepping forward meekly.

"Noasha, and this is my sister Naliki," said one of the twins. The other glared balefully at her from next to her sister.

"Kim," said the final girl whom the General had taken an interest in. Rose nodded.

"Pleased to meet you all," she said genially, "You have lovely names, but I must warn you the General will not use them. You must quickly adjust to whatever he decides to call you."

"Are you in charge here?" Alora asked.

"Not really," Rose answered.

"You must have some authority for him to rely on you to choose us over the others," she replied.

"The General… favors me. I unofficially organize the girls and prepare them to service him," Rose said.

"You are younger than any of us. Why should we defer to you?" Naliki asked icily.

"I suppose when one is raised by a man for the sole purpose of pleasuring him she becomes quite experienced with his preferences," Rose responded stiffly.

"Do you assign which girls pleasure him?" Naliki asked undeterred.

"No. The General enjoys making his own decisions as you may have noticed on the deck. If you are implying that I would avoid his bed by using the other girls, I can assure you the opposite is true. I must inform you that if you insist on causing problems the General will not tolerate it. He will kill you. Now if you are quite finished, I would like to continue," Rose calmly replied. Naliki looked uncomfortable but nodded.

"I know you're scared, but you must ignore that. I will provide you with more details about what is expected of you later. All I will tell you now is that you are best advised to give the General what he wants when he wants it."

"How can you ask us to let him use us like that?" Naliki argued.

"Because he will hurt you if you don't," Rose yelled. The women looked at her shocked. She hung her head sadly. "That is the last thing I would want for any of you. I know you're afraid and I know it's unpleasant but is it worth your life?" she asked.

"How will he hurt us?" Noasha said gently. Rose slowly removed her outer cloak to reveal her bare back. The scars that ran up and down her back were extensive. The scars were layered over each other making it evident that she had been struck repeatedly over many years.

"How long have you been here?" Anij asked softly.

"Ten years," she replied, "It's the longest the General has ever kept a girl."

"How did you come to be here?" Anij pressed further.

"That is not important. We need to hurry before he realizes we are not at work," Rose replied, "the quick version. We are the entertainment for the General. We pleasure him and dance for him. We perform at evening meals and special events for the General. The community we've created here is your best chance at staying sane. We support each other and comfort each other. If you wish to survive… we are the best shot you have."

"Is there any positive outcome we can take away from this?" Alora asked.

"The only consolation I can give you is that the General's men are forbidden to touch you. You belong to him and only he can use you unless he gives another permission. He will not give permission to anyone he doesn't want something from," she replied, "come, I'll introduce you to the girls." Rose led them back to the studio where she had left the other girls.

Kitty looked up as the group entered. "Where have you been? Who are they?" she asked.

"It's alright Kitty. We have some new friends," Rose replied.

"He hit you again," Kitty noticed.

"It's fine. I'm alright, I promise," she assured her friend as she grasped her hand. Kitty nodded before glancing at the new recruits. The new women gasped as they laid eyes on the other girls. The General's girls all looked puzzled at their reaction.

"I'm assuming you haven't met many other species," Rose asked them. All the girls but Anij nodded. Kitty smiled at them.

"I'm sorry if I startled you. I'm Kitty," she greeted them.

"What are you?" Alora asked admiring Kitty's green skin.

"I am Orion," Kitty said. Anij looked at her questioningly.

"Wouldn't it be dangerous for the General to have an Orion slave? Couldn't you manipulate him?" she asked.

"I have been… altered… to protect the General from my pheromones," she told her. Anij nodded in understanding.

"Well let's meet the rest of the girls," Rose said, regaining their attention.

"I'm Star," said a Bajoran girl who looked about the same age as Alora.

"Dove," said an Elloran who gained many stares from the new girls.

"Princess," said the half Vulcan half human girl next to her.

"I'm Jewel," said a young human girl with bright red hair.

"And this is Maize," Rose said of the young yellow haired Qomar girl at her hip. Rose then gestured to the newcomers. "This is Anij, Alora, Naliki, Noasha, and Kim. The General's girls stepped forward to greet their new sisters.

"I missed you Rosie," Maize said as she wrapped her arms around the older girl.

"I wasn't gone long sweetheart," Rose assured her.

"Rose," Kitty said gently.

"Yes?" Rose asked, turning to her while still holding Maize.

"Have you checked the assignments for today?" Kitty replied. Rose looked warily at her friend as she slowly shook her head. She released Maize gently as she crossed the room to her data pad. What she saw on the screen made her suddenly pale. She looked back at the rest of the girls who were getting to know each other. She sighed sadly as she dropped the pad and crossed back to the girls.

"Give us a moment," she said as she reached for Maize's hand. The others nodded and led their new friends to the other side of the room. Anij lingered behind to watch the exchange.

"Maize honey," Rose said softly, "you're on duty tonight." Maize looked uncomfortable. "You remember what I taught you?"

"Yes Rosie," Mazie replied.

"Good girl," Rose said, "you're going to be fine. We've made sure he'll be gentle with you tonight. He wants you because you're fragile. He'll treat you like it."

"Promise?" Maize asked innocently.

"Oh baby," Rose said hugging her close, "you'll be fine. I'll take care of you. I promise." Anij watched from a short distance away. Her eyes were moist as she watched the exchange. Rose released Maize and called the other girls over. She began to teach them a dance for the coming gathering. They were to entertain the men during dinner and would be offered to pleasure them in the evening. When they finished for the day, Rose took the new girls to receive new clothes, appropriate for their positions. They entered a large room with fabrics of every color. Rose led Alora to a rack of fabrics. She pulled out a baby blue jeweled brasier, and matching bottoms.

"They're so… revealing," Alora grimaced.

"I'm sorry, but the General requires you to wear these. You can wear this wrap until you are required otherwise, but you'll get used to it," she said holding out a dark blue wrap. Alora took the clothes tentatively. "You can change in the alcove on the north side of the room." As Alora disappeared, Rose beckoned Naliki forward. Each girl was given her clothes and sent on her way. The last to receive clothing was Kim. Rose pulled out a deep purple brasier with beaded fringe hanging from it with a matching fringed skirt. Kim disappeared into the alcove while Rose found a matching sheer robe. When Kim emerged, Rose helped her don the robe.

"This is different from the others," Kim noticed.

"You are different," Rose replied, "the General shows special favor to you."

"Is that good?" Kim asked. Rose smiled sadly.

"I don't know. As one who has his favor, it depends on the day. You may receive more privileges, but if you're with him often enough you see more of his temper too. He has already chosen Maize for tonight, but he wants you tomorrow. Come with me. I'll show you what to do." Rose laid a hand on her shoulder and led her out of the room.

Captain Riker said in his chair aboard the bridge of the Titan. He glanced around the bridge, his eyes lingering on the empty chair beside him where his wife usually sat.

"Approaching the vessel Captain. Three hours," alerted his helmsman.

"Thank you, Lieutenant Rager," Riker replied, "maintain course."

"Shall I accompany you on this exchange Captain," Riker's first officer offered.

"No, Commander Vale," Riker replied, "Starfleet wants us to use the utmost discretion with the General. He has been conducting business of a questionable nature for years, but the federation has yet to find any true evidence against him. I need you here Number One."

"Captain I insist you not go alone on this mission," Christine told her captain.

"Very well Number One. Lieutenant Commander Crusher, you're with me," Riker ordered.

"Yes sir," Wesley replied.

"Ogawa to the captain," Dr. Ogawa spoke through the commlink.

"Doctor what is it?" Riker asked anxiously.

"She's moved again," Ogawa replied. Will hurried down to sickbay. When he entered, Dr. Ogawa was using sensors to scan Deanna.

"What happened?" Riker asked.

"Same as before sir. She stirred minimally and said Teadalera's name again. I can't understand it. Something has to be stimulating her to affect her in this way," the doctor replied.

"Do you have any ideas?" Will asked.

"Not unless someone is trying to reach her telepathically, but I can't know for sure," Ogawa replied.

"Lwaxana died years ago," Riker said as he grasped his wife's hand. "I don't know of anyone else who could be trying to communicate with her. And… Tea." Riker's voice broke as he sank into a seat beside her. Dr. Ogawa put a hand on the Captain's shoulder.

"I know you miss her, but we'll bring Deanna back. I have faith and so must you. We owe her that." Riker looked up at the doctor.

"Thank you, Alyssa. You're a good friend," the captain said.

"My pleasure Captain. Now, you must return to your duties. I promise I will tell you if I find anything or if her condition changes." Riker squeezed Ogawa's hand as he headed back to the bridge.

"Ready Lieutenant Commander Crusher," Riker asked when he reached the bridge.

"Affirmative sir," Wesley replied. They entered the turbolift to go to the transporter rooms.

"Any word on Counselor Troi?" Wesley asked. Riker chuckled.

"It's been a while since I've heard that," he sighed, "Counselor Troi. You know I met her when she was a psychology student. She was great at that, psychology, and not just because she's an empath. She's got such a kind heart, and she cares. She really cares about people. Why did it have to happen to her?" The captain steadied himself on the wall of the turbolift as he tried to suppress his tears. He let out a weak laugh. "To answer your question Wesley, no there is no change in Counselor Troi's condition."

"I'm sorry sir," Wesley said. Riker put a hand on Wesley's shoulder. They exited the turbolift and headed to the transporter room.

"Commander Vale have you made contact with the General's ship?" Riker asked.

"They are prepared for your arrival and for Lieutenant Commander Crusher sir," Vale responded.

"Very good Commander," Riker replied. He and Wesley stepped on the transporter and prepared to beam aboard the neighboring ship.

Rose sat with Maize in her lap as the little girl wept. Rose held her tightly while trying to keep the tears out of her own eyes. The General had been gentle with her. He had only used the whip once, but it was enough to terrify the child. Rose sat whispering comforting words until Maize cried herself to sleep. She carefully put the girl on her cot and tucked her in. Anij approached Rose as she exited the sleeping quarters. "Hello," Rose greeted.

"Is she going to be alright?" Anij asked.

"Yes," Rose assured her, "I'll take care of her.

"Rose," Anij greeted in return, "I'd like to talk to you."

"What about?" Rose asked.

"How did you come to be on this ship?"

"Well… I was very young," Rose began, "why do you want to know?"

"You seem too young to be responsible for so many people. You possess a maturity beyond your appearance. If you truly are as young as you appear it seems a terrible burden," Anij explained, "I want to help." Rose laughed.

"I am fourteen years old. I don't claim to enjoy the way I was raised, but I think I turned out alright. I was brought to the General when I was four. I was taken as payment from a slave trader who had insulted him. I was a peace offering. The General raised me to be perfect for him."

"Oh," Anij replied, "do you have any memory of your life before this ship?"

"Not much," Rose admitted, "I have faint memories of feelings of love and happiness. I couldn't hold onto the memories for long once the General got a hold of me. The only thing I've been able to clearly retain is my memory of my mother. I don't know her name, but I can remember with perfect clarity what she looks like. I guess I should be grateful for it… I can't even remember my own name."

"The General gave you the name Rose?" Anij asked.

"I was so young when he received me that I have forgotten my name. The others can remember, but we try not to use our real names for fear of angering the General," Rose explained

"Did you have a father? Or was it just your mother?" Anij asked.

"I had a father, but I don't remember him as well. You ask a lot of questions," Rose remarked.

"I just want to get to know you. From what I've noticed you take care of the others well, but you neglect yourself. I don't mean to pry," Anij commented. Rose felt her sincerity.

"I know," she said, "if you really want to know I'll show you." Rose beckoned Anij to follow her to a holodeck.

"I thought we weren't allowed on the holodecks," Anij stated.

"I am," Rose replied. They entered and Rose walked to the middle of the room. "Computer run Rose Eta Nu program," she commanded. The room transformed into a hillside that led down to a clear lake. Rose walked down the hill followed by Anij. They reached the lake and Rose sat in the grass. She patted the spot next to her for Anij to sit.

"What are we waiting for?" Anij asked.

"She'll come," Rose said calmly. Across the lake a figure appeared with long dark hair. Rose broke out into a wide grin. Anij watched as she got up and ran to the other side of the lake. Rose embraced the woman at the other end of the lake. "Mother," she murmured into the woman's sleeve. Anij smiled as she rounded the lake. When she got close enough to see the woman's face, she stopped cold.

"Jean-Luc," Anij said.

"What?" Rose asked as she turned back towards her companion.

"Who is this?" the simulation mother asked.

"Anij what's wrong?" Rose asked, but Anij continued to stare at the woman. "You know her," Rose said, sensing Anij's familiarity with the woman. "Computer freeze program. Anij how do you know my mother?" Rose pleaded. Anij refocused and looked at Rose.

"This woman was part of a Starfleet crew that saved my people from our own children," Anij explained, "Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise came to our home with his crew and stopped a plot to steal the resources of our planet. I did not know her well. I can't even remember her name. I am sorry child." Rose sighed glancing back at her mother.

"It's alright," she said with a smile, "you've given me more than I had before. I programmed her with the feelings and emotions I could remember as a child, but I don't know what her personality would be like. I remember feeling loved and she was happy… content. I have to believe that she would not have given me up if she could prevent it."

"Of course not," Anij told her, "I didn't know her well, but I know she fought for those she cared about. I know she would have fought for you."

"Not hard enough," Rose said solemnly, "at least I can remember her. My father is programmed as a faceless brown-haired man. It's all I have to hope for. A family who loves me… but enough about me. Tell me about your Captain Jean-Luc Picard."

"What?" Anij exclaimed.

"He was special to you. Tell me about him. Tell me about the man my mother served. Was he handsome?" Rose asked with a smirk.

"In a way," Anij reminisced, "he looked almost regal. It was impressive, especially for a bald man." Rose laughed but stopped short as she contemplated a question.

"If you saw my mother with that man it would have to be before I was born, but you would not have been old enough, if you don't mind me saying, to be in love with a bald man over fourteen years ago." Anij smiled at Rose.

"You are very perceptive Rose," she said, "my people lived on a planet that reversed the effects of aging until we were captured by the General. I am three hundred and fifty seven years old." Rose balked at the woman next to her.

"Are you all that old?" Rose asked.

"No, I am the oldest," Anij assured her, "but Naliki and Noasha are over one hundred and Alora is in her fifties."

"And Kim?"

"Kim is sixteen," Anij said sadly.

"I see," Rose said, "so you all don't age?"

"Our planet has a special type of radiation that stops our aging once we have reached maturity. I was older when I came to the planet than I appear to be now, but the radiation has even reversed my age. Kim has not yet been affected because she is not yet mature, but the rest of us are well over the ages your General might assume."

"Well don't tell him that. I don't think he'd be pleased that I picked women hundreds of years old," she said after regaining her composure. They both laughed at that. "That explains a lot though."

"Why?" Anij asked, "and how did you know Captain Picard was special."

"I can sense people's emotions. That is why I knew about Captain Picard and I felt that you had a calmness that was greater than the other girls. It makes sense that you are older."

"Amazing," Anij marveled.

"Don't tell the General. I don't think he knows," Rose said, "I think it's time we head back."

"Thank you for bringing me along," Anij said.

"Thank you for coming… and thank you for telling me about my mother," Rose said sincerely, "Computer… give her a Starfleet uniform." A Starfleet officer's uniform appeared on the image of Rose's mother. Rose smiled at Anij. "Computer end program."

"Welcome Captain Riker," the General greeted.

"Thank you General," Riker said as he stepped off the transporter, "this is one of my crew, Mr. Wesley Crusher."

"Welcome Mr. Crusher. Good to have you with us," the General greeted, shaking Wesley's hand. "if you'll follow me to your quarters, I'll let you settle in and send someone to collect you in an hour to conduct our business."

"Very well," Riker conceded following the General down a corridor which led to the living quarters. As they continued down the hall, they were passed by a group of men in grey tunics.

"What are you doing in this corridor? Get out!" the General said unleashing a small whip upon the passing men. They hurried away. "I apologize, Captain. My slaves should have made themselves scarce well before your arrival."

"It's no trouble," Will said stiffly, "do you own many slaves?"

"Hundreds," the General boasted, "life here is very pleasant. A ship can run smoothly when the slaves know their place."

"What do you do if they don't?" Wesley asked.

"I kill them," the General replied conversationally. Will and Wesley shared a worried look. When they were finally alone in their quarters, Riker spoke to Wesley.

"I didn't know about the slaves," he said, "this concerns me. We can't just leave these people here to suffer once we've gone."

"What about the prime directive Captain? Are we permitted to interfere?" Wesley asked.

"I don't think it applied to lone traders who are holding people against their will. These people are prisoners, and to interfere would be saving their way of life, not interrupting it."

"Will the Federation see it that way?" Wesley asked.

"They will if we can find criminal activity happening on this ship. It's not a planet, so the Federation will interfere if it threatens the peace," Riker said, "I am already convinced, but lets stay and see if we can find any other charges. I want to talk to some of the slaves."

Rose gathered the girls in their quarters. The new girls had assimilated well into their little family, and they were beginning to ease into life on the ship. "Dinner will be served in one hour. We will wait until they have finished eating and their food is cleared. The General wants us immediately following dinner, so we will be in the dining chambers. You are permitted to use the tables if you wish." A few girls smirked at that. "Kitty I want you with Maize. Don't let her out of your sight. Work together. You'll be fine honey." She squeezed Maize's hand. "Naliki, Noasha, you are also a pair. Being identical, you will excite them. Use that to your advantage. Alora I want you to go with Princess. Anij you and Star. Jewel with Dove. Kim you'll be with me at the General's table. He gave us an even number and we're going to use that to our advantage. Look out for each other. Don't let them touch you if you can avoid it. You are precious gems, and they don't have the right to touch the dirt you walk on. Act like it. Prove it." The girls smiled.

"Thank you, Rose," Alora said coming forward. Rose smiled and hugged the girl.

Captain Riker was led down the corridor with Wesley at his side. The guards were silent as they traversed the rather empty halls. A group of women dressed in provocative, bejeweled clothing came across a perpendicular hallway. They stopped and hung their heads as the guards passed stoically. Will looked at them and froze.

"Deanna?" he asked. The women quickly hurried away once the guards had passed, but Will continued to stare after them.

"Captain?" Wesley inquired. Will shook his head and turned back to his comrade.

"It's nothing Wesley. I thought I saw… nothing," Will said as he returned to a place in step with the guards. They entered a large chamber with tables placed throughout.

"Captain!" the General called, "join me at my table." Will nodded and crossed to the Generals table. "Welcome Captain Riker. These are some of my associates. Sit with us. Your friend is welcome to sit at the table to our left there." Will nodded to Wesley who crossed to the other table while keeping a close eye on his captain.

"Thank you for your hospitality General," Will said amiably.

"Think nothing of it Captain. You are my honored guest," the Captain bellowed, "now, let's eat." The meal passed with fairly subdued conversation. Will assumed business would be conducted after dinner or in the morning. As the meal drew to a close and the tables were cleared, the General's face revealed a devious grin. "Gentlemen," he announced, rising to his feet, "in honor of your visit, I have prepared a special treat for you my friends." The musicians in the corner began to play a slow sultry tune as the General gestured to the guards at the large double doors. The doors opened and the Will recognized the colorfully clad women from the corridor earlier. They strolled into the room and began a slow sensual dance. He could see the men around him leering at the girls. Even the captain himself found it hard to avert his eyes, though as he looked over the girls his heart broke as his eyes landed on a young girl. She appeared to be Qomar and couldn't have been more than ten years old. Her hair was a bright shade of yellow. He could see the fear in her eyes, though she did a marvelous job covering it up. She, like all the other girls, moved in graceful synchronicity to the music. He gazed at the other girls, but his investigation was cut short as his gaze landed on one. He stared intently at this girl, just a teen by the looks of her, whose dark hair and angular features reminded him so much of his wife. It was the same girl who had caught his attention in the hallway. As if sensing his thoughts, the girl locked eyes with him. She seemed to be questioning him, but all he could think about was how the darkness of her eyes reminded him even more of Deanna.

"You like that one Captain?" the General chuckled, "she's my best girl. Soft, playful, a real winner. You can take her if you want. You can choose any of them. I've tested most of them. Each one of them has been trained to meet your desires Captain." Will shuddered at the implications of the General's words. He couldn't imagine what these girls had been through. They began to approach the tables. The dark-haired girl approached the table with another girl who had almost luminescent copper hair. The pair began to dance around the men as the music became faster. Will kept trying to figure out who the dark-haired girl was, but they were moving so fast now that all he could see were flashes of the gold and purple of their clothes. They were beautiful, that he could not deny, and their dance was beautiful as well. The other men were grabbing at them as they moved about. One man reached between the older girl's legs, but the dark haired one grabbed her hand and twirled her out of his reach. Will marveled as he watched the girls help each other avoid contact with the men as much as possible. It was brilliant. The men just saw a dance, but Will could see that they were protecting themselves. After the girls were done, they lined up and the General allowed the men to choose amongst them. The General himself took the girl in purple and left the room. The other men began to rise and examine the girls. Some of the girls flirted lightly, while others remained still. A large boorish man took one of the older girls with fiery eyes and short dark hair. After, the other men seemed more comfortable taking the women. They were quick to take to the exotic women of the group. He watched men take the Orion girl and the Elloran. Will bristled angrily as he watched one of the men who had been at the General's table slide his arm around the girl who looked so much like Deanna. Will almost flew out of his seat but stopped himself. He didn't want to draw attention to himself or cause trouble for the girl. There were six girls remaining when he caught sight of a familiar face. It was the woman from Ba'ku, back when he had been on the Enterprise. He only had a moment to recognize her face before she was led out of the room by another man. Will pondered how the General could have gotten his hands on the Ba'ku as he made his way back to his quarters. Once there, Will lied down and fell into a fitful sleep.

Rose walked down a long corridor. It was a foreign place, much cleaner than the General's ship, but she knew it was a ship. She entered the bridge and found it empty. There were two helm seats, and a large chair in the center of the room. She looked past it all out into the open space. She whirled around upon hearing a door open. Her eyes fell upon a figure stepping out of the lift. It was her mother. Rose stood stock still in the middle of the room as the woman eyed her curiously.

"Kestra?" she asked. Rose could not speak so she simply shook her head. "Who are you?" she asked, and still Rose could not answer. Finally, her mother stepped forward. Rose stepped back. "Don't be afraid," she comforted. Rose stopped moving, but still did not speak. As the woman came to stand right in front of her, Rose felt confusion, curiosity, and fear. This was real. Even the holodeck projection she had created didn't have feelings. Realizing this, Rose finally allowed herself to embrace her mother tightly, much to the woman's surprise. She slowly relaxed and even returned the hug. Rose held tightly never wanting to let go. Suddenly, she looked up at her mother's face.

"What is your name?" she asked. The woman looked down at her, still obviously confused by the interaction, and opened her mouth to speak.

Rose shot up in bed. She looked around the room and saw that she was still on the General's ship and all the other girls were still asleep in their beds. She shook her head and got up. Her dream had been so real. She had dreamed of her mother before, but this was different. In other dreams she was a loving and tender mother, but here she had seemed just as curious about Rose as Rose had been about her. If only she had said her name. She had longed for so long to know her mother. Even a name would have been enough. Of course, she longed for a mother and father, but her mother was the only thing she could base in reality. All she remembered of her father was projected in the faceless brown-haired man she had created on the holodeck. She longed to be loved unconditionally, to have a family. The General told her he was her family and he had raised her, but his love came at a price. She looked at the girls, whom she considered her only family, and mourned for them as well. They had been taken from their homes just as she had. She knew it was worse because they all remembered their loved ones and their homes. She got out of bed, heading to the holodeck to attempt to relieve her sorrow.

Anij awoke early in the morning. She tried not to think about the events of the previous evening. In all her years she had never been subjected to something so vile, yet now it was necessary for survival. She glanced around the room and found that one bed was empty: Rose's. She got up and pulled on her wrap before exiting the chambers. As she made her way down the hallway, she became lost in her thoughts and didn't see the figure coming toward her from the opposite direction. "Woah, sorry," Will said as he ran into the woman. He too had been lost in his thoughts as he searched for something to use against the General. He helped her up and realized that it was the woman from the dining hall "I know you!" he exclaimed. Anji's eyes widened as she recognized the man in front of her.

"You work with Jean-Luc Picard," she said.

"Yes, or I did. I don't work Captain Picard anymore," Will replied, "but you were on Ba'ku. How did you get here?"

"The General invaded Ba'ku months ago. We were unprepared, and it was over before we could do anything to stop it," Anij said sadly.

"You're a slave," Riker breathed.

"Yes, and I need your help," Anij said, suddenly getting an idea.

"I'll do whatever I can," Will promised.

"There is a girl here who needs to know about a member of your crew. I cannot remember her name, but you might be able to if she shows you."

"I'll do my best," Will replied cautiously.

"She has an image prepared on the holodeck. I believe she is there now. Come with me." Will followed Anij to the holodeck.

"What was your name?" Will asked as they walked.

"Anij," she responded. Will nodded as he remembered. "Must I guess at your name?" she asked after he fell silent.

"Of course not. My name is Will Riker," he said, "I recognized you last night at dinner."

"Yes," Anij said dully.

"If I could, I'd like to talk to you about the General. The Federation wants him gone, we just need sufficient proof of his criminal dealing. I believe you could help us," Will said.

"I haven't been here long. If you'll talk to my friend I believe she can tell you much more than I can," Anij said as they approached the doors to the holodeck.

Anij looked at the program, and sure enough, it was Rose's. She opened the door allowing herself and Riker to enter the world Rose had created. They walked over the hill to the pond Anij had visited before. She spotted Rose in a grove not far off. "I think it would be best if I spoke to her first. I don't want to frighten her," Anji said. Will nodded and hung back while Anij approached the girl. "Rose." Rose turned to face Anij with tears in her eyes.

"Anij, what are you doing here?" Rose asked while wiping her eyes, "is something wrong?"

"No, I just… are you alright?" Anij asked.

"Yes, I'm just… feeling a little lonely I guess," Rose smiled, "will you keep me company? Tell me about your Starfleet captain."

"Actually I," Anij started pointing behind herself.

"Please, I… I need a distraction right now… I'm on duty tomorrow," Rose interrupted. Anij nodded in understanding as she pulled her into an embrace. She glanced around and sighed.

"Captain Picard was a very unique man," she began, smiling back at Rose, "he was thoughtful and kind. He cared so much for others no matter who they were. He fought to save one person as hard as he would fight to save thousands. He was honest, and… one of the best kissers I've ever known." Rose laughed at that. Anij smiled and noticed the image of Rose's mother coming out of the trees. Rose stopped laughing and turned to Anij.

"I sent her away, but she comes back every time," she said.

"Deanna" came a murmur from behind them. Anij turned to see Captain Riker had come out into the open and was gaping at the figure before him.

"Rose," Anij said gently. Rose turned to see a man staring at her from behind Anij.

"Computer freeze program. Who are you?" she asked defensively.

"Rose I brought him here," Anij assured her, "this is Will Riker. He was on the starship crew with your mother. I brought him here so that he could tell you who she was." Rose looked curiously at the man who had stepped into the clearing. She recognized him from the dinner the night before. She had sensed his curiosity about her then. Now she sensed a hurt and longing directed at the hologram of her mother.

"You know her?" she asked, pointing to the projection.

"Yes," Will replied with tears in his eyes, "how do you know her?"

"This is my mother," Rose replied. Will's breath caught in his throat as he choked back more tears.

"Your mother?" he whispered now, staring at her instead of the projection. Rose looked between him and her mother.

"Who is she?" Rose demanded.

"That… that is my wife," Will said shakily, "Deanna Troi." Rose froze on the spot.

"Deanna… Your wife?" she asked. Will nodded.

"How old are you?" he asked her. Rose didn't reply. She knew who this man was. "Daddy," she called into the trees. Out of the brush came the faceless brown haired man.

Will looked at him curiously, and then back at Rose.

"Computer, put this man's face on the Father hologram." Will's face appeared on the faceless man. He was a spitting image of Will fourteen years prior. Tears flowed down Will's face as he approached his daughter. Rose was stuck, unable to make herself move, but too confused to feel pleased. Will cupped her cheek gently.

"You look just like her… Teadalera," he murmured. The use of her given name caused Rose to snap out of her daze. She fled the holodeck and found the first open door available. Once inside, she locked the door and wept.

She was on the clean ship again. This time she was in a large room with tables. She walked to the window. Outside was a beautiful nebula. She watched it peacefully. The clean ship felt friendlier than the General's vessel.

"What'll it be?" came a voice from behind her. Behind the bar stood Will Riker.

"How did you get here?" Rose asked warily.

"I came for you," Will said as he came around the bar. Rose took a step back, running into the wall. "You belong to me." Riker continued his approach. Rose moved so that there was a table between them. "You're mine, nothing you do can change that," he threatened.

"Please leave me alone," Rose begged. Just then, the door opened to reveal Deanna.

"Will?" she exclaimed as she crossed the room to the pair, "what's going on?" Will ignored her. His gaze remained fixed on Rose. Rose looked from her mother to her father. Deanna was the same as her last dream with emotions, but this Will was more akin to his holodeck counterpart.

"You'll do as I say," Will threatened her, "or you'll suffer the consequences." He lunged across the table. Rose sprinted away from him to the door as Deanna held Will back.

"Will! Will stop it," Deanna screamed as she grasped his arms from behind his back.

"Tea!" Will screamed at Rose, who turned to face him from the doorway. Deanna released Will in shock as she looked to the girl in the doorway.

"No!" Rose screamed loudly as she ran from the room.

Rose awoke in the dark. She was on a hard floor. Rising, she glanced around the room. A dim light emitted from the window informed her that she was still in the conference room. She thought about her dream. Will had been a projection of Rose's fears. He had wanted her to be the daughter he had lost, but she was not the girl he remembered. She knew he was her father, but he had not raised her, and no matter how much she wished he had, nothing would change that. She feared his reaction when he discovered that she was no longer the girl he knew. On top of that, she didn't know if she could forgive them for having lost her. They'd failed her once. Did they deserve a second chance? Could she endure it? She knew she couldn't worry about these things now. She had probably spent too much time already. She gathered herself up and exited the conference room. The General appeared from around the corner.

"There you are," he spat. He grabbed her arm roughly. "You little whore. I expected you in my quarters this morning. Every morning we meet, yet today you have decided I am not worth your trouble. Is that it? Have you forgotten your place?"

"No General. Of course not. I"m sorry. I lost track of the time. It will not happen again."

"No it won't," the General said, pulling out his whip. Rose flinched as he struck her clean across the face. She lifted her hand to feel a deep gash along her jawline. Rose stood still as he lashed other parts of her body mercilessly. When he was done, he left her there in the hallway. She held her position until he was out of sight then her constitution failed her. She dropped to her knees and wept. Yet she knew he might return, so she made her way down the hall as well as she could through the extensive pain.

"What happened?" Kitty exclaimed as Rose finally made it to their quarters, "Dove bring me the med kit." Dove rushed to retrieve their small med kit from the corner as Kitty helped Rose to her bed.

"How can we help?" Alora asked as she and the other girls clamored around them.

"Alora, take Maize away. She doesn't need to see this. Jewel, Princess, I want you to go as well." Alora nodded as she rounded up the younger girls and escorted them from the room.

"How did this happen?" Kitty asked Rose once they had left. Dove had begun applying a salve to Rose's wounds. It was one of the few medical supplies they had been provided.

"I missed my appointment this morning," Rose said, wincing.

"Why? You never miss," Star asked from behind her.

"I was in the holodeck," Rose answered.

"What?" Kitty blurted out, "you risked your safety to spend time on the holodeck. How could you be so irresponsible Rose?"

"It wasn't her fault," Anij spoke up. Rose shot her a look begging her not to tell the girls what had happened.

"Who's fault was it?" Kitty asked, rounding on Anij.

"It wasn't Anij's fault Kitty. Calm down," Rose said, "it was a personal thing. Let it go."

"I will not," Kitty began.

"Let it go!" Rose screamed. The others froze in shock as Rose winced and fell back on her bed. Dove and Noasha rushed to help her get comfortable and continued treating her wounds. Kitty's anger was subdued by her concern for her friend. Rose sighed. "I know you're worried, but I'm asking you to trust me. This is something you are going to have to let go." Kitty considered her words.

"Ok," Kitty sighed, "but I don't have to like it." Rose smiled.

"I wouldn't expect you to."

"Is this going to put any of us in danger?" Naliki asked stiffly.

"No," Rose assured her, "He doesn't hold onto his anger for too long. One whipping usually gets the job done. Besides, I'm on duty tonight anyway."

"So we don't have to see him at all today?" Noasha asked hopefully.

"I'm sorry Noasha, but he wants us to go for a walk in the gardens with him this afternoon" The girls grimaced at this request. "We'd better get ready. Someone should go get the younger girls." Rose swung her legs over the side of the cot.

"You are going to stay in this bed until I tell you to get up," Kitty commanded. Rose rolled her eyes as she was urged back onto the bed.

"I'll make sure everyone is ready," Star said. Rose smiled gratefully as Star left with Naliki, Noasha, and Dove in tow. Kitty kissed Rose's forehead.

"Take it easy," she said as she turned to leave. She offered an arm to Kim who had been watching, terrified the whole time.

"It's alright Kim," Rose said, "you're going to be alright."

"Are you?" she asked.

"Yeah," Rose replied. Kim smiled softly and took Kitty's hand. Rose turned to Anij.

"Where is he?"

"He went back to his quarters," Anij replied. Rose nodded. "He wants to talk to you."

"I know," Rose said, "I think I want to talk to him too, but I don't know."

"What do you mean?"

"What good would it do? To learn I have a family while I am still a prisoner here. Am I hoping to be rescued? Do I expect to live happily with my parents now like nothing ever happened?"

"No," Anij interjected, "not like nothing ever happened, but yes happily. They have spent years trying to find you. He can get you out of here."

"But what about you?" Rose asked, "What about Kitty, and Dove, and Star, Princess, Jewel… what about Maize? I can't leave you all here. I can't leave them. If I leave they will end up looking like this." She gestured to her still open wound on her face. "I won't leave you behind to suffer in my place."

"If any of us deserve to leave it's you," Anij argued, "no one deserves what you've been through. You have endured the worst he has to offer."

"Exactly, and I wouldn't wish that upon anyone else. I can't leave knowing that others will suffer as I do for it," Rose shot back. Anij sighed.

"I understand… but you should talk to him. He has suffered too." Rose looked up.

"I know he has, but I can't," she argued.

"Why not?" Anij asked curiously, "haven't you been waiting for your parents to find you."

"Yes but… it's different… it was easier when they were just a dream," Rose admitted.

"Well he's not a dream," Anij sighed, "he's here now and as much as you may not want to, you must speak with him."

"I will," she agreed, "tomorrow. I have too much to deal with today. Help me up."

"You are not to get up until you're told young lady," Anij chided. Rose grimaced and resigned herself to the bed.

Will heard a series of giggles as he walked through the corridor. He had spent the morning in his quarters after his encounter earlier. Tea was alive. She was alive and a slave. She had been beaten and raped for ten years. The thought made him sick. He mourned the torture his daughter had been through, yet he could not help rejoicing that he had found her. He desperately wished Deanna could see her. She looked just like her. He wondered what she was like, what she liked to do, what she liked to eat, her favorite color even. He was desperate to get to know her. He didn't even know if she was empathic like her mother. He was still distracted by these thoughts when he came upon the General in his gardens. Will quickly discovered that the giggles were coming from the girls in the General's harem. He quickly spotted Tea massaging the General's shoulders. He was shocked to see a red mark running across her jaw and many others across her arms. His blood boiled, but he knew he could not risk confrontation if he ever wanted to get his daughter back. He had contacted Starfleet command with a list of the General's crimes he'd gathered from his own experience and speaking to Anij, but still awaited official arrest orders. The General had all but bragged about his slave trade and other unpleasant dealings and Will could not wait any longer to gather more charges. He needed to get Tea out of here now, but until he had Starfleet's authorization there was nothing he could do.

"General," he greeted as he approached the group.

"Ah, Captain Riker, join us," the General ordered. He snapped his fingers and a slave brought a mat for the captain to sit on.

"Thank you sir," Will said. He glanced at Tea, who nervously avoided his gaze.

"Of course," the General laughed, "girls attend to the captain." Kitty nodded as she stopped fanning the General to fan Will. Naliki began to play with Will's hair as Princess massaged his shoulders. Maize came to him with a bowl of fruit and offered to feed him.

"No thank you. I'm a grown man. I can feed myself," he said. Maize smiled, but it quickly disappeared as the General let out a bellowing laugh.

"Are you afraid of my girls Captain?" he teased.

"On the contrary, I find them to be quite accommodating," Will replied.

"Yes," the General replied absently, "hand picked them myself. These five," he gestured to Anij, Naliki, Noasha, Alora, and Kim, "I acquired only a week ago. The come from Ba'ku: quite a lovely people. This one is particularly delicious." He grabbed Kim and ran his hand along her body and down her inner thigh. "I call her Angel."

"I've been to Ba'ku," Riker said absently. The General turned back to him, and Kim sighed in relief.

"Really?" the General asked, amused.

"Yes, before I was a Captain I studied the Ba'ku."

"And what did you learn, Captain?" the General asked. Riker hesitantly glanced at Anij. She shook her head almost imperceptibly.

"We… found they were quite a primitive people. They prefered manual labor to technology. It was quite different from most humans, but I found it to be quite an admirable pursuit."

"Hm, give me a replicator any day," the General scoffed, "as you might have noticed, I prefer to live lavishly and comfortably." He laughed and Riker forced a small chuckle. "Tell me Captain Riker, how long have you been captain of your ship?"

"It wasn't until after researching Ba'ku. I'd say it's been about fourteen years now," he replied. Rose stiffened at his statement, but quickly returned to her task.

"Very good Captain. That's quite a long time. Hey, Star honey, bring me some more berries and you, Blondie, rub my feet." Star rushed off to find more berries. Dove nudged Alora, who had not understood the General's address to her. She immediately fell at his feet and began to rub them. "Do you want a foot rub Captain? I can spare China there," the General offered, gesturing to Noahsa.

"No thank you. I am comfortable like this," Riker replied "if you don't mind my asking General, are you from Earth?".

"What makes you say that?" the General asked intrigued.

"China indicates knowledge of the country known on Earth as China, or a particularly fragile type of ceramics."

"Very good captain. China's name is indeed inspired by porcelain, because she's so fragile," he said as he stroked Noasha's cheek.

"I see," Will spoke, "is that how you named all of them?" The General let out a lecherous laugh.

"Some of them. I have Mazie here for the color of her hair. Sometimes their names come in the heat of the night, if you know what I mean. Angel's one of those. Star too." Will nodded his understanding. "Ha, this one here is my little Princess aren't you?" He pulled Princess close so that she could smell the wine on his breath.

"Do they have real names?" Will asked. He wanted the General to confirm his daughter's identity.

"I don't rightly know. It would have been dreadful to learn their names when I got them. Much easier to call them what I like." The General saw Will's disturbed look. "If you really want to know let's ask them. What's your name Cherry?" Naliki looked up at the General and then glanced at Rose. Rose nodded with trepidation.

"Naliki," she answered.

"Agh, good lord what a name. Cherry is much nicer," the General spat, "What about you Dovey?" Dove froze in her task.

"Hanna," she replied looking up at the General.

"Well that's simpler at least, but Dove suits you better my sweet," he said stroking her face. He looked to Will, satisfied with his demonstration. "I like to give 'em all names as they pleasure me. Then I'll remember them." The General chuckled. "Except Rosie here. She's been with me ten years now. She didn't have a name when we got her, so I named her. She's a pretty little thing, but she's got a bite too. Don't you Rosie? I'm the only father she's ever known, poor thing." Will's blood boiled at the General's statement. Rose looked at him nervously as she sensed his rising fury. He might have killed the man right there if a servant hadn't entered the room just after his comment was made.

"General, your meeting is in fifteen minutes," a slave informed him.

"Damnit," the General cursed, "where the hell did Star go?" Star emerged with the berries.

"I am sorry General," she said offering him the berries.

"Stupid girl," he said tossing the bowl of berries across the ground and striking her across the face, "it's too late now. Rosey I'll see you after dinner tonight."

"Yes General," Rose replied with a sweet smile as he grabbed her ass on his way by. Will was suddenly terrified.

"General," he called desperately. The General turned, and Will composed himself. He approached the General respectfully. "I was hoping that I might have that one tonight. I just thought… since you have them every night, you might permit me to have a go before I have to leave." The General frowned, but Will just smirked. Amused, General laughed, slapping Will on the shoulder.

"Of course my friend," he laughed, "have your fun. Maizey baby, you have a little fire left in you. Report for duty after dinner tonight." Rose's face blanched as did Maize's.

"Yes sir," she squeaked out. The General smiled and swept out of the room. Maize began to breathe rapidly. Rose rushed over and scooped her up in her arms. Maize hugged her so tightly that she winced in pain. Kitty laid a hand on Rose's shoulder, and she passed Maize off to her. Kitty carried Maize out of the garden followed by the other girls.

"What have you done?" Rose spat furiously at Riker as she followed after them. Will watched helplessly as they disappeared. Anij shot him a sympathetic look as she followed the others out.

Maize was calm and preparing for duty with the help of Kitty, Dove, and Star. Rose paced the room angrily.

"He was only trying to help you," Anij asserted.

"I don't care. He put her in danger. He didn't even stop to think about the consequences to the rest of you. It was selfish," Rose fumed.

"You expect him to sit back and let another man rape you? He's your father," Anij protested.

"Quiet," Rose snapped as she glanced at the others. They were all busy helping Maize and hadn't noticed Anij's slip up. "No one must know."

"You'll have to talk to him. If you don't go the General will know about it."

"I know," Rose retorted.

"I know you're angry Rose, but please don't let that make you reject his help before he's even offered it."

"We don't even know if he can help. He's proved himself incompetent before. I'll cooperate when he tells me how he let his only child be abducted when she was too young to even remember who he was." Rose's screaming had caught the attention of the other girls. They all stared at her shock.

"Rose are you-"

"I'm sorry… Maize we should be going now. Come on," Rose interrupted Alora. Maize shyly walked to the door with Rose. "I'm sorry if I scared you honey. Everything is going to be alright," Rose said calmly when she realised she had frightened the young girl. Maize nodded and gave her a hug as they exited the room together.

"What is going on?" Kitty demanded from Anij.

"Come in," Will answered the knock on his door. The door opened to reveal Rose on the other side. Will stood up quickly and crossed to greet her.

"I'm here for your pleasure Captain," she told him stiffly. Will shrank back at her tone, but gestured to the room.

"Please come in. Make yourself comfortable," he said. She nodded and crossed to sit on the couch. "Would you… like anything?" he asked tentatively.

"I am yours to command Captain. I only wish to serve you," she responded coldly.

"Please," Will begged, "I'd like to talk to you. Maybe we could be friendly." Rose met his eyes.

"You have put the people I love in danger. Forgive me if I am not quick to be friendly," she said.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. It was never my intention to put the girl in danger. Will she be alright?" he asked. Concern crossed Rose's face.

"I don't know," she said uneasily, "she has only been with him once before. We were able to manipulate the conditions in her favor. After today though… I fear he is in an aggressive mood today. I am afraid for her."

"I'm so sorry," Will said, "truly I am."

"I believe you," Rose replied. Will looked at her curiously. A question that had been nagging at him surfaced in his mind.

"Are you an empath?" he asked.

"If you mean can I feel what other people are feeling… yes. Sometimes I can even hear thoughts," she responded.

"That's why you knew I was telling the truth," he said. She nodded. Will smiled. "Your mother is an empath. She taught me how to hear her thoughts when I first fell in love with her." Rose smiled. She liked the idea of being connected to her mother in that way.

"Could that be why I was able to remember her so clearly?" she asked curiously.

"Could be," Will responded, "you two could have a connection beyond a human mother and daughter." Will suddenly remembered Deanna's past interaction when she saved her own mother from a coma through their telepathic bond. Before he could voice his hypothesis, Rose spoke.

"I see her… in my dreams sometimes. It used to be like the holodeck projection, but since you have been here it's been different. She's… it feels real… It's like she's in my mind." Will walked over to his daughter with hope gleaming in his eyes.

"You mean you could be contacting her telepathically?" Will asked.

"I've never been able to with anyone before, but if you say so," Rose answered. Will reached out for her hand. She tentatively reached a hand out to meet his. Will grasped his daughter's hand and looked deep into her eyes.

"Your mother… has been in a coma for over a month. All our attempts to wake her have been futile. Nothing has worked. If you could communicate with her, you might be able to wake her. I…" Will's eyes were wet with tears as he tried to communicate the importance of his words. "Lately, I had begun to think that I would never see either of you again. When you were taken, we searched for you everywhere. After two years we were forced to confront the fact that you were probably dead. It destroyed us. You being here is more than I could have ever hoped for. Even if you resent me, hate me even, you being alive is enough. If you could wake her… it would mean a great deal- everything to me… I think you would like her too." Rose was trapped under his gaze. All her fears had come to surface, yet her mind raced to comprehend his words.

"You don't care that I am a… you don't mind what I do?" she asked.

"I don't care what you've done or where you've been. You are my daughter, and I love you no matter what. Nothing will change that. Ever," Will declared. Rose's eyes filled with tears and she finally allowed herself to fall into her father's embrace. The two of them sat there for a long time, comforted by each other. After a time, Will spoke.

"Will you come with us? We have a starship that can take you far away from here." Rose sat up to look at him.

"I… I can't. I can't leave the girls. They need me. I couldn't leave knowing that he'll be able to hurt them," she responded.

"Of course not. We'll free them all," Will promised.

"Really?" Rose asked incredulously.

"I've already contacted the Federation. Once we have the order, we will arrest the General and all his slaves will be taken to refugee colonies within the Federation. They will all be given fresh starts to lead normal lives on their own terms," Will assured her. Rose wept again.

"Thank you," she cried, "thank you so much." Will pulled her close again. Rose was overwhelmed by the implications of Will's promises. "I want to help my mother… if I can. What should I do?" she asked.

"Once we have freed you, you can come to the Titan with me and we can have the doctor try to help you form a telepathic link with her. If you decide to stay with us, we can find you something to do aboard the ship as well," he told her.

"I'd like that," she replied with a warm smile. Her face scrunched up in thought. "Earlier you called me something. It was my name, wasn't it?" she asked. Will nodded slowly.

"Tea, well, Teadalera," he replied, "your mother picked it." Rose frowned. "If you don't like it you can go by whatever you want," he told her quickly.

"No," she replied, "it's just… the only name I've ever known is the one he gave me. I didn't know my given name. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. We can help you if that's what you want. You don't have to do anything you don't want to," he said. Rose was overwhelmed with feelings in addition to feeling her father's. She stood up and walked away from him. "What's wrong? Did I say something?" Will asked with concern.

"No I just… I've never felt feelings like this. I always thought the General loved me, but this is different. I don't know… " she trailed off trying to convey her feelings.

"I understand," Will said supportively.

"Captain!" Wesley called as he entered the chambers, "oh, I'm sorry." He stopped at the entrance when he saw Rose standing on the opposite side of the room. "I can come back later."

"No Wes," Riker said, "you don't have to go. In fact there's someone I would like you to meet." Wes returned his gaze to the girl opposite the captain and eyed her oddly.

"Hello, I'm Lieutenant Commander Wesley Crusher. Pleased to meet you," he said covering up his confusion with a smile and extending his hand. Rose approached him and took his hand. She glanced at the captain with a shy smile before speaking to Wesley.

"The pleasure is mine. I'm Teadalera Riker," she said, testing out her name. Wesley's eyes grew big as saucers as he looked at his captain, who's smile was wider than ever.

"I don't believe it," Wesley marveled, "how?"

"It's a bit of a story, but the important thing now is that we get that order from Starfleet, so we can free her and the rest of these people from the General," Will replied.

"Oh, that's what I wanted to tell you Captain," Wes exclaimed, "Starfleet command has sent a transmission. The Federation has okayed the arrestl, and dictates a trial be held at headquarters to determine his punishment. They are sending the closest ship in range to help us relocate the prisoners. They will be here in four days." Riker beamed.

"That's wonderful news," Will said. He laughed and saw that Tea's smile mirrored his own.

"What ship are they sending us Wesley," Will asked. Wes grinned.

"The Enterprise," he said. Will's mouth dropped open.

"You're joking," he laughed.

"No sir," Wesley beamed, "Captain Picard will rendezvous with us in four days time."

"Wow," Will said, "this has to be one of the best days I've had in a long time." The joy in the room was palpable. "Alright Mr. Crusher. We'll perform the arrest in the morning. You are dismissed."

"Thank you Captain. It was wonderful to meet you Teadalera," Wesley said, nodding to Rose and Will before exiting to the adjacent room to get some sleep. Will sat content on the couch as Rose came back to join him.

"Thank you… father," she said.

"Of course," he said, "it's my pleasure." She smiled gratefully. "Now if you'll do something for me."

"Yes?" she replied warily.

"I'd like to know more about you. What do you like to do? Tell me about yourself. You don't have to say anything you don't want to," he assured her. She smiled.

"It's fine. I'm not made of glass you know. You try so hard not to ask too much of me, and I appreciate that, but you don't have to apologize for everything. If I'm uncomfortable I'll tell you," she told him.

"Alright," Will said with a smile.

"Now, let's see. When I go to the holodeck I like to spend time outside. I love the grass, and picnics, and chocolate!" she told him with increasing excitement. Will laughed.

"You really are like your mother," he chuckled, "she once told me she'd never met a chocolate she didn't like." Rose laughed, but soon grew serious.

"Tell me about her?" she said. Will smiled softly.

"Your mother is a kind and compassionate woman. She served as counselor aboard the starship Enterprise for over ten years and serves the same purpose as well as others on the Titan. She has an incredible ability to help people feel safe and loved. It's more than just her empathic abilities. She just cares about everyone… everything. And she's a great listener," Will recalled, lost in his thoughts until his eyes rested on Rose again, "she loved you very much. More than anything else in the world. When we lost you… she was inconsolable. I thought I'd lose her. Her mother had gone through a similar loss, and I think Deanna was harder on herself because it had happened in her family before." Rose nervously glanced at her father.

"What happened?" she asked. When he looked at her quizzically, she elaborated. "How… did you lose me?" Will's face fell. He looked at his feet, and Rose could see more tears fall into his lap. She didn't want to cause him pain, but she had to know.

"We were on shore leave. A planet called Risa. It's a peaceful planet. We had no reason to suspect…" Will trailed off as he attempted to stop the tears, "I'm sorry. We uh… we were walking along the beach together, and your mother and I took you up to a park. She saw a friend there and she… she asked me to watch you while she spoke with her." Will could not meet Rose's eyes, but he continued his story. "It was only a moment. I watched her walk away and I looked down and you were gone. There were… so many people. I called out for you, but… it was my fault. When we found the man who had done it… he was an enolian who I had disgraced. He took you to hurt me. I tried to find you but he died before we could get any information out of him. There were no records of where he'd taken you." Rose stared at the wall opposite her. She didn't know how to feel. She could feel her father's guilt and regret, but part of her was glad for it. He should feel guilty that he let his daughter be kidnapped and raised as a slave. However, the rational part of her said that he couldn't have known, and he couldn't have watched over her every moment. That would have only paranoid him and caused her to resent him. She didn't know which part of herself she agreed with, but her compassion won over as she felt her father struggle with the pain of his guilt. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"I forgive you," she said sincerely, as she turned his face toward herself. His red eyes gazed fearfully at her. She tried to conjure up a smile for him, but she only began to cry. They held each other in their pain.

In the morning, Rose gathered the girls.

"Quickly, grab your things we have to be in the holding room by 0700 hours," she said as she helped Maize pack a small bag.

"Rose what is going on?" Kitty asked.

"We haven't much time. We're getting out of here. All of us," she said. The girls gasped.

"What do you mean 'getting out of here'. How?" Jewel asked.

"Rose, it is illogical to attempt an escape. Given the past failures and the increase of passengers aboard the vessel, there is very little chance we would be successful," Princess reasoned. Rose smiled at the vulcan girl with understanding

"This is different, Princess. The odds will be in our favor, because we will have help. Captain Riker is with the Federation. They have declared the General a criminal and ordered his arrest. Captain Riker has promised us all a place on his ship until we reach a safe colony," she informed them.

"Are you serious?" Dove asked. Rose nodded.

"How do we know we can trust this Captain Riker?" Naliki asked.

"I'm an empath. I know when someone's lying," Rose explained.

"What if he's fooled you?" Naliki shot back.

"He can't. I can read his emotions. He can't hide them any better than you can. That's how I know you don't really hate me, and all your distrust comes from fear. That is a very normal feeling, but we're not going to get another chance like this. If you're afraid to trust anyone, you'll never get out of here. You have to trust me," Rose explained. Naliki was taken aback. She gaped for a moment, but simply nodded in cooperation. Rose smiled.

"How did you do it Rose? What did you give the captain to make him do this?" Kitty asked fearfully.

"Nothing," Rose smiled, "he offered to do it."

"Why?" Princess asked skeptically.

"He's my father," Rose replied. The girls' eyes went wide at this revelation. Anij just smiled.

"How?" Kitty asked.

"Anij recognised him. He and my mother served a captain she once knew," she said.

"That's wonderful," Alora exclaimed, "what captain, Anij?"

"Picard," Anij said, "his crew helped us with the Son'a. Captain Riker and Rose's mother were with him during that time." The women from Ba'ku nodded.

"I remember Picard. You were quite fond of him, weren't you Anij?" Noasha remarked.

"This is a lovely topic, but we can talk about it after we are safe. Are you coming?" Rose asked. The girls nodded and grabbed their things. "Alright, quickly, follow me." She opened the door and looked out to the empty hallway. Turning back to the girls she spoke again. "By the way, the vessel Starfleet sent happens to be under the command of one Captain Jean-Luc Picard." Anij's eyes went wide as Rose slipped out into the hallway. The other Ba'ku women giggled as they followed her past a dumbfounded Anij. The women made it to the holding area without incident. "Alright, I need to gather the rest of the slaves, so the Titan can transport us all to safety before the General is arrested. If he puts up a fight we could all be in danger."

"I'm going with you," Kitty said.

"So am I," Anij asserted.

"Me too," Maize said. Rose smiled at her.

"You can't come with me. I need you to protect everyone here," she said.

"No, you just want to trick me into staying here so I won't get in trouble," Maize retorted.

"Is it working?" Rose asked.

"Yes," Maize sighed.

"Good girl. Let's go," she said to Kitty and Anij. They turned to leave.

"I'd like to come too," Naliki said. Rose turned and nodded to her. The four of them made their way to the larger slave quarters. They made their way to each block, and informed them of the General's impending arrest and the plan to ensure their safety. Most greeted the new with excitement, but some were skeptical of the intentions of the unknown Starfleet captain. Rose did her best to explain, but her priority was to get as many people out as possible. The General would not be expecting her until 0700 hours, so he would not be in the corridors before that. This gave them the opportunity to move groups of slaves through the corridors, being careful to time their escape between the guards rounds. When the majority of the prisoners had been moved Rose instructed Naliki to guide a group back and stay there. Anij would follow with the next, and the last would be led by Kitty. Rose went to find Captain Riker. They met outside the captain's quarters.

"Is it done?" he asked.

"Yes Captain," she replied, "they are all in the holding area."

"How many are there?" he asked.

"One hundred and eighteen," she replied.

"Damn," Will cursed, "that's going to take longer to transport than I thought. If we run into trouble with the General they wouldn't be able to beam us out if they are trying to transport that many people. We can't do it before though, because they'll know if we start transporting people off the ship." Will thought about it for a moment before Rose spoke up.

"What if you took some of us to help you arrest the General? Then we could hold him at bay until the transporters became available."

"No," Will asserted, "it's too dangerous, and you're not Starfleet officers. You can't make an arrest."

"We wouldn't be making the arrest. We would merely be watching your back. Protecting you from the guards," Rose argued.

"No," Will said, "it's out of the question."

"We don't have many other options. I won't let my friends suffer any longer, but I'm not going to let my father die for them either," she said. Will furrowed his brow.

"And I can't let you put yourself in danger. If anything happened to you I could never forgive myself," he said.

"Let's ask the men if they will help. That way I won't be there but you won't be alone," she said.

"Hey, he's not alone," Wes said from behind the captain.

"Sorry Mr. Crusher," Rose apologized, "but I'd feel better knowing the two of you had some backup."

"That's fair," Wesley agreed with a lighthearted smile. They made their way to the holding area. The slaves were clamoring.

"Listen up," Will yelled. The room quieted. "If this is going to work you must be quiet. If the General finds you here it is unlikely that we will be able to transport all of you out safely in time. Now I need some men to come with me. There are more of you than anticipated and I'm going to need more help subduing the General while we get you all to safety." The slaves shuffled about.

"I will go," a voice said. A romulan stepped out of the crowd. Will looked skeptically at him, but Rose gave him a nod.

"Thank you," Will nodded to the man. Two human men, a hekaran, and a kraylor also volunteered. "Tea take Lieutenant Commander Crusher's communicator. You will be our contact. I will alert you when we are in position to arrest the General. You will immediately request transport for the people in this room. When you are all safe, tell the transporter chief to be prepared to beam the seven of us out."

"Yes sir," she said. Riker pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head.

"I love you. Everything is going to be fine," he said.

"I know," she replied. Will stepped back and handed phasers to the men he had assembled.

"Riker to Titan," he said.

"We hear you Captain," Commander Vale responded.

"We're ready down here Commander," Will said, "be prepared to beam the prisoners out. The order will come from one of the prisoners."

"Yes sir," Vale replied, "could you have the specified prisoner identify himself."

"Of course Commander." He nodded to Rose.

"This is Rose," she said into the commlink. She saw Riker's expression fall when she used her slave name. "I didn't want to cause any confusion. I'm sorry," she said.

"No, it's quite alright. That was smart," Riker said. "Standby for word from Rose, Commander," he said into the commlink.

"Good luck," Rose said as her father left the room. She went back to stand with the other girls. The room was dead silent.

"What do we do now?" Maize asked.

"Now, we wait," Rose replied. They waited in silence for fifteen minutes before Riker's voice came over the commlink.

"Alright Tea, we've found the General. Start the beam out," Will said.

"Yes sir," Rose replied. The girls all stood up and looked to Rose. "It's alright," she assured them. She pinned the Communicator to Maize's top, then pressed it.

"Titan, this is Rose. One hundred seventeen to beam up," she said. The other girls looked at her curiously, but she was already running away as the transporter beam carried them away. Rose stood at the edge of the room and watched as, group by group, the slaves were transported out of the room. Within twenty minutes they were all safely aboard the Titan. Rose left the room and headed to the General's chambers. She found an unconscious guard on her way and took his weapon. She heard a commotion up ahead. She crept around the corner and saw her father and his men pressed against a wall, while the General and his guards were barricaded in the room at the end of the corridor. Will and his men were completely vulnerable. Rose searched for something to protect them with, and found a room with a table in it. She dragged the table into the corridor where Will and the men were trying to dodge the General's attacks. One of the human men lay dead on the floor already. Will leapt across the hall and was able to shoot one of the guards, but in the process, was hit by a laser from one of the other guards. "Father!" Rose yelled. She watched and was horrified to see the General staring straight at her, malice in his eyes.

"Kill her!" he screamed. Rose pushed the table over and shoved it out into the corridor just as a volley of phaser fire was sent her way. The slave men clamored to get behind the table. They were soon joined by Wesley with a wounded Riker in tow.

"Tea what are you doing here?" Riker asked angrily.

"Saving your life," she replied seriously. Riker smirked slightly at her stubbornness.

"Alright, but we need to get you out of here," he said.

"You too Captain," Wesley told him. Will shot him a stern glare. "Captain, you are injured. You need to get to sickbay. We can hold out here, and you can send an away team to come complete the arrest." Will nodded.

"Very well Lieutenant Commander," he said, "but you'll need this." Will gave Wesley his communicator. Wes nodded.

"Titan, can you get a lock on the two lifeforms beside me," Wes said.

"Affirmative Lieutenant Commander Crusher," the transporter chief said.

"Beam them up," Wesley ordered. Will and Rose were transported up to the Titan. In the transporter room, Lieutenant Radowski was at the transporter. Commander Tuvok stood in the doorway with Dr. Ogawa.

"Captain," the doctor exclaimed, "are you alright?"

"Of course Alyssa. It's just a scratch," Will joked.

"Well you can't be hurt too bad. Your sense of humor hasn't taken any blows," Ogawa replied. Riker chuckled. "Let's get you to sickbay- oh," the doctor exclaimed when she saw the girl the captain was with, who looked strikingly like Deanna Riker.

"I know," Riker said, "I explain later. For now let's get to sickbay. Commander Tuvok, send a team down to assist Lieutenant Commander Crusher in the arrest of the General."

"Yes sir," Tuvok replied. Riker nodded. Soon he was in sickbay with Dr. Ogawa and Rose. The doctor treated Riker's wound and released him to the bridge.

"Thank you Doctor. Where are the refugees being held?" he asked.

"Most are in ten forward, Captain, but there are too many of them. The others are being held in various staff quarters. I'll be glad when the Enterprise arrives," she said.

"So will I," Riker agreed, "I'm heading to the bridge. Will you examine her? I want a full report."

"Once the Enterprise arrives I will be performing physicals on all the refugees, Captain," Ogawa informed him.

"I know but I want this one now," Riker ordered.

"Yes sir," Ogawa complied. Riker nodded and turned to leave sickbay.

"I'll come back once the General has been apprehended," he said to Rose.

"Yes sir," Rose replied. Riker smiled and left for the bridge. Dr. Ogawa began a scan of Rose.

"Can I assume that you are Rose?" she asked. Rose nodded. "That was very brave what you did, saving your people and helping the captain."

"Thank you," Rose said. She didn't know if Will would want her to tell anyone that she was his daughter or not. She decided to keep quiet for now. Doctor Ogawa gasped as she looked at Rose's back.

"What is this?" she asked.

"Occupational hazard," Rose replied.

"No occupation warrants this," the doctor replied.

"It's alright. Those are old scars. Captain Riker probably just wants you to make sure I'm not in any immediate danger."

"Well," Ogawa continued skeptically, "other than the general scaring you seem to be in good health."

"Thank you Doctor," Rose replied. She got up off the biobed and began to look around sickbay.

"Now that you've been examined I think it best you wait with the others in ten forward. I can take you," the doctor said. Rose felt a familiar presence in sickbay, and was too curious to listen to the doctor. "Hey come back here. You can't go in there," Ogawa yelled as Rose walked into the adjacent room. She was there. Rose could feel her fear, her loneliness, her hope, the same feelings she had felt in her dream. She approached her slowly. She was exactly the way she'd imagined. "Get away from there," the doctor ordered as she prepared a hypospray to sedate the girl.

"Please don't," Rose said whirling around to face the doctor, "I can help her." The doctor cocked her head at the girl's request. She looked at the girl intently and noticed what she'd seen in the transporter room. The girl looked just like Deanna, even more so when standing beside her. She had the same hair, almost the same face, and the same eyes. Dark, black eyes.

"You're a betazoid," the doctor said softly.

"My mother is a betazoid, Rose responded calmly. The doctor squinted at her.

"It can't be," she said. Rose knew that the doctor had figured it out, though she was unsure of her assumption.

"I am," she informed her. The doctor's eyes widened.

"How do you know… " the doctor's question trailed off, "You're Teadalera?"

"Yes," Rose responded, "Captain Riker said that I may be able to wake her from her coma through a telepathic link." Dr. Ogawa nodded.

"And Captain Riker is-" she began to ask.

"My father," Rose replied. Dr. Ogawa was dumbstruck. She didn't believe what she was seeing, but she knew she could find out. She went to her office to compare a sample of the girl's DNA with the captain's. She glanced out to find the girl still at Deanna's bedside. She really did look just like her. When her analysis was complete she walked back over to the girl.

"You really are her," the doctor said with tears in her eyes. Rose looked at her. This woman had fond feelings for her, but she had no clue who she was.

"I'm sorry, I… should I know you?" she asked.

"No dear not at all. I delivered you when you were born, but I wouldn't expect you to remember that," she said with a laugh. Rose smiled. They both turned when the door opened and Will Riker entered the room. He looked between them and saw the tears in Dr. Ogawa's eyes.

"You told her?" he asked.

"I tried not to, but she was going to make me leave," Rose replied glancing at her mother.

"It's alright," Will said, coming to stand next to her. He ran his hand down Deanna's cheek fondly, then put a hand on his daughter's shoulder. The depth of the love and longing Rose felt from Will toward Deanna was stronger than almost any she'd ever felt before. She looked between her parents with a smile, but was brought back to reality by a thought.

"Did you get him?" she asked.

"Yes," Will assured her. Though she couldn't understand it, Rose was almost saddened by the thought.

"Is he on this ship?" she asked tensely. Will looked down at her.

"Yes," he said, "but I promise you he will never touch you again. He's locked up now. You're safe." Rose nodded slowly.

"Captain," Tuvok's voice came over the communicator.

"Yes Commander," Riker replied.

"The Enterprise has come up on our scanners," the vulcan informed him.

"On my way," Will said. He turned to Rose. "I'll be back. You can stay in sickbay if you wish, but don't wander too far." She nodded. "They weren't supposed to come for another two days," Will muttered as he left the room. Rose looked around the room for a moment.

"May I bring a friend to sickbay?" she asked the doctor.

"What?" Dr. Ogawa asked

"I'd like one of my friends to come to sickbay," Rose explained.

"Why?" the doctor inquired.

"I want her to be here when the Enterprise crew comes. There's someone she needs to see. Please," Rose told her. Ogawa smiled.

"I think you're up to something, but I'll allow it. Let's go get your friend," Alyssa said with a knowing smile. Rose grinned.

"Captain Picard," Will greeted his old friend in the transporter room. The bald man smiled at his former first officer.

"Captain Riker," Picard extended his hand, "it's good to see you Will."

"The feeling is mutual," Will replied. "Beverly," Will greeted the doctor, "welcome. It's been a long time."

"That it has Will," Dr. Crusher replied, "it's so good to see you." Will embraced the doctor.

"Captain," Wesley greeted Picard.

"Mr. Crusher, how are you?" Picard greeted enthusiastically.

"I'm doing well sir," Wesley replied.

"You've grown up quite a bit since the last time I saw you," Picard remarked.

"A little," Wes laughed, "Mother." Beverly approached her son from behind the captain.

"Oh Wes, look at you," Beverly said, pulling her son into an embrace.

"It's good to see you Mom," Wesley said. Tuvok introduced himself to the captain and doctor, as well as Data and Geordi. When the crews had finished greetings, Beverly spoke up.

"Will, where is Deanna?" she asked. Will's face fell, and the crew of the Enterprise grew concerned. "What's happened?"

"Deanna has been in a coma for over a month. Nothing we do seems to be able to bring her out of it," Will replied.

"Oh my god… may I see her?" Beverly asked.

"Of course," Will said, leading them all to sickbay, "Commander Tuvok, will you please prepare the refugees for medical exams before they are taken aboard the Enterprise."

"Yes Captain," Tuvok replied. The remaining officers made their way to sickbay. Will opened the door and found Dr. Ogawa in conversation with another woman.

"Doctor," Will greeted as he came in with the others.

"Captain," the doctor acknowledged. The woman with her turned to face the new passengers.

"Anij?" Captain Picard asked. Anij looked at him with a soft smile.

"Hello Jean-Luc. It's wonderful to see you again," she said.

"How… how did you get here?" he asked bewildered.

"Ba'ku was attacked and we were forced aboard that ship until Captain Riker freed us," she explained. Picard grasped her hand.

"I am so sorry," he said, "but it is… good to see you again."

"You never took that shore leave did you?" she asked. Picard chuckled.

"I could never bring myself to leave the Enterprise for very long," he admitted.

"Where is Deanna?" Dr. Crusher interjected.

"Through here," Dr. Ogawa said, "follow me."

"Lead the way doctor. I miss having you in my sickbay, but I hear you're doing well here on the Titan," Beverly said. Before Dr. Ogawa could respond, Will interrupted.

"Wait, there's something I have to tell you before you go in there," Will said.

"What is it Will?" Beverly asked. As she did, Rose came around the corner. Beverly turned as the others eyes widened. She was rendered as speechless as the others as she came face to face with the young girl.

"Captain, Doctor, this is Teadalera," Will said. Beverly's eyes met Will's.

"She's," she began.

"Yes, she is my daughter," Will confirmed. Beverly got teary eyed, while Picard, Geordi, and Data all stood, mouths agape.

"She looks just like her," Beverly said.

"I know," Will replied. Rose just stood in front of them uncomfortably. She wanted to be with her parents, but people kept remembering her as the child of ten years ago. These people obviously were close with her parents, but she didn't know a single one of them. She was very uncomfortable with the Enterprise's crew.

"Father I'd like to try now," Rose addressed Will.

"We should wait until the doctor is monitoring and make sure it's safe," Will said.

"No, I've done it before. I just need something to keep me asleep. I have to try," she said.

"I'm not saying you can't, but I'm not going to let you risk your life just because you don't want to wait. We have to make it safe before we send you in," Will argued.

"What is she doing?" Beverly asked.

"Tea is an empath and seems to have a telepathic link with Deanna. She has been able to contact Deanna, we believe, in her sleep. We plan on inducing sleep so that she can reach Deanna and find a way to wake her," Will explained. Beverly opened her mouth excitedly to speak but Rose interrupted.

"May I speak to you privately?" she asked. Will nodded and led her into the doctor's office.

"What's wrong?" he asked with concern.

"I told you I'd tell you if I was uncomfortable. Well they make me uncomfortable," she said.

"Why?" Will asked.

"They all think they know me, but I don't know any of these people. They expect me to be Deanna or a memory of… I don't know. The way everyone talks, you all say, 'she looks just like her', as if she's dead. It's just," she trailed off. Will held her hand.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I know this is a lot to handle for you. I'm trying to help, but I'll admit I'm a bit out of my depth. I shouldn't have brought them in so soon. I'm sorry." Rose sighed.

"It's ok. I'm just a bit overwhelmed," she said. Will pulled her into a hug.

"I know," he comforted, "how about you get some sleep now, and when you wake up we'll see what we can do for your mother." Rose nodded. "Come on, I'll find you a bed."

Rose was lying on the biobed. Doctors Ogawa and Crusher both stood over her. Will stood a few feet away holding Deanna's hand. Captain Picard had asked to join, but Will asked for as few people as possible in the room. Rose was grateful for that.

"Alright Tea, were going to put you to sleep. While you're under we will stimulate your paracortex to try to induce a communication with your mother. We'll keep you under as long as we think it's safe for both of you," Beverly informed her. Rose nodded. She turned to Will.

"I want you to keep me under as long as you can. Every time I've encountered her before I get pulled out before we can say anything to each other. She has spoken, but I've never been able to respond. I need to stay in long enough to talk to her. I think it will be alright after that," she said. Will put a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll do everything I can, but if you're in danger I have to pull you out," Will told her. Rose looked indignant for a moment, but she nodded. Dr. Ogawa gave her a hypospray and she began to drift off.

She was on the clean ship again. This time she recognized it as a starship, similar to the Titan. She was in someone's quarters this time. She walked to the bed and looked in every crevice, but no one was there. She exited and walked down the hall. She wandered around until she heard a scream. She quickly followed the noise to engineering. She entered main engineering to find her mother frightened on the other side of the consol from a strange man. He was a humanoid of some kind.

"Get out of my head," Deanna screamed at him. He began to cross to her, and Rose searched around. She found that she had a holster with a phaser in it. She quickly took it out and shot the man. Deanna looked frightened as he fell and she caught sight of Rose behind him. "I've seen you before," Deanna said, "who are you?" Rose opened her mouth to speak, but felt herself falter. She tried to regain her barings, but could not focus. She knew she was waking up, but she had to talk to her mother. Summoning all her strength, she stared directly at Deanna.

"I am… your...daughter," she ground out. Deanna's mouth fell agape, and Rose felt herself return to normal. She sighed in relief, but then remembered she had to help her mother. Deanna stood still, unable to comprehend what she was seeing.

"What is your name?" she asked.

"Tealadera." Deanna choked back a sob.

"How?"

"Captain Will Riker came aboard the ship I was being held prisoner on and freed me and my companions. I know he's my father. He misses you very much," Rose explained.

"Oh Will," Deanna murmured, "but… how are you here?"

"I inherited your empathic abilities. That's why I was able to make contact with you. I think there is something trying to keep us from communicating, because we have been stopped from speaking to each other until now," Rose informed her.

"Something is keeping me from waking up. It is using people and events from my past to keep me here. I don't know how to fight it," Deanna said.

"That's why I'm here, We'll do it together," Rose said. Deanna smiled.

"May I?" she asked, extending her arms. Rose nodded and accepted her mother's embrace.

"Alright, what have you tried?" Rose asked.

"I figure that this is all an illusion. Something wants me to stay on this ship, so I tried to destroy the ship, but every time I try it stops me," she said.

"Is that why you're in engineering? You were trying to destroy the core," Rose said.

"Yes," Deanna replied. Rose thought about it, but could not figure out what to do.

"This would have been easier if I just had to convince you to wake up,"Rose said.

"If you just had to convince me to wake up I would have been awake long before this. How long have I been here?" Deanna asked.

"He said you've been in a coma for over a month," Joanna replied.

"Over a month?" Deanna asked. Rose nodded. "And how long have you been on board?" Deanna wondered.

"One day," Rose told her.

"Only one day? To make you endure this kind of telepathic exertion, which I assume you have very little experience with, so soon. It's barbaric. You need time to adjust. How could they do this?" Deanna was furious at the danger posed to her daughter's psyche.

"Mother, it was my fault. I begged Captain Riker to let me do this now. I could feel how it hurt him to be without you, how desperate he was to have you back. I admit, I was a little desperate too," Rose confessed.

"Why?" Deanna questioned.

"I couldn't stand all their expectations. They didn't do anything wrong, but I knew they all expected me to be Tealadera, daughter of the captain, the virtual copy of her mother. That's not who I was raised to be. I was raised to... I don't know who I am. I'm not Tea, but I don't want to be Rose. You were… the only person I knew as both. I guess I figured if you were there I wouldn't feel so out of place," Rose admitted. Deanna cupped Rose's cheek.

"My darling," Deanna said softly, "you are my daughter, no matter what you've done. Nothing will ever change that. You are whoever you want to be. Your past doesn't have to define you and neither do we. I do not expect to raise you. I have already lost that privilege, but I will always be here for you." Rose collapsed into her mother's arms. Deanna stroked her daughter's hair as tears ran down her cheeks.

"We need to get you out of here. I don't know how much time we have left," Rose sniffed. Deanna released her and wiped the tears from Rose's face.

"We can talk later," she told her. Rose smiled.

"I'd like that. Now… lets destroy this ship," she said. Deanna nodded.

"I tried to remove the containment field around the warp core. That should be the quickest way to do it, but I was stopped by the man you killed earlier. Another image from my past," she explained.

"Maybe, because I don't know the people from your past, I will be able to resist these images. If there is some alien force within your brain it may not be able to reach me."

"Let's try it," Deanna said, "I'll begin dismantling the containment field." She approached the engineering controls.

"Deanna?" a voice asked. Deanna turned to see a little girl standing behind her. She looked quizzically at the girl. "Mommy wants you to come home now," the girl said.

"Kestra?" Deanna asked. The girl just grabbed Deanna's hand and pulled her toward the door. "No Kestra, I can't go with you. I have to get back to my family," she said.

"But we are your family," said the confused girl, "Mommy will be mad if you aren't home soon." Deanna turned away from the girl and returned to her task at the console. Rose watched, unsure of how to help her mother stay focused.

"Deanna dear where have you been?" Deanna whirled around to see her mother and father enter the room.

"She wouldn't come with me Mommy. I tried," Kestra said.

"Oh I know dear. Your sister has always been stubborn. Deanna let's go. You'll be late," Lwaxana Troi bid her daughter.

"Come home darling," Ian said. Deanna stared at her family, whole for the first time.

"Mother," Rose interrupted, "remember." Deanna looked at her and nodded.

"Mother?" Lwaxana asked, "Deanna… Is this my granddaughter?" Deanna looked from her mother to her daughter. She had always regretted that her mother had not gotten to meet Tea. She had died only months before she was born. "I'd like to meet her?" Deanna nodded as she walked over to her mother.

"No!," Rose shouted, "she is not your mother. It's a trick. You have to let her go." Deanna turned to her daughter with tears in her eyes.

"Deanna please," Lwaxana begged, "I never got to meet Ian, let me know Tea." Deanna was stopped again at the mention of her son. Rose crossed to her mother and took her hands.

"This isn't your family. They're being used to distract you. Come with me." Rose led her mother to the console and placed her hands on it. "How do we blow up the ship?" she asked. Deanna took a breath and began to press the necessary buttons.

"Deanna! What are you doing?" Will yelled. They turned to see Deanna's parents had gone, and in their place stood Will Riker. "Deanna," he said more gently this time.

"Go away Will," Deanna said firmly.

"Deanna you have to stop this," he said approaching her, "you'll kill us all."

"I have to do this Will," Deanna said slightly shaken.

"Why?" Will asked. Deanna glanced at Rose. "Deanna, that's not your daughter. Our daughter was lost years ago. You have to accept that." Deanna frowned at him.

"Mother no," Rose interjected, "he's just another distraction. He doesn't want you to get out of here." Deanna looked between the two, obviously confused.

"Deanna, I know you miss her. I miss her too, but imagining she exists will not bring her back. You have to accept that she's gone. It's not worth your life."

"Stop it," Rose said, stepping between them, "Mother this has to be the way out. He's trying too hard to stop you from destroying the ship. He's not real."

"Or you're not real" Deanna replied shakily. Rose took a step back.

"Mother please," she said. Deanna stepped away from the controls. "No please," Rose tried again. Will came to put his arm around Deanna. Rose was lost. She didn't know how to convince her mother that she was real, not Will. She didn't know how to operate the controls, so couldn't even shut down the containment field around the warp drive. She felt scared and suddenly realized that the alien pretending to be Will was too.

"Mother," she exclaimed, "you know what he's feeling. Does it really feel like Will Riker. Your husband. You know him better than anyone, and that is not him. You have to know that." Deanna contemplated Rose's words and looked up at Will.

"Let her go imzadi," Will said gently.

"No," Deanna said, taking a step back, "you're not Will." Will opened his mouth to speak, but Deanna had already lept to the controls and removed the containment field.

"No!" Will screamed lunging forward as a bright light engulfed them.

"Her vitals are dropping," Beverly said.

"So are Deanna's," Ogawa informed her.

"Get them out" Will demanded anxiously. Beverly grabbed a hypospray and prepared to bring Rose out of her sleep.

"Wait," Ogawa exclaimed, "Deanna's vital signs are rising." Beverly paused to check the doctor's claim.

"Tea's are not," she observed, "we'll have to bring her out."

"No imzadi," a voice said in Will's head.

"Deanna?," he asked. The doctors both looked at Will questioningly. "Don't pull her out yet. I think Deanna's trying to communicate with me." Beverly scanned Rose again.

"Her condition hasn't changed," she said, "if she gets any worse we'll have to bring her out." Will nodded

Rose was surrounded by darkness. It enveloped her completely. She searched for any sign of escape. "Hello?" she called.

"Tea," she heard a distant voice call. She tried to find the source but the darkness was all consuming. "Tea," the voice cried desperately. She looked in the direction of the voice and tried to walk toward it. She was amazed to find that the ground was solid beneath her. She walked toward the voice, but felt pulled to turn away from it.

"We're losing her" a different voice said from somewhere in the void.

"Tea please," the first voice begged. It was Deanna. Rose shook her head and moved toward the voice, but felt as though she was slipping backwards. She broke into a run and began to see an opening ahead. "Tea." The voice was coming from the door. "Tea!" She ran headlong into the door and fell through.

"Tea?" Rose opened her eyes to see Will Riker's face. She looked around. She was in sickbay aboard the Titan again. Suddenly, she turned to look at her mother. Deanna was being scanned by Doctor Ogawa, but her eyes were open.

"Mother," she said. Deanna turned to look at her daughter. They smiled at each other, and Rose leapt off the biobed. Deanna sat up and embraced her daughter tightly. Tears streamed down her face. Rose was flooded with a feeling of tender affection. Her mother's feelings overwhelmed her as she tried to process them along with her own. Her relief and happiness filled the room. Yet in equal measure, Rose felt an unbearable sadness. Rose felt suffocated by all these feelings she felt on top of her own conflicted feelings.

"You're really here," Deanna cried into her daughter's hair. Rose simply nodded. Will put a hand on his wife's shoulder. She looked up to see his face and gave him a wide smile. "Will." Will wrapped his arms around the two of them. Will's emotions only further suffocated Rose and increased her discomfort.

"I missed you," he whispered to his wife.

"I missed you too," she said, leaning her head into his shoulder. They sat like that for a few moments before Dr. Crusher interrupted.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to make sure my patients are healthy before they do anything else," she said. Will nodded and let the doctor's examine the women. Rose felt relief at being released from the embrace and the deflection of her parents' emotions to the other people in the room.

"Beverly?" Deanna asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm trying to save my friend's life," Beverly said with a grin, "it's good to hear your voice again Deanna." Deanna smiled and embraced Beverly.

"Captain Riker," Picard's voice came through the comm, "any word on Deanna?"

"Yes Captain, she's awake." Will looked to Rose.

"It's fine," she said with a forced smile. Will smiled back.

"You can come down to see her if you wish," he said.

"On my way," Picard responded.

"Captain Picard is on board as well?" Deanna asked. Will nodded.

"And Geordi and Data," he informed her. She smiled.

"That's about it," Dr. Ogawa said, "you two are good to go." Rose and Deanna both got off the biobeds. Deanna walked over to Will and embraced him again. The captain gave his wife a kiss just as the sickbay doors opened. Jean-Luc Picard came through with Geordi and Data close behind.

"Deanna," the captain smiled, "thank goodness you're alright." Deanna smiled as she hugged the captain.

"It's wonderful to see you Jean-Luc," she said. Picard smiled affectionately at his former counselor. Then he turned to her daughter.

"Thank you," he said to her. Rose looked flustered but nodded to the captain. "There is much to talk about. Shall we retire to the conference room," he offered to Will.

"I'd like to stay and help perform the exams for the refugees," Beverly stated.

"Very well Doctor. Please join us when you are through," Picard said. Beverly offered him a smile. The others began to leave, and Deanna wrapped an arm around Rose. Rose stopped to address her mother.

"Mother I… I'd like to stay… my friends. I know them. I can help. Please," she asked. Deanna could feel her daughter's discomfort.

"Beverly," she called. Dr. Crusher approached her. "Tea can help you with the exams. She knows the people and will be able to help you examine them in an organized manner." Beverly nodded.

"We could use the help," she said with a smile, "I was just about to head down to get some of them. Would you care to join me?" Rose nodded. Deanna squeezed her shoulder before leaving with Will who was waiting for her in the doorway. Rose was pleased that her mother had not insisted she accompany her. She reflected on the feelings, none of which she had been able to process in the moment. The affection she had felt from her parents dominated all their other emotions, yet it felt weaker than the General's love had felt. His desire for her had always been intense and focused, while Deanna and Will's emotions had been more tender and soft. It felt detached, as if they could not muster stronger emotions at the return of their daughter. Rose's musings were interrupted as she and Beverly reached ten forward where most of the refugees were being held.

"We escaped the General just to be held prisoner here. How long do they expect us to sit here in these conditions? This is worse than the General. At least with him we had quarters," they heard a voice shout. Beverly shot a worried glance at Rose as chatter filled the room. The door opened, and everyone fell silent.

"Mr. Reno," Rose addressed the man in front of the others who had spoken, "as soon as a Starfleet officer pulls out a whip, I will gladly join your efforts to return to the General. Until then, I would suffer conditions like these for months if I had to in order to escape his grasp." The man looked indignant.

"Rose, we have been here for a whole day with virtually no contact from our 'saviors'. Are we expected to sleep standing up? We haven't received the luxurious accommodations on this ship as you may have. Where have you been while we were ignored?"

"I was saving a woman's life," Rose shouted, "if you miss him so much, Dr. Crusher could arrange for you to be put in the same cell as the General. I'm sure he would appreciate your company. I don't think he's been fed in a couple hours." She was glaring daggers at Reno, who was quite taken aback. "If you are done being ungrateful, Dr. Crusher will now take you to be examined by the medical staff on the ship. When you are through, many of you will be sent aboard the starship Enterprise. Captain Picard will then take you to a determined safe planet to be given a place to live and a fresh start." The people in the room shuffled nervously. "How many do you want?" Rose calmly asked Dr. Crusher.

"I can take twenty to begin with," she replied, "I'll send someone down for the next group." Rose nodded. She picked out twenty people from the group. She wanted to keep people who were familiar with each other in the same groups. It would be harder to keep them calm if they were separated. As she waited, Rose found her friends.

"Rose," Maize exclaimed as she saw her coming toward them, "you're back."

"Yes, I'm here," she said hugging the girl, "How are you?" She looked up at all of them.

"It's a good thing you came when you did," Kitty said, "Reno was about to lead a revolt."

"He would never have had the guts," Star quipped. Rose laughed.

"I think I agree with you," she told the girl. She looked behind her to see Anij was back with the others. Rose went to sit next to her. "What happened? I thought you went with Captain Picard," she asked. Anij smiled at her.

"You are still a child, but I trust that one day you will learn. It has been many years since I last saw Jean-Luc. He has duties that must be fulfilled, and I have a duty to my people here. For the time being I am content to have seen an old friend again," she explained.

"I think I understand," Rose said, "I know a thing or two about distance." Anij smirked.

"You are like him in some ways… too wise for your age," she said. Rose smiled shyly. The medical team was through with half of the General's slaves when Dr. Crusher came back to ten forward.

"Dr. Crusher is there a problem?" Rose asked.

"No not at all. I was actually wondering if you would help me in sickbay. We are keeping the rest of you here on the Titan, and I need help assigning people to rooms. You know them better than I, and I'd appreciate your help in accommodating them," Beverly informed her.

"Of course, Doctor," Rose said. As she stood up Maize leapt up and latched onto her.

"No, don't leave Rose," the child exclaimed. Rose knelt down to her.

"Maize I have to help everyone find a place to stay. I'll be back I promise," she assured her.

"Rosie please, I'm scared," Maize said. Rose looked up at Dr. Crusher. Beverly nodded.

"Come on sweetheart," Rose said picking Maize up, "You'll help me give everyone rooms." Maize smiled as Rose set her down and took her hand. Once in sickbay, Rose helped assign people to quarters. Given the availability of space on the ship, most people shared quarters with no less than five people. Rose did her best, and by the end of the exams she was exhausted. The last people to be examined were the General's girls. Rose had informed Dr. Crusher about the ways in which the General used the girls. Beverly was sure to approach the girls carefully, so she wouldn't upset them in any way.

"Hello," she greeted the girls, "what is your name?" She approached Kitty first.

"Kit-" Kitty stopped and thought about her answer, "Kawi. My name is Kawi." She beamed as she relished the returned use of her given name.

"It's nice to meet you Kawi," Beverly greeted. She performed the exam and moved on to Noasha and Naliki. Kawi's use of her given name prompted Hanna to use her own name.

"Hello," Dr. Ogawa said to Princess.

"Hello," Princess said thoughtfully, "my name is Netiri." The doctor smiled at the young vulcan.

"Leela," Star greeted Dr. Crusher before she could ask for her name. The girls had a newfound confidence in reclaiming their identities. Within an hour, Beverly and Alyssa had examined all the girls except Kim, Jewel, and Maize. Dr. Ogawa approached Jewel.

"And what is your name?" she sweetly asked the girl.

"Jewel," she said nervously. Leela came up and put a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"It's alright Deidre," she said. The young redhead shook her head vigorously as tears filled her eyes. Leela hugged her close. "He can't touch you anymore. You don't belong to anyone anymore." Dr. Ogawa continued her examination discreetly as Deidre continued to cry. Beverly approached Kim's biobed and began her tricorder readings. She finished her exam and turned to Rose.

"Tealadera, I'd like to speak with you," she said. Rose nodded and followed Beverly out of the room as Dr. Ogawa began to scan Maize.

"Rose!" Maize screamed as she left. Rose stopped and turned back to the young girl.

"Maizey, I'm going to need you to be brave for me. I have to speak with the doctor, but I'll be close by. I promise you will be fine. Kitty," she said, indicating for Kawi to stay with Maize. Beverly was waiting for Rose in her office.

"Tea, I need to discuss one of the girls with you," Beverly said.

"Who?" Rose questioned. Beverly looked out into the sickbay.

"It was the last girl I scanned. She was older than you I believe, but younger than most," Beverly attempted to explain.

"Kim?" Rose asked, "copper hair, very beautiful."

"Yes, that one," Beverly affirmed, "... how old is she?"

"Sixteen years," Rose replied.

"Oh my," Beverly gasped, putting her hand over her mouth.

"Doctor, what is wrong with her?" Rose asked fearfully. Beverly looked sadly up at her.

"I don't mean to frighten you," she said slowly, "she is alright, but I believe there is an unexpected development… she is pregnant." Rose's eyes widened. She turned to look out the door and at the girls. Kim sat on the biobed with a worried look upon her face. The other girls were nearby and animatedly chattering away. Rose turned back to the doctor.

"It's his," she murmured, "she… she was with him. She was his favorite… of the new girls. I… I should have done more. Protected her." Beverly got up from her seat and approached her.

"It is not your fault. You were all in the same position. It could have happened to any one of you," she assured her. Rose looked away for a moment.

"May I tell her?" Rose asked.

"Of course," Beverly agreed. Rose went out into sickbay.

"Come on girls. I'll show you your rooms now," she said.

"Are we all sharing again?" Deidre asked.

"Yes and no, we'll be split into two different rooms," Rose replied.

"We?" Kawi questioned.

"Yes we," Rose replied confused, "what do you mean?"

"Well I just thought you would have a room to yourself, this being your parent's ship and all," Kawi replied. The other girls nodded.

"I'm not going to take a room to myself when there are people sleeping on the floor," Rose replied defensively, "having parents doesn't give me any special privileges."

"We're sorry," Hanna told her.

"We didn't mean to upset you. We just thought you deserved some comfort," Alora agreed.

"I don't deserve anything more than the rest of you deserve," Rose said, heading for the door. "This way." The girls followed her silently to their quarters. She stopped them in front of a doorway. "Maize, Deidre, Netiri, Hanna, Leela, Kawi, this is your room." The girls nodded as they filed past her into the room. Rose nodded to Kawi as she passed by, before turning and leading the others to the next door in the hall. "This is our room," she informed the other girls, "settle in." The girls examined their room. To Rose's relief, Kim and Anij were given the bed. Alora and Noasha fit on the couch. Naliki and Rose chose to sleep on the floor. "Kim may I speak to you?" Rose asked when they were settled. Kim nodded and followed Rose into the hall. Rose made her way to the holodeck. She found a simulation of the Ba'ku homeworld and led Kim through the fields generated by the holodeck. Rose stopped and invited Kim to sit with her on a log.

"Kim," she began, "there's something I have to tell you."

"It's bad isn't it?" Kim asked her. Rose looked at her sadly. "Am I ill?"

"Not exactly," Rose replied, "you're pregnant." Kim stared at Rose. She couldn't speak. She had to look away. Rose sat patiently waiting. Maybe an hour had passed before Kim spoke again.

"I… I never… he…" Kim sank down to the ground. Rose bent down to rest a hand on her shoulder.

"I know," she said as Kim began to cry softly. Rose wrapped her arms around Kim and held her close.

The soft clinking of silverware on plates filled the silence. A shift to the left. A strand of hair tucked behind the ear. A shoe scuffed the carpet. Deanna made eye contact with Will. They were at a loss. Rose just sat, staring at her food intently. They didn't know how to talk to her. After so many years apart, they didn't know how to communicate with her. She had grown up without them and had been through far more than they knew. Deanna dropped her fork and turned to her daughter.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like your own quarters?" she asked Rose.

"No, if there are free rooms, I'd like them to be used to house the rest of my people." Rose returned to her study of her plate after answering her mother.

"Is there anything you need?" Deanna asked again.

"No, I'm quite comfortable," Rose said, "but I would like to have permission to put some programs into the holodeck."

"Of course," Will answered quickly, "add any program you like."

"Thank you," Rose said quietly. The room lapsed into silence again.

"Well," Will said, "we'll be heading to Tarsus IV to drop off the refugees… would you like to come with the away team to the planet?"

"I'd like that," Rose said. Will smiled at her.

"Great," Will said, clapping his hands together. Deanna had been silently watching her daughter. She could sense the girl's fear and discomfort. More than that, she sensed the girl's need to flee. She did not want to be there. Deanna could tell. Rose made eye contact with her mother and felt her concern and her longing. Rose broke her gaze and stabbed her plate.

"May I be excused?" Rose blurted. Will looked at Deanna sadly, but Deanna shook her head.

"Yes," she said to her daughter.

"Thank you… for dinner," Rose added as she headed out the door. Rose rushed down the hall into her own quarters. She rushed past the other girls and crawled into the blankets. The girls knew enough to leave her alone.

Rose wandered the corridors of the ship aimlessly. Truthfully, it was not completely aimless. She was attempting to avoid Will and Deanna. They had asked her to dinner again the previous night and it had been just as uncomfortable. They were trying so hard to get to know her, but she couldn't give them what they wanted. Every time they mentioned the past or her childhood, it was a bitter reminder that she was not their daughter. They didn't understand that she was not the daughter they would have raised. She was a whore. She was devious, and dirty, and nothing like the honorable starship captain and his wife. The girls were almost as bad. They didn't understand how she could bear to be away from her newfound family, something each of them would kill to have again. She had never felt so lonely. The last time she had felt this was when she was four, and he had relieved her loneliness. She approached the doors guarded by two men in yellow uniforms.

"My father has given me permission to see the prisoner," she lied. They looked at each other quizzically. "I will be alright. He is behind bars, is he not?" she assured them. The man on the left smiled at her and nodded. The doors slid open and she stepped through. The room was dark with the exception of a dim light positioned in the middle of each wall. A dark figure rose from the bed on the far end of the room.

"I knew you'd come," he spoke through the dim.

"I was lonely," she replied.

"I know Rosie," he consoled as he crossed the room to look her in the eyes, "they can never know you as I do. I won't expect anything more than what you can give, baby." Rose smiled softly as she approached the force field. "A shame we have to be separated like this Rosie." The General reached out a hand and Rose instinctively backed away. Suddenly, she felt afraid and inched toward the door.

"I… you can't," she said shakily, but the General only smirked.

"You came here for a reason Rosie. You can't deny yourself," he taunted, "What is it you want Rose?" She stopped and looked at him. His greasy grin. His lustful eyes. His claw-like hands. Those hands had hurt her… but they'd also caressed her. They'd held her. Those eyes had worshiped her. That grin had comforted her. She stepped away from the door.

"Let me dance for you," she asked demurely. The General's smirk widened. She began to dance though music was absent. She knew then that she would never be Tealadera, the captain's daughter. The rhythm of her body was graceful. Her legs crept up as her body spun provocatively. She leapt and rolled to the floor in one swift movement. The General remained entranced throughout her display. By the end, she was panting and sweating. She met his eyes. He was radiating with desire for her.

"Beautiful," he murmured. Rose cast her eyes to the floor. The general bent down to meet her gaze. "They will never accept you." She looked at him. "They will call you flawed. To me you are a goddess. We aren't like them. They can never understand us. That makes us special." Rose chanced a small smile, but it soon fell.

"They would never hurt me," she accused.

"But will never know you. They'll try to change you. Fix you. You're a problem Rose, a defect. They will do what they have to to correct the mistake. You think they'll accept you as you are?"

"Yes," she answered hurriedly, but even the General could hear the doubt in her voice. She felt guilty as she realized that she felt more comfortable being loved by the General than her parents.

"Have you danced for your father Rosie? Does he like it? Is he proud?" he sneered, "does Mommy know how to calm your nightmares? Can she stop the crying… I can Rosie. I have."

"You caused it," she said weakly.

"They have no idea what you've been through. You think that they can help you? If that were true you wouldn't be here now. You know they'll never understand. I may have taken you, but that makes me the only person who knows what has happened to you. I've been there for all of it. And I helped you through it didn't I? We helped each other. You filled a need for me, and in turn, I filled a need for you. I love you Rosie." Rose had tears in her eyes now. She silently turned and fled the room. The General smiled as he lay back down on the bed. It would not be long now.

Anij sat in Ten Forward. The occupants of the General's ship had virtually nowhere else to go. The room was fairly crowded with the refugees and officers of the Titan. Anij sat alone in the corner gazing out at the stars.

"Looking for something?" came a voice from behind her.

"Jean-Luc," she said with a smile as she turned to face him, "just missing home I guess."

"I understand," he said as he took a seat beside her, "will you return?"

"I'm not sure what there is to return to. Our homes have been destroyed, our loved ones killed. I don't think I could bear it."

"What will you do?" the captain asked.

"I've lived over three hundred years. Now seems as good a time as any to die. I'll live out the remainder of my days wherever it is we are relocated, and eventually… I will die."

"Are you sure?" Picard asked with a furrowed brow. Anij nodded

"I have enjoyed my life, but all good things must come to an end," she said.

"You're not dead yet. As short as the remainder of your life may seem, many things can happen in that time. Good things." Anij smiled at Picard's statement. "Come with me," Picard offered.

"What?"

"On the Enterprise. You could travel with me and my crew, and perhaps once I tire of exploring you could return to Earth with me," he replied. Anij just stared at Picard as if he had asked her to cut off her arm. "If not, I completely understand," he added. Anij recover from the shock and smiled softly

"Let me think about it. Alright?"

"Alright," he replied, kissing her cheek lightly. They both stared out the window at the stars speeding by.

The crew of the Enterprise had transported back, and both ships were making good time on their way to Tarsus IV. Rose was in engineering talking to the chief engineer, Nidani Ledrah.

"How does it work?" Rose asked, admiring the warp core.

"Well, we use a matter-antimatter reaction and deuterium which create plasma molecules that are turned into electroplasma in the crystalized dilithium chambers. Then our plasma conduits carry it throughout the ship to provide us with power."

"Oh," Rose replied. She did understand a word the Lieutenant Commander had said, but that didn't matter. "So it powers the ship?"

"That's right, but if it fails we still have reserves of deuterium to fuel the ship," Ledrah assured her.

"So are there plasma conduits all over the ship?" Rose asked.

"The plasma conduits are all here in engineering… look here." Nidani gestured to a panel in the front of the engineering room. "This sends power to the bridge. This one powers decks one through five, six through ten, and so on. There are panels on each deck with conduits like these to distribute power throughout the deck."

"Amazing," Rose marveled as she took note of all the details the Lieutenant Commander had just given her.

"So are you planning on joining Starfleet?" Nidani asked. Rose was caught off guard by her question.

"I… uh, I hadn't really thought about it," she admitted.

"That's alright," the older woman assured her, "you have plenty of time to figure that out and plenty of people to support you along the way." Rose stared at her blankly.

"Yeah, thanks," she said absently as she quickly left engineering, leaving a confused chief engineer behind.

Will walked through the pristine corridors of his ship. His mission was running smoothly. Within three days they would arrive at Tarsus IV and he would be able to continue his survey of the neutral zone. His family was whole again, and his dearest friends would be with them for another four days. The universe seemed to be favoring William Riker at this moment. Yet as he approached his wife's office, his demeanor was somber. The door chimed and a soft voice beckoned him in. She was positioned behind her desk and appeared to be reviewing the personnel files of the crew.

"Hello," she greeted him with a smile. Will couldn't help but reciprocate Deanna's smile with one of his own. He crossed the room and planted a soft kiss on the top of her head.

"How are you?" he asked sincerely.

"I'm trying to catch up on three months' worth of missed work," she replied. Will reached down and pulled her hands away from the screen.

"Deanna," he said softly, rubbing her hands between his own, "that's not the answer I wanted and you know it." She met his gaze and sighed.

"I don't know," she said truthfully, "so much has happened I… I don't know how to be a mother Will." Tears leaked from her eyes as she gasped for air. Will held her close as she tried to control her sobs. He stroked her hair and gently helped her up out of her seat, leading her over to the couch.

"I know," he said, fighting his own tears, "but she's here now. She's home."

"Is it? Is this her home? She doesn't know it. She doesn't know us, Will. I just feel so lost. I want to help her, but I don't know how or if she even wants it. Her mind is closed to me Will. She's hiding. All I can feel is her fear and confusion."

"It's hard," Will told her, "but we can't rush her. She's scared enough as it is. We can't expect too much of her. Until she's ready, there isn't much we can do."

"I know, but I just feel…" Deana replied.

"Helpless," Will finished. Deanna looked up into his eyes. Understanding passed between them. Will caressed her cheek with his hand, memorizing her face.

"I missed you," he said softly. Deanna leaned into his embrace and he kissed her temple. "I started to think that you'd never wake up. I couldn't focus on anything. The thought of losing you… both." Deana reached up to cup his cheek. She softly kissed his lips.

"You were always with me Imzadi," she assured him, "when Tea found me, you tried to stop me. She told me that it wasn't you… that I knew you better than anyone. She was right. It didn't feel like you. It didn't love me like you do. You saved me." Will smiled at his wife.

"I'll always be with you," he assured her.

"Promise," she commanded before locking her lips with his. Will pulled her closer to him as if to stop her from flying away out of his reach. She held him back just as tightly.

"How are my girls Rosie?"

"They are happy. I'm not here to talk to you about them."

"None of them miss me like you do? Not even Angel?" he asked

"I know what you're doing and I'm telling you anything about her," she responded.

"Poor thing," he replied, "shy is she?" Rose felt a spark of anger flare up within her.

"You've no idea what she's like. She doesn't need your sympathy." the General was taken aback at her harsh words.

"Rose, what's happened? What have I done to upset you?"

"Nothing," Rose said.

"Rosie, don't you trust me?"

"No," Rose said quickly. The General let out a hearty laugh.

"Then why do you keep coming back?" he asked.

"I feel… comfortable with you. I know you, and what you want, and how to behave with you. I don't have that with them."

"No Rosie, you don't, but you know what? I'm proud of you Rosie. You're staying true to yourself. Don't let them change you. Don't let them force you to be a clean cut Starfleet officer," he said. Rose looked up suddenly. "They've already asked haven't they? They want you to join Starfleet."

"No… well, they didn't ask but… someone did," Rose admitted.

"No doubt on your parents' orders. It is their ship after all," the General sneered. Rose contemplated this. "They'll never let you go. Come with me Rosie."

"Where? You're stuck here," she said.

"Not with your help I'm not. You can have them wrapped around your little finger. Come with me Rosie. You've been one of the greatest joys of my life. I raised you. I don't want to lose you."

"You've never loved me," she said.

"Now Rosie, you know that's not true. Why else would I have kept you so long? You've always been my favorite Rosie. Tell me, didn't you enjoy it. The attention. The adoration. I put you on a pedestal Rosie. They would have you hide in a crew of mindless puppets." Rose contemplated the General's claims. True she had never felt the tenderness from him that she did from her parents, but there was always something there. A longing. He needed her. His desire for her was the strongest feeling she had ever felt. It was so strong she felt she could reach out and grab it. It was the only love she had ever known. With the General there was no underlying sadness, just desire. Love. And maybe if it was just the two of them, he wouldn't feel the need to be rough. All they would have is each other. They would need each other.

"Ok," she said, "wait for me." Rose got up and left the room. The General simply smiled. He had won.

Deanna wandered down the corridor. That was a lie. She was perceived as wandering, but in fact, she had a very particular destination. She knew that Tea had put some new programs into the holodeck, and she was hoping to catch her daughter in the holodeck. She reached the holodeck to find that it was in a simulation of the Titan itself. She entered and saw that she was in the engineering section of the ship. She wandered around a bit before she found Tea at a control panel near the door. Rose shot up from her position as she became aware of her mother's presence.

"What are you doing here?" she asked with alarm.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to frighten you," Deanna apologised, "what are you doing in here?"

"I'm just… looking at stuff Lieutenant Commander Ledrah told me about.

"You're interested in engineering?" Deanna asked.

"A little," Rose confessed, "it was interesting."

"That's good. Maybe you'd like to join Starfleet someday," Deanna encouraged her.

"Maybe," Rose said sharply as she sat at one of the consoles near the core.

"What's wrong?" Deanna asked.

"Nothing," Rose said, "but maybe I won't join Starfleet. I know there's not much else for me to do on a starship, but…" Rose looked down at the console, refusing to meet her mother's concerned stare.

"I just thought you might be interested in Starfleet because you seemed interested in the mechanics of the ship," Deanna explained.

"Of course you did," Rose huffed as she stood up and walked away.

"Tea talk to me," Deanna begged.

"You don't know what I want. You don't have the right to decide my place. I've always done what I had to do… ever since I can remember," she retorted.

"Tea I know I can't change the things that have happened to you, but I want to help. I'm your mother," Deanna told her. Rose felt her mother's desire yet it still did not blaze as passionately as the General's. Here she was begging her daughter to open up and she couldn't muster feelings stronger than the man who had tortured her.

"You're not," Rose stated matter-of-factly, "you've haven't been a parent, Deanna. You think you can fix everything by acting like it never happened, but you have no idea who I am. I don't want to be on this ship. I don't want to be safe. You can't understand what I feel, you said so yourself. You don't understand… he raised me." She finished so quietly that it could almost have been missed, but it wasn't.

"What?" Deanna asked quickly. Rose shook her head and briskly left the holodeck. Deanna watched her go. Once she was alone, Deanna sank to the floor and wept. Will found her like that… seven hours later.

The shuttlecraft bay was virtually empty. That's why, when the captain's daughter entered, she was able to approach the shuttle without difficulty. To her dismay, the bay was not completely deserted.

"May I help you?" the young ensign asked. Rose smiled sweetly.

"I'm sorry to bother you. You must have much more important things to be doing, but I just wanted to look at it," she informed him innocently.

"It's no trouble at all," the ensign replied amiably, "what did you want to see? I could show you the inside if you like." Rose was not pleased with this turn of events, but smiled brightly at him.

"Would you?" she asked excitedly.

"Right this way," he gestured, "I'm Ensign Torvald Andrews."

"I'm-"

"Tealadera Riker. Sorry miss, you've become rather famous on this ship," he said. Rose smiled charmingly at the young man.

"Yes," she said with a blush, "could you show me how it works?" Torvald had been so enamoured by her gaze that he had not comprehended the question.

"What?" he asked absently.

"The shuttle," she said, moving closer to the ensign.

"Of course," he said snapping back to reality and motioning towards the shuttle. Rose slipped by him with a smirk. Once inside, Torvald explained how the ship was built, which was rather boring.

"How do you fly it?" Rose asked with a touch of impatience.

"I don't know if the captain would like me to show you that? It is rather advanced and you've never been on a ship before."

"Then isn't it time I learned," she prodded.

"I'm only thinking of your safety miss," he assured her. Rose slid closer to the young man until she was sitting on his lap. Ensign Andrews was shocked to say the least.

"You'd keep me safe, wouldn't you?" she said softly.

"Uh Miss Riker, I don't think we should..." Torvald exclaimed.

"Are you afraid, ensign?" Rose teased, "afraid of the captain?"

"No," Torvald quickly corrected. She could sense his lie, but that wasn't important now.

"Good. Now what does this one do?" she said turning to straddle him so she could reach the panel behind him.

"That panel launches the shuttle," he said, though he was more focused on the girl on top of him than the shuttle.

"Show me," she whispered in his ear. Torvald took that opportunity to lunge forward and lock lips with Rose. She complied. Rose kissed him back as she had done for the General for years. She noticed in that moment how similar Torvald's feelings toward her were to the General's. His desire was palpable. She wondered for a moment if perhaps the softer feelings she had felt from her parents were indeed weaker than this love. However, she did not dwell long on this for she had a job to do. She pulled back and directed Torvald's attention back to the shuttle. With a freshly invigorated ego, Torvald showed her the ship's controls.

"What happens if it gets caught by another ship?" Rose asked worriedly.

"Don't be afraid Tea," Torvald said to comfort her, "I wouldn't be flying it anyway. I'm just a technician. The pilot would be able to isolate computer controls to the shuttle with this series of commands." He gestures to buttons on a panel to her left. "The only thing it couldn't escape would be an outright attack or a tractor beam." Rose took note of his words as his hands roved her body. Suddenly, there was a mechanical sound followed by footsteps. Torvald jumped out of the seat, sending Rose flying into the console. Torvald could barely spare a moment to steady her as he raced around the shuttle in a panic. Rose grabbed him by the shoulders and sat him back in the chair without a word. She then found a compartment in the back of the shuttle and climbed into it. The footsteps grew closer, and Rose could hear them on the ramp to the shuttle.

"Ensign Andrews," came the captain's voice.

"Aye, Captain," Torvald replied nervously.

"At ease, Ensign," the captain said, "I was just looking for someone, but she doesn't appear to be here. Have you seen a young girl with dark hair in here."

"Your daughter sir?" the ensign asked. Will chuckled.

"I guess I could have started off with that. I wasn't sure you would know who she was."

"Forgive me captain, but I think the whole crew knows who she is. Word travels fast," Torvald explained. "Sorry sir."

"No need to apologise, Ensign. It's good to know when I'm being transparent. I suppose there really is no such thing as personal business on this ship."

"I'm sorry if you didn't want me to know sir," Torvald quickly said.

"Andrews, it's not your fault. You can't help what you hear," Will said with a smirk. "Have you seen her?"

"Sir?"

"Tealadera… my daughter," Will said.

"Oh yes sir. I mean no sir. No sir, I haven't. I've been in the shuttle. I haven't seen anyone enter… sir," Torvald said hurriedly. Will sighed. "Is she in trouble sir?"

"No," Will told him, "in fact I'd be happy to see her somewhere other than her quarters. Even if she won't talk to me, I'd like to see her make some friends on the ship. As you were Ensign." With that, Will left the shuttle bay. Rose crawled out of her hiding place. She felt a tinge of remorse that he appeared to be going out of his way to ensure her happiness. However, her mind had been made up and empty gestures would not dissuade her. She turned to leave the shuttle.

"Tea." She had completely forgotten about her companion. She turned to the ensign.

"I think I'd better go. We don't want the Captain coming back this way to look for me," she said. She walked up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Torvald Andrews was left nodding to no one with a slight smile upon his face.

Rose opened her eyes in the darkness. She crept out of the room, careful not to wake any of the other girls. She grabbed her bag and crept out into the hall. It was late enough that most of the ship's personnel would be asleep. All she had to do was avoid populated areas. She made her way to engineering. There were two officers inside. She needed to get to the tractor beam controls. She grabbed the phaser out of her bag and went further down the corridor. She fired it into the control panel on the wall, then ran around the next corner. Sure enough, the two officers in engineering came out a minute later to investigate. She ran through engineering and quickly found the tractor beam. She removed the panel and cut the circuits before quickly replacing it. She quickly made her way out of engineering as the two officers came back down the hall with puzzled looks on their faces.

Will's soft snores filled their quarters. Deanna couldn't bear to stay in the room, so she began to wander the halls. She stopped at ten forward. It was barren, but for a small figure in the corner. Deanna approached the shock of yellow that was visible above the back of the chair. She sensed the girls fear and uncertainty.

"Hello," Deanna said softly. The girl jumped in her seat as she turned to face the new occupant of the room.

"I'm sorry," she squeaked, shrinking back into the chair. Deanna felt overwhelming fear rolling off the girl. She couldn't have been more than ten years old.

"No, there's nothing to be sorry about. Is there anything I can get for you?" she asked the girl.

"No… I… I couldn't sleep," she admitted. Deanna smiled warmly.

"I can understand that. You're on a strange ship with strange people. This must be very frightening. Would you like a warm glass of milk to help you sleep?" Deanna asked. The little girl nodded. Deanna went to the replicator behind the bar and asked it for a glass of warm milk. "What is your name?" Deanna asked as she brought the milk to the table.

"Maize," the young girl replied. Deanna recognized her name.

"Maize. That's a pretty name. Are you a friend of Tea- I mean… Rose?" She said her daughter's former name with uncertainty.

"Yes," Maize replied perking up, "you're her mother aren't you?" Deanna nodded.

"Yes I am," she responded. Maize looked quizzically up at the older woman.

"Do you love her?" Maize asked innocently. Deanna was struck dumb by the girl's question. She looked at the little girl in front of her trying to imagine Tea at that age.

"I do," she said after a moment, "with all my heart." Maize smiled up at Deanna.

"That's good," she said sweetly, "she loves you a lot. When I got scared, Rosie told me about you. She told me how you sang to her when she was little. It helped me sleep when she talked about you… how you were still out there somewhere." Deanna's eyes filled with tears.

"Will you tell me about her?" she asked the girl.

"About Rose?" Maize asked. Deanna nodded. Maize looked into her cup as if it would tell her what she wanted to know "She likes to dance," she said, returning her gaze to Deanna, "she's really good, but the General makes her do bad dancing… she's the nicest person I've ever met. She talked to me when the General took me. No one else did. They were scared."

"How long have you been with the General?" Deanna asked.

"A year," Maize replied, "the men took me from my parents and then the General got me." Deanna put a hand on her shoulder.

"Do you know where your parents are?" Deanna asked.

"They're dead," the girl replied quietly.

"Oh," Deanna said. She sat uncomfortably as she watched the girl stare at her feet.

"I miss them," Maize said, "but I know that they loved me, and I'll never forget them… Rosie helped. She talked to me about them. She told me that no matter how long I was here, they would always be my parents and I would always have them with me… I love Rosie." Deanna smiled.

"I love Rosie too," she said.

"Rosie loves you too, even though she's hiding from you," Maize said.

"What do you mean?" Deanna asked. Maize looked up at her, fearful that she had said something wrong.

"Maize, it's ok you can tell me. Why is she hiding?"

Rose made it to deck five unnoticed. She quickly found the control panel on the wall. After disabling the plasma conduits to the brig, she quickly made her way down the hall. The guards outside the General's cell had no reason to be suspicious of Rose's approach. She came here often enough. She quickly shot both guards and opened the door to the cell. The General was standing at the door waiting

"Perfect Rosie," he praised as they began to drag the bodies inside.

"We can just leave them there. By the time they wake up it will be too late," Rose informed him. The General kissed Rose as they turned to leave.

"You're an angel baby," he whispered.

"Did you see where she went," Deanna asked with increasing concern.

"I don't know, but she didn't want me to follow. She told me I had to stay put where I was safe." Deanna only became more concerned for her daughter as Maize spoke.

"Safe? Computer, locate Tealadera Riker," she commanded.

"Tealadera Riker is on deck five," the computer replied cheerily.

"Deck five?" Deanna wondered aloud.

"Please don't be mad. She's just scared. She doesn't like it here."

"Did she tell you why?" Deanna asked.

"No, but I think she thinks she's not good enough. She always says she wants to stay with us, and she doesn't deserve a nice room like you offered her," Maize replied nervously. Deanna grew more worried as the girl began to exude feelings of guilt.

"Maize, do you know what she's doing?" Deanna asked desperately.

"She… she wanted to see him," Maize said so softly Deanna almost missed it.

"She… Why did she want to see him?" Deanna demanded. Maize was crying now.

"I don't know," she whimpered.

"Maize, sweetheart, I want you to go back to your room. I want you to stay there, ok?" Deanna said. Maize nodded. Deanna quickly led the girl to the door and then turned to enter the turbolift.

"Deanna to Captain Riker," she said into the comlink as she entered the lift.

"Deanna what is it?" Will's voice came groggily over the channel.

"Meet me on deck twelve. Immediately," she demanded.

"On my way," he replied. The turbolift opened and Deanna rushed out. She reached the General's cell and immediately noticed the lack of guards at the door.

"Computer, open cell door," she commanded. The computer gave no response. She pressed the panel on the wall, but nothing happened. Finally, she pulled the doors open and found the room empty except for two guards unconscious on the floor. Deanna was now in a state of panic as she put all the pieces together. Just then, Will rushed into the room.

"Deanna," he began until he noticed the empty cell, "Where the hell is he?" Deanna turned to him, her face pale.

"I think Tea let him out," she told him.

"What?" he exclaimed. Will reached for his combadge when Tuvok's voice rang out.

"Captain, there has been an unauthorized departure from shuttle bay two," the Vulcan officer informed him. Deanna looked to Will frantically.

"It's her. Will, you have to stop her," she pleaded.

"Commander, engage the tractor beam, do everything in your power to get that ship back," Will demanded as he raced out of the cell with Deanna hot on his heels.

As the turbolift took them to the bridge, Tuvok's voice came over the com.

"Captain, our tractor beam is not functioning and the shuttle has isolated its computer controls."

"Damn it," Will fumed, "hail them." As the hail went out, the turbolift doors opened and Will and Deanna stepped out onto the bridge.

"The shuttle is not responding sir," Tuvok informed him.

"Shuttle one, this is Captain Riker, please respond," Will demanded. Silence.

"Shuttle, this is the Cap-"

"Tea," Deanna interrupted her husband, "Tea please, talk to us… Please."

Rose stared straight ahead, unsure of what to do. She wanted to respond, but she couldn't risk them taking her back.

"Come on Rosie, forget 'em," the General goaded, "let's get out of here." Rose snapped her attention back to the ship.

"There's a gaseous nebula nearby. A science officer told me about it. We could lose them in it and get to the nearest planet," she said as she changed the ships heading.

"That's my girl," the General cheered. The little shuttle turned and was headed straight into the nebula with the Titan in close pursuit.

"We're losing them Captain. If they make it into the nebula it will be difficult to find them again," the helmswoman stated.

"Then don't let them get into the nebula. Where's the damn tractor beam," he shouted.

"Working on it Captain," Lieutenant Commander Ledrah said over the com, "she did quite a number on some of our systems."

"I don't care, get it running," Will demanded.

"Captain, the shuttle has entered the nebula." the helm informed him.

"No!" Will shouted, "pursuit course, engage." The bridge officers exchanged concerned looks but obeyed the captain's order.

"I can't wait to get off this ship."

"What are you going to do after you get off this ship? We have nowhere to go," Noasha said, looking quizzically at her sister.

"They're taking us to a colony. We'll make a new life for ourselves," Naliki argued.

"And we'll die within a hundred years. Everything feels so rushed," Noasha lamented.

"Noasha we have lived long lives. We couldn't live forever. Let's enjoy what we have," Anji interjected. Noasha sighed.

"I don't mind dying, but I don't enjoy the idea of having to start over. I don't want us all to be separated," she admitted.

"What do you mean?" Naliki asked.

"Rose is staying here, and chances are the rest of us won't stay together in a new colony," Noasha explained.

"What does it matter? We've only known them for a couple months. All that matters is that we stick together," Naliki reasoned. Anij felt guilty as she watched the exchange between the sisters.

"You can't tell me you don't care what happens to them. For all your hostility, even leaving Rose will affect you," Noasha said.

"I respect Rose. She has been through much, but I am realistic enough to see that the twelve of us cannot stay together forever. It might be easier to separate. Then we won't be reminded of what we've been through together," Naliki replied.

"And no one will understand what we've been through. Why we have nightmares. Why we can't..."

"Hey shh, it's alright," Naliki said, rushing forward to embrace her sister. Tears leaked from Noasha's eyes as she caught her breath and relaxed. Anij and Alora had stood up and now knelt in front of the sisters. "You're alright. He's locked away and he'll never touch you again… he'll never touch any of us again." Noasha buried her face in her sister's shoulder. Suddenly, the bell on the door chimed.

"Come in," Anij said, crossing to the door. It was Maize.

"I think I got Rose in trouble," she said nervously. Anij beckoned her into the room and sat her on the couch.

"What happened?" she asked calmly.

"She told me to stay put, but her momma found me and she made me tell. I don't want Rose to get in trouble," Maize rambled.

"Maize, where did Rose go," Naliki demanded. Maize stopped abruptly.

"She went to see the General," she admitted.

"She did what?" Naliki asked.

"She was just gonna talk to him," Maize defended. Anij and Naliki exchanged a worried glance.

"Alora stay with Noasha and Maize," Anij said, "Naliki, with me." Alora stood up and caught the two before they were out the door.

"Where are you going?" she asked quietly.

"We have to see if she's with him. She could be in trouble," Anij replied, "I need you to stay here with them." Alora nodded. Anij and Naliki raced down the corridor to the turbolift. When they reached the General's cell they found the door open and two officers on the floor gaining consciousness. Before the guards could ask what happened, the two women had run back to the turbolift.

The shuttle made its way out of the nebula. The nearest planet was Toroth. Rose flew towards the sandy planet. She flew within the atmosphere until she found a place that looked like it was inhabited. When the shuttle landed, Rose and the General stepped out into the dry dusty air.

"You did it Rosie!" the General cheered as he lifted her up and twirled her around. Rose laughed as the General's joy washed over her. It was the first of his emotions she'd been able to feel clearly since being on her father's ship. Her own conflicting emotions had made it difficult for her to focus on what anybody else had been feeling. Now that they were away she felt relief. "We'd better keep moving. Riker will be able to track the shuttle. We need some distance," the General said. Rose nodded as she walked with him towards the small village nearby. They walked through barely defined streets looking for someone who could get them to a ship. They found a merchant who was trying to keep the dust out of his stand.

"Excuse me, but do you know where we could find a ship off this planet," the General asked. The man just laughed.

"You've certainly come to the wrong place for that buddy," he barked, "there's no ships around here. The nearest port is a twenty mile walk through that desert there. I wish you luck." The man turned back to his wares which Rose could now see were breads and fruits.

"General, we can't risk keeping the shuttle. They could be tracking it. If we were to have provisions, food and water, we could walk to the port across the desert."

"An interesting suggestion Rosie. Mister, what would it take to get some of this food you're selling?" he turned back to the man.

"I don't think you've got anything I want pal," the merchant said, peering at the General's ragged dress.

"I've got her," the General said, gesturing to Rose, "you can have a go at her for some of your goods." The man considered the General's offer, while Rose's face went pale.

"General please, I thought-"

"Shut up Rose," the General spat, "remember your place." Rose was taken aback by the General's harsh words.

"I'll take her," the man said, "when we're done I'll decide what she's earned." The General nodded and grabbed Rose's arm.

"You'd better perform Rosie," he demanded as he passed her off to the merchant. Rose was in a daze as she was led back through the man's hut and laid upon his bed. The man began to undress her and Rose moved on autopilot, running her hands up his arms and around his neck. He leaned down to kiss her neck and Rose complied. Rose felt odd. The desire and love she'd depended on from the General wasn't as reliable as she'd hoped. She still felt his desire for her, but she realized as he had looked at the food stand, that the way he longed for her was similar to the way he longed for a good meal. She was an item to be consumed. His need for her went no farther than her body. She thought of her parents who were no doubt searching for her and felt the first pang of guilt. She then remembered the General's warning… and she performed.

The Titan emerged from the nebula unsuccessful. Captain Riker slammed his fist on the arm of his chair. He currently had long range scanners attempting to find the shuttle with no success.

"Lieutenant, what are the nearest planets to the nebula," Riker demanded.

"Taranko is the nearest planet to our position Captain, and Valakis is just beyond," Sariel Rager said from the helm.

"He wouldn't go to Taranko. That's a Federation colony," Riker reasoned, "he wouldn't risk it."

"Toroth is closer to the nebula, but we have no way of knowing where they came out. They could have come out near Yadalla Prime for all we know," Rager stated.

"He could have gone on to Valakis," Riker said softly as he contemplated his options.

"He's not the only one on that ship, Will," Deanna said tersely from her seat. Will looked at her quizzically.

"You think Tea has any say in where the shuttle is going? That monster took her-"

"No Will, she took him. He was locked up. He had no way to get out. She let him out," Deanna argued, "stop treating this a hostage situation."

"She is a hostage… Deanna she doesn't know what she's doing," Will said, kneeling before his wife.

"She did Will. She knew what she was doing when she let him out. I'm not saying she's thinking clearly, but you have to be prepared, Will. When we find her, we have to be able to convince her that everything she's ever been taught is a lie. We have to convince her to turn against the man who raised her. She thinks he cares about her Will. It's not enough to just find her this time. You have to earn her trust Will… or it will happen again." Will stared up into Deanna's eyes as tears ran freely down her cheeks. Deanna rarely lost control of her emotions in front of the crew, but she had reached her breaking point. Will caught Deanna as she collapsed into his arms. She shook with sobs as Will stroked her hair.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, "You're right. I'll be careful. She's a smart girl. I'm sure we can talk to her… but we have to find her first." Deanna pulled away and looked at him. "Can you find her?" he asked seriously.

"I don't know. She might be too far away Will… and I am by no means in control of my emotions right now. I… I can't," she rambled. Will held her face between his hands.

"Deanna… I know it's hard, but you have to. You are our only chance of finding her. If we choose the wrong planet we could lose her forever. Try Deanna… please try," Will begged. Deanna nodded and pulled herself up into her chair. She closed her eyes and focused on centering herself. She reached out for Tea. She couldn't feel anything. Her mind was empty. No one was there. She knew she wasn't in the right mental state to find her, but the thought of Tea alone with the General kept her searching. Deanna tried to remain calm and patiently search the universe for her daughter. She could be patient. She knew she was out there. It was only a matter of time.

Rose walked silently. She shifted the sack of water on her back. Her legs were sore and she felt sick to her stomach. The General walked just ahead of her and didn't care to look back. He had not offered her a word since they had left.

"I told you Rosie, it had to be done. We needed the food. It was the only way."

He wouldn't hear any objections from her. He didn't care that they could have tried to trade parts of the shuttle. They could have done anything else, but he wouldn't hear of it. He stayed firm in his belief that it had been the only way, and she had obeyed. So here they were, in the middle of the desert, walking towards an unknown destination with the hope that it would lead them off this planet. Rose's mind was running rampant. She couldn't focus on anything. She had thought… well, she had thought this would be different. She thought that without his excess of slaves, the General would value her more. He would treat her like a prized possession, because he didn't have anyone else anymore. Yet he had traded her away for some water and a few fruits. Even worse was when she realized that his desire for her, his love, could be swayed by something as simple as hunger. She had favored the General's love because it had been so intense, but now she realized that it was also conditional. The General only loved her if she could offer him something. If not, he was only too happy to sell her out to get what he wanted. In hindsight, she realized that this had happened when Kim had joined his harem. His love for Rose grew weaker as his desire for Kim increased. Maybe what the General felt wasn't love at all. Rose had never felt anything else, so could she really be trusted to know what love was. Inexplicably, she thought of her first meeting with William Riker. The joy and tenderness he had felt when he realized who she was had been overwhelming. Maybe if she had stayed to experience it she could have discovered what it meant. Rose's thoughts turned to the moment she woke up in the medbay with her mother and father. The emotions she felt from them had paralyzed her. There was so much affection, and joy, and sadness that she couldn't process it. It dawned on Rose that, intense as the General's emotions had been, they had never overwhelmed her in that way. Will Riker's feelings toward his daughter had not changed since the moment he had met her. Even when he had been frustrated at her reluctance to open up, his prevailing emotions had been joy and affection. His affection did not have a price. Maybe that was love. An unconditional, tender, joyful affection. That was the feeling she felt from Will Riker and Deanna Troy. It was far more complex, yet possibly far more rewarding, that anything she had felt from the General. Then why had she left? Because the General was simple. The General was familiar. And Rose was scared. Her parents were Starfleet offices. Honored for their service and heroics in the galaxy. Rose was a whore. She didn't know how to be respectable or honorable. As much as the General had been manipulative, he had been right. She didn't belong in their world. She belonged with the General. Dirty. Submissive. Inhuman.

Resignation. She felt resignation, fear, and longing. All emotions she recognized. Tea.

"Will," Deanna said anxiously. Will was at her side within seconds. "I think I found her."

"Where?" Will asked gently. Deanna closed her eyes for a moment. Then she shot out of her seat and rushed to helm controls, hurriedly typing in coordinates. "Toroth," Will said as he peered at the coordinates. "Lieutenant, plot a course to those coordinates. Warp ten. Engage." Lieutenant Rager quickly followed Will's command as the captain led his wife back toward the captain's chair. "Are you alright?" he asked her. Deanna was clearly exhausted. He knew that asking her to reach that far would surely overexert her, but he hadn't had a better option.

"She's afraid, Will. She regrets it, but she's given up. We have to help her," Deanna said weakly.

"We will," Will told her, "right now you need to get to sickbay. Come on." Will led his wife to sickbay as the Titan hurdled towards Toroth.

Will re-entered the bridge to see Naliki and Anij arguing with his first officer.

"What's going on here?" Will asked.

"Captain," Christine said with relief, "these ladies will not believe me when I tell them that we have everything under control."

"Where is Rose?" Naliki demanded. Will ran his hand through his hair. This was all becoming too much for him.

"Please understand, we are dealing with a lot right now and the best thing for you to do at this time is to stay out of the way," Will tried to explain.

"Is she with him?" Naliki continued on. Will sighed.

"The General was released from his cell by Tea and we are in pursuit of the shuttle they fled in," he said. The women gasped.

"He has her alone?" Anij asked, "Where are they?"

"We have tracked them to a planet called Toroth. We are in pursuit now, and I promise we are doing everything in our power to get her back," Will assured them.

"We want to come to the planet," Naliki demanded.

"I'm sorry I can't let you do that," Will replied.

"We know him. We can help," Naliki argued.

"No," Will shouted, finally through with explaining himself, "there are too many factors involved. My first responsibility is the safety of this ship and everyone on board, that includes you. I will not send you to a potentially dangerous planet just because you feel responsible for her. Please return to your quarters at once." Anij and Naliki realized that they were not going to be able to convince the captain to allow them to come along. They nodded and left the bridge. Will sat down and tried to calm himself.

"Captain, we have arrived at Toroth," Lieutenant Rager said.

"On screen," Will commanded. The small dusty planet appeared on the view screen.

"We're scanning for life signs now Captain," Tuvok informed Will. Will nodded. Within the hour they located the shuttle and Will beamed down to the surface with an away team. Will, Tuvok, Sariel Rager, and Doctor Ogawa entered the village. They talked to the people in the village and found very little, until they came upon a merchant.

"Have you seen a human male of advanced age with a young human girl. They would not be from here," Will explained to the merchant.

"You mean the old man and his whore. I saw them," the man said. Will's blood boiled at the statement, but Doctor Ogawa put a hand on his shoulder to keep him from acting impulsively.

"Do you know where they went?" Ogawa asked politely. The man sneered.

"What's in it for me?" Will had run out of patience. He lunged over the table and grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt.

"You tell me where they went or I swear to you, I'll make you wish you were dead," Will threatened him, his eyes ablaze like a madman. The merchant cowered before Will and even his officers took a step back at his outburst.

"I sent them across the desert. There's a city on the other side. They were looking for a ship," the man spluttered. Will dropped him roughly and began to walk in the direction he had pointed. His crew followed him warily.

Rose lay on the sand stiffly. The General lay snoring a few meters away. Luckily for her, his exhaustion and the abundance of sand had made him too irritable to try to make any advances on her. As she lay, looking up at the stars, she tried to imagine what her life would be like now. Maybe once they had escaped the reach of the Titan, they could settle down and live a peaceful life. If it was just the two of them he would have no choice but to value her. She couldn't leave him. After all, he had kept her alive and brought her up all these years. She owed him everything she was. Yet, she didn't know if she liked what she was. Her mind was so crowded with thoughts that she couldn't hear the telepathic plea that was carried through the atmosphere of the planet from a ship orbiting above where she lay. She slowly drifted into a fitful sleep. She dreamt of her mother. She was calling out to her from across a great chasm. Rose felt the urge to jump across, but just as she took a step, a hand grabbed her foot. She struggled to break free, and just as she turned to see who or what was holding her, Rose woke up. The General was awake and insisting they move on. Their food and water supply was running low and they had no idea how far away from the town they were. The General was becoming more irritable by the moment, but Rose was too exhausted to pay attention. They walked that way, the General complaining and Rose ignoring him, for miles until they came to a canyon.

"That bastard!" the General exclaimed. He threw his sack of food on the ground as he paced the edge of the rock. Rose stood behind him just staring at the chasm. It looked just like the one from her dream, except this was far too wide to jump across. The General continued to yell as Rose approached the edge. She gazed down into the deep chasm before her.

"Captain, we have found two life signs ten miles ahead of you," came Commander Vale's voice.

"Beam us to them," Will ordered quickly. A bright light surrounded the away team and when they reappeared they were in front of a wide canyon. Will surveyed the area and saw two figures standing at the edge.

"Tealadera!" he shouted. The pair spun around quickly to see the four Starfleet officers were just behind them. The General quickly pulled out his phaser and fired a shot that felled Commander Tuvok. Will and Sariel pulled out phasers as the doctor dropped to assess Tuvok's vitals.

"Titan, two to beam up," she ordered without hesitation. The pair glittered out of view as the four remaining bodies stood in opposition to each other. The General had positioned himself so that Rose stood directly in front of him. They all knew that Will would not risk shooting her.

"Tea," he said calmly, "you don't have to do this. You can come back with us. We'll help you." Rose shook her head.

"I can't," she cried, "I don't know how. You don't understand."

"Then tell me," Will pleaded, "I want to understand, but I can't unless you talk to me. I love you Tea." Again, Rose felt the overwhelming longing and tenderness that she had felt from Will on the General's ship. His emotions, complex as they were, stood out so strongly that Rose stumbled back under their intensity. It occurred to her that instead of trying to make sense of Will's emotions she could accept them. She felt a deep sadness and longing wash over her and she began to weep. However, even as she wept, Rose felt an inescapable surge of hope. She looked into her father's eyes and it only grew. He held her gaze as if his life depended on it. She felt his fear abate and a fierce determination replaced it. Will Riker was risking his own life just to share his emotions with her. This had to be love. Not the conditional, primal love from the General, but a deep, complex series of emotions. She couldn't pin exactly what Will's feelings meant, but she knew with overwhelming certainty that they were dependent upon her presence and safety. She felt herself relax, but the General's grip on her tightened. Suddenly, she felt fear again. The General was desperate… and scared.

"You can't take us both out," Will said, noticing the General's shift.

"Ah, but I have what you want," the General said.

"Let her go. There's no way out of this for you," Will said. The General looked around as if considering his options. Then he looked at Rose. He smiled.

"I love you Rosie… but I won't die for you." With that he flung Rose over the edge of the cliff. Will dropped his phaser and leaped after her, and in the confusion the General shot Lieutenant Sager and ran. Will reached out over the cliff and grasped for his daughter's hand, but it was just out of his reach. She plummeted over the side of the chasm.

"Tea!" Rose desperately reached for anything to catch her fall and managed to get a hand on a chunk of rock protruding from the wall. The force of her face tore her hand from the rock, and she slid down the rockface before finally securing her footing. Will's heart lurched as he saw her catch the wall. He breathed a momentary sigh of relief before jumping into action.

"Tea, can you hear me?" he shouted.

"Yes," she called weakly from about twenty feet below him.

"Are you hurt?" he asked. Rose seemed to do a quick assessment of herself.

"I… I think so," she cried, "my hands are bleeding. I can't move." She was panicking now; Will could see it.

"Titan, beam us out," he demanded.

"I'm sorry sir, there seems to be some interference. There's an electromagnetic field being created by some of the materials in the canyon. I can't get a lock on you," transporter chief Radowski said through the com. Will looked back in panic as he heard Rose scream as the rocks gave way and she fell a few feet further.

"Tea… Rose… look at me," he pleaded, "look at me. You're going to be alright. I'm going to come get you now, but you have to be strong for me. You can do this."

"No, I can't, I can't," she cried as her hands began to slip on the rocks. Will desperately searched for a way to get down to her as he continued to talk.

"Focus on my voice. Don't think about anything else. I want to tell you something, and you need to listen to all of it okay," he said.

"Okay," she breathed. Will eased himself over the ledge and found a foothold about ten feet to Rose's left.

"I want you to know that I love you. I know you think that we're too different. You think that because I'm a captain and I do everything by the rules and I'm respected, that I can't understand you. You think that I'll never accept the life you've lived and the things you've done." Will slowly made his way down so that he was parallel with his daughter. "I do know you. I know you were dealt a bad deck, but despite all that you've remained brave, and loyal, and kind. I've seen you disregard your own comfort and safety to lead hundreds of people to safety. You put the happiness of those girls before your own in every situation I've seen. You saved the life of a woman you barely knew." Will had come within feet of Rose and she could see the tears in his eyes. "I am proud to call you my daughter." Will wrapped his arm around her waist and she clung to him as she cried. "You have to hold on tight. Can you do that?" he asked. She nodded. Will grasped the rock face and pulled himself up. Will Riker was a formidable man, but he was not as young as he once was. Sweat ran down his face as he moved, one limb at a time, up the canyon. Will reached out for a protruding rock above him, but it dislodged from the rock face and sent him swinging by his remaining arm. This caused Rose to scream as she clung tighter to his torso. Will grimaced as the weight of both is and Rose's bodies wrenched at his arm. He gathered all his strength to swing his other arm up and grasp the rock.

"Tea," he panted, "I'm not going to be able to go on much longer. Do you think you can pull yourself up from here?" She looked up at the rock face. There were about ten feet between her and the top. She reached up with one hand and grasped the surface. She winced as she released Will as she shifted all her weight onto the rock. Her hands were slick with blood, but she was able to lift her right arm and pulled herself up a couple inches. She then repeated the same step with her left arm, but before she could pull herself up, she cried out in pain.

"I can't," she cried through her tears, "my arm, it's…" She sucked in a sharp breath as a stabbing pain raced up her arm. Will climbed up so that his arms were situated outside hers and he was positioned between her and a fall to her death.

"It's ok. Can you move your other arm?" he asked.

"Yes," she said.

"Okay, here's what I want you to do, brace yourself against me and pull yourself up with your good arm. Then I'll climb up and we'll do it again." Rose nodded. Will gripped the rock as Rose leaned back into him and released the rock with her right hand and grabbed a higher hold. She then pulled herself up by her right arm and stepped up with her feet. Will then climbed up behind her and they repeated the process. As they neared the top, Rose threw herself upward and was able to grasp the top of the ledge.

"You'll have to climb around me. I can't pull myself over the edge. It will be easier for you to get up and pull me," Rose explained. Riker nodded as he maneuvered to her side and attempted to climb up. However, the rock beneath him began to crumble and Will found himself slipping down the side of the cliff. Rose's hand shot out and grasped her father's arm. A piercing scream ripped out of her chest as the weight of her father was caught with her dislocated arm. Will scrambled to reconnect with the cliff face.

"Can you move at all?" he asked when he had found a handhold. Rose blinked but her vision was starting to go black and she could not make out the words he had said. Her hand began to lose its grip on the rock face. Just as she lost consciousness a hand caught hers over the side of the canyon. Will looked up and saw Anij peering over the edge of the canyon.

"Girls over here," she called. Will marveled as he saw the young Vulcan girl appear at her side followed by two of the other Ba'ku women. The four of them pulled Rose up followed by her father. Will was instantly at Rose's side. She was unconscious but still breathing.

"Transporter room?" Will asked.

"Yes Captain?" came the nervous voice of Bowan Radowski.

"Can you beam us out?" Will asked.

"It would be safer if you moved farther away from the canyon sir," Radowski replied after a moment. Will picked up his daughter and led the other women away from the chasm. He didn't have time to wonder how they had gotten here. All that mattered was making sure Tea was safe.

"Six to beam up," Riker called. A white light surrounded him and when he rematerialized Will saw his transporter chief being held at phaser point by three young women. The little blonde Quomar girl immediately ran toward them.

"Is Rosie okay?" she asked quickly. Riker glanced down at his daughter then back at the girl.

"Go," Anij said as she stepped forward towards the young girl. Will nodded as he set a brisk pace toward sickbay.

The General ran along the edge of the chasm. He knew that Riker would save Rose before he went after him. The only problem was that he had no way of knowing how long it would take Riker to save her. He had to find a way to cross the chasm and fast. He saw a dip in the ground and realized it was a path down to the bottom of the canyon. He smiled at his luck as he approached the path. As he reached the decline, he saw that there was a figure waiting for him. A slender green figure blocked his path. She was soon joined by her three more who had been further down the canyon above her. The fiery pixie circled behind him as the dark-skinned beauty flanked him on the other side. Above him stood a blue haired Bajoran with a gaze that pierced right through him.

"Ladies," he said apprehensively, "to what do I owe the pleasure?" Without a word, Kawi sauntered up to him and took the phaser out of his hand. He realized too late that he was now defenseless. He turned to flee, only to come face to face with Hanna and Naliki. Both girls reached behind their backs and pulled out whips. For the first time since they'd known him, there was terror in the General's eyes. He was trapped with no cards to play. Kawi and Leela also pulled out whips. "Girls let's think about this. I'm sure we can come to an agreement." Kawi lashed his back. He let out a cry as Naliki sent a lash across his legs. Hannah's whip came down on his shoulder at the same time as Leela's crossed his upper arm. They wound up again. He could not escape the lashes that came unbidden from each of the women. In time, the General could do nothing but drop to the ground and beg for death. But the General was not so fortunate. When he finally lost consciousness five bodies were beamed up to the ship.

Riker held Deanna as they watched Doctor Ogawa examine their daughter. Deanna had recovered enough from her telepathic experience that she was able to stand with her husband. She had been terrified when Will had carried an unconscious Tea into sickbay. Doctor Ogawa for her part had jumped into action immediately. Will had explained what had happened briefly and then stepped back to allow the doctor to work. He saw that Tuvok and Sariel had been stabilized and were now lying peacefully on biobeds across from them. Alyssa approached her captain and his wife.

"She's stable. It wasn't nearly as bad as it looked, just a dislocated shoulder and some bumps and bruises. She's been roughed up a bit, but she'll recover," she told her friends. Deanna nodded as Will held her tighter.

"Can we stay with her?" Deanna asked.

"Of course," Alyssa told her with a smile.

"And Tuvok?" Will asked.

"Stable. The shot shocked him, but I was able to stabilize him before his systems shut down. Sariel is stable as well. Her wound was not serious," Alyssa assured him.

"Thank you, Doctor," Will said sincerely. Alyssa nodded with a smile and left them alone. They sat in silence for a while.

"What happened?" Deanna asked softly. Will wrapped his arms around her.

"They were at a cliff," he said absently, "and… he pushed her. I couldn't reach her in time. I tried." Will paused to gather his thoughts. Deanna waited patiently. "She caught herself, and I climbed down to get her. I lost him. He ran, and I couldn't follow… I had to…"

"I know Will," Deanna said, turning him to face her, "I'm proud of you. You saved her." Will embraced her as his com-badge beeped.

"Riker here," he said.

"Captain, you might want to come to the transporter room," Radowski said.

"On my way," Riker said. He glanced at Tea.

"I'll stay with her," Deanna said, "go." Will nodded and headed for the transporter room. When he arrived he was truly shocked. On the transporter pad stood Kawi, Naliki, Hanna, and Leela with a bloodied body curled up at their feet.

"What is this?" Will asked. He didn't know how to feel about what he was seeing. Part of him was pleased to see the General so broken, but at the same time, he knew this was not right. They had obviously taken pleasure in what they had done. Naliki could not wipe the smile off her face, and the others stood tall and proud.

"You wouldn't let us accompany you, but with some… persuasion… your transporter chief was able to beam us down to your location. All we had to do was wait," Naliki said.

"And?" Will asked.

"We stopped him before he could get away. You should be grateful we captured him for you," Kawi said.

"This was not the way," Will said, gesturing to the figure lying at their feet.

"You are lucky we did not kill him," Kawi spat vehemently, "you saw what he did to Rose, to all of us. Save your judgement for someone who cares to hear it." Will looked at all the women. None of them showed any sign of remorse for what they had done. Will sighed.

"Security team to transporter room three," he ordered, "see that he's locked up." Radowski nodded as Will turned back to the women. "You should go get cleaned up," he said stoically. Kawi proudly stepped off the platform and held out her arm to Maize who had been standing in the corner with the others who had returned earlier. They all followed her. Their heads were held high and their faces displayed mixtures of determination and pleasure. Will watched them go and sighed. He cast a final glance at the man on the transporter pad and could not help feeling a little satisfaction as well. He was about halfway to sickbay when his communicator beeped again.

"Riker," he sighed with mild irritation.

"Captain, your presence is requested on the bridge. Captain Picard has contacted us," Vale said. Will knew he'd have a lot to explain to his former captain.

"On my way," he said. When Will entered the bridge, Jean-Luc Picard's face greeted him on the view screen. "Captain," Will greeted.

"Will, what happened to you? We were concerned when you didn't arrive at Tarsus IV as scheduled."

"It's a bit of a long story Captain. We are resuming our course now. We should arrive within twenty four hours," Will said.

"Very well," Picard responded, "I expect an explanation when you arrive." Will nodded.

"Of course. For now, I will tell you that the ship, her crew, and her passengers are all well and safe."

"That'll do for now," Picard said with a smile, "Picard out." Will sighed as he sank back into his chair.

Teadalera stirred. Her eyes shot open as she sat up in panic. She was hanging off a cliff. She was going to die. She was… in sickbay. She looked around the empty room wondering where everyone was until she glanced behind her bed. There sat Will and Deanna Riker, their heads leaned upon each other as they slept. Tea smiled at the sight. She thought about the past couple days. Her parents had abandoned their mission to come after her. She hadn't meant to cause them trouble. She had thought he was the only person who could love her, but had long since realized the error of her judgement. The feelings she had felt from her parents were love. Not the same as the General's, but she had learned that she preferred their tender and caring affection. Their affection that came with cost or hindrance. She thought about what Will had said. He was proud to call her his daughter. No one had ever been proud of her before. She got up off the bed and felt a stiffness in her left arm. Rubbing the limb, she remembered the pain on the cliff and her lapse into unconsciousness. Dr. Ogawa must have done a good job. Tea wandered around the room. She didn't want to leave and cause her parents worry, but she didn't want to wake them up either. She approached the replicator and asked for a hot chocolate. Then she sat in a chair contemplating what would happen next. Surely her parents would wake up and shower her with questions and worries, but after that, life would have to go on. What would she do? What did she want? Life was so much easier when her future was determined. Before, she hadn't really had a future to think about. Always under another's authority, she'd never had to make decisions for herself. She didn't know what was out there. It was frightening. Her thoughts turned back to the General, as they so often did. She wondered if she would have been content as his slave all her life. His beatings were endurable. She might even miss the desire he had for her. She would have survived as long as she had the other girls to turn to. The girls. What would happen now that they were free? They would be separated. She didn't think she could bear it if they were separated. She thought of Maize, who had no family to return to. She was pulled out of her spiraling thoughts by movement from the other side of the room. Deanna was stirring and, upon seeing the empty bed before her, shot out of her seat. This woke Will, who had a similar reaction.

"It's okay, I'm still here," Tea said, rising out of her chair in an attempt to calm them. This only caused them to jump in surprise. She backed up apologetically.

"You're alright," Deanna said with a smile. Tea nodded. She turned to Will.

"Are you?" she asked.

"Yes," Will replied, "you saved me down there."

"You saved me first," she said with a grin. They looked at each other for a moment as tears filled both father and daughter's eyes. Will approached her cautiously. Tea took a few steps back as he approached.

"What is it?" Will asked.

"Can you forgive me?" she asked in a whisper. Will's smile only grew as he closed the space between them.

"Always," he said firmly as he pulled her into an embrace. Tea cried softly into her father's shoulder. After a few moments she looked up at both him and Deanna.

"I'm sorry," she said earnestly, "I'm sorry for letting him out and putting everyone else in danger… and I'm sorry for not trusting you. I thought he loved me, and I didn't want to lose that. But that wasn't love, and I'm sorry I didn't realize it sooner." Deanna shushed her as she came to join the embrace.

"You don't have to apologize. We understand how difficult it was for you to be taken from the life you knew and introduced to a family that you never knew you had. Changes like that don't come easily. We're just glad you weren't hurt."

"And we're so glad to have you back," Will added, "I'm sorry if we didn't say that when you first came, but you'll never know how much it means to have you back with us again."

"I think I'm starting to," Tea said softly as she snuggled into her parents' embrace. The family remained in each other's embrace in sickbay for the rest of the evening.

Tea awoke the next day in her parents' quarters. She did not remember leaving sickbay the night before, but she assumed Will must have carried her here after she had fallen asleep. She wandered out of the bedroom to find Will and Deanna curled up on the couch with Deanna asleep in Will's arms. Tea smiled as she shuffled over to the replicator and ordered a hot chocolate. She didn't want to wake the captain and his wife given the stress she had put them through the past few days. They probably needed the rest. Tea found that she was dressed in a nightgown she could only assume was her mothers. She quickly changed into the clothes that she had been given after her ordeal with the General yesterday. She stepped out into the hallway and wandered toward the turbolift. Without a destination she wandered aimlessly until she reached ten forward. There she saw that many of the General's slaves had gathered, though it was still early, and the room was very sparsely populated. Tea slid into an empty seat at the bar and ordered a takana root tea and sipped it in silence. The doors to ten forward opened again, but Tea didn't look up until she realized someone had joined her at the bar. To her embarrassment, she recognized the face of Ensign Andrews. He ordered a drink without addressing her, and she knew she would have to make the first move.

"Hello Ensign Andrews," she said softly. Andrews posture stiffened at her address.

"Hello Miss Riker," he said coldly, "I am pleased to see you were safely returned to the ship."

"Are you really?" she asked with an arched brow. He shook his heads in irritation.

"Of course I am," he replied. Tea frowned.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just, of course you don't… I'm sorry," she said. Torvald finally looked up from his drink and met her eyes. He remained quiet as he watched her. "I'm sorry I used you to get control of the shuttle. It was very selfish of me. I never thought about what would happen to you once I left. You could have lost your job. I really am sorry." Andrews nodded.

"Yeah, I could have," he said. He let out a breathy laugh. "And strangely that's not what I'm mad about." Tea's brow furrowed. "I mean it is, but it's not because of you. I saw you, sitting here… and I thought 'I'll go give her a piece of my mind' but… I can't. I let a child enter a shuttle and told her everything about its operation, because she was nice to me. I should lose my job." He took a drink. Tea could think of no reply. "You'd think I would know by now. When a pretty girl is interested in you, it's because she wants something from you."

"That's not true Torvald," Tea interjected, "I know what I did was terrible. It wasn't your fault. I'm the Captain's daughter, and I used that against you. I've also spent my whole life seducing men, so don't beat yourself up too much. And I am truly sorry. It's through no failing of yours that I chose to use you. That was my fault."

"Tea, you're a child. I should have known better," Andrews replied.

"Many men should… but they don't. You've done less and regretted it more than most men I know. I know that I've hurt you, and you have every right to be angry. I just want you to know that I am very proud to know you Torvald Andrews," she said. Torvald met her eyes again. A small smile finally graced his lips. Tea returned it shyly.

"Thank you, Tea," he said. They sat in silence for a moment. "I meant it when I said I was glad you came back safely. Even if I was angry about the shuttle, I couldn't wish for you to have to be stuck with that man any longer."

"Thanks," she said uncomfortably, "I think I'd better go. My parents will freak out if they wake up and I'm gone."

"Bye, and Tea… I'm glad we got to talk." Tea smiled once more before hurriedly exiting ten forward. She had intended to go back to her parents' quarters when she left, but found herself wandering past their door when she reached it. Unfortunately for her, Will Riker chose that moment to walk out of the room.

"Tea, there you are. We were wondering where you had gone," he said.

"Sorry, I woke up and I didn't want to wake you, so I went to ten forward," she said.

"You don't have to apologize. You're not confined to quarters. You can explore the ship," he said.

"Thanks," she replied.

"I have to be on the bridge now, but I'll see you later. Maybe we can all meet up for lunch," he said.

"I'd like that," Tea said. Will smiled as he cupped her cheek. With a wink he turned away and disappeared into the turbolift. With her father's permission, Tea spent the rest of the morning exploring the ship. She found the schools for the children and the transporter rooms early on. Later, she found the Jeffries tubes and tried to find as many shortcuts through the ship as she could, which she deemed a much more enjoyable use of her time than walking through the halls. At lunch, she informed her parents of these adventures which, to their credit, they listened to eagerly and seemed to enjoy. As the afternoon came and went, Tea became uninterested in the ship. There were only so many tubes and white hallways you could walk down without feeling constant deja vu. The downside to this was that Tea now had endless time to herself and the musings of her own mind. And her thoughts, however hard she tried not to, began to turn toward the General. She hated that he still had control over her even when he was a captive. She couldn't get his face out of her head. The memory of him pushing her off the cliff. The indifference he felt at the prospect of her death, and the hatred he felt for William Riker. She couldn't shake these memories, but despite them, other feelings came to the surface. She felt empty. She found that she missed the General's attention and the purpose she felt at his side. Tea tried to convince herself that these feelings were not for him, but for a time when her life had structure and routine. It didn't work. She was left berating herself for wanting him, and that is why Will and Deanna returned to their quarters in the evening to find their daughter sobbing on the couch.

"Hey, Tea, what's wrong?" Will said as they hurried over to the couch. She felt their compassion and pity and it only made her cry harder. Deanna simply reached out her arms and held Tea in a soft embrace. Once she got control of her sobs, she tried to talk.

"I… I don't know what to do," she stammered, "I… miss him?" Deanna's arms tighten around her and Will stood up and began pacing. "Is he… is he gone?" Will and Deanna both tensed at her question. She felt their discomfort. "He's here… isn't he?"

"Yes," Will said cautiously. Tea considered this for a moment.

"I want to see him," she stated resolutely.

"I don't think that's such a good idea," Will cautioned her.

"I need to talk to him," she said. Will opened his mouth to protest.

"Will," Deanna said warningly.

"Fine," he replied, "but I'm going to be there the whole time.

"No, I need to do this alone," Tea said.

"Not a chance," Will argued.

"What if we waited outside the cell," Deanna asked, looking at Tea.

"Deanna, you can't tell me you're okay with sending her in with him alone," Will said, astonished.

"There is a forcefield in the room, and we'll be outside the door the whole time," Deanna said to pacify him. She turned back to Tea. "What do you say?"

"Alright," Tea conceded. Deanna smiled and helped Tea off the couch. Will followed the pair out the door, brimming with anxiety. They exited their quarters and headed down the familiar corridors to the brig. When they reached the door, two guards had resumed watch over the cell. Will motioned for them to step aside as he let Tea in. She entered slowly, surveying the space, but found no one before her. She gasped when she realized that the General was indeed in the room, but not as he had appeared to her before. A bloodied body was crumpled below the cot on the other side of the forcefield. She slowly walked up to the forcefield and knelt on the ground. She sat silently until he looked up at her. The confidence and intensity they had held in the past was replaced with an unfocused apathy. For the first time since she had known him, Tea sensed an element of fear in the General. It was unnerving.

"What happened?" she asked conversationally.

"Your friends were a little unhappy with me," he whispered. She knew he meant the girls. They sat in silence again. "Why are you here Rosie?" he asked.

"I wanted to see you. I wanted to…" She stopped and looked up, trying to find the words. "I need to know why? Why me? Why was I the only child on that ship? Why did you do it? I was different. You always told me I was different. Why?" She was staring him down as he stared intently at the floor. She could tell he was deciding whether to tell her the truth or not.

"I needed something new," he said, "you were loyal to me, not because I threatened or beat you, but because you loved me. It was worth the years of raising you, because nobody tried harder to please me than you. Fear is powerful, but love… love is irreplaceable." Tea sat dumbstruck in front of him.

"I… I didn't love you," she said more to herself than him.

"Yes you did Rosie. You wouldn't have done what you did if you didn't… and I loved you," he said. She looked him in the eyes. She could see tears pooling in them. She wanted to sympathize with him, but something stopped her.

"You… no," she said quietly. When the General gave her a confused look she continued. "You didn't love me. You don't love me. I risked everything for you. I risked my life for you, and you threw it away." Her voice was rising.

"We all make mistakes," he defended himself.

"Mistakes?" she asked incredulously. She ripped her shirt off, shamelessly revealing her back. Scars he had left her adorned her otherwise immaculate body. "These aren't mistakes. My life wasn't a mistake. You chose to give me these. You chose to make me do things nobody should be forced to do. You chose to push me off that cliff." Tears streamed down her face. "If you loved me, you wouldn't have done that. You loved yourself… and now, that's all you have." She put her shirt back on and cast one more glance and the pathetic form before her. "Enjoy your laurels General." With that she turned and left the room. As the doors opened, the General made one last attempt to stop her.

"Rosie!" he shouted. She stopped in the doorway.

"My name is Tealadera Riker," she said curtly and continued on her way out. The General slammed his fist into the unyielding floor.

The Titan arrived at Tarsus IV to find the Enterprise already in orbit. Will beamed down to the planet with his wife, Tuvok, and Doctor Ogawa. Captain Picard was there to greet them on the surface.

"Will, it's good to see you. We were starting to worry," Jean-Luc said as he approached his friend, "You will tell us what happened won't you?" Will nodded to his former captain and to Beverly and Data who were standing behind him.

"Of course, Captain," Will said.

"William Riker, it has been over fourteen years since I've been your captain. Isn't it time you started calling me Jean-Luc," Picard griped. Will chuckled.

"I guess it just doesn't have the same ring to it," he joked. Picard smiled as he led his friend to a building within the colony. There Will was introduced to the leader of the colony, Shanara Netev.

"It is a pleasure to have you with us Captain Riker," Netev greeted, "any accommodations you may need will be happily provided to you while you are here."

"Thank you, madam," Riker replied, "I would like to stay on sight while the refugees are transferred to your care and help them to settle in if I can."

"Of course, Captain. My assistants will show you to your quarters," Netev replied. Will nodded as he and his crew were led from the room. After being shown their quarters, Will and Deanna met up with Captain Picard and Beverly.

"You still haven't informed me what kept you Will. Are you sure everything is alright?" Jean-Luc asked his friend.

"Yes, we're fine. I'd like to start transferring the refugees down to the planet before we go into that. It's quite a tale," Will responded.

"Very well. We have large rooms within the compound set up until we can find accommodations for everyone. You can beam them all to these coordinates," Picard said handing Will a data pad.

"Thank you," Will replied, "Riker to Titan."

"Yes Captain," Commander Vale replied over the com.

"I'm sending you coordinates for the beam down, Commander. On my signal you may begin transporting the passengers."

"Aye Captain," Vale replied. Once the beam down was underway, the four officers found a quiet terrace to talk on. Will described the events of the past couple days to Jean-Luc and Beverly who sat in captivated silence. When his tale was over, Will sat in silence with his hands firmly grasping Deanna's.

"My god, Will," Beverly broke the silence, "how is Tea now?"

"I don't know," Will said honestly, "she's been spending all her time wandering the ship and helping with the girls she was held captive with. I didn't want to push her after everything that happened."

"And how are you two doing?" Beverly asked with a pointed look at both Will and Deanna. The couple looked at each other and then back at their friends.

"I'm comforted by the knowledge that she won't try to run off again, but I'm terrified to speak to her. I don't know how to be a father to her," Will admitted.

"No parent does Will," Beverly assured him.

"It's different, Beverly. Most parents get to learn how to do it before their child is grown. I don't know my daughter, and she doesn't know me." Deanna leaned her head on Will's shoulder, and he returned the gesture by laying his head on hers.

"If you should need anything from the Enterprise or any of us, just let us know. We're here to help," Jean-Luc said as he laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Thank you, Jean-Luc. Right now, I think I just need things to get back to normal. Maybe map a star system or visit a new species," Will said with a smile. He looked at Deanna who nodded in agreement.

"I think we all need time to adjust to the changes we've experienced," she said. The group nodded in agreement as they re-entered the compound and headed toward the holding areas for the refugees. People milled about everywhere, but Deanna spotted a familiar group of girls through the crows. She nudged Will and pointed. Tea sat with Maize in her lap. She was brushing her fingers through the girl's hair as Hanna, Kawi, Leela, Deirdre, Netiri and Anij sat around them. Hanna and Leela were whispering to each other, and Netiri was braiding Deirdre's hair. All were smiling. Tea looked up from their conversation and made eye contact with Deanna, then Will. She kissed the top of Maize's head and got up. She made her way through the room to her parents.

"I hope you don't mind, I beamed down with the others," she said.

"Of course," Deanna replied, "you should spend as much time with them as you can."

"I wanted to talk to you about that," Tea said tentatively. Will and Deanna raised their eyebrows.

"Captain!" came a shout from behind them. Both Picard and Riker turned to see Commander Netev approaching. "My apologies for the interruption, but I would like to acquire more information on the refugees and their experience so that we may be better equipped to help them."

"I believe Captain Riker would be best informed on those details," Picard said.

"Of course," Riker nodded.

"This way," Netev gestured. Riker kissed Deanna's cheek as he left to follow the other woman. Picard had made his way over to Anij who was now holding Maize.

"Anij, would you care to join me for dinner?" he asked.

"I'd love to, Captain," she replied as she handed Maize to Kawi who grinned devilishly. Picard bid goodbye to Beverly and Deanna as he led Anij back to his quarters.

"I think I'll go help with the medical exams," Beverly said with a grin, "I'll see you later Deanna." Deanna hugged her friend and watched her walk away.

"Walk with me?" she asked her daughter. Tea nodded. Deanna led her out of the room and into the gardens behind the compound. "Penny for your thoughts." Tea looked at her mother.

"I'm afraid of what will happen when we leave. I've grown rather fond of the girls. I can't imagine leaving them," she said. Deanna nodded.

"I understand. You only had each other for quite some time. The Ba'ku women were not with you inside," she observed.

"They have families. They'll be alright. Kawi is strong, though I will miss her. Netiri is able to adapt to any situation. Hanna… Leela… I trust they all can move… I just don't know if I want to." Tea sat on a bench and Deanna joined her.

"Are you afraid to lose your family?" she asked. Tea considered this.

"I don't know. I've never had a problem with this before. When Katarina was sold I missed her, but I moved on. Even when he killed Yadira, I got over it. This feels different," Tea explained.

"How long have these girls been with you?" Deanna asked as she recoiled at her daughter's description of the General's deeds.

"Kawi has been here the longest. Three years. He usually doesn't keep them past three or four. The longest I know of was Theresa. She was an Aenar. Six years. It was exotic; he felt he had control, but she could still create… images for him with her telepathy. If she hadn't tried to escape, he probably would have kept her longer. I think she saved my life when she did that though. She was far more interesting than a six-year-old." Deanna was unable to suppress her gasp. "I'm sorry," Tea apologized.

"No," Deanna shook her head, "you have nothing to be sorry for. It's just difficult for me to learn about it. How close I came to losing you forever." Deanna could not stop the tears that poured from her eyes. "I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me? It's all my fault I never should have looked away… if I had just paid attention," Deanna choked out through her sobs. Tea watched. Her heart broke for her mother, something she hadn't expected. She had expected satisfaction that her mother was suffering as she did but seeing her crumble before her gave Tea no pleasure. She understood pain better than most, and for the first time wished that the woman before her would never have to endure that pain. She knew that her mother was in more pain over the guilt of losing her than she could ever inflict on her herself.

"It wasn't your fault," Tea said, and for the first time, she believed it, "it could have happened anywhere, to anyone. The only person to blame is a pitiful lump of flesh in your holding cell. He deserves our pity not our guilt or fear." Deanna shook her head.

"What kind of a mother am I? You almost died. He raped you, for god's sake you were only four," Deanna wept.

"I know that," Tea said firmly, "but I also know you're the kind of mother who loved her daughter enough to ignore her mission to search for her. The kind of mother who could only be stopped in her search when she was finally convinced her daughter was dead."

"But you weren't," Deanna cried, her sobs had stopped, though tears still cascaded down her cheeks. Tea didn't know what to do as she looked at Deanna timidly. Deanna caught this look and strove to pull herself together. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be crying like this," she said.

"At least you care," Tea said. Deanna looked at her quizzically.

"Of course," she replied.

"It was hard to tell before I left," Tea said quietly, "you both tried to act like everything was fine and that we could just pick up and be a family… like it didn't even happen." Deanna looked guilty.

"I didn't want to talk about it. I was afraid you would shy away from us if we talked about it."

"I probably would have," Tea responded dully, "I'm sorry. I can't seem to think straight about anything."

"That's ok. You've been through a lot. You can't expect to adjust immediately," Deanna reassured her.

"I don't know what to feel. I don't want to talk about it, but I don't want to ignore it," Tea said.

"I know. How about we start slow. Tell me about the girls. When did they come to be with you? How did you interact with them?" Deanna said. Tea nodded slowly.

"Kawi came three years ago. She was very stubborn, like Naliki is now. She took a lot of beatings before she learned how to behave, but I admired her bravery. We became very close." Deanna nodded, encouraging her to continue. "Hanna came after Kawi. We lost three in one year, so he picked her up. That was about two years ago. She was a slave as a child, along with her parents. She'd been sold from person to person all her life, so she adjusted rather quickly. We were able to connect over that… Netiri came after her. She's been with us about a year and a half. As I was becoming old enough to… 'perform', he started developing a taste for younger girls. Netiri was the first of the younger ones. I never really understood her, but she adapted well. It was logical for her to cooperate to preserve her life I guess. He got Leela only a month later in a bet. By the time he got Leela, all the previous girls were gone or dead. Leela was a lot like Kawi. She was more solitary than the rest of us. Deirdre was a gift from a rival trader. She was sweet and naive. Netiri took her under her wing, which was very sweet. And Maize…" Tea paused and ran her hand through her hair.

"Do you need to stop?" Deanna asked tentatively.

"No, I just… when Maize came, she had just watched her parents die. She didn't speak for the first month… I felt responsible for her. She didn't have anyone else in the world. I…" Tea looked at Deanna pleadingly now. "She still doesn't have anyone. We can't leave her here. If I go… she won't understand." Deanna sighed.

"It's not that simple. We can't just keep her on the Titan. She needs a guardian of some kind."

"Be her guardian then. Please, I beg you. I don't know if I have any right to ask this of you, but please. I can't leave her, not after all she's been through. She needs me, and I need her." Deanna listened to what her daughter was saying.

"I'll talk to Will," she said, and after a pause continued, "but I will do everything in my power to see that you stay together." Tea smiled and embraced her mother.

"Thank you," she said brightly. Deanna tightened her embrace, relishing the nearness to her daughter and the affection she received.

That night in their quarters, Deanna sat up in her bed as Will lay peacefully beside her. Deanna shifted in the bed but could not bring herself to fall asleep. There was something on her mind.

"Will?" she asked. She knew he was awake.

"Hmm," he grunted as he rolled over to face her.

"I have a favor to ask of you," she began tentatively. He could hear the hesitation in her voice and sat up.

"What is it?" he asked warily.

"Do you remember the little Qomar girl?"

"Yes."

"Can she stay with us Will?" There was a pause as Will looked at her questioningly.

"Deanna… I don't understand," Will said.

"She has no one Will. She needs a family," Deanna tried to explain.

"Deanna, I… bringing another child onboard won't make up for the time we lost with Tea," Will sighed.

"Will, it's not about replacing Tea," Deanna explained.

"Then what is this about?" Will asked skeptically.

"It's about Tea, our daughter who is here with us now… and about Maize. Maize has grown very close to Tea. She follows her around like a pet, surely you must have noticed. To rip her away from the one person she feels close to would be traumatic for her. It'd be taking her family away all over again. Tea needs her too. The girl gives her a sense of purpose, of being needed. They need each other, and we can't take that away from them," Deanna tried to explain. Will sat, pondering what his wife had just told him. He looked into her eyes and spoke.

"Deanna, we just found our daughter. To have her on the ship will be a big enough change as it is. Do you really think we can handle two?" Will asked. Deanna could feel the fear that Will had let bubble to the surface with that statement.

"I do. I believe that they both need us, and we can't turn them away. I don't know if Tea will stay if we turn Maize away, and I can't lose her again Will," she replied. She reached up to caress his cheek. "We can do it… together." Will smiled and grabbed her hand.

"I love you," he whispered as he leaned in and kissed her. "We'll keep the girl."

"Thank you," Deanna said with a grin.

When all the refugees had been placed in suitable homes, it came time for the girls to say goodbye. Tea stood before her friends with tears in her eyes. Deirdre was the first to leave. A couple who lived in the colony already had asked to adopt the girl. They could not have a child of their own and had met Deirdre while organizing the arrival of the refugees. Deirdre had been glad to have a family and the other girls had encouraged her happily. Now they all bid her goodbye as she left with her new parents. The others were uncertain of what their futures held for them. Maize began to cry as she ran into Tea's arms.

"Rose, I don't wanna go. Don't make me go," she wept. Tea looked up at her parents who were standing a ways off. Deanna nodded with a smile. Tea held Maize's shoulders and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Maizey, would you like to come home with me," she asked. Maize looked up in wonder.

"Really?" she asked excitedly.

"Yeah, my parents and I want you to come stay on the ship with us. We can be a family," she said as she embraced the girl. Maize hugged her back tightly as tears slipped down her cheeks.

"Thank you! Thank you!" she said happily.

"You should thank them," Tea said, pointing to her parents who were smiling at the exchange between the girls. Maize smiled shyly at them and waved. Will and Deanna waved back. Tea laughed as she hugged Maize close again. Their attention was suddenly grabbed by a Starfleet officer approaching the group.

"I'm looking for Kawi," she said. All the girls looked questioningly at Kawi. She approached the officer confidently.

"I'm Kawi," she said.

"We have received notice that you intend to join Starfleet. If you would like there is a ship leaving in three days to bring cadets to Starfleet academy. If you come with me we can house you until the ship departs," the officer informed her.

"Yes, of course," Kawi replied brightly, "may I say goodbye first?"

"Of course," the man smiled. Kawi turned back to the others.

"I'm sorry… I didn't know if I'd get in and I didn't want to put any more stress on you all."

"Go," Leela said stepping forward, "you deserve it." Kawi smiled and gave each of the girls a hug. She approached Tea last.

"They're good people. I'm happy for you," she said. Tea threw her arms around Kawi's shoulders.

"I love you too," she whispered to her. Kawi's grasp tightened, and then she let go.

"Take care of yourselves," she said she departed.

"Wait," Hanna called. Kawi and the Starfleet officer both turned around. "Can anyone join Starfleet?"

"Of course," the officer said.

"I'd like to come too, if I may," Hanna said. The officer nodded, and Hanna bid the girls goodbye and she left with Kawi. Naliki, Noasha, Kim, and Alora had all gathered together.

"We've found a ship to take us back to Ba'ku. We have to try to find the remainder of our people," Naliki said, "it was a pleasure to know you all." They all bid the remaining girls goodbye. Alora turned to Anij who was standing off to the side with Captain Picard.

"Are you coming?" she asked. Anij looked at Picard and then back at Alora.

"I love you all dearly, but I have lived a long life and… I think it's time for me to forge a new path," she said. Alora looked between Anij and the captain. She smiled.

"I understand," she said and gave Anij a hug. The rest of the girls also hugged Anij as they said goodbye. Netiri was the next to leave, with a Vulcan delegation who had offered to take her back to her home world. She left quietly, and now Leela was the only girl remaining.

"Do you have anywhere to go?" Tea asked. Leela shook her head.

"I'll find something. I can take care of myself," Leela responded.

"There must be something we can do for you," Tea insisted.

"I don't need your help," Leela snapped. Tea recoiled. Leela sighed. "You're strong Rose. I've always admired that about you. Enjoy your family. Good luck." With that Leela left. Maize walked up and grabbed Tea's hand again. Tea looked down at the younger girl and smiled.

"Well, I think it's about time we were getting on our way," Captain Picard said, turning to Anij and Dr. Crusher, "Will. Deanna. It's been lovely to see the two of you again. Let's not wait so long until the next time."

"I agree, Captain. Look after yourself," Deanna said as she hugged Picard.

"So long Captain," Will said.

"So long Captain," Picard echoed. The two men smiled at each other. "Goodbye Tealadera," Picard said as he turned to Tea, "it was a pleasure to meet you."

"Goodbye, Captain Picard," Tea said politely. Anij approached her.

"Goodbye Tea. It was a privilege to get to know you. I do hope we meet again," she said.

"Me too," Tea said, "thank you for everything. Goodbye." They hugged. Then Picard and his companions beamed out. Tea turned to her father.

"Are we ready to go?" she asked. Will nodded and reached out to hug her. Deanna came to join their embrace but noticed Maize standing at a distance. Deanna walked over to her.

"May I?" she asked as she held out her arms to the little girl. Maize nodded and wrapped her arms around Deanna's neck. Deanna picked the girl up and walked back over to her husband and daughter.

"Let's go home," Tea said when they were all gathered together. Will smiled.

"Titan, this is Riker. Four to beam up."