A/N: My muse has been reluctant and taciturn. I have tried not to force it too much. I don't know when the next chapter will come.

Sir Harry Potter sat on the bridge of the BSS Bruce, just off of Starbase One. Below the Bruce was BSS Griffon, loaded up with passengers scheduled to offload soon.

Dawkins reported, "Commodore; Sensors read one ship transitioning from Warp 1 to impulse 300,000 kms outside of Earth orbit." Dawkins had finally resigned himself to calling his boss Commodore for propriety's sake.

"On screen."

On the main screen a small dot appeared in the star field. "Magnify 8X." The image jumped and suddenly filling at least a quarter of the screen was the image of the new Griffon-class vessel, USS Simurgh.

The colony launch originally arranged for Griffon had been given over to Starfleet, specifically for PR purposes. Looking at the new ship, Harry had to admit the view was quite impressive. Mentally, he catalogued how it compared to Griffon.

The size of the ship was nearly identical. There was a difference he noted. "Dawkins. Call up the specs and press release. Why is the top flatter?"

Starfleet had allowed the Bruce to receive much more than the press. A moment later Dawkins reported, "According to the specs, it can carry any ship which can be lashed rather than requiring landing gear. A larger section has been reinforced to prevent buckling." Griffon had eight reinforced areas for landing struts to land on, one group sized specifically for Bruce and one group of four which could hold Bruce or a saucer from a Galaxy.

"Copy." Harry peered at the ship. "It's a bit whiter than Griffon is."

Dawkins read the scanners. "Its outer hull is closer in composition to Starfleet standard; Starfleet's normal duranium blend is whiter."

Harry then noticed something. "What's with the painting below the name?" Below the words showing USS Simurgh on the top, lit in lights, was a set of what appeared to be characters which weren't Latin.

Dawkins read the information. "According to the press release, it's the name of the ship in the original Persian script. There's a whole blurb on what the Simurgh represents."

Harry commented, "I've not seen different scripts used on a Federation Vessel."

"According to the press release, it was a special request of Captain Farid Tehrani. The Simurgh myth comes from the area his ancestors lived, an area called Persia and then Iran."

Harry shrugged. "I don't know much about the history of that area of the world, but I do know that the Simurgh myth is one of a benevolent creature of power, similar to a phoenix." He looked over the ship some more. "Other than being a bit flatter and whiter, it seems pretty much the same."

"Affirmative, Commodore. According to the release, it carries six runabouts though it can fit ten, similar to Griffon. It also has some smaller shuttles and pods." Dawkins suddenly stopped. "The communication traffic is in the clear and I'm hearing the traffic between Griffon and Simurgh. The launch of runabouts and the transfer of passengers will begin in twenty minutes."

Harry replied, "Acknowledged. I wonder how many reporters they'll have over."

"More than I would want to deal with," Dawkins said with humor.

Harry grinned at his XO briefly. "I agree. They could have shown the ship off two weeks ago when she first left the space dock."

"Not really, boss. That was a quick shakedown run – this is the official launch."

Harry paused briefly. "Well, I'm glad I got to see this. She is quite the beast and I'm sure that the foreign powers are taking notice."

BSS Bruce stood by as BSS Griffon disgorged passengers and material to USS Simurgh. The updated runabouts off Griffon (now closer to Starfleet standard as far as weapons) and the Federation runabouts off Simurgh quickly moved back and forth between the two behemoths.

It took four hours, but it was done. Griffon signaled that all passengers and supplies had been transferred. Krim verified the plan and Harry decided for one final diplomatic message. After checking the computer as best he could, Harry had Dawkins put in a call to the Simurgh.

It took a few minutes as the ship was fielding a number of calls but finally the image of Captain Tehrani was on the screen. "Captain. I am Commodore Harry Potter, owner of Bruce and Griffon and the impetus behind the building of Griffon."

"Commodore Potter." The man's tone was pleasant and friendly. "I owe you – without Griffon they would have never built Simurgh. And I truly love Simurgh."

Harry shrugged slightly and chuckled. "Well, perhaps you owe more to Krim Aldos – he commanded Griffon impressively enough for Starfleet to take notice."

"True." The man chuckled briefly as well. "Is there something you need?"

"No. Griffon and Bruce will be off in a moment but I wanted to wish you well." With a slight smile Harry said, "In the tradition of your ancestors: Khoda hafez."

Tehrani nodded respectfully in acknowledgement. "Bedrood." The channel cut.

"Okay. Signal Griffon and set course for Deep Space 9, Warp 8. We're going to increase to our new cruising speed gradually until we are cruising at 9.2."

A few buttons were pushed. "Course set, Commodore."

Harry grinned. "Engage."

It took about twenty minutes but the ship performed as Selene had she would: BSS Bruce was now cruising at Warp 9.2 alongside BSS Griffon and there was no strain. "Set cloaking wards."

"Cloaking wards, Aye." Fifteen seconds later, Griffon also disappeared from standard tracking. Ten seconds after that Dawkins called out, "Sensor relays confirm: BSS Bruce and BSS Griffon are no longer detectable by sensor relay."

"Acknowledged." Harry huffed. "Okay, Bill. I'm going to go to my ready room. I've got a few reports to read over from the upgrade. Stolel? Set a schedule to teach me what I need to know for the changes. Coordinate with Winky as regards my personal schedule and Bill as regards my duty schedule."

His Tactical Officer/Training Officer/personal sadist replied with calm equanimity, "Understood, Commodore."

Over the next days, the difference in speed became obvious. Instead of taking almost three weeks at warp 8.25, the time to Deep Space 9 for Bruce and Griffon, barring other factors, was reduced to a matter of days.

Warp speeds above 9 were an odd mathematical phenomenon, and one needed a whole bunch of different calculations and equations to make it understandable. Since the scale had been revised a few decades ago, Warp 10 became infinite speed. That meant that speeds between warp 9 and 10 were a geometric progression.

It didn't help that the same warp field under different circumstances seemed to produce different speeds based on some unknown factor or factors, possibly including the color of the lint in God's bellybutton in that moment, for all Harry could make out. He had finally decided to just trust the computer and his people to calculate times and distances and let it alone otherwise.

The two ships were near to Deep Space 9 when both decloaked and dropped to a lower approach speed. "Open a channel."

In a few short moments, the viewscreen held an image of their contact within Deep Space 9 ops. "Lt. Dax. This is a surprise," Harry commented. "Normally it's Major Kira who answers."

Harry knew immediately something was wrong. Dax was solemn as she said, "She is taking some time for personal reasons." Dax paused and said, "Vedek Bareil …" Dax stopped. "I'll let someone else fill you in when you come over. The last weeks have been stressful for her."

"I get it. Docking placement for Bruce?" Griffon was going to land a shuttle on Deep Space 9 and move on to Bajor to allow their people shore leave, especially the Bajoran crew members. Bruce was staying at Deep Space 9.

Dax hit a few buttons. "Docking Pylon 5 is clear." Martinez's console beeped and he nodded to his boss. "Welcome back to Deep Space 9." It was obvious that she was trying to be cheerful.

"Thank you. Bruce, Out." The image turned off. He directed his voice. "Get us docked, Charlie. I want to see what's going on."

It took a bit of time but finally Harry got the story out of the Deep Space 9 staff: Bareil Antos had been injured in a shuttle accident. Investigation proved it an accident. The man had, at the instigation of Kai Winn, sacrificed his chances of being healed to ensure he was there to assist with the final peace agreement between Cardassia and Bajor.

Harry snuck in and performed a magical scan. His readings showed that the man was beyond what magic would be able to do. If he had been around during the initial injury, there would have been a chance. But it was far too late now.

The ceremony to sign the treaty was a diplomatic affair and, as a diplomat, Harry had to be present. Kira Nerys did not attend as she was staying with the dying man.

Harry casually performed a wandless charm over the drink he accepted. After doing so, he thanked the server and took a sip. His attention was then redirected by a voice. "Sir Harry Potter of Earth."

Harry turned and forced himself to remain pleasantly neutral. "Gul Skrain Dukat of Cardassia."

The condescending man had his own drink. "I had heard you were no in the area. I was surprised to see you present at the signing of the Accords. I had heard you were on the other side of Federation space."

Harry gave an invisible shrug. "I was on the other side of Federation space. I only just returned earlier today."

"Of course," Dukat replied. "And how has business been? I heard that you have been plying your services to those who can afford them."

Harry replied with a wry expression, "Just keeping myself busy, employing my resources to best effect."

Dukat appeared to accept that, though Harry didn't buy it. "What do you think of the accords worked out between Cardassia and Bajor?"

Harry replied, "I think it's good that both are moving on. There are still things in your mutual past which are concerning, but sometimes such concerns are best left to scab over and scar rather than to be made completely smooth. Some scars are useful to remind one of why they should be cautious." Harry took a sip. "Still, I am happy that Cardassia and Bajor worked it out without external pressure being applied from the Federation or anyone else."

Dukat replied, "Well, at least now Cardassia can concentrate its resources on other dire threats, such as the Maquis." Harry snorted. Dukat asked, "Something about their movement amuses you?" he asked Harry archly.

Harry looked at the man who had his hackles raised. "Honestly? I don't understand why they upset the Cardassians so much. I know that there have been terrorist attacks and that one must protect one's people, but the Cardassian Empire has placed far too much attention on disaffected colonists. The Federation has gleefully abided by the agreement to leave it to your people. They basically left you with their unruly children. And Human children are remarkably prone to disaffection with authority. Its almost amazing that they grow up eventually. Unfortunately, Cardassians are culturally incapable of ignoring someone who defies authority. It creates a conundrum."

Dukat asked, "What do you think the Empire should have done?"

Harry smirked. "If you had made nice with the colonists after the Federation left, they would have gleefully sided with you against the Federation for their 'abandonment' – the Humans at least would have loved throwing it in the face of the Federation representatives."

Dukat finally shook his head slightly to indicate disagreement. "It's always interesting to get different perspectives. Until the next time." Dukat retreated quickly. Harry watched Dukat walk off to talk to someone else.

Sisko soon appeared in his dress uniform. "Dukat seemed rather engaged in your discussion. What was all that about?"

Harry replied, "The Cardassian inability to understand the Human psyche." At Sisko's inquiring expression, Harry said, "Dukat was discussing the threat of the Maquis and I was giving my opinion on how the Cardassian Empire could have dealt with it with far less stress if they had basically treated them as unruly children. He didn't agree with me, but he doesn't truly understand how Humans think. At least that's my story."

Sisko asked, "Unruly children? Truly?"

Harry shrugged. "We like to push boundaries. If they had treated them like children rather than arming their people to attack, the colonists wouldn't have become terrorists."

Sisko almost rolled his eyes. "A unique perspective, I admit."

Harry smirked. "That's my opinion, anyway."

Their repartee was interrupted by a voice Harry admitted he didn't want to deal with. "Emissary. Sir Harry Potter."

Both men turned. Harry said, "Greetings, Kai Winn." Sisko echoed him. "I hope your congregation is well."

Kai nodded gratiously. "I believe my people will be able to move forward now that Cardassia will no longer be an immediate threat."

Harry's eyebrow rose momentarily but no one caught it. "I was happy to see the agreement. It's a shame that Vedek Bareil wasn't able to be here to see his hard work come to fruition."

"His injuries were a tragedy. But in the end he was able to do what was necessary to see the Accords done. He will be remembered with honor."

Harry nodded and raised his glass. "To Bareil Antos. May he find peace with the Prophets." Harry and Sisko drank down their drinks.

Kai Winn seemed almost surprised at Harry's toast. "And may the Prophets bring all of us wisdom into the future." The Kai went off to speak to someone else.

Harry watched her go even as he snagged another drink. "That is quite curious."

Sisko asked curiously, "What's curious?"

Harry scanned his new drink wandlessly and took a sip. "In my mind, Winn Adami is a stone-cold opportunistic … well, I think she is far less saintly than she tries to appear to be. Curiously, she truly believed what she just said: Her effort to reach the Accords was for the Bajoran people and their safety, and not mainly for personal gain. I am surprised to find that Winn Adami is not just a stone cold opportunist but can be a true patriot. Or at least her intentions can be patriotic."

Sisko considered that even as he took a sip from the drink he had snagged as well. "That is a revelation." Sisko asked quietly, "Does that mean you trust her now?"

Harry snorted. "Not for a moment."

Harry was in his little-used quarters on Deep Space 9 when an alert sounded from his badge. He hit it. "Potter to Bruce."

"Commodore. I sent out the alert tone at an alert from Griffon's map: A Dora has attempted to infiltrate the ship." Dora was private code for a changeling.

Harry immediately answered. "Set the timer for five minutes for them to contact you. I will be alerting Sisko and then I'll be there. Prepare to de-dock and to move to Griffon's position."

"Aye, Commodore." The channel turned off.

He hit his badge again. "Potter to Deep Space 9 ops."

"Go ahead."

"I need to speak to Commander Sisko urgently and in person. I'm getting dressed and will wait for instructions."

"Is there a reason for the urgency?" the voice came through.

"Yes. Urgent and private."

"Stand by."

About two minutes later Sisko contacted him directly. "Sir Harry. You need to see me?"

"Yes. Are you in your quarters?"

"Yes. I was up late reading and dressed."

"I'll be outside your door in a moment." Harry disconnected the link and apparated. He knocked on the door.

Sisko was there in a hastily put on uniform shirt. "Come in."

Harry quickly entered and as soon as the door closed he cast a spell. "Privacy ward. No one can hear what we're saying."

Sisko didn't even pause. "What's so urgent?"

Harry replied, "I was just alerted that a changeling has attempted to infiltrate the Griffon."

"How?" Sisko asked more seriously.

"Don't know. Our map showed it, our system is set to sound an alert in that case. It occurred less than a two minutes ago and we're waiting for word from Griffon that it's been neutralized. No one outside of my crew and Griffon's crew has been alerted."

Sisko paused. "What are you asking of me?"

Harry huffed. "I think it's unlikely that it's a large-scale infiltration. You can come with me and watch us interrogate it. Or you can increase security here. Or both. I am just alerting you immediately."

Sisko nodded. He did increase the alert status of DS9 and then informed them he was leaving on Bruce but that the ships would be within Bajoran space.

Harry let him take care of ensuring his personal matters were taken care of and then Harry grabbed Sisko's arm. "Take a breath." Sisko did that and Harry apparated.

Sisko had only once before apparated with Sir Harry. He decided he found it just as distasteful now as he had then. "I would prefer more warning. And an actual transporter."

Harry smirked. "This is faster." He led DS9's commander to the door of his ready room which opened onto the bridge. "Okay. Status."

"We're currently in the middle of de-docking." Harry looked at Dawkins. Dawkins rolled his eyes. "Yes. I am in regular clothes. The alert pretty much forced me on duty."

Harry shrugged. "That's fine. Have we heard from Griffon?"

Just then a ping sounded. "Channel coming in from Griffon."

"On screen."

An image of Krim, also not in uniform, appeared on the screen. He was in a security office. "Commodore Potter. I waited until the map alerted me that you were on the bridge of Bruce."

Harry nodded to himself. "Useful. What's your status?"

Krim's tone took on a reporting quality. "Retrieval of personnel via runabout included one person with the identity of a Bajoran crew member. However, security was immediately alerted that it was a doppelganger. As soon as it was convenient, transporters took the infiltrator and put him/her/it in the magic cell."

Harry's grim look took on a small smirk. "Have they attempted to leave?"

"It's only been a minute. The person has maintained hominid features. I expect it will be a short time before more extreme attempts are made."

"Keep an eye on it. Commander Sisko and I will be there in twenty minutes. Has an alert been sent to find the individual replaced?"

Krim actually was startled for a moment. "I hadn't thought of that yet – I am still confronting the breech itself."

"Make certain all efforts are made. Whoever it is is one of ours."

"Of course. I'll get right on that, Commodore."

"Bruce, Out."

The Bruce transported Sisko over even as Harry apparated. "Let's go check in."

The two made their way to the Security Chief's office. Krim was there along with other personnel. "Welcome, Commodore Potter, Commander Sisko."

After pleasantries Harry asked, "What have we got?"

Krim looked at the screen. "Our infiltrator has determined that he has been technologically detained. He didn't reach the ward. He hasn't used his shape-changing abilities yet."

Harry replied, "Good."

Sisko asked, "Has anyone attempted contact?"

Krim replied, "We were waiting for the Commodore." Krim stepped to the panel and nodded to the security officer. In the cell, an image of Krim appeared to the changeling. "Though I am being slightly ironic, welcome to the Griffon."

"Captain. Why am I being detained?"

Krim huffed. "Please do not insult our intelligence. We are aware you are not my crew member."

The expression on the prisoner's face relaxed to a mask. "I see. The Griffon does have the ability to detect our presence, which means that the Bruce also likely has that ability." Krim said nothing. "What will you do with me?"

Krim replied, "First I must ask: Where is my crew member?"

The changeling didn't say anything for a moment. Finally he replied, "I was not intending to stay on board. He has been rendered unconscious. He was allowed to think he drank too much."

"What is his location?"

Very soon the man was found and, as had been said, he was found unconscious. After he was found and a check was done to ensure he wasn't damaged, Krim was able to move on. "I assume this was some type of scouting mission. What goals did you have on board Griffon?"

The interrogation went nowhere really.

Finally Krim was replaced with Harry. He, too, only communicated via holographic remote. "Hello. Do you know who I am?"

The changeling replied, "You are the purported Wizard. Somehow you have interfered with several of our plans. Where did you come from?" the man asked.

Harry sighed. "My origins are widely known."

The Changeling replied, "We don't accept fairy tales."

Harry shrugged. "We have no intention of keeping you. I could turn you over to Bajoran or Starfleet authorities because you attempted to infiltrate an Earth vessel in Bajoran space. My other choice is to turn you over to the Cardassians, Romulans, or Klingons to let them experiment with a live subject. Do you have a preference?"

The changeling was apparently taken aback by Harry's callousness. "You will do whatever you do. I will point out that I did not kill your man, though it would have been easily done."

Harry was impressed that the changeling didn't bluster or make threats. He was caught and he knew it. He considered the response to his question. "You have a point. I will remember that as I decide. Do you need anything?"

"No."

"Very well."

Arrangements were made and Griffon turned the changeling over to the Federation after Bajor decided they didn't want the prisoner.

Harry decided there was not enough value to staying at Bajor and so, following some contacts, the Bruce and the Griffon soon thereafter left Bajoran space for a mission in the Klingon Empire.