Chapter 23
Commander David Alexander walked onto the Promenade of Deep Space Nine. He'd heard
about all the interesting shops and restaurants, so he took his time. He strolled around,
pausing to look at the shops' displays. He reached the replimat and saw a familiar face. Dr.
Bashir had been right. He felt himself gasp for breath when he saw her. She was even
more beautiful than he remembered. She'd been promoted; she now had three pips on her
blue collar. She looked so formal in her uniform with the sides of her hair pulled back in a
clip. Her face gave her away, though. She was smiling and her sapphire eyes were
sparkling.
He remembered the last time he had seen her. It had been years ago. They had parted as
friends, although it was a name only title. Things had been strained for them after she
announced she was transferring. They had fought and ended her things after he had
accused her of running away from their relationship. He had apologized and she had
forgiven him, but things between them had already been over.
He took a deep breath and began to walk over to her. What the hell? Might as well say
hello. He hoped she wasn't dating the man she was sitting with. He like to try again with
her. If she'd let him, that is.
"Ace!" Alexander yelled across the replimat.
Vicki Ann looked up and a smiled formed across her face. She stood and met her friend as
he approached the table. "David! What are you doing here?" she said, giving him a hug.
"Didn't you hear? The Goddard is here for some quick repairs,"
Alexander replied.
Vicki Ann noticed that Riker was giving her a strange look, so she broke her embrace with
David and turned to Riker. "David, this is Commander William T. Riker, of the Enterprise.
Will, this is Commander David Alexander."
Riker stood and stuck out his hand. "Pleased to meet you."
Alexander shook Riker's hand and replied, "Same here."
Vicki Ann grabbed a chair from a nearby table. "Please join us, David."
Alexander sat in the chair Vicki Ann had pulled beside her.
"Why did you call her Ace?" Riker asked, confused.
Vicki Ann and Alexander laughed.
"That's what we started to call her after her swift maneuvering during the Klingon Civil
War," Alexander replied. He turned to Vicki Ann. "I almost didn't find you."
"What do you mean?"
"I went to the infirmary and got a rather nasty look from Dr. Bashir when I asked where
you were."
Vicki Ann rolled her eyes. "Oh, that's just Julian. We were involved and had a rather bad
breakup. He's still a little bitter."
"A little?" Riker echoed.
Vicki Ann kicked him under the table. "Speak of the devil," she whispered.
Riker and Alexander turned to see Julian walking towards the replimat. He hadn't spotted
them yet because his expression was neutral.
Vicki Ann smiled to herself as she reached over and put her hand on David's arm to get his
attention. "So how are things with you, David?"
He turned to her and smiled. "Great. By the way, congratulations on your promotion."
"Thanks," Vicki Ann said, her smile widening. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that
Julian had just spotted them and was watching them closely. "David, do you remember
prank we pulled on Commander Richards?"
David laughed. "Yes. I'll never forget the look on his face when he asked you to turn on
the viewscreen and what came on but-."
"A video of him singing to himself in the mirror!" Vicki Ann finished. The two of them began
laughing hysterically. Vicki Ann then felt a hint of anger brush her barriers. She looked up
to see Julian stomping off.
Alexander stood. "I'll be right back. I'm going to get a drink. Would either of you like
anything?"
"No thanks," Vicki Ann said.
Riker shook his head. As soon as Alexander was out of earshot, Riker leaned toward Vicki
Ann and said, "I saw what you did. You are absolutely vicious."
Vicki Ann nodded. "I know. It was just my first reaction."
"I think you need to suppress your first reactions."
"What are you talking about?"
"That's what you said to me when you hit me."
Vicki Ann laughed. "I remember. You weren't expecting me to hit you."
"Definitely not. Stop changing the subject. How can Julian figure out his feelings for you if
you are deliberately making him jealous?"
Vicki Ann made a face. "Maybe you're right."
"Hey, Quark. Any Holosuites free?"
"You're in luck. Someone canceled on me. It'll be free in about fifteen minutes. I've got a
new spy program for you. There's one glitch though. The villain looks a little like Dr. Troi,"
Quark replied.
Julian shrugged. Oh, well. "No problem." Maybe that'll give me a little more motivation to
defeat her.
Vicki Ann swirled the ice in her drink absentmindedly. She heard someone come up behind
her and she turned around. It was Quark.
"Anything else, doctor?"
"No, not at the moment."
Quark smiled. "You look like you could use some time in the Holosuite. I just got in this
excellent spy program and I had a cancellation."
Vicki Ann smiled. "I'm not the spy type, but thanks anyway, Quark."
"I wasn't thinking of you as the spy. You'd be absolutely perfect for the villain."
"I would?"
"Yes. There's one problem, though. Since the spy program this was modeled after was
designed by Dr. Bashir, the computer has created the hero in his likeness."
Vicki Ann thought about it. What the hell. Maybe I'll be more motivated to defeat him if
he looks like Julian. "Sounds good," she replied.
"Good. It'll be free in about twenty minutes."
Julian walked into the Holosuite and smiled. It was nice to indulge in a fantasy totally
unconnected with your life. He was given his assignment. Apparently, someone had
reported that a notorious jewel thief was planning to steal the Hope Diamond from the
Smithsonian in Washington D.C. Her name was Madeline Madison. She was the owner of a
large jewelry store chain and also a collector of very expensive jewels. The museum was
having a party to commemorate the anniversary of the beginning of the diamond's exhibit.
Madison was sure to be there. He made his way through the crowd of people, looking and
listening for anything important. Up ahead, there was a large group of people surrounding a
woman in a red dress. As the laughter of the crowd died, a man beside the woman said,
"Miss Madison, you really are a treat."
Madison turned and smiled at the man.
Julian swallowed. Okay, so maybe this fantasy isn't totally unconnected with my life. Boy,
was Quark was a little off when he said she looked a little like Vicki Ann. She could be Vicki
Ann's twin! He straightened his jacket and went over to her. "Miss Madison," he said.
"It's a pleasure to have you with us this evening. I'm Richard Davidson, the director of the
museum." He stuck out his hand for her to shake.
Madison turned and almost choked on her champagne.
Quark wasn't lying when he said the spy looked like Julian.
She quickly composed herself and was glad to see that the 'hologram' Julian didn't notice
her surprise. She shook his hand and smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Davidson," she
purred. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. It's just too bad that I can't have it as part of
my collection." When Julian gave her a bit of a strange look, she added, "Just a joke, Mr.
Davidson."
"Of course, Miss Madison," Julian replied. "Of course."
"Besides, the wonderful new security system you installed with my donation would prevent
anyone from getting anywhere near the diamond."
Julian nodded. "Of course. We couldn't have done it without your generous donation."
"Don't forget the arrangements you made with your friend at the security system
company," a man said beside her. "Without your help, we wouldn't have been able to
afford such a high-tech system."
Madison blushed slightly. "That was nothing, Mr. Walton. I'm always willing to help."
Julian nodded. And I'll bet you're going to help yourself to the diamond while you're at it.
"Miss Madison, I'd like to speak to you about your donation,"
Julian said to Madison as the party was wrapping up. He was hoping that he would be able
trick her into spending some time with him so that he could get the information he needed.
"Of course. Call my secretary and she'll set up an appointment," Madison replied.
"I'll be going away on an appraisal trip for the museum. I'm leaving two days from now.
Unfortunately, I'm booked until then. Would you be free now?"
Vicki Ann considered the thought. This might be interesting. "Of course. We could go to
my apartment for a drink."
"That'll be fine."
"What's your poison, Mr. Davidson?"
"A martini, please," Julian replied.
"Two martinis, please," Madison told her assistant.
Julian smiled to himself. Worse comes to worse, I could get her drunk. "Thank you,"
Julian said, as he took his drink.
"Now, Mr. Davidson, what did you want to speak to me about?"
"Your donation. We would like to put a plaque up describing your donation. Is that all
right? Or would you wish to remain anonymous?"
"No, that's fine. Is that all you wanted to know?"
Julian thought for a minute. He pretended to be taken back. "Well, that's not the only
thing. I have to admit, Miss Madison, that I find you to be a very interesting woman. This
donation business was just an excuse to spend some time with you."
Vicki Ann remembered what Quark had said. He had suggested that she seduce the spy,
drug him and then get away. That might work, she thought to herself. "Well," she purred,
as she ran her fingers through the ends of his hair. "I have to admit that I feel the same
way."
Julian laughed to himself. He'd thought that his charm would win her over. "You know, I
probably should get back to the museum. As you know, they're installing the new security
system tonight and I would like to make sure things are all right."
"Don't forget, my friend is taking care of things. I'm sure they won't need you until
morning," she replied.
Julian knew he had to get out of there soon, or he wouldn't be able to stop her. She
wasn't giving him any information. Her people are probably 'taking care' of things as we
speak. He was in over his head. If he stayed, she would succeed in seducing him and he
wouldn't be able to complete his assignment. But. . . I can always stop her in the morning.
Vicki Ann would kill him if she knew about this. But that's what's wonderful about it, she'll
never find out, Julian thought to himself as he drew Madison towards him in a kiss.
Vicki Ann laughed to herself as 'Davidson' a.k.a. Agent Bashir, unzipped the back of her
dress. Julian would have an absolute fit if he knew about this! She knew she shouldn't be
doing this. What the hell, Vicki Ann thought to herself. Might as well take a risk. Besides,
no one will ever find out.
Vicki Ann smiled to herself as she reached into the bedside drawer and pulled out a pair of
shiny, new handcuffs. She felt 'Agent Bashir' stir beside her. The sedative she had slipped
in his drink had acted remarkably fast, once it absorbed into his system. She rolled over
and began to pull his arms up behind the bedpost.
He opened his eyes slightly. "What are you doing?" he asked her, his voice slurred.
She smiled almost wickedly at him. "We're going to play a game."
Agent Bashir smiled slightly, his eyes closed.
Laughing, Vicki Ann got up and dressed.
Julian opened his eyes. They felt very heavy. He tried to move, but found his hands were
bound somehow. He forced himself to be alert and looked up to see his hands were
handcuffed. He looked around and saw Madison, across the room, fully dressed, placing a
gun under her jacket. "What are you doing? You won't get away with this! The museum
will wonder when I don't show up for work. Everyone saw us together at the party and the
first person they'll look for is you," he told her.
Madison smiled. "Oh, I'm not worried about that. A friend of mine is taking care of
everything. I believe you know him. His name is Falcon."
"Falcon," Julian whispered. It was all a trick to get me, he thought to himself. Boy, Julian,
did you screw up this time!
"In the meantime," she said sweetly, as she began to walk over to him.
When she got to the bed, she leaned down, making sure her hand was on her gun, and
kissed him. Julian felt his head begin to swim. He was so stupid to let this woman defeat
him just because she looked, and kissed, like Vicki Ann. Damn you, Quark!
She smiled at him and whispered, "I hope you enjoyed my little game, Agent Bashir." She
stood. "Now, I must be going. Please enjoy your stay," she said as she shut the door
behind her. As she walked away, she could her him screaming through the door.
Vicki Ann laughed her way down the steps from the Holosuites. As she walked past Quark,
he asked her, "How did you like the program?"
Vicki Ann smiled. "It was. . . interesting." She saw Riker sitting at a nearby table, so she
joined him.
When he saw her smile, he asked, "Have fun?"
"As a matter of fact, I did."
"Well, aren't you going to tell me about it?"
"I was Madeline Madison, a notorious jewel thief pretending to steal the Hope Diamond to
catch a secret agent."
"How did you catch him?"
"I took him to my apartment for a drink, drugged and seduced him. Once the drug took
effect, I handcuffed him to the bed and left."
Riker laughed. "Interesting. I never knew you could be so devious."
Vicki Ann laughed. "Neither did I."
Commander David Alexander walked onto the Promenade of Deep Space Nine. He'd heard
about all the interesting shops and restaurants, so he took his time. He strolled around,
pausing to look at the shops' displays. He reached the replimat and saw a familiar face. Dr.
Bashir had been right. He felt himself gasp for breath when he saw her. She was even
more beautiful than he remembered. She'd been promoted; she now had three pips on her
blue collar. She looked so formal in her uniform with the sides of her hair pulled back in a
clip. Her face gave her away, though. She was smiling and her sapphire eyes were
sparkling.
He remembered the last time he had seen her. It had been years ago. They had parted as
friends, although it was a name only title. Things had been strained for them after she
announced she was transferring. They had fought and ended her things after he had
accused her of running away from their relationship. He had apologized and she had
forgiven him, but things between them had already been over.
He took a deep breath and began to walk over to her. What the hell? Might as well say
hello. He hoped she wasn't dating the man she was sitting with. He like to try again with
her. If she'd let him, that is.
"Ace!" Alexander yelled across the replimat.
Vicki Ann looked up and a smiled formed across her face. She stood and met her friend as
he approached the table. "David! What are you doing here?" she said, giving him a hug.
"Didn't you hear? The Goddard is here for some quick repairs,"
Alexander replied.
Vicki Ann noticed that Riker was giving her a strange look, so she broke her embrace with
David and turned to Riker. "David, this is Commander William T. Riker, of the Enterprise.
Will, this is Commander David Alexander."
Riker stood and stuck out his hand. "Pleased to meet you."
Alexander shook Riker's hand and replied, "Same here."
Vicki Ann grabbed a chair from a nearby table. "Please join us, David."
Alexander sat in the chair Vicki Ann had pulled beside her.
"Why did you call her Ace?" Riker asked, confused.
Vicki Ann and Alexander laughed.
"That's what we started to call her after her swift maneuvering during the Klingon Civil
War," Alexander replied. He turned to Vicki Ann. "I almost didn't find you."
"What do you mean?"
"I went to the infirmary and got a rather nasty look from Dr. Bashir when I asked where
you were."
Vicki Ann rolled her eyes. "Oh, that's just Julian. We were involved and had a rather bad
breakup. He's still a little bitter."
"A little?" Riker echoed.
Vicki Ann kicked him under the table. "Speak of the devil," she whispered.
Riker and Alexander turned to see Julian walking towards the replimat. He hadn't spotted
them yet because his expression was neutral.
Vicki Ann smiled to herself as she reached over and put her hand on David's arm to get his
attention. "So how are things with you, David?"
He turned to her and smiled. "Great. By the way, congratulations on your promotion."
"Thanks," Vicki Ann said, her smile widening. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that
Julian had just spotted them and was watching them closely. "David, do you remember
prank we pulled on Commander Richards?"
David laughed. "Yes. I'll never forget the look on his face when he asked you to turn on
the viewscreen and what came on but-."
"A video of him singing to himself in the mirror!" Vicki Ann finished. The two of them began
laughing hysterically. Vicki Ann then felt a hint of anger brush her barriers. She looked up
to see Julian stomping off.
Alexander stood. "I'll be right back. I'm going to get a drink. Would either of you like
anything?"
"No thanks," Vicki Ann said.
Riker shook his head. As soon as Alexander was out of earshot, Riker leaned toward Vicki
Ann and said, "I saw what you did. You are absolutely vicious."
Vicki Ann nodded. "I know. It was just my first reaction."
"I think you need to suppress your first reactions."
"What are you talking about?"
"That's what you said to me when you hit me."
Vicki Ann laughed. "I remember. You weren't expecting me to hit you."
"Definitely not. Stop changing the subject. How can Julian figure out his feelings for you if
you are deliberately making him jealous?"
Vicki Ann made a face. "Maybe you're right."
"Hey, Quark. Any Holosuites free?"
"You're in luck. Someone canceled on me. It'll be free in about fifteen minutes. I've got a
new spy program for you. There's one glitch though. The villain looks a little like Dr. Troi,"
Quark replied.
Julian shrugged. Oh, well. "No problem." Maybe that'll give me a little more motivation to
defeat her.
Vicki Ann swirled the ice in her drink absentmindedly. She heard someone come up behind
her and she turned around. It was Quark.
"Anything else, doctor?"
"No, not at the moment."
Quark smiled. "You look like you could use some time in the Holosuite. I just got in this
excellent spy program and I had a cancellation."
Vicki Ann smiled. "I'm not the spy type, but thanks anyway, Quark."
"I wasn't thinking of you as the spy. You'd be absolutely perfect for the villain."
"I would?"
"Yes. There's one problem, though. Since the spy program this was modeled after was
designed by Dr. Bashir, the computer has created the hero in his likeness."
Vicki Ann thought about it. What the hell. Maybe I'll be more motivated to defeat him if
he looks like Julian. "Sounds good," she replied.
"Good. It'll be free in about twenty minutes."
Julian walked into the Holosuite and smiled. It was nice to indulge in a fantasy totally
unconnected with your life. He was given his assignment. Apparently, someone had
reported that a notorious jewel thief was planning to steal the Hope Diamond from the
Smithsonian in Washington D.C. Her name was Madeline Madison. She was the owner of a
large jewelry store chain and also a collector of very expensive jewels. The museum was
having a party to commemorate the anniversary of the beginning of the diamond's exhibit.
Madison was sure to be there. He made his way through the crowd of people, looking and
listening for anything important. Up ahead, there was a large group of people surrounding a
woman in a red dress. As the laughter of the crowd died, a man beside the woman said,
"Miss Madison, you really are a treat."
Madison turned and smiled at the man.
Julian swallowed. Okay, so maybe this fantasy isn't totally unconnected with my life. Boy,
was Quark was a little off when he said she looked a little like Vicki Ann. She could be Vicki
Ann's twin! He straightened his jacket and went over to her. "Miss Madison," he said.
"It's a pleasure to have you with us this evening. I'm Richard Davidson, the director of the
museum." He stuck out his hand for her to shake.
Madison turned and almost choked on her champagne.
Quark wasn't lying when he said the spy looked like Julian.
She quickly composed herself and was glad to see that the 'hologram' Julian didn't notice
her surprise. She shook his hand and smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Davidson," she
purred. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. It's just too bad that I can't have it as part of
my collection." When Julian gave her a bit of a strange look, she added, "Just a joke, Mr.
Davidson."
"Of course, Miss Madison," Julian replied. "Of course."
"Besides, the wonderful new security system you installed with my donation would prevent
anyone from getting anywhere near the diamond."
Julian nodded. "Of course. We couldn't have done it without your generous donation."
"Don't forget the arrangements you made with your friend at the security system
company," a man said beside her. "Without your help, we wouldn't have been able to
afford such a high-tech system."
Madison blushed slightly. "That was nothing, Mr. Walton. I'm always willing to help."
Julian nodded. And I'll bet you're going to help yourself to the diamond while you're at it.
"Miss Madison, I'd like to speak to you about your donation,"
Julian said to Madison as the party was wrapping up. He was hoping that he would be able
trick her into spending some time with him so that he could get the information he needed.
"Of course. Call my secretary and she'll set up an appointment," Madison replied.
"I'll be going away on an appraisal trip for the museum. I'm leaving two days from now.
Unfortunately, I'm booked until then. Would you be free now?"
Vicki Ann considered the thought. This might be interesting. "Of course. We could go to
my apartment for a drink."
"That'll be fine."
"What's your poison, Mr. Davidson?"
"A martini, please," Julian replied.
"Two martinis, please," Madison told her assistant.
Julian smiled to himself. Worse comes to worse, I could get her drunk. "Thank you,"
Julian said, as he took his drink.
"Now, Mr. Davidson, what did you want to speak to me about?"
"Your donation. We would like to put a plaque up describing your donation. Is that all
right? Or would you wish to remain anonymous?"
"No, that's fine. Is that all you wanted to know?"
Julian thought for a minute. He pretended to be taken back. "Well, that's not the only
thing. I have to admit, Miss Madison, that I find you to be a very interesting woman. This
donation business was just an excuse to spend some time with you."
Vicki Ann remembered what Quark had said. He had suggested that she seduce the spy,
drug him and then get away. That might work, she thought to herself. "Well," she purred,
as she ran her fingers through the ends of his hair. "I have to admit that I feel the same
way."
Julian laughed to himself. He'd thought that his charm would win her over. "You know, I
probably should get back to the museum. As you know, they're installing the new security
system tonight and I would like to make sure things are all right."
"Don't forget, my friend is taking care of things. I'm sure they won't need you until
morning," she replied.
Julian knew he had to get out of there soon, or he wouldn't be able to stop her. She
wasn't giving him any information. Her people are probably 'taking care' of things as we
speak. He was in over his head. If he stayed, she would succeed in seducing him and he
wouldn't be able to complete his assignment. But. . . I can always stop her in the morning.
Vicki Ann would kill him if she knew about this. But that's what's wonderful about it, she'll
never find out, Julian thought to himself as he drew Madison towards him in a kiss.
Vicki Ann laughed to herself as 'Davidson' a.k.a. Agent Bashir, unzipped the back of her
dress. Julian would have an absolute fit if he knew about this! She knew she shouldn't be
doing this. What the hell, Vicki Ann thought to herself. Might as well take a risk. Besides,
no one will ever find out.
Vicki Ann smiled to herself as she reached into the bedside drawer and pulled out a pair of
shiny, new handcuffs. She felt 'Agent Bashir' stir beside her. The sedative she had slipped
in his drink had acted remarkably fast, once it absorbed into his system. She rolled over
and began to pull his arms up behind the bedpost.
He opened his eyes slightly. "What are you doing?" he asked her, his voice slurred.
She smiled almost wickedly at him. "We're going to play a game."
Agent Bashir smiled slightly, his eyes closed.
Laughing, Vicki Ann got up and dressed.
Julian opened his eyes. They felt very heavy. He tried to move, but found his hands were
bound somehow. He forced himself to be alert and looked up to see his hands were
handcuffed. He looked around and saw Madison, across the room, fully dressed, placing a
gun under her jacket. "What are you doing? You won't get away with this! The museum
will wonder when I don't show up for work. Everyone saw us together at the party and the
first person they'll look for is you," he told her.
Madison smiled. "Oh, I'm not worried about that. A friend of mine is taking care of
everything. I believe you know him. His name is Falcon."
"Falcon," Julian whispered. It was all a trick to get me, he thought to himself. Boy, Julian,
did you screw up this time!
"In the meantime," she said sweetly, as she began to walk over to him.
When she got to the bed, she leaned down, making sure her hand was on her gun, and
kissed him. Julian felt his head begin to swim. He was so stupid to let this woman defeat
him just because she looked, and kissed, like Vicki Ann. Damn you, Quark!
She smiled at him and whispered, "I hope you enjoyed my little game, Agent Bashir." She
stood. "Now, I must be going. Please enjoy your stay," she said as she shut the door
behind her. As she walked away, she could her him screaming through the door.
Vicki Ann laughed her way down the steps from the Holosuites. As she walked past Quark,
he asked her, "How did you like the program?"
Vicki Ann smiled. "It was. . . interesting." She saw Riker sitting at a nearby table, so she
joined him.
When he saw her smile, he asked, "Have fun?"
"As a matter of fact, I did."
"Well, aren't you going to tell me about it?"
"I was Madeline Madison, a notorious jewel thief pretending to steal the Hope Diamond to
catch a secret agent."
"How did you catch him?"
"I took him to my apartment for a drink, drugged and seduced him. Once the drug took
effect, I handcuffed him to the bed and left."
Riker laughed. "Interesting. I never knew you could be so devious."
Vicki Ann laughed. "Neither did I."