In the Line of Duty
Chapter 6

Continued from Chapter 5:

Early the next morning, Picard watched as Riker slowly entered the turbolift. As the doors closed, Riker slowly slid down the wall of the lift to collapse onto the floor, grinning. He let out a huge sigh and heard a throat clearing. He looked up and noticed, for the first time, that he wasn't alone. A very amused Picard was standing over him, shaking with barely suppressed laughter.

"Is there something funny, sir?" Riker asked, knowing full well what Picard found so amusing.

"I've just lost a bet with my wife. She said there'd be nothing left of you but your brass and a smile," Picard responded. It was quite obvious that his first officer had gotten very little sleep the night before and the grin on his face left little doubt as to why.

"I am getting too old for this," Riker remarked shaking his head wearily, but still smiling.

"Indeed." Picard straightened his uniform tunic and arched an eyebrow, "You'd never survive Vash," he responded dryly as he strode out onto the bridge.

Riker stared after his commanding officer, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and amazement.

......................................

The following evening, Deanna opened her eyes to find Worf staring intently at her. She was sitting in the middle of the floor in their bedroom and had just finished meditating. She stretched her arms over her head and arched her back as she asked, "Penny for your thoughts?"

"I was just wondering how Klingon warriors could stand taking their mates into battle with them. Now don't get angry with me. I know you are quite competent, I do not doubt a woman's ability to fight alongside her mate. I just cannot imagine watching you go into battle. I would never be able to fight effectively if I thought you were at risk." Worf moved to sit beside her on the floor. He bent to nuzzle her cheek and wrapped his arms loosely around her waist. "When you and the others were missing, all I could think was that I should be there to protect you. I am your mate, your husband, I should have taken better care of you."

Deanna closed her eyes as familiar feelings of desire coursed through her. She smiled as she felt the emotions behind Worf's words. "I am back safely, that is all that matters." She wrapped her own arms around his waist and pulled him down to lie beside her on the floor.

Worf closed his eyes and held her tightly to him for a brief moment. He could not seem to get enough of her, especially since she had been returned from the Romulan ship. "I do not think I could endure any more worrying for your safety. Perhaps it is time to start a family." Worf felt Deanna tense suddenly beneath him.

"What does one have to do with the other?" came a soft whisper from beneath him.

"Perhaps we should discuss this later." Worf leaned down to kiss Deanna.

"Perhaps we should discuss this now," Deanna's voice was louder and stronger. She pushed at his shoulders. What did you mean by that comment?"

Worf swore under his breath and rolled off to lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. "I only meant that I was very worried about your safety, I could not concentrate on my work knowing you were in danger. I do not wish to have to worry about you like that again."

Deanna stood up and started pacing the floor around him. "I worry about your safety whenever you go on away teams. I can't concentrate on my work while you're off the ship. Nothing could take away the pain if I were to lose you."

Worf stood up and walked over to stand behind her where she stood gazing thoughtfully at the mirror across the room. She looked so beautiful standing there like that. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and bit gently at her shoulder. "But you are here and I am here. There is no need to concern ourselves with losing each other this night."

Abruptly, Worf found himself flipped very forcefully onto the bed in front of Deanna. Absently impressed with the skill she displayed in that Mok'bara maneuver, he was startled to hear her angry voice addressing him. "How could you possibly think I want to have sex with you right now. We are in the middle of a discussion, if you hadn't noticed. Now what exactly did you mean when you intimated that starting a family with me would alleviate your concern over me?"

Worf sat up and turned to see Deanna standing with her arms crossed. "I wish to continue this discussion later. Right now I want my wife."

"Well your wife doesn't want you, right now," Deanna threw his words back at him. "I think I'm mad at you right now."

"Well, be mad at me later."

"Worf, women can't just forget their emotions when they are intimate with someone. How can you want to be with someone intimately when you know they are mad at you? Don't you care how I feel, or are you just interested in how I feel to you when you're touching me?"

Worf paused to consider his response. "Woman, is there a right answer to this, or am I going to get nailed regardless of what I say?"

"Just explain what you meant by the remark about family," she refocused the argument.

"We had always discussed children. I naturally assumed that when we were ready to begin raising a family that you would . . ." Worf broke off, certain by the look on Deanna's face that he did not want to finish that sentence.

"What? You naturally assumed WHAT? Go ahead finish it," she coaxed harshly.

Worf remained silent.

"Resign my commission? Is that what you oh-so-naturally assumed? Well, if you want someone raising our children, why don't you resign your commission? Or have you forgotten that I outrank you, Lieutenant Commander Worf," Deanna bit out angrily.

Worf walked around the foot of the bed to where she was standing, waiting for his answer. "I am a Klingon warrior. I do not stay home and mind infants while my wife pursues a career," he growled back, feeling the best defense here was a show of offense.

Deanna saw red. She grabbed and twisted his thumb into an awkward position, forcing him to his knees. "Listen to me carefully, whatever you assumed regarding my career and our future family together when you married me is not my problem, get over it. I have no intention of throwing away my psychology career or my current rank of Commander, just because you want me barefoot and pregnant."

"I did not say you wouldn't have shoes," he protested. "You are being unreasonable."

"You ... you ... Y chromosome," she fumed, twisting the thumb harder. "You are the one being unreasonable. You're just upset because I was on an away team that you weren't. Being on that away team was part of my job and as unpleasant as the experience was, I would do it again if I had to If, I repeat, if we ever have sex again in this millennia and a child comes into this family, that will have no bearing your job, will it? Well, I have news for you -- it won't have an effect on my job either. If you aren't capable of raising our children in the event that anything happens to me, you can always call on my mother, she would be delighted to help you." Here Deanna paused for effect. "I do not ever want to have this discussion again, do I make myself clear? Let me make myself crystal clear, if there ever is a next time, I will be twisting an entirely different body part. Understood?"

Worf growled under his breath, wondering if his thumb was dislocated. Grudgingly, he conceded her point. He was being perhaps not as reasonable as he could be in suggesting that she resign a successful career to tend their offspring. Their marriage had never been a traditional Klingon marriage, perhaps he should accept this as one of the differences. It would certainly end this discussion much faster.

"Well, that suggestion did sound much better before I said it. Perhaps I should think on this more. Would you let go of my thumb, please?" He looked up at Deanna, his face full of resignation.

Deanna's lips quirked. It wasn't exactly an admission of wrong, but looking down at her giant Klingon warrior-husband, on his knees in front of her asking her to let go of him, the situation suddenly became very funny.

Worf rose to stand in front of his wife with his hands behind his back, surreptitiously massaging his injured thumb. He could tell Deanna was amused by something. It was now or never if he was going to salvage his intentions for this night. "Do you still think you're mad at me?"

Deanna shook her head and chuckled. She knew what he was feeling and was quite impressed that he hadn't finished with 'or can we mate now,' at least not out loud. She moved toward her chastised husband and placed a kiss in the center of his chest. Without answering his question, she told him everything he needed to know by pulling him closer.

.................................

The next morning, Data reported from his position at ops, "Sir, we are approaching Qo'nos."

"Thank you, Mr. Data," Picard replied from the command chair, before ordering, "Put us in a standard orbit around the Klingon Home World."

"Aye, sir," answered the young lieutenant stationed at the conn.

Picard glanced over his shoulder at his chief of security. "Mr. Worf, please hail Chancellor Gowron."

"Captain," the Klingon replied, "Chancellor Gowron is hailing us."

"Indeed," Picard blinked in surprise. Standing up in front of his command chair, he straightened his uniform jacket, "Very well then. Mr. Worf, put the Chancellor through please."

"Aye, sir."

Chancellor Gowron's image appeared on the bridge's main view screen, "K' Plah, Captain Picard."

"K' Plah, Chancellor," Picard responded in kind.

"The Empire would like to welcome the Federation and Romulan delegations to Qo'nos with a formal reception this evening at the Hall of the High Council," Gowron offered.

For his part, Picard ignored the way Gowron spit out the word Romulan as if it were a curse. "The Federation delegation would be honored to attend, Chancellor."

"Very good," Gowron nodded. He began to turn away and then turned back with a small smile on his face, "Oh Picard, I've heard rumors that my Arbiter of Succession has finally taken a mate."

Picard preferred to keep personal matters close to the vest, especially that personal matter. Forcing his most diplomatic smile, he answered, "Indeed, I have, Chancellor."

"Must be a very impressive female to have ensnared such a honored warrior. I look forward to meeting her tonight," Gowron chuckled. "K' Plah, Picard."

"K' Plah Chancellor," Picard replied. As soon as the channel was closed, he sat back down in his command chair, closed his eyes and wearily rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"You had to have known that was coming," Riker said as he looked over at Picard. "But, I get the feeling that you weren't planning on taking Vash tonight."

Picard sighed, "Let's just say taking her into a room full of Romulans and feuding Klingons is not my idea of an enjoyable evening; however, at the moment, I see no alternative."

Having heard the discussion, Data hesitated briefly over the announcement he had to make. "Sir, Taibak's ship has just decloaked and is entering standard orbit around Qo'nos."

"Acknowledged, Mr. Data," Picard sighed, rubbing his neck.

"When it rains, it pours," Riker quipped.

"Thank you, Number One, that was very helpful," Picard retorted.

....................................

As he entered his ready room, Picard found Vash waiting for him. She was curled up on the couch with her shoes off, drinking a cup of hot chocolate, reading the latest of her archaeology journals. Judging by the simple khaki jumpsuit she was wearing, she had probably been working in her lab.

"I hope I didn't take you away from anything important," he said as he walked in the room.

Smiling up at him, Vash set her drink and the journal down on the table next to the couch, "I was just cleaning up some artifacts from our most recent dig. It's nothing that can't wait another millennium or two." Stretching, she made room for him on the couch. "I'm assuming that I was called up to the principal's office for a reason. So, what did you want to discuss with me?"

"The High Council is giving a welcoming reception for both the Federation and Romulan delegations," Picard explained, sitting down on the couch next to his wife. "Chancellor Gowron specifically mentioned that he was looking forward to meeting my 'mate'."

"I'm flattered," Vash gushed. Then she heard Picard sigh as he leaned back into the cushions of the couch, a worried expression on his face. "Why do I get the feeling you're not overly pleased about this?"

"Because, I'm not," he answered, running a hand over his head. "The idea of taking you into a room full of Romulans does not thrill me; however, I'm not sure how I can avoid it."

"So, who are we taking down to this little soiree?" Vash had already decided she would be going.

"The ambassador, of course," he said, stating the obvious.

"Of course," she teased.

"Worf, Deanna, Data, myself," he continued, ignoring her comment. "and, if I decide to take you, Lieutenant Lar."

"First, I'll tell Gene that I won't be back in the lab today, then I'll make an appointment with Mr. Mot, and your dress uniform will need pressed," Vash quickly started planning for the evening ahead. "Now, which gown? Either the red or the gold."

"Vash."

"The gold gown would be perfect," she continued as if she didn't hear him. "but the red one would also . . ."

"Vash," he said again. "I'm not sure if you're going."

"Of course, I'm going, Jean-Luc. I have to go." Vash patted his arm. "I'm just not sure what I'm wearing."

"No, you don't have to go," he argued. "And I don't like the risks involved if you do go."

Vash stood up and walked across the room to his desk. Sitting herself on the edge of the desk, Vash looked at her husband. "Jean-Luc think about this. I was invited by name. If I don't go it might be seen as a sign of weakness on our part. What you consider a precaution, the Klingons could see as the proof that the Federation's flagship Captain can't protect his own mate off-ship. And even if it isn't seen that way initially by the Klingons, our dear Romulan friends, who also know about me anyway, will certainly put it in those terms. We can't take that risk."

"I'm willing to take that risk," Picard stated simply as he walked over to stand in front of her. "What I'm not willing to risk is you."

"I'll be with you, Geoffery and Data. What risk could there possibly be?" Vash rolled her eyes with exasperation. "Even without you, there is Geoff Lar, my telepathic security guard who is quite tenacious about his duty. So tenacious in fact, that the last time we were on DS9, Quark asked me, 'Tell me, Vash, does he allow your husband to touch you?' And then there is Data. My champion, the man that twisted a duranium girder into a pretzel while explaining to a dilithium miner that it would be wise to remove his hand from my backside. My champion, your informer, we both know Data's favorite words should be 'Guess what?' So tell me, darling, what risk is there to me that is great enough to justify my not going."

"I really hate it when you're right," Picard sighed in defeat, pulling her into a protective embrace. He lowered his face to capture her lips in a tender kiss. He felt her arms slide up around his neck as she returned his passion. As their kiss became increasingly hotter, he thought to himself, 'Why not? The door is locked.' Tightening his grip around her waist, he picked Vash up off the floor slightly and took a small step forward to again sit her on the edge of his desk. His lips moving over hers no longer passionate, but fiercely ravenous.

Vash broke the kiss off suddenly, throwing her head back to draw in huge gulps of air. When she began breathing normally, she pulled back to look at Jean-Luc. Letting go of her waist, Picard rested his hands on the desk on either side of her. He glanced down at his desk and then returned to her gaze. Eyeing the desk briefly, she looked back at him. His eyes were an intense steel grey. He raised his eyebrow meaningfully as he gave her the slightest hint of a smile.

"Ohhhh, no you don't. Not this time," she teased him as she wiggled back slightly only to find that she was trapped between his arms and the desk. "Shame on you. What would your crew think if they knew that the only reason I have bridge clearance is so that you can indulge in a little afternoon delight."

"I believe Will would be suitably impressed with the arrangement," Picard teased back as he leaned down to nibble on her neck just below her ear.

"Of that, I have no doubt," Vash retorted squirming slightly on the desk in response to his lips on the sensitive skin of her neck. She moved her hands to his shoulders and gently pushed him back. "However, Johnny Picard, I'm not that kind of girl. You're going to at least have to take me to the party first."

"That's blackmail," he said, feigning insult.

"Blackmail is such an ugly term," Vash told him as she ran her hands over the sleeves of his uniform enjoying the feel of the strong muscles of his upper arms. "I prefer to think of it as my most effective bargaining tool in dealing with you.

"I see."

"I thought you would. And now I have things to do." Vash leaned up and quickly kissed him on the lips before sliding off the desk and slipping underneath one of his arms. He turned, his eyes following her as she walked over to the couch to slip her shoes on. Just as she reached the door to leave, she turned to him and smiled, "There is one more reason why I have to go to the reception tonight."

"And that is?" he asked as he leaned against the desk.

"I'm a Picard." And with that she turned and left the room.

As the door closed behind her, he gave a small proud smile, "Indeed you are, ma chere."

............................

In his quarters, Picard sat behind his desk working on the ship's log. The door chimed softly and he laid down the PADD and stood up, straightening the crimson jacket of his dress uniform. Pulling once at the uncomfortable gold piping that trimmed the high collar, he checked the placement of rank pips on his right shoulder then smoothed his hand along the gold piping that ran down the right side of the jacket. He called out, "Come."

"Sir," Riker, dressed in his usual duty uniform, said with a smile as he walked in. Lieutenant Lar followed Riker into the room. Lar, like the captain, was in his dress uniform.

"Number One, Mr. Lar," Picard greeted both of his officers as they entered the room.

"Good evening, sir," Lar answered as he glanced around the room. "Where is Mrs. Picard?"

Picard tilted his head toward the bedroom behind him. "Last time I checked she was rummaging around in her jewelry box."

"Let's hope she didn't lose something," Lar grinned. "She has an absolute tizzy when she loses an accessory, especially if it's something you've bought for her, sir. Last month, I spent nearly an hour combing a shuttle for her amethyst bracelet."

"I never heard anything about that. Did you find it?" Picard asked.

"Of course, sir," Lar answered good-naturedly. "That's why you didn't hear about it."

Exchanging an amused glance with Riker, Picard told Lar, "You're a good man, Lieutenant."

"Thank you, sir."

"Now, to the matter at hand," Picard said, getting down to business. "Mr. Lar, I want to reiterate that Mrs. Picard is a civilian and her personal safety is your foremost priority."

"Understood, sir," Lar's demeanor was instantly serious.

"Good," Picard nodded. "This whole mission is a political quagmire. I'd like you to use your telepathic abilities and see if you can sift out anything useful."

"Yes, sir," Lar responded, then his smile returned "Keep Mrs. Picard out of trouble and do a little telepathic fishing. Anything else, sir?"

"I'm fairly certain Taibak is Tal Shair. If Vash and I are separated, keep him from getting anywhere near her," Picard ordered and then he paused allowing himself a small smile. "Klingons have been known to get a little rowdy. And if this reception even looks like it is about to become a barroom brawl, don't wait for my order, just beam her back to the ship."

"Oh, Queen Bee will just love that," Riker drawled amused.

"She will get over it," Lar said without much sympathy.

"Indeed she will," Picard agreed. He noticed Lar pulling on the gold piping of his gold colored dress uniform, he looked as uncomfortable as Picard felt. "Trust me lieutenant, pulling at it doesn't help." Picard advised the younger man with an understanding look. "It'll still be damned uncomfortable."

"I know, sir," Lar answered with a nod. "But, hope springs eternal."

"I think you both look very gallant," Riker needled good-naturedly. He was very relieved he wasn't wearing one of the gold trimmed straight-jackets.

"Number One, that sound suspiciously like someone not wearing his dress uniform at the moment," Picard replied to his first officer.

"Well, look at it this way," Riker quipped with a smile. "For some unknown reason, the ladies absolutely love them."

"Vash certainly does," Picard admitted.

"That's because dressed in it you look like Prince Valiant, Jean-Luc," the soft, seductive, feminine voice came from behind Picard. He realized both of his officers were now staring right past him, thoroughly captivated.

Picard turned to see Vash standing in the bedroom doorway in an elaborate floor-length, strapless, gold-beaded evening gown. It crested the top curves of her breasts to skim her slender silhouette. A slit up the right side revealed tantalizing glimpses of knee and thigh as she stood, poised for effect. She was a vision. The gown followed every line and curve of her body in a sensual invitation no man could resist. A long scarf of gold lame' draped across her left shoulder to hang down and trail seductively along the floor. The scarf was held in place by an elaborate broach apparently of Klingon design with an insignia similar to the Klingon seal.

"Whatever the Captain unknowingly paid for that dress was well worth it," Riker quipped with his usual admiring, but irreverent, sense of humor.

"Indeed." Picard walked over to raise his wife's hand and brush a soft, courtly kiss across the back of it. "I see you went with the gold dress. "You do look lovely."

"Thank you, darling," Vash smiled up at him. "I decided that Geoffery would clash with the red dress; but he matches this one perfectly."

"Vash," Picard said, with only the slightest hint of exasperation, "Lieutenant Lar is a highly trained Starfleet security officer. He is not one of your fashion accessories."

"It's quite all right, Captain," Lar noted dryly. "If she thinks of me as a matching accessory, she won't want to lose me."

"Now, Geoffery," Vash admonished her security guard. "I've never lost you."

"No, you've never lost me; but, on a number of occasions, you have wanted to lose me," he retorted.

"Lose, never. Temporarily misplace, maybe," Vash responded sweetly.

"There will be no misplacing anyone, temporary or otherwise, tonight," Picard warned his wife, with a gentle squeeze to her hand

"I promise to behave myself, Jean-Luc," Vash reassured him. "I would never try to misplace you, Data, and Geoffery all at the same time. Even I'm not that good."

"Don't be so modest, ma petite," Picard sighed as he ushered her out the door, followed by an amused Riker and Lar.

.............................................

When they reached the turbolift, Lar entered first followed by Picard with Vash on his arm. Riker started to enter the lift and then suddenly stopped. Turning slightly, he did a double-take back down the corridor. His features displayed an open expression of desire before quickly returning to a polite, professional, diplomatic demeanor.

Vash noticed the brief expression and that certain gleam that the first officer couldn't seem to keep from his eyes. She looked up and exchanged an amused smile with her husband.

"The ambassador," Vash and Picard whispered to each other in unison. Catherine Fontaine stepped onto the turbolift followed by a slightly shocked Riker. The ambassador was wearing a virtually sheer gown of emerald green. It was full-length, sleeveless, with a high-neck, choker collar of green beads and a very low back which actually began at her hips. In the front, there were two stripes of strategically-placed green sequins and beading that ran down the front to a solid row of beading riding low on her curvaceous hips. Between the stripes and along the sides of each stripe was a sheer strip of chiffon material. The lower half of the skirt was reverse-beaded so that there was one strip of sequins and beading down the center of the dress, front and back, with chiffon revealing both of her slender, trim legs all the way up to her hips.

"Good evening, everyone," Fontaine greeted everyone.

"Ambassador," Picard said with a polite nod of his head.

"That's a magnificent gown, Catherine," Vash admired. "It's a Marguerite design, isn't it?" She had almost ordered a similar gown in blue, but decided against it. She feared Jean-Luc would faint dead-away at the sight of something so risqué on his wife in public. Although it would have been a good giggle, she couldn't justify the expense involved.

"Thank you, Vash," Fontaine smiled. "But how did you know it was a Marguerite design?"

"I love her work," Vash answered. "Her designs make up half my wardrobe."

"Half?" Fontaine gasped. Just how much was Starfleet paying the flagship captain? Marguerite was one of the premier fashion designers in Paris, therefore one of the premier designers on earth.

"It does help when your husband," Vash patted Jean-Luc's arm, "owns the
vineyard that produces the designer's favorite French champagne."

"Yes, I can see where that would be convenient," Fontaine nodded. She had almost forgotten about the Picard vineyard.

"Ladies," Picard interrupted, sounding amused. "If the fashion portion of this evening's festivities is now concluded, I believe there are more important matters to discuss."

"Of course, Jean-Luc." Vash patted his arm again.

"Ambassador," Riker finally spoke up. "What should you expect from a Klingon state reception?"

"These Klingons are used to dealing with other races. Most are part of the Ruling Council or members of their diplomatic corps. There will be the usual formalities prevalent in warrior-cultures, but I understand that you have dealt extensively with Klingon tradition yourselves so that should be no problem. Providing there are no surprises from the Romulans, I would expect a normal state dinner reception with a smattering of Klingon fare," Fontaine answered. Then with a glint she added, "Chips, dips,..."

"Chains, whips," Vash volleyed back impishly, sounding very pleased with herself.

"Ladies, please," Picard admonished both of them, sounding like a schoolmaster. "Don't make me separate the two of you."

............................................

Picard and his party beamed down to the Hall of the High Council of the Klingon Empire. He was accompanied by Vash, Fontaine, Troi, and Lar. Data and Worf rounded out the party.

Gowron met the party in an antechamber off of the main council hall. "Welcome, Picard," he said in his low, gravel voice. "I hope you have an enjoyable feast."

"Thank you, Gowron. I believe you already know Ambassador Fontaine, Commander Data, Commander Worf, and Counselor Troi. This is Lieutenant Lar," Picard replied as he gestured to each member of the party. He was unable to keep the pride out of his voice as he added, "May I also present my wife, Archaeology Council Member Vash Picard."

"I've looked forward to meeting the mate to the Arbiter of Succession," Gowron turned to Vash.

"I'm honored, Chancellor," Vash responded with a small graceful nod of her head. Regally dressed in her sparkling gown, she slipped into the role of a dignitary as if she had been born to it. She greeted Gowron with a traditional greeting spoken in perfect Klingon.

"You have chosen well, Picard," Gowron nodded his approval. "She is a mate worthy of a warrior."

"Thank you," Picard said, slightly stunned that his wife had managed to charm this particular Klingon so quickly. "Have you heard anything else regarding the Romulans or the undecided families?"

"No, nothing yet. The leaders of all the families are here. So are the Romulans."

"Which Romulans?" Picard asked in a low voice.

"Ambassador Pardek," Gowron responded," Commander Tomalak, of the Romulan defense legions; and Commander Taibak, whom I believe you know."

"Yes," Picard said. "I know them all."

"Taibak is credentialed through the Romulan embassy as a mid-level military attaché, however, I believe he is a very high official in the Tal Shiar."

"Taibak was in command of the operation against us on the border," Picard said.

"Actually," Gowron stated, "our intelligence informs us that Tomalak is in overall command of the operation here. Taibak is on a special mission of some sort. We are unable to determine what."

"You better update your intelligence, Gowron," Picard advised. "When I was a prisoner on the Romulan ship, Taibak almost had Tomalak executed on the spot for assaulting me after I escaped from my cell. Taibak is the real power here. He's the one to watch."

"We watch everyone, Picard," Gowron said, betraying some irritation.

Fontaine jumped into the conversation before Picard and Gowron went any further. "What do we know about the other families on the Council?"

"A third of them are loyal," Gowron replied, turning toward her, "a third are cowards, and a third are traitors. What more is there to know?"

"I'm only a human female, my old friend, humor me," Fontaine gently coaxed Gowron, giving him her most charming smile. Her eyes and her green dress, what there was of it, glittered under the lights in the chamber. "Where do the individual families stand?"

"You're an impudent female," Gowron growled without any real rancor. "Very well, the houses of Moag, Korlock, Roshkul, Kumendaar, Arogone, Kor, Kang, and Koloth are with me. Chag'rul, Espitar, Rechsant, Sep'torish, Iskar, and Miurak are neutral," contempt dripped from his voice at the word 'neutral'. "They are cowards, wanting to see who is going to win so they can swear allegiance to the victor. I almost consider them to be worse than traitors. Without these so-called 'undecideds' there would be no crisis. Either I would win or the Romulans, but it would be a fight out in the open. The remaining ten houses led by the Duras family are against me and in league with the Romulans."

"Will we have any influence on the undecided families before the vote?" Picard asked.

"I do not know," Gowron answered in a tired voice. "These families are divided internally, with no one to speak for them. Several of their leaders, mostly ones who have supported me, have been assassinated recently. The survivors do not want to meet the same end."

"I'm hoping that as the Arbiter of Succession, chosen by K'mpec himself, I might have some influence with enough of the undecided families to ensure a favorable council vote on the Federation treaty"

"I hope you are so fortunate, Picard. But I doubt you will be very successful. Cowards do not listen to reason."

"Well, shall we go in and try?" Picard invited. Gowron turned and headed toward the Great Hall. Vash took Picard's offered arm and they followed Gowron to the Great Hall with the others close behind. Walking toward the Hall, Picard again noticed how striking Vash looked in her elegant gold gown as it skimmed the feminine curves of her svelte figure.

The group walked into the Great Hall which was brightly lit, but still retained a hint of its usual gloomy austerity. A great number of people were milling around. Many small groups of Klingons were engaged in animated conversation, yelling loudly and waving their arms. Some conversations appeared to be unfriendly, but did not yet erupt into violence.

Picard leaned over to Vash as they walked through the Hall. "I should not have brought you. There is going to be trouble."

"Don't be silly, Jean-Luc, I have been here before. I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself," Vash reminded him as she reached up to make a small adjustment to the Klingon broach on her shoulder. "Besides, you're forgetting about Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad back there," Vash teased tilting her head toward Data and Lar.

Walking through the Hall, it quickly became apparent that Klingons were not the only guests at the banquet. A sizable number of Romulans were also in the hall talking to Klingons in several groups. Picard turned to Data and Lar, nodding slightly. They immediately broke away from the group and moved to the outer walls of the Hall, keeping the entire crowd under observation. Data positioned himself near the main entrance way, while Lar began circling near Romulans and the Klingons they were talking to, attempting to pick up any telepathic impressions.

As they moved through the Hall, a portly looking Romulan with gray hair and narrow eyes approached them. "Chancellor Gowron," he nodded. "Captain Picard. I am so pleased to see you again. I trust you have been well since you left Romulus."

Vash's head snapped around and she stared at her husband in open shock. At the last second she stopped herself from screaming 'YOU WERE WHERE!?'

"Senator Pardek," Picard acknowledged, pointedly ignoring Vash's reaction. "What brings you to Qo'nos?"

"Just business, Captain. A civil servant's work is never done. How is Ambassador Spock?"

"I imagine he is well," Picard replied vaguely. "I have not talked to him in some time."

"Oh," Pardek parried back. "I cannot imagine what he could be doing that would make him so difficult to reach."

"I wouldn't know, Senator; but as a civil servant, I suppose his work is never done either."

"I completely understand," Pardek said. He then looked at Vash standing next to Picard. As his eyes swept over her, he reached for her hand, "And who is this lovely creature, Captain?"

"Mrs. Vash Picard, member of the Federation Archaeology Council," Vash introduced herself as Pardek placed a courtly kiss to the back of her hand. She looked up at the Romulan through her lashes, "I see you have already met my husband. I'd love to hear all about it"

Picard was making a crescendo of throat clearing noises, but Vash chose not to hear them.

"Yes, we have met," Pardek confirmed. "I'd be delighted to tell you all about it, lovely lady, but sadly it must wait for another time." He turned to Picard. "My congratulations on your marriage, Captain. I get news so slowly, I had no idea. May the two of you have a long and happy life together."

"Thank you, Senator," Picard answered.

"I must be going now. So many people to see. Jolan Tru, Captain Picard, Mrs. Picard," Pardek smiled appreciatively at Vash before he turned and walked away toward a group of Klingons near the center of the hall.

Picard noticed his wife gazing up at him expectantly. He cut off the question he knew was coming with a succinct, "Later."

"Count on it," Vash answered, just as succinctly.

"Lovely creature?" Picard shook his head with a sigh as he thought of both Sir Guy and Pardek. "What is it with you and older men?"

"I don't know." Looking up at him coyly out of the corner of her eyes, Vash added in a flirtatious tone, "You tell me."

Gowron spoke, "Pardek is trying to rally the undecided families to the Romulan cause, but I do not think he is as rabid about it as some of the other Romulans."

"He betrayed Ambassador Spock on Romulus," Picard warned. "He is not all he appears to be."

"I am aware of that," Gowron replied. "I still believe he is just a diversion while someone else applies the real force."

"If that is the case, then the 'someone' would probably be Taibak," Picard speculated.

"Possibly," Gowron said. "I must go. I will speak to you later, Picard." Gowron turned and walked toward another group of Klingons standing near the Chancellor's chair. Fontaine, Troi, and Worf accompanied Gowron, leaving Picard and Vash alone for the first time at the reception.

"Gowron's eyes could give kids nightmares," Vash noted in an amused whisper to Picard. "I just can't get over them."

"Gowron may appear frightening," Picard answered, "but he is very loyal to his allies and is totally committed to preserving the Empire as an independent state. By any definition he is a true Klingon."

"I'm glad he's on our side."

"More precisely," Picard corrected, "we are on his."

"Oh."

As Worf and Fontaine discussed the impending treaty vote with a small group of Klingons, Deanna decided to wander the room in hopes of picking up on something that might help the captain. She moved to a large table that was covered with Klingon delicacies. She recognized one of the delicacies and took a small piece of it. The taste was similar to a dark chocolate, but not quite. She had no idea what it was made of. She had discovered long ago that when it came to Klingon food, she was better off if she didn't play guess the mystery item. She sensed a familiar wave of deceit coming from behind her.

"Counselor Troi," came Commander Tomalak's voice from behind her. "How delightful to see you again."

"Commander Tomalak," Troi said politely as she turned to face him.

"I'm so sorry we didn't get a chance to become better acquainted during your visit with us," Tomalak said, leering at her. "Oh well, perhaps next time."

Before Troi could answer, she felt a massive wall of warrior at her back. Her heart leaped into her throat, feeling trapped. She immediately relaxed when she heard her brother-in-law's blood chilling growl from just behind her. Quickly, she was surrounded by Kurn and some of his men.

"This female is a member of the house of Moag," Kurn warned, his voice sounding dangerous. "There will be NO next time, Romulan!"

Deanna noticed that Tomalak had blanched slightly at the sight of the dozen Klingon warriors that now surrounded her. She thought he was about to say something.

"BE GONE!" Kurn bellowed and Tomalak left quickly without another word.

"That was not necessary, but thank you, Kurn," Deanna turned and smiled up at him.

"Yes, it was and you're welcome, little sister," Kurn answered. Gesturing to one of his soldiers he added, "Barrok will protect you for the duration of the night."

"Now that is really not necessary, Kurn. I appreciate your concern, but I am fine, really," Deanna insisted, not wanting a Klingon warrior shadowing her throughout the party.

"I'm afraid I must insist, little one. I cannot allow any Romulan to think that the house of Moag has no honor or respect for it's women," Kurn smiled down at her.

Deanna winced as Kurn unknowingly used her mother's favorite, and her least favorite, nickname for her. She looked over to see Worf nod his agreement to Kurn from his position near the Chancellor's chair. No help for her there. The Klingon tradition of women being treated as property was really annoying at times. She insisted gently, "I don't see that anyone could think that just because I don't have a personal bodyguard. It's unnecessary."

"The matter has already been decided," Kurn stated flatly.

Across the room, Picard and Vash had begun moving toward a group of Klingons when they were suddenly intercepted by a tall, lean Romulan with angular, hawkish features. "Ah, Captain. I must again apologize for the inconvenience you suffered aboard our ship. I do hope your injuries are not too severe." He looked at Vash. "Your wife, I presume."

Vash instantly recognized Taibak from the battle. Her hand tightened slightly on Picard's arm. 'Jean-Luc was right,' she thought to herself, 'this Romulan does have Tal Shiar written all over him.' Vash moved closer to Picard, standing next to and just slightly behind him. Her body became tense.

"Yes," Picard answered warily as he felt Vash's reaction. Protectively, he laid a hand over the small hand on his arm. Diverting Taibak's attention back to himself, he continued, "As far as my injuries go, I'm fine."

"I'm glad to hear that," Taibak said. "I'm afraid you have a bad opinion of me."

"On the contrary," Picard answered. "I hold you in the highest esteem -- but only as a knave."

"It's gratifying to know that ones talents are appreciated by such a distinguished connoisseur. You know," Taibak continued, changing the subject, "there is no need for these ongoing misunderstandings between the Romulan Empire and the Federation. It is entirely possible for our two governments to work out a mutually beneficial arrangement that would allow both to control the entire quadrant."

"I think you are forgetting the Klingons and the Cardassians," Picard pointed out.

"No, I do not believe so," Taibak replied. "It is no secret that the Romulan Empire and the Federation are the only two real powers remaining in the quadrant. The Cardassians are no match for either of us any longer, and the Klingons are so wrapped up in their petty internal power struggles that they cannot even launch a scientific expedition, let alone a war."

"The Klingons launched a very impressive expedition on the border a couple days ago," Picard countered. "Remember?"

"Inconsequential," Taibak said. "Either one of our empires could destroy the Klingons and the Cardassians if we decided to do it."

"The Federation is not an empire," Picard defended.

"Come now, Captain, of course it is. Oh, you may claim to be a voluntary collection of worlds who have banded together to aid in the common good, but the truth of the matter is far less attractive to your visionary types. Starfleet enforces Federation rule in your area of space, much as our defense force does in ours. You claim to be voluntary, but I would like to see what the response of your 'voluntary' Federation would be if Vulcan, or Alpha Centuri, or Rigel decided to leave and go off on their own."

"Those are integral worlds to the Federation," Picard countered. "They are necessary to the continued existence of the Federation."

"Of course they are," Taibak said. "And your government would have every right to use whatever means were necessary to keep them in the Federation. What offends the Romulans is the hypocrisy of the Federation; at least we are what we say we are. You are the same as us, but claim to be something else."

"We are not the same as you," Picard said emphatically. "Our members are free to join or not join the Federation as they see fit. Unlike you, we have never forced a world into the Federation. We do not conquer worlds and enslave their populations."

"But you do," Taibak said, "You just do it softly. You need to expand, just as every empire needs to expand. I'll admit that our methods of expansion are usually more direct than yours, but the end result is the same. You conquer your victims with your culture. You make them believe that they want to be in your empire. You create a lie and make the weaker worlds live it. If you are not Earth, Vulcan, Centuri, Rigel or one of the other major worlds, you have no say in how the Federation is governed. You may not ride in on a curtain of phaser fire, but I would submit that your methods of conquest are sometimes even more effective than ours."

"I do not subscribe to your interpretation of Federation expansion," Picard shot back. "All members have a voice in the affairs of the Federation. We do not trick them into wanting to join. They join of their own accord."

"A defender to the end," Taibak said approvingly. "I like that. I enjoy talking to someone who knows where they stand and are not afraid to say it. It's very refreshing -- and very uncommon on Romulus."

"You should try it sometime, Taibak," Picard suggested. "It might do you some good."

"You misunderstand, Captain. I enjoy it in others, I would not think of doing it myself. On Romulus that can get you killed very quickly." He leaned closer to Picard. "Captain, we have a historic opportunity here to eliminate one of the most brutal and expansionist empires in the known universe. Both the Romulan Empire and the Federation would be much better off without the Klingons to deal with. The Romulan government considers Federation intervention in Klingon affairs to be a direct threat from the Federation. Your withdrawal would be looked at with a great deal of approval and gratitude on Romulus. Who knows where that could lead?"

"Most likely an eventual war between us," Picard predicted. "The Romulan Empire is dedicated to conquest and control. After you have subjugated the Klingons, the Federation will be next. This entire 'vote' is a plot by your government to drive a wedge between the Klingons and the Federation to put us on the defensive so you can wear us down a little at a time. When you think we are weak enough, you will move in for the kill."

"That is exactly the position we are in now, only in reverse," Taibak answered. "The Federation-Klingon alliance has put the Romulan Empire on the defensive throughout the quadrant. It is only a matter of time before the Federation dictate terms to the Empire. When that happens it will guarantee war. We will not go the way of the Klingons. The Romulans will fight to the last to stop that from happening."

"The Federation will never launch a war against the Romulan Empire," Picard said flatly.

"Not now, of course," Taibak replied. "We are still too powerful. You might lose. But in time, as your position gets stronger, there is no telling what you will do."

"You seem to be convinced that the possibility of cooperation and mutual benefits between our governments is completely out of the question," Picard countered.

"That is not the way of the universe, Captain," Taibak said. "In the cosmos, all things are eventually consumed to make way for something else. Natural forces do not cooperate for the common good. Someday there will be a confrontation between our two forces. One or the other will prevail. There is not room for both. Eventually, the victor in our battle will be consumed by some other force not yet dreamt of. It's the cosmic cycle of life, Captain. There is no escape."

"You have a very depressing view of the universe, Taibak," Picard observed.

"I'm a realist, Captain, you can work with it or be destroyed by it. Anyone who resists will be swept away." Taibak looked at Vash. "Even you and your charming wife will not be spared by what will happen if you were to interfere in the natural progression of events."

"Is that a threat?" Picard asked in a low voice.

"No, Captain, just an observation. Think about what I have said today. Unfortunately, there are others I must talk to. Enjoy the reception. Hopefully we will have the opportunity of talking again." He nodded to Vash, "Madam." Taibak turned and almost instantly disappeared into the crowd.

Picard heard Vash let out a sigh as she relaxed slightly. Looking down at her, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "You all right?"

Vash nodded as she glanced around the hall. She spotted Lar watching her from across the room. She noticed Data also watching her and Picard from where he stood next to Ambassador Fontaine who was busy talking to a group of Klingons. As he caught her eye, Data gave her a quick wink. Smiling, Vash turned back to her husband. "Yes, I'm fine. But, I have one question."

"What's that?"

"Was there really any point to discussing cosmic and political philosophy with a Romulan version of Heinrich Himmler?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Every once in awhile, I find I just must engage in an act of total futility," Picard retorted with a rueful smile.

From across the Hall, Gowron called. "Picard, come here. Some people want to talk to you."

Picard waved and smiled, signaling Gowron to wait a moment. He then looked around and Vash immediately realized who he was searching for. She tilted her head to indicate the general direction, "Geoffrey is right over there, watching every move I make. Leave him alone, Jean-Luc, I'll be fine. How am I supposed to mingle when I'm dragging a security officer around by the ankle?"

"This is not a place for you to be unprotected," he said. "Taibak is a very dangerous man, one of the most dangerous I've ever met. I cannot allow you to be alone in the same room with him."

"Look around you, Jean-Luc. You call this alone?" she gestured to the crowd of nearly one hundred people. "Taibak may be dangerous, but I don't think he's stupid. He's not going to try anything against me here at the reception. Besides, you, Geoffrey and Data are here to protect me." She made a shooing gesture with her hand. "Now, run along."

Picard looked at her skeptically, but slowly moved away. As soon as he was a reasonable distance away, Vash casually started to make her way through the crowd to find Senator Pardek. She wanted to ask him all about Jean-Luc's little trip to Romulus. Maybe then her darling husband would cease bringing up her little trip to Sarthong V. An hour or so later, Vash had talked to about two dozen or so Klingons. Much to her chagrin, Senator Pardek had spent much of his time talking with the same group of high ranking Klingons that her husband was with.

Unknown to Vash, Tomalak stood near by. He watched with interest as she made a small adjustment to the gold scarf that flowed over her shoulder and then ran her hands down the sides of her delicate frame, smoothing the gold gown over her perfect curves. His eyes trailed over the long, supple length of leg revealed by the slit that ran up one side of her gown. 'Well, well, Picard,' Tomalak thought to himself with an arched eyebrow, 'I see you don't wear all your medals on your chest.'

He walked over to stand right next to her. Quietly he spoke into her ear, "You are truly bewitching, my dear. The description of your beauty in our intelligence file doesn't do you justice at all. I would enjoy a chance to privately discuss your views on the Gamma quadrant. Just the two of us."

Vash rolled her eyes as she felt Tomalak's breath on her neck. Drawing herself up into her most regal bearing, she took a step back and turned to face the Romulan. Disdainfully, she glared at him as if he were an overly amorous, drunken Ferengi. In a haughty voice, she purposely lowered his rank as she asked, "Subcommander, have we met?"

"Commander Tomalak of the Romulan Defense Legion at your service," he paused for effect, before adding, "Archaeology Council Member Vash."

"That is my professional title, Commander. At a social function such as this I prefer Madam Vash Picard," Vash corrected him using the French version simply because it always sounded much more dramatic. This was the Romulan who had struck her husband during his captivity on the Romulan ship. Of course, the coward had two of his men holding Jean-Luc at the time.

"As you wish," Tomalak replied with a nod of his head.

"As for that private conversation, it will never happen," Vash informed him in an icy tone. "Seeing as my very protective husband is the captain of the Federation's flagship."

"My little terran dove, you may not always have his uniform to hide behind," Tomalak retorted as he started to reach up to cup her chin. He stopped mid-action.

Data and Lar came up from either side of Vash to stand shoulder to shoulder in front of her. Having placed themselves between Vash and the Romulan, both officers glared at Tomalak.

Data spoke, his voice cold, "Commander Tomalak, I would recommend that you locate yourself elsewhere."

Tomalak decided that this was not the time to test the reported strength of Starfleet's android officer. With a slight bow he said, "Gentlemen, Madam Picard." He walked off into the crowd.

Both men turned to Vash. Lar looked at her concerned, "Mrs. Picard?"

"Vash?" Data asked her gently.

"I'm fine," Vash smiled up at both of them. "I've been handling brutes like that since I put on my first pair of high heels. Tomalak doesn't frighten me. However . . ."

"Taibak does," Lar finished for her.

"Yes, he does," Vash admitted. She looked at Lar amused. "But Geoffery, may I please finish my own sentences."

"Sorry, ma'am," Lar smiled. "If it makes you feel better, the captain gave me special orders to make sure Taibak got nowhere near you."

"Sounds like Jean-Luc," Vash teased. "Now boys, I'm going to go mingle. People to see." She started to walk off, then felt a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder. She looked to see Data holding onto her protectively. Lar was blocking her path.

"I think you have soloed enough for one evening," Data told her. "If you are not with the captain, I would prefer you stay close to myself or Lieutenant Lar." Letting go of her shoulder, he paused and studied her face, "You seem to be up to something."

"She wants to talk to Pardek about the time the captain spent on Romulus, sir," Lar informed Data.

"Thank you, Lieutenant."

"Geoffery, you're such a terrible snitch," Vash complained as she playfully swatted at his chest.

"All a part of the job, ma'am," he teased back.

"Vash, talking to Pardek is not necessary," Data said with a small smile. "I can tell you the declassified details of the captain's trip to Romulas. I went with him."

"Data, darling," Vash took his arm and leaned into him, "spill it!"

Later, Vash stood by herself near the main entrance of the Great Hall. Picard was standing with Gowron and a group of Klingons halfway to the other end of the Hall. Data and Lar stood a short distance away from her talking to several Klingon warriors of Gowron's guard.

Vash closely surveyed the crowd. Many people broke off from large groups to have private conversations near the walls and alcoves along the sides of the Hall. Vash could tell by the body language of the participants in these conversations that many plans and plots were being discussed. How many were supporting Gowron and how many were against him she had no way of knowing.

Picard stood next to Gowron with his back to her and the main doors, talking to three or four other Klingons, by their dress, they appeared to be the heads of families. As Vash looked around, she noticed that after their conversation, Tomalak was nowhere to be found. After several minutes she spotted Taibak speaking to several Klingons and Romulans beside the Chancellor's chair. Pardek was not too far from him. The low echoing rumble of a hundred people talking in at least three languages made it impossible for Vash to sift out any conversations.

As she watched the crowd, a lone Romulan soldier entered the Hall through the great doors. Vash quickly picked up on the Romulan and tracked him through the crowd. He did not appear to be part of the official Romulan delegation. He was dressed in a slate-grey tunic, unlike the bright silver dress tunics the members of the Romulan party wore. He did not stop to talk to anyone, but slowly moved through the crowd, avoiding the larger groups of Klingons.

Vash glanced at Data and Lar, but they were still engaged in conversation with the Klingons and unaware of the Romulan's presence. Deciding not to say anything to them, Vash began to drift in the same direction the Romulan was moving. The Romulan appeared and disappeared behind groups of people as they moved parallel with each other toward the front of the Hall. Vash was getting a bad feeling as the Romulan moved closer and closer to where Picard and Gowron were talking with the others. Vash noticed that the Romulan's hands had been inside his pockets since he entered the Hall. She began to move closer to the Romulan, trying to get a better look at what he might be doing. No one else in the Hall seemed to have noticed him. She thought about shouting something to her husband, but decided that would be premature until she knew what was happening.

Both Picard and Gowron had their backs to the Romulan as he approached. Vash could now see his hand moving inside his uniform as if he were about to retrieve something. The Romulan broke into the clear, thirty feet away with no one between him and the group with Picard and Gowron. At the same time Vash stopped between groups, twenty feet from the Romulan.

In what seemed like an eternity, but was only several seconds, Vash saw the disruptor as soon as the Romulan pulled it from his uniform. No one but her was near him. The Romulan leveled his disruptor at Picard -- or Gowron -- it did not matter. Vash's hand was a blur as it flew to the broach on her gown. "JEAN-LUC!" she screamed as she let the dagger hidden within the broach fly at the Romulan. The dagger buried itself in the Romulan's shoulder a fraction of a second before he fired. With a howl he pulled his arm upward, firing a disruptor blast into the ceiling of the Hall. Instantly people were running everywhere. The Romulan attempted to flee back through the great doors, but only made it a few feet before he was buried under a squad of Klingon security. Suddenly, Data and Lar were standing next to Vash, looking in all directions for any danger to her. Shaking as she felt the blood drain from her face, Vash leaned against Data for support. Seeing the stricken expression on his wife's face, Picard quickly ran to her. Gowron stormed toward the cluster of Klingon warriors surrounding the would-be assassin.

Vash threw herself into her husband's arms and buried her face into his shoulder As he held her tightly, Picard felt her body tremble slightly. He heard her take a couple of deep breaths to calm herself enough to speak. Quietly, she stressed, "He was going to kill you."

"It's all right," he whispered into her hair.

"Like hell it is," Vash muttered into Picard's chest, tightening her arms around him. Taking another deep breath, she let go of him and stepped back to look into his face. "That's the second time in one week that the Romulans have tried to kill you while I could do nothing but just stand there and watch."

Picard glanced at the part of the broach still left on her shoulder and then looked back up at her face. "Madam Picard, this time you did somewhat more than watch and we don't know who the target was yet. It could have been me or Gowron."

"Or both, sir," Lar added from right behind them.

"Very possibly, Lieutenant," Picard acknowledged, reaching down with one hand to interlace his fingers with Vash's.

Gowron broke through the crowd of warriors as they dragged the Romulan to his feet. "What is the meaning of this!?" he demanded. He reached up to the hilt of the dagger still embedded in the Romulan's shoulder and ripped it out. The Romulan nearly collapsed in agony. "The pain from a female's broach is nothing compared to what I am going to do to you," Gowron growled

The Romulan looked at Gowron through the pain and swallowed something. His eyes suddenly bulged out and he began making choking noises. Gowron watched the Romulan crumple to the ground, greenish blood oozing from his nose and mouth, eyes staring vacantly. "Get this thing out of here," he ordered his warriors. He turned, still holding the bloody dagger, and walked toward were Picard and Vash stood.

"Sir?" Worf's concerned voice boomed as he, Deanna and the Ambassador approached the captain.

"I'm fine, Commander," Picard answered his security chief's unasked question.

Turning to Vash, Worf bared his teeth in a small smile, "Impressive throw."

"It was, wasn't it," Vash said, quickly returning to her usual impish self.

Lar looked up to see Gowron approaching the captain and Mrs. Picard with the dagger in his hand. When she was off-ship, the safety of the captain's wife was Lar's responsibility. He took that responsibility very seriously. He moved even closer, standing right behind Vash and focused his attention on the Chancellor to determine his intentions. Unable to read Gowron's mind due to the confusion in the hall, Lar stepped in front of Vash, placing himself directly between her and Gowron.

Gowron nodded perfunctorily with satisfaction at the security guard's vigilance. Holding the bloody dagger, he stopped a few feet in front of Lar, "Relax, Betazoid, I intend no harm to your charge."

"It's all right, Lieutenant," Picard assured his officer. With a slight nod, Lar took a step to the side and a very small step back.

"Picard," Gowron turned his attention to the captain. "With your permission I would like to return to your mate her property."

"Of course," Picard agreed, moving back slightly to stand with Lar.

"Council Member Picard," Gowron used the sleeve of his ceremonial robe to wipe the Romulan blood off the dagger. "The Empire owes you a debt of gratitude."

"Chancellor," Vash said with a respectful tilt of her head. "I simply acted out of an instinct to-"

"Protect your mate," Gowron finished for her as he placed the dagger back onto the broach on her shoulder. "I'm aware of that; however, you may have accomplished more than just thwarting an act of Romulan treachery. Many in the Empire, as well as many Romulans, consider humans weak and cowardly. Your actions have given them reason to reconsider."

"Thank you, Chancellor," Vash replied graciously.

"With your permission, Chancellor," Picard said as he took a step forward to stand next to his wife, "I believe it is time that we return to the Enterprise."

"Of course." Gowron took a step back. "K' Plah, Picard."

"K' Plah, Gowron."

TBC