Chapter 5

"Forgive me Captin. I wish we could have settled this on my own planet but the war and all."

Akela looked at Picard and faked and upset composure.

"It's quite alright. The Federation would gladly help if we had known about your race."

Akela nodded and tried to smile. She hoped to whatever God was in the universe that Picard wouldn't try to be her

friend or try to find the fictional planet she told him she was from.

"But I'm sure that you and your brother are tired. Your quarters are right this way."

He led Akela and a hodded figure down a hall. But as they rounded a corner, they were met by a woman. Akela

knew her as soon as she saw her. It was Deanna. The hooded figure looked at Akela through the cloak that covered

their entire body excpet their mouth.Their body language gave just the slightlest shiver of panic but it was gone to

quickly for anyone but Akela to notice. Deanna looked at Picard and nodded.

"I just got the orders on when I will be leaving forthe Titan, Captin. Some time tomarrow." She said. She seemed to

just then notice the company Picard had and seemed embarrased at butting in.

Picard nodded and then turned to Akela and the figure.

"Counsuler, these are the ambassadors from the new planet." Akela nodded and shook hands with her. She tried to

hide the revulsion at touching the woman. Deanna then turned to the hooded figure and offered a hand. The figure

did not return one.

"Forgive my brother," Akela said. "he was caught in the sun as a child and is now deformed."

Deanna took back her hand. "I'm so sorry."

The figure looked at her. The voice that replied to her was a man's. The voice seemed velvet soft even though it

carried along with the softness a dry and scratchy tone to it. It seemed as though it had been beautiful at one time,

but not now.

"It's nothing to be sorry for. No one can change what their life has made them."

A look of recignition dawned on Picard's face and Deanna's. They were quickly wiped away as though it was

nothing and Deanna smiled.

"To true. If you'll excuse me." She turned and nodded to Picard and to the guests. She then walked the oppisite way

as Picard contined to lead them to their room.

"I thank you for giving us the room. As I said my brother is dependant on me." Akela said as they reached a room.

"Think nothing of it," Picard replied," you are our guests. If there is anything else you want, all you have to do is

ask." His smile sickened Akela but she nodded and walked into the room. The figure followed her.

As soon as the door shut Akela searched the room for cameras or any other survailence equiptment. When she found

none she nodded at the figure.

"It's clear."

Shinzon removed the cloak and looked at Akela.

"That was a bit easier than I thought."