Author's Note: I noticed that when I posted Chapter 8: Lonely Among Us that the next chapter was supposed to be part 2. My bad. So instead of going back through and adding in a new chapter and redoing all the chapter numbers. I have uploaded the remainder of Chapter 8: Lonely Among Us to that chapter so it is now complete instead of ending on a cliffhanger that should never have been there to begin with.

Chapter 13: Angel One Part 1

Buffy and Dawn were at their positions as they watched the green planet of Angel One fill the viewscreen

"Ready to begin orbit of Angel One, Captain," Dawn said.

"Make it so, Ensign Summers," Picard said. "What kind of place is this, Data?"

"Angel One is a class M planet, supporting carbon-based flora and fauna, sparsely populated with intelligent life forms... similar in technological development to mid to late twentieth century Earth," Data reported.

Dawn glanced back at Buffy. "It would like being back home," she said as Buffy nodded in agreement.

"Assuming any survivors made it this far. Admittedly, it's the closest planet to the Odin. But the distance we've traveled in the past two days at warp one would've taken the Odin escape pods five months," Riker said.

"Five months, fourteen days, eleven hours, two minutes –" Data said giving an exact length of time.

"Thank you, Data," Riker interrupted.

"- and fifty-seven seconds," Data finished.

Buffy noticed on her console that they were being hailed. She looked at Tasha for confirmation and Tasha nodded. She looked down at Picard. "We're receiving an audio signal from Angel One."

"Starfleet was quite adamant that we maintain excellent diplomatic relations with this planet. Any other pertinent information before we reply, Mister Data?" Picard said. "Their form of government would be a logical starting place."

"Angel One has evolved into a constitutional oligarchy. It is governed by a parliamentary body consisting of six elected Mistresses, and headed by a female they refer to as The Elected One," Data reported.

"It sounds very much like my own planet," Troi said.

"Klingons appreciate strong women," Worf whispered to Tasha and Buffy from where he stood at the back of the bridge.

"How current is your information, Data?" Riker asked.

"A Federation vessel last visited this planet sixty-two years ago, Captain," Data answered.

"Except, let us hope, for the Odin escape pods," Picard said. He looked over at Troi. "Since this is a female-dominated society, it might be more prudent if you made the initial contact, Counselor."

"I think it would be better, sir, if Buffy or Dawn did so," Troi replied. "If the technological level reported is correct, they would have unique insights being from a similar technological society."

Picard nodded as he thought about it. Troi was right. Buffy and Dawn would have unique insights as they were from the twentieth century. He looked back at Buffy and nodded. "Ensign, then you should make the initial contact."

Buffy nodded, she looked at Tasha who indicated how to open the channel. "Opening hailing frequencies," she said. "This is Ensign Buffy Summers of the USS Enterprise."

"I am Beata, The Elected One. How may we assist you, Ensign?"

"I am a Slayer," Buffy said. "Your world has been neglected when making sure the forces of darkness no longer plague the galaxy. With your permission, I would like to correct that oversight."

"We appreciate your concern, but there is no need. Also, a diplomatic courtesy call to check is neither expected nor required."

"We also come in search of possible survivors from one of our freighters," Buffy said.

"A brief visit will be tolerated."

Buffy looked down at the console and noticed that the transmission has been cut.

"They've broken off transmission," Tasha said before Buffy could.

"Ever feel like you're not really wanted?" Geordi asked from where he stood next to Dawn.

"That's their prerogative, Lieutenant," Picard said. "Prepare the away team, Number One."

"Aye, aye, sir," Riker said. "Data, Buffy, Dawn."

The four members of the away team make it to the transporter room and step onto the pad. Riker tapped his commbadge. "Riker to Bridge. The away team is ready, Captain," he said.

"Angel One's position in this quadrant may become strategically vital. The hope at Starfleet is that someday this planet could become a part of the Federation."

"We'll try to make a good impression, Captain," Riker answered. He looked at the transporter operator. "Energize."

Riker, Buffy, Dawn and Data dematerialize in the transporter beam.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

The Elected One, Beata, sat behind a desk in her Presidential Suite. Hovering over her was Trent, her personal secretary. Beata was busy scanning and signing papers that Trent had placed in front of her. It was then that another male secretary showed Buffy, Dawn, Data and Riker into the office, he quickly withdrew. Buffy and Dawn stood a couple feet in front of Riker and Data, just in front of the desk and waited.

Beata chose to ignore them for a moment as she studied the documents. "See that these matters are handled immediately."

"As you wish, Mistress," Trent said. He took the papers and hurried out of the office.

Finally, Beata focused on the away team. "I am Beata, The Elected One of Angel One."

"Mistress Beata, I am Ensign Buffy Summers," Buffy said. "And this is my Watcher and sister, Ensign Dawn Summers." She motioned to a small box in Dawn's hands. "We've brought you a small token of our goodwill."

Beata eyed the metal box before looking at Riker. "My cooperation is not for sale, Ensign."

"We didn't mean to imply that it was, Mistress," Dawn said. "Out of respect to your wishes that we keep our visit brief, perhaps you would like to address the issue of survivors immediately."

"Immediately - but not impetuously," Beata said curtly as she stood. "You will present your case. Until I am certain of your intentions, I know of no such survivors. Trent!" Trent came rushing in. "Show them to the great hall."

Beata turned and left.

Trent led the away team out of the office and down a hall. They entered a room of steel, glass and smooth concrete softened by dripping ferns and draped sheers. Trent moved around a U-shaped table to stand at the head next to Beata. On either side of Beata was seated three other women with their own male secretaries in attendance.

"Representatives of the Starship Enterprise - do you wish to petition the Parliament of Angel One?" Beata asked.

"We do. We have reason to hope that survivors from a damaged Federation freighter may be marooned on your planet. We are seeking to learn if this is so," Dawn said.

"Even a planet as remote as Angel One has heard of Starfleet," Beata said. "Searching the galaxy for survivors seems a petty task for one of their mighty vessels."

"We don't consider even one survivor petty," Riker said.

Beata looked at Buffy and Dawn, clearly offended. "Is this man suggesting that we place a lesser value on life than you do?"

"No," Buffy said.

"Our discovery of the abandoned freighter was an accident, Mistress Beata," Dawn said. "Slayers are expected to protect all humanoid life from the forces of darkness. Buffy has a duty to investigate, regardless if demons or vampires are involved."

"I see. And if you were to find survivors? What then?" Beata asked.

"We will take them with us," Buffy said.

"See that they are reunited with their families," Dawn added.

"Mistress Beata...?" said one of the other women.

Beata looked toward the woman. "Yes, Ariel?"

"Are we to take these strangers at their word?" Ariel asked.

"A good question," Beata agreed.

"What reason could we possibly have to deceive you?" Buffy asked.

"Another good question," Beata agreed.

"Are there survivors from the freighter Odin on this planet?" Riker asked.

"After we discuss that matter, we'll let you know," Beata answered. She looked at Trent. "See to their comforts."

Trent escorted the away team from the great hall to the guest quarters. "You will remain here until summoned," he said.

Data pulled out a tricorder and swept the room as Dawn set the metal box on a side table.

"Are we able to talk? Is the area secure?" Riker asked.

"Yes, Commander," Data answered.

"Good. Buffy, Dawn?" Riker said.

"Ariel knows something," Buffy said. "But whatever it is we couldn't tell."

"That said they were afraid," Dawn added.

"Paranoid, if you ask me. But of what?" Riker wondered.

"Buffy and I couldn't tell you," Dawn said. "We've only had our telepathy since just before we learned of our Tkon descent, about a month. We're still learning. A lot of what we pick up on is surface thoughts only."

Riker nodded. "Data?"

"There are undoubtedly survivors from the Odin on this planet, Commander," Data replied.

Riker nodded. "I agree. Otherwise, why would they be so circumspect?"

"As her highness is so fond of saying - good question," Buffy said.

"What do we do if they elect to deny the existence of any survivors?" Data asked.

"Let's not look for problems," Riker said.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

On the Enteprise, Faith followed Picard and Worf. She was shadowing Worf to learn the security position. In the time since her resurrection by Utu she had learned a lot of things from Buffy, Dawn and even Angel via subspace which included of course her automatic rank assignment and her reactivation as a Slayer. "I want all departments prepared for a warp six trip to the Neutral Zone as soon as the away team completes its mission," Picard said.

"Expecting trouble?" Faith asked.

Picard looked at the newest member of his ship. While Faith did not wear a uniform, she at least had a rank pip on her collar to show her rank along with her commbadge. "Insurance, Ms. Lehane. Romulans have been aggressive with us in the past." He looked back at Worf. "Romulan battlecruisers have been detected near one of our border posts. They've requested assistance as soon as we are available."

Without warning, Picard was hit squarely on the cheek by a snowball. They stopped to see Wesley tumbling out of the Holodeck and smashing into Faith as he avoided the pursuit of his buddy. Both boys skid to a shocked halt at sight of Picard.

"Captain Picard!" Wesley said.

Picard wiped the snow from his face. The boys, soaking wet themselves, cringe.

"Report, Mister Crusher,"

"We, ah, finished our ski lesson, sir... and it kind of just happened, sir," Wesley said as Faith bit back a laugh.

"On the Enterprise, Mister Crusher, nothing just happens," Picard said.

"What is that smell?" Faith wondered as she took a whiff of the air.

Worf sniffed. "Hmm, yes... slightly reminiscent of Night-Blooming Throgni, Ensign. From home," he said as he took a deep breath. "Quite stimulating, wouldn't you say?"

"Not really," Faith answered.

Wesley tried to get a whiff of the scent, but with no luck. He glanced at his friend who shrugged. "I can't smell anything. I'm a little congested..."

"Don't let this just happen again, Mister Crusher," Picard ordered.

Wesley immediately snapped to attention. "Yes, sir!" As he and his friend ran off down the corridor, Worf and Faith caught the hint of a smile on Picard's face.

"Remembering your youth?" Faith asked.

"Something like that, Ms. Lehane," Picard answered.

"My lips are sealed," Faith said with a laugh.

On the planet Buffy was pacing the guest quarters as her sister and Riker sat patiently. She noticed that Data was examining knickknacks.

Data's attention fell on a perfume bottle. Squeezing the ball, he got a face full of mist. "Interesting," he said as he sniffed the perfume. "An alcohol-based synthetic, artificially reproducing a floral scent."

"It is called perfume, Data," Dawn answered.

"The purpose of which is...?" Data asked.

"Pretty much to attract someone your romantically interested in," Dawn said.

"How does stimulation of the olfactory nerve attract a potential mate?" Data asked.

Buffy and Dawn looked at each other. Thankfully they and Riker didn't have to answer as Trent entered the suite. "The Elected One will see you now," he said. He stood to the side to allow Riker, Buffy and Dawn to pass. Data was the last one out as he set the perfume bottle down. Trent picked up the perfume bottle and sprayed himself, he enjoyed the scent a moment before following. He led them back to the great hall.

"You claim you intend to remove these survivors from our planet," Beata said as the away team moved in front of her. "Are you prepared to give us your solemn word on that?"

"As a Slayer I can give you my word that we are," Buffy said.

"You should know that the vote was not unanimous. Some among us are suspicious," Beata said. "Yet, the majority feel that we have no choice but to trust you."

"We don't understand the source of your misgivings, Mistress, but we appreciate your faith in us," Riker said.

"Make certain that our faith has not been misplaced," Beata said, sharply. "There are four survivors from the ship you call the Odin. All male. Their leader is a man who calls himself Ramsey."

Riker nodded. "If you'll bring these men to us, we'll have them off your planet immediately."

"If they were mine to deliver, I would do so without hesitation," Beata answered. "Unfortunately, their hiding place has long eluded us."

"Why would they be hiding?" Buffy asked.

"Because they are fugitives on Angel One!" Beata answered. "And the sooner we are rid of them, the better! When these men arrived seven years ago, they accepted our hospitality quickly enough. But gradually, they grew restive. Making unreasonable demands, going against the natural order – there seemed to be no end to the trouble they created."

"Using the technology of the Enterprise, we might be able to find these men," Dawn said.

"I assumed as much. But be warned, Slayer, Watcher—" Beata said, "- these men are dangerous."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

On the Enterprise in sickbay Beverly administered a hypo shot to Wesley's friend who was laid out on a bed next to Wesley.

"This is worse than Hesperan Thumping Cough. What is it, Mom?" Wesley asked. He like the others around him was not doing well.

"You and your friend probably picked up something on the Quazulu Eight field trip last week," Beverly asked. "Whatever it is may have been activated by your exposure to the cold ski environment of the Holodeck."

"But the transporter biofilter is supposed to kill stuff like that," Wesley said.

Beverly moved over to Wesley and looked at the monitor above him checking his vital signs. "If this is our first contact, it wouldn't have been programmed into the biofilter computer yet."

"Mom..." Wesley said as he fell asleep.

Beverly ran her hand through his hair comfortingly before tucking him. She walked over to the lab area as she tapped her commbadge. "Sickbay to Captain Picard."

"Picard here."

"Wesley and one of his friends have contracted some form of respiratory ailment - most likely a viral infection," Beverly said.

"Is it contained?"

"With the exception of one person, I believe so. I've isolated twelve out of the thirteen students who were on the field trip where I believe the problem began," she said.

"Who is the missing student?"

"Dawn," Beverly answered.

"She's on the away mission, I'll have her report to you immediately. How contagious is it?"

"Unknown. Nor do I have a clue as to how it's transmitted," Beverly said.

"Please stay with it, Doctor. Starfleet has important business for us as soon as the away team returns. I don't relish having my crew infected."

"At the moment, my only suggestion is that all crew avoid any cold-weather Holodeck simulations until further notice," Beverly said.

"Agreed. And keep me advised."

On the planet Beata, Ariel and the other women listen as the away team talk about finding the Odin survivors.

"Data, how can we best go about finding Mister Ramsey and the other survivors?" Riker asked.

"Assuming the survivors have retained some remnants of their lives aboard the Odin, we might not have a difficult task. If we can isolate something unique to the survivors - perhaps an element not otherwise found on Angel One - we can utilize the Enterprise scanners," Data said.

Riker turned and looked at Beata. "Mister Data will need access to your library."

"Our library is far too sophisticated for a man to comprehend," Beata countered.

"I am an android, Mistress, though anatomically, I am a fully functioning male," Data said.

"An amusing notion. Perhaps you could teach our males a thing or two," Beata said. She looked at Trent. "Trent - see to the android's needs." Trent nodded as he led Data from the room. "Do not forget your promise."

Just Beata and the other women got up and left as there was the ringing of transporter beam and Faith appearing from it next to Riker, Buffy and Dawn.

"Little D," Faith said. "You are needed back on the ship. I've been sent to replace you."

"Why?" Riker asked.

"It seems a class field trip Dawn was on has possibly brought back something. Your doctor is quarantining the whole class as a precaution, Dawn is the last one," Faith answered.

"Beam back to the Enterprise," Riker said.

"I'll go with her," Buffy said. "Since Dawn and I share quarters if she has something, she could have given it to me."

Riker nodded. "Alright," he said. "Ms. Lehane, that means you will need to stand in for Buffy and Dawn."

"Okay," Faith said.

Dawn tapped her commbadge. "Summers to Enterprise, transport myself and Buffy straight to sickbay. Energize!" Buffy and Dawn disappeared in a transporter beam.