Disclaimer:       …yep, still in the first part ;)

Rating:             G-general.

Chapter Eleven: Collisions pt I

"Alright; four cards stud, deuces are wild. Betting begins with 50." Incredibly fast Data dealt the cards.

"I pass this round Data." And he shove the cards back to the android.

"Afraid to loose again Yro?" For a moment both men locked eyes.

"Afraid to accidentally bruise your ego Commander." All present bursted out in laughs. Yro had come to love these poker nights. The rumors he had heard about the crew had proven to be true; this crew really was a family. With a mellowed smile on her face Beverly watched the interaction between the two men. Her decision to inform Lt. Kyara about the relation between Will and Deanna had been the right one. It had taken 4 months before Will had come to accept the new counselor, but now, two years later, they were best of friends.

Yro had seemed to realize that anything he said about Deanna would not be appreciated by Commander Riker and thus he hadn't. He had waited until Riker began to tell him about her.

"Com'on Doc; surely you want to keep me from winning."

"Oh, I do Will but I'm afraid Data isn't on my side tonight." Confused by the glance Beverly threw him Data didn't know what to say.

"I fault." A low laugh crawled up to Will's throat and escaped.

"Well, Fko...you'll fault to I assume?" The Security Chief managed to hold her poker face and coldly replied.

"Not in your lifetime Sir." 'This crew knows each other through and through.' Yro's mind drifted back. He and Riker had had their fights, mostly concerning Yro's attempt to take Deanna's place and win the trust of the crew. After two years they still did not refer to him as Counselor but as Yro or as Lt. And he knew they probably never would. For the Senior Staff especially Deanna Troi only deserved the title Counselor. The first month, if only he would mention her name Will would throw him an almost deadly look and thus he hadn't. But after a while Riker too understood that he was only doing his job. Also the Commander had come to the point that he faced the possibility that his Imzadi would not return. There hadn't been a single word from her or any of the crew of the S.S.S. Decoy; Starfleet claimed to have lost all communications with the vessel. Both Picard and Ambassador Troi had used every influence they had to find out what the current status of the Decoy was; but both had miserably failed.

"Sometimes I wish Deanna would be here; only to see you loose!" They grinned at the Doctor's remark and shove their cards back to Data who collected them and started to shuffle.

"Lt. are you going to help us this time?"

"I'm afraid I would only hold you back Captain." With a slight smile Picard nodded and then turned to Riker.

"I thought you would teach him Number One."

"I did Captain; he's just hopeless." Knowing full well he was only joking he pretended to be hurt. But when Riker slapped him on the back he couldn't help but allow a huge grin dominate his features. Neither of them had expected Riker to still be First Officer. They all had expected him to accept the first promotion he'd come across; but he hadn't. And it was safe to say that everyone was happy with that. Will's link with Deanna had been severed; they had talked about that often. About the possibility that was dead. ///'I haven't felt her dying, I don't feel her living.'\\\ Will refused to give up on her, in his mind she was still alive. In fact everyone of them had chosen to believe she was alive until her death had been proved. And although he had only briefly talked to her in person, he had the feeling he had come to know her pretty well through the stories of her crewmates and her mother. 'Ai, Lwaxana Troi.' Deanna's mother had told him exactly the same as Riker had. ///'I haven't felt her dying, I don't feel her living.\\\ An eccentric woman she was; she still scared the hell out of Picard but since Deanna's reassignment she regularly came on board with no other interest but to talk to Deanna's closest friends and to make sure they wouldn't forget her daughter. Deanna's birthday had been little over a week ago. Like the times before they had celebrated it. Lwaxana was of course present also. They had not bought any present; but each of them would leave a small note or poem for her on each birthday; whether Deanna's or someone else's. They did not read each other's notes and they did not discuss them. If Deanna returned she'd get them, if she didn't...they would remain unread until the end of times.

"Yro; can I get you anything to drink?" He slightly shook his head, as if to shake his mind awake.

"Some Tralian tea please Beverly." The Doctor walked to the replicator, obviously already having asked the others what they'd like.

When she returned she was carrying a plate with several drinks and several kinds of chips. She passed the drinks to the others and placed the chips in the center of the table.

"Alright, last round. After that everyone to bed. Doctor's orders." Light in spirit they played their last round, not really caring who would win. Riker did. Obviously satisfied he watched his friends depart and cleaned up.

Beverly and Jean-Luc walked with Yro to his quarters.

"He seems to be back to normal." Both nodded. Riker had fallen back into his own life quicker than they had expected. 4 months after Deanna's departed he was himself again. Joking and flirting around the ship and whatever sector they were in. Until recently though he would still stiffen at the mention of Deanna's name. But that too seemed to have disappeared now. Yro stepped into his quarters and wished his friends goodnight. Arm in arm the Doctor and her Captain walked to her quarters. Deanna's presence was still missed greatly but had been accepted. But after little more than 2 years there hadn't been a single indication of the Decoy to be still around, not a single indication that their friend was still alive. And although they hated to admit it, with each they their trust that she was still alive decreased a little more. None of them however dared to admit that to Commander William T. Riker.

In his quarters Will looked at a holopicture of his Imzadi, each time he had been with another woman he confessed that to her, to her hologram. Desperately had he tried to find someone who could fill the void she had left in his mind and soul, but none of them had even come close. Apart from confessing to the hologram he had also made a list, intending to give that to Deanna when she would come back. Laying in their bed his mind drifted off once again. What would she be doing? Where would she be? Would he ever see his Beloved again? Tonight he would have another dream, he was certain. Somehow he had a vivid dream about Deanna every 3 weeks, he couldn't explain how or why but he actually looked forward to those nights. With a huge smile on his handsome face he fell asleep and wandered off into their dream world.

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"Xi'A, there's a vessel approaching our atmosphere!" 'A vessel?!'

"Identify." Quickly the three armed man began punching the buttons in front of him. 'Sometimes a third arm isn't that annoying.' His sarcastic thought filled her head and almost made her voice her compassion. 'Da*n Betazoid heritage.' Her gaze fell on the man. When he had first arrived he had been very insecure because of his disorder and furious on those who had done that to him; that was why she considered him valuable for her team and had given him a position in her command center.

"It's a romulan warbird Ma'am." Immediately whispers filled the room and a sense of fear almost overwhelmed her.

"What's its identification number?" 'How does she keep so cool?'

"No Des'Ta." Relieved she stood up and walked to the console.

"Alright; monitor its moves closely. When the vessel is within hailing range let me know."

"Aye Ma'am." She left the room and walked outside. Knowing it was useless she tried to get a vision of the vessel in the sky nonetheless. 'A Warbird without registration number...I wonder..." Unfortunately it wasn't dark enough to she any star yet. When she killed Thomas little over 2 years ago she had expected nothing less but a delay in plans, but now they had been delayed for more than a year. Something she wasn't exactly happy with. Maybe this vessel and its crew would be very useful. 'Vessel is within range.' She heard the though seconds before the message came through the com-system. "Let's see who they are." On her way back she tried to get an empathic reading from the vessel. Anxiety, pride, arrogance, hatred but also admiration. No hostile intentions, that much was clear.

"Tria, let's hail our visitors."

"Yes Ma'am." With interest she watched how well the human was able to control his unusual third arm.

"Connection established." Des'Ta tipped her head backwards and sat down in the chair in the middle of the room.

"StoKa Rsap ta Besta." She sensed a wave of surprise emanating from the vessel, probably because they hadn't expected to be hailed in Romulan.

Ode is Romulan StoKa Ria'Ax.

"Why are you here?" It was not necessary to continue in Romulan and she had sensed the dismay and distrust of those around her who didn't understand her words.

We offer our help. A simple announcement, nonetheless an unexpected one; even for her.

"Why?" Again the female voice came through, hesitantly this time.

We wish to join your group. Des'Ta didn't sense a lie or deception...from this distance. With a small gesture of her hand she ordered two men and a woman to arm themselves and to go to the meeting room.

"We'll send coordinates up. I expect you to beam down in three minutes.

I'll be there. 'Interesting; she'll come alone.' She turned around and walked to one of the computers.

"Kalek, what have you found?" The Cardessian looked up at her and began spitting information.

"The Warbird Ria'Ax has been hijacked by a small group of Romulan defectors."

"When?"

"5 Days ago."

"Where?"

"7 light years our direction from Romulus." Quickly she calculated how long it would've taken the Romulan military to realize the vessel had been hi-jacked and how long it would've taken the Ria'Ax to reach Diak.

"What do you know about the romulan Government concerning this hi-jack?"

"They've given up the pursuit." 'Odd.'  They thought simultaneous.

"Does it say why?"

"The Warbird was considered too old and harmless to be worth the effort and time to retrieve it." It sounded logical, certainly for Romulan logic, but something just didn't feel right.

"Thank you Kalek." Cardessians were a delight to work with; concentrated, right to the point and fearless and thus easier for her empathy. Suddenly the sense of a strong personality invaded her readings. At the same moment Tria turned around but before he could even open his mouth she cut him off.

"Yes, I know." And with those words she left the command center and went to the meeting room. Outside she held still for a while. Thoroughly scanning the persons inside. It was easier than she had expected; as if the new one was aware of her empathy. Des'Ta was quite happy and relieved when she learned that the woman has absolutely no empathic or telepathic abilities at her first probe. The woman was filled with a huge amount of hatred, directed at the Government and...the Federation. Her need for revenge was more than obvious and Des'Ta knew that was the reason she wanted to join her organization. This woman wasn't to be completely trusted. As soon as she had reached her goal she could turn from ones ally to ones enemy. But she was also someone who didn't trust other. Probably because she had been betrayed too often. Although she appeared to be tough, strict and cold Des'Ta knew that this female did not have to ability to kill someone in cold blood. 'Alright, maybe that Betazoid heritage isn't that bad after all.' Briefly a smirk crossed her face. 'This should be an interesting meeting.' The doors opened and the hostess walked in. Her guest was quite happy and honored to meet her, she could sense as much. The appearance of possible a new ally however, wasn't what she had expected. The woman was rather tall, taller than herself. But what surprised her the most was the gold-blond hair. Very uncommon for anyone of Romulan descent. Although this particular Romulan appeared to be human.

"Have a seat."

"I'd rather stand." 'She sure looks like her.' The leader fought back the want to comment on her guest's thought.

"Fine." Des'Ta herself sat down anyway. After making sure the woman posed no threat of any kind she gestured the three others in the room to leave. 'Obviously in control.' Picking up the woman's though she couldn't help but grin.

"I assume you know who I am?" Briefly their eyes met. 'Odd.' The sitting woman narrowed her eyes; what's odd?

"Yes I do Xi'A Des'Ta."

"How do you know?" As far as she knew her name and appearance was one of the best kept secrets in the Romulan empire.

"I have my sources." 'She'll tell me.'

"Then, who are you?"

"My name is Sela." In silence to two regarded each other. Des'Ta was the first to speak again.

"Tell me Sela, you appear to be human; yet you are Romulan. I assume you're of mixed heritage." Sela's answer stole her breath for a moment. Of all the answers she had expected; that one was not one of them.

"I assume your empathy told you that?" She gathered her nerves and simply ignored the question.

"Isn't Romulan DNA usually dominant over Human DNA?" She didn't expect any answer; it had merely been a statement. Sela sat down facing her. What she sensed from the blond woman worried her; obviously sure of herself she carefully chose her words.

"You should know." 'How is this possible?! How can she possibly know?!' Able to hide her surprise and dismay she straightened her back and again ignored Sela's words...for now.

"I suggest you return to your ship. I'll send up a team that will make sure there are no traitors or track devises on board. When your ship is cleared I will briefly talk to each person on board to make sure that neither of them poses a threat to myself or anyone else on this planet. After that I suggest you'll beam down. It seems we have a lot to discuss." Slowly Sela stood up, not released by Des'Ta's gaze for a fraction of a second.

"I agree." Sela tapped her badge.

"Sela to Ria'Ax, I'm ready for beam up."

Stand by Commander.

"Until our next meeting Xi'A."

"Until our next meeting." The woman before her disappeared and Des'Ta closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair. She used a few moments to center herself before allowing her mind to go over the conversation. 'How can that woman possibly know my descent?!' Only a minimum amount of people knew that. Most of them dead by now. She had never told anyone! Although her looks certainly raised questions in those around her she had always avoided answering them. And now, this Sela could destroy everything she had been working for simply by informing those around her of her background. She did not think that she would do that however. Their next meeting would be an important and interesting one.

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Bridge to Captain Picard." Disappointed Beverly handed Jean-Luc his ComBadge. With an apologetic look he tapped it.

"Picard here."

Incoming message from Starfleet Command Sir. Beverly didn't miss the sparkle in her Captain's eyes. And frankly she felt the same. The past years they had been send on various missions; some of them dangerous as usual but none of them_really_dangerous. Which had been nice, but she noticed that most of the crew was actually looking forward to some action. Maybe this would be a more exciting assignment. Little did she know about how 'exciting'  this new mission would be.

"I'm on my way."

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"Lieutenant, your findings?"

"No traces of a tracking device or listening device of any kind Xi'A."

"Good, you and your team may go."

"Yes Ma'am." She had every trust that if there_was_any kind of tracking device her team would've found it. After all, it was a team with the best technicians and engineers on the planet. Because of their different specie and thus knowledge there wasn't anything that would escape their attention.

Now it was her turn to beam up. The task she had given herself was a simple one: make sure there weren't any possible traitors or telepaths/empaths on board. If there were none and her meeting with Sela went well she would allow them to join the organization.

"Sela, I'm ready to beam up."

Yes Xi'A. There were only 23 people on board, all Romulan. She did not doubt encountering 1 or 2 who had been used for genetic experiments and prepared herself for their feelings and the feelings they would evoke in her. While doing so she was beamed up.

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"All Senior Staff: report to the Observation Lounge immediately." Simultaneous 6 heads, in 6 different places on the Enterprise were lifted up and 12 eyes briefly scanned their surroundings before 12 feet hurried to the Observation Lounge. Captain Picard watched his Senior Staff drop in and take their places around the table, leaving the chair on Riker's right side empty. A bit nervous they exchanged looks before turning to the Captain and awaiting his words.

"Starfleet Command has ordered us to go to the Neutral Zone." Again they exchanged looks; this time not understanding and incredible ones.

"The Neutral Zone?"

"Captain, there haven't been any kind of problems near the Neutral Zone in the past 5 years."

"That's right Data; but it looks like our friends are going to make themselves noticed again." The irony in Picard's voice was unmistakable. Three mouths opened; most likely to ask the same questions. But Picard started talking before either of them could say something.

"We've set course the Neutral Zone and will arrive there in 3 days. I expect that each of you will hand me a full report on the efficiency of your departments and the readiness for battle. Lt. Kyara; I expect you to hand me a lists of every crewmember that might have more than the usual difficulties facing Romulans or battle. I expect each report in within the next 36 hours. That's all you may go." Confused looks were once again exchanged. 'Why don't we get more information?' 'What's going on?' 'The Romulans?!' But the look on their Captain's face made it clear to them not to voice their questions; when necessary they would be informed. A bit insecure and worried they left, privately asking the questions anyway. In the Turbolift they voiced their questions and concerns, neither of them expecting an answer.

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Sela had been clever enough not to bring all crewmembers together, but instead allowed Des'Ta to talk to each of them privately. She asked them simple questions that have her insight in who and why.

When she was almost finished she met Sela's sub-commander. The minute the Romulan woman saw her an immense amount of hatred was ignited within her.

"You." One word, whispered between clenched teeth, filled with an incredible amount of hatred and fury. The two woman stood face to face, neither of them looked away; both too proud to do so. Des'Ta used the time to get make a simple empathic profile of her opponent. Unlike she had expected she did not pick up any thoughts. Her empathy told her that the Romulan's hatred was directed towards her. She was extremely proud, self-confident and arrogant but apparently someone had undermined that. And the woman strongly believe that that someone was her. The telepath decided to leave her alone for now, at least until she had spoken with Sela. 'Lets see if I can infuriate her.'

"To whom do I have the pleasure?" She saw the surprise and disbelieve in the eyes of the other. 'What is this?!'

"Like you don't know." The woman seemed convinced they had met before, but she did not seem familiar...at all.

"Toreth." She finally answered. The name didn't ring a bell.

"You may leave." 'That's it?' Cautious the Romulan looked at her, uncertain of what she had heard. When the visitor didn't move a muscle she turned around and walked away; her nose high up in the air. Des'Ta watched her; until she knew more about this woman she could not predict her behavior. She was looking forward to her meeting with Sela more and more.

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"It seems we have something in common Xi'A."

"Which would be?" She already knew the answer. Sela wasn't exactly trying to hide it.

"I'm sure you already know via your telepathy, but to answer your question: both our mothers served on the Enterprise." The blond woman closely watched the features of her hostess; hoping for a visible response. But Des'Ta didn't even blink an eye.

"What do you know? And don't even try to hold something back." With narrowed eyes Sela scanned her opponent. Lacking the advantage of emapthy and telepathy she had to relay on a lifelong practiced intuition. It would do her no good to hold something back.

"Everything." Des'Ta's empathic sense told her that the blond believed so.

"How?"

"I have my contacts."

"Proof it." Her tone was quiet, nonetheless threatening and urging. Sela took a deep breath and straightened her spine. No way she was going to let go of this chance for revenge.

"Official name: Des'Ta, no surname name. Un official surname: Troi. Mother: Commander Deanna Troi, Starfleet officer, currently stationed aboard the Enterprise E, Troi is half Human half Betazoid." 'And deceased.' The empath added.

"Father: Tarik S'ka; Former sub-leader of the Romulan Underground, killed 9 years ago. S'ka was half Romulan, half Vulcan. Neither of your parents know of your existence. The Romulan Tal Shiar obtained Tarik S'ka's DNA about 20 years ago when they held him momentarily captive. Deanna Troi's DNA was obtained while she was on an undercover operation on board the Romulan Warbird Kazhara 11 years ago." During their conversation they studied each other carefully; watching for any sign of discomfort. "Romulan scientists altered the obtained DNA slightly; giving you Romulan features and enhanced empathy and telepathy. They also managed to increase your growth speed. Their initial goal was to create the perfect undercover operative." Des'Ta's facial expression hadn't changed and she didn't express any emotion. Sela on the other hand was uncomfortable and shifted nervously in her chair. "Your education has been based entirely on that. You speak and understand Romulan, Standard Federation-language, a bit Bajoran, Klingon and Cardessian. You've studied each culture and their way of living. You're aware of Starfleet protocol and know the Enterprise and its crew inside and outside." 'So far so good.' Serenely the telepath folded her hands in her lap.

"Yes Sela, so far so good. So, why is it I haven't become a spy?" Slightly Sela smiled.

"Oh, but you have. You just double-crossed the ones who've created you." Des'Ta raised an eyebrow, indicating Sela to continue. "My guess is that you switched sides while being educated my a Romulan prisoner. He was supposed to teach you of the dismay of the people and they're hatred towards the government. I think that the scientists neglected you empathy and that during the time you spend with the prisoner your empathic and telepathic readings of him made you switch sides." She closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair. She had told everything she knew. What would happen next was entirely up to the woman across the table.

"You know an awful lot for a fugitive commander Sela Yar."

"My father had some high placed friends." The blonde replied grinningly. For the first time they had met she saw Des'Ta smile. 'Unmistakably Deanna's daughter.'

"You've known her?" Their gazes locked and to her surprise Des'Ta was_curious_! She had expected anything, everything_except_curiosity!

"Sort of...My mother gave me a picture of her and her friends of the Enterprise D, Deanna was on it. And I've seen and spoken to her several times briefly. Though I didn't recognize her." A surge of hatred and vengeance went though the eldest but Des'Ta decided not to ask...yet. Sela was telling the truth and from what she could tell (there wasn't much she couldn't) she had no intention to betray her. Sela's assistance and especially her Warbird would be useful. There was just one thing...

"What is it with Toreth?" The blonde almost jumped out her chair.

"Toreth?! What about her?!"

"What's her story?" 'How does she know?' Des'Ta was curious, much to Sela's dismay. She knew very well that if thee was any reason_not_to accept them it would be Toreth.

"Which is why I want to know." Loudly sighing Sela stood up.

"When Troi impersonated a Tal'Shiar officer she ruined Toreth's career." The dark-haired raised her hand, motioning Sela to stop her explanation.

"Alright. I have all the information I need." Without glancing at the blonde woman she stood up and left. Leaving the other a little confused and anxious.

"Sela to Ria'Ax: trailou."

Ale Commander.

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Loudly sighing he sat down behind his desk. Burying his head in his hands he groaned and then looked up at the immense tower of data-Padds. His officers had executed his orders precisely as    always. And now he was sitting at his desk at 08.02 hours with in front of him an amount of information that he knew would take him all day to read. Restless he stood up, barely a minute after sitting down, and got himself a cup of Earl Gray Tea before turning back to his desk. Eventually he picked up on of the Padds and started reading. The little screen, about the efficiency of the warp engines, was full with techno babble; words of which he knew he understood what they meant, but right now understanding them was just out of his reach. Frustrated he yanked the Padd away but he felt nor satisfied nor relieved when the lifeless rectangular hit the walls of his cabin. The minute he realized that he had let his anger take control he calmed, mentally kicking himself for letting his feelings get out of control. As the doors chimed he briefly found himself thinking Deanna would be on the other side, ready to help him in his task, like she had done several times over the years. But the second the doors slid apart and revealed the yellow-skinned officer behind them he recalled the last two years. Stiffly Data raised his hand and held out another Padd.

"My apologies Sir, but Geordi has forgotten to bring this Padd along." Reluctantly Jean-Luc accepted it and managed to smile.

"Apologies accepted Mr. Data." The android did not turn until the doors had slid back together in front of his nose.

Back in his quarters Jean-Luc couldn't help but thinking what it would be like now, had Deanna been onboard. She would have undoubtedly picked up on his outburst of anger and would've been with him as soon as she could. Like the times before she would have walked to his replicator, gotten a hot chocolate (had he ever seen her drink something else?) and Earl Grey Tea, plumped down across his desk and seemingly annoyed she would have told him what a horrible, annoying, uninteresting day she had had. The times she had done that she had always managed to bring a slight smile on his face and to let him relax a little. After that she'd pick up a Padd ///"No that's one thing I haven't seen today."\\\ and would begin reading out a loud ///"Efficiency Report Security section U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E"...\\\. She had always managed to get him reading and understanding again and if necessary she'd stay and help him until all the Padds had moved from one side of his desk to the other. Floating off in nostalgia he walked to his replicator to order another cup of tea when he changed his mind.

"Computer: one chocolate, hot." For a while he stared at the white mug appearing in front of him. He hadn't drank hot chocolate since...well, since a_very_long time. Taking small sips he had to admit that it tasted better than he remembered. With lifted spirits he picked up a Padd and began reading, fortunately able to concentrate and understand the words this time. 'Funny, how after two years she still counsels.' With a melancholic smile on his strict looking face he continued reading.

~D~

Chapter Twelve will take a while…but if you like action…hang on ;)