Though most felt uncomfortable with the process, Wesley always liked it. It was a sort of rush that couldn't be described as emotional or physical. Dematerialization was a fascinating science that he felt honored to experience. Knowing his atoms traveled through the space and atmosphere felt almost mystically enticing.

His skin was touched by an intimidating sun before his eyes even opened. His senses were flooded with humid sensations of the barren sahara. The vista was more amazing than he imagined.

The land was made of fragile mountains threatening to collapse at the slightest footstep. The light fell tenderly on their skin with tones of orange and flecks of crimson. Wesley looked up at the source to find a pair of muted suns that were a dark pale red with whisps of gold. They were so muted you could almost look at them

"It's not as hot as I would think. In fact I'm quite comfortable", pondered Deanna aloud.

"That's because of the cool wind currents that blow in from the east side all year round. The climates overlap in perfect harmony balancing one another out.", replied the captain in a low calm tone that mimicked the feeling in the air.

A warm wind swept over their bodies causing a pattern of ripples in the sand. Wesley's eyes followed the long sharp edges of the dunes wondering what shape they made from above.

They stood in front of a hill of sand that sat at a steep angle mimicking the rest of the similar peaks. Whether it was the breeze or their sudden presence, something had disturbed it as sand began to break off and fall like a small avalanche. The sound the microscopic glass made as it rolled down the brittle precipice was like tranquil music on relaxed ears. It was the dry desert version of waves softly kissing the shore.

Wesleys eyes quickly noticed an orange imperfection among the trickling sand. It was a small lizard type creature that struggled to keep it's feet beneath itself on the unstable terrain. He quickly went to catch the helpless thing as he carefully picked it up with a charming sincerity.

It wiggled a little but he could've sworn there was gratefulness in his round little eyes. He set it down on the safe sand as it trotted away.

"Pull a move like that at the academy and you won't be able to keep the girls away. Careful.", said Riker with his usual smirk.

Wesley just chuckled and shook his head.

"The coordinates we were given seem to be slightly off Commander Riker.", said Deanna.

"Well this is a good lesson Mr. Crusher, with alien races things can often become lost in translation so to speak.", said Jean Luc who's bald head reflected the sun like a mirror. Wesley tried his best not to squint.

"The embassy shouldn't be too far Captain, I can see a city in the distance.", said Data.

Wesley examined his tricorder for useful information to help the problem at hand. "I'm picking up low energy readings about a mile from here on the outskirts of the city.".

"That's most likely our intended destination. Lead the way Mr. Crusher!", said the captain gesturing forward.

"Aye sir.", he replied with a smile as they started on.

As they walked Will and Deanna chatted about their favorite places to take shore leave while Data and Picard had a dry conversation on diplomatic relations and the proper way to address a new alien race. Wesley on the other hand was encapsulated by the landscape. The solace of no other beings except the dunes themselves. The sand was warm and smooth sharing those qualities with the air. The concept of it wasn't much different than why he liked his nights. The land tempted him of the impossible idea to stay there forever in it's all consuming quiet serenity.

Suddenly as they walked up one of the higher steeper dunes, the embassy started to come into view.

The group stood at the peak staring at the majestic architecture from a distance. They were silhouettes with the sun behind them as they stood still on the hilltop, taking in the rare surreal image before them. The breath of the land blew their hair and garments parallel to the horizon, a few of them pondered if the breeze had the power to slow down time.

"Despite my lack of human emotion...I am feeling a pleasent rush through my circuits. I cannot explain it.", said Data eyes locked on the setting that demanded their attention.

"Yes it is quite mesmerizing isn't it.", Deanna muttered transfixed.

The embassy had no walls but only regal collumns holding up every corner with confident stabilty. The marble floor stretched far and wide painted shades of green and white that whirled together in beautiful unpredictability. The high up ceiling was made of glass allowing in the days softened light and the nights unique cosmos. From the ceiling fell untamed white curtains that flowed with wild elegance in the breeze. The whole structure was very large with different rooms and hallways, sand blowing softly onto the floor from the kiss of the wind.

Their bewitched steps somehow made it to the embassy that pulled them in so strongly. Their footsteps made beautiful echoes across the floor as the group made their way to curtains that stood out from the rest with shimmer of emerald, blocking a room that somehow they knew was their destination.

The entire experience was like a green glimmering trance.

Two men stood outside the room with their hands behind their backs as they looked forward standing tall and alert.

"Hello, I am Captain Jean Luc Picard of the starship enterprise and these are my officers. We are here to meet the royal-", he started before one of the guards cut him off.

"Yes they have been waiting.", he said as him and the other man both pulled a curtain toward themselves creating an entrance for the group to go through.

From inside the room the teams silhouettes were seen easily through the sheer curtains preparing the royal court who walked toward them as they entered.