Chapter 2

Reception

Rene didn't say a word on the way to their quarters. Alec was pretty sure that whatever was said between her and Steven was about him. He asked her if she was okay a couple times during the walk through the corridors, she simply nodded and kept walking without breaking stride. Upon arriving at their home, Rene went straight for the replicator and asked for chamomile tea. That was something she only ordered when she was extremely upset.

"Rene, do you want me to stay?"

"I'll be fine, go to the reception." Rene sat down in her favorite chair, which was angled towards the window. Outside, the Earth began to move away from them. The Enterprise was leaving orbit. She sipped her tea and stared out into the now vacant view. "This is your first diplomatic function. It would be selfish of me to keep you from it. Besides, it's only a father/daughter dispute. It's not the first and I'm sure it won't be the last."

"Are you sure?"

She turned her head away from the window, knowing that she would miss one of her favorite sights; the ship going into warp. The redness and swelling around her eyes was going away. "Yes I'm sure, sweetie. Go mingle."

Alec's reluctance to leave her alone was at peak. Although he wasn't exactly expecting to have the time of his life at the reception, he knew he would feel like a bad husband if he left her here alone. And that was something he swore he would never do again. "Let's go together."

Rene looked at him and blinked, somewhat surprised. "I'm not exactly in the condition for it."

She wants to go. He wasn't going to leave without her now. "You shouldn't be alone right now, you need something to take your mind off of this. I think a little wining and dining will do the trick."

Rene's head perked up. "Wine?"

"That's right." Alec smiled. He knew she was playing along, but it was more than she would have been willing to do in the minutes before. "Maybe champagne too, if I remember correctly that's something you haven't had in a long time."

"Our wedding."

"Just try to control yourself this time."

Rene stood up from the chair and put the teacup on the center table. "I wasn't that bad at our reception."

"Not that bad?" laughed Alec. He vividly remembered that day. After their reception he wished they had gone with synthehol. "A couple of times I had to stop you from getting up and dancing on the tables."

"That's a lie!" said Rene, pushing Alec on the shoulder. "I would have remembered that."

"You did so, James took holoimages."

Rene scoffed. She was at a loss for words, which was rare for her. She was sure she hadn't done anything that embarrassing. "I want to see those pictures."

"Maybe later. If you're good tonight I'll consider showing you."

"Is that a bribe?" she asked, the pitch of her voice raised.

"I prefer to think of it as an exchange based on mutual gain."

Rene stood silent for a moment, thinking it over. Finally she spoke. "What will I wear?"

Alec looked her up and down, she looked stunning in her red and white dress. "What you have is fine."

"Alec," she said, tilting her head down but keeping her eyes locked on his. "This isn't exactly formal. I'm going to stand out like a Ms. Terran pageant."

"Rene, practically everyone at this reception is going to be in a Starfleet dress uniform. You'll stand out regardless."

"You have a point." said Rene as she headed for the door. "Let's go."

"Whoa, whoa. You might not have to change, but I do." Alec headed for the bedroom, removing his shirt as he entered.

"Well hurry up. I have tables to dance on."

The crew lounge of the Enterprise was a combined galley, bar and recreational area. It was very much like the Ten Forward lounge on her predecessor, named so because it was located at the very front of the saucer section on deck 10. It took some time for the crew to come up with an appropriate name for the lounge. 'Seven Forward' just didn't have the right ring to it. Due to the antique maritime steering wheel that Picard had acquired and displayed on the wall, the crew named it 'The Wheelhouse.'

The selection of food from the buffet table had exquisite delicacies from all over the Alpha Quadrant, and even a few selections from Neelix's Delta Quadrant menu. If there were to be any complaints, it would not be for lack of choice. Normally, Troi would have gone straight for the dessert table, but Riker insisted she have an actual meal. She protested at first but conceded. His argument of 'we're not as young as we used to be' seemed to get across.

Going by the tradition of guests first, Sha'Gra's table was the first to serve itself. Those at her table included Captain Picard, President Ross, ambassadors Jobra and Neelix, and standing behind Sha'Gra's chair were her personal guards. Riker was observing them from another table. He wondered if they ever sat down, or slept. He knew one thing for sure, they were built for protection. Even an armed Jem'Hadar soldier would think twice about attacking one of them, let alone two.

Also dining were delegates from other Federation worlds that had beamed aboard in the previous days. Vulcans, Andorians, Trill, Benzites, Bolians, and Terrans were just some of the species that were coming to witness the signing. All looked excited about the upcoming event. Except the Vulcans of course, they were just better at hiding it.

Once they were reseated, Picard was eager to ask Neelix about the first mission he had as an official ambassador upon Voyager's return from the Delta Quadrant. "Ambassador Neelix, I'm curious." started Picard. "What was it like on Cardassia?"

"Oh, what an experience, Captain." Neelix was clearly affected by his stay on the ravaged planet, and that was not surprising. "After what they had gone through during the closing months of the war, it was a wonder their society was functioning as much as it had been. If not for Damar's rebellion, I don't think they would have had the spirit to stand up to the Dominion."

"That was fortunate for us as well." said President Ross. He had witnessed first had the moment when the Cardassians switched sides, it was during the final hours of the war. "It was because of their help we were able to turn the tide against the Dominion."

"Sadly, their defiance had it's cost." said Neelix grimly. They knew exactly what he meant. They had all seen the images that were taken. City upon city lay in ruins. Upon learning of the mass public uprising, the Founders ordered the devastation of Cardassia and the massacre of the population. In the end, the Jem'Hadar had slaughtered over eight hundred million Cardassians. The death toll was two hundred more than there had been on Earth at the end of World War III. Never before in recorded history had there been such a ruthless display of genocide.

It was ironic that the one who had shown them how to fight back, Colonel Kira Nerys, was one of the countless Bajorans who had been oppressed by them years before only to fight back and free themselves.

The conversation took a much more uplifting direction when President Sha'Gra brought up the summit. Her yellow eyes captivated all those who sat around her at the table. "This is without a doubt the greatest era in the history of my people."

"It would not have happened without your initiative, Madame President." said Jobra. He seemed to be enjoying the Terran fruit salad that he had served himself.

"I just wish all of my people agreed with this decision."

"Am I to understand that there are those who oppose Vesuvia's joining the Federation?" asked Picard.

Sha'Gra sighed and looked towards one of the many windows along the northern wall of the crew lounge. The stars seemed to flying towards them while at warp. The first time she had seen this it frightened her. She had lived on Vesuvia since the day she was born and had never once left the planet. Everything that happened to her upon leaving her planet was a new experience, and she welcomed them all. "Yes, I'm sorry to say. There are certain extremist groups who believe that joining the Federation could mean the end of our civilization." Sha'Gra saw the inquisitive look on Picard's face and continued. "There are some who simply are afraid of change. They believe things are fine the way they are and don't want any outside influence. Then there are those that think the Federation is simply after our dilithium mining planets."

If he hadn't discovered the Federation/Son'a conspiracy to relocate the Ba'ku race a few years ago, Picard would have been surprised and offended at such an accusation. Although he could understand the apprehension that group of Vesuvians was feeling, they were mistaken. The Federation was desperate then, needing an edge in a war unlike one they had ever seen. But now that the war was over, there was no conspiracies.

Picard hadn't even learned about the Vesuvians mining operation until days before it was announced they were joining the union. Apparently they were in possession of the most dilithium rich planets ever recorded. Not only that, their refined dilithium was more efficient. It required less matter and anti-matter to start the reaction inside a warp core. That extended not only a starship's matter/anti-matter supply, but it's dilithium as well. The Federation wouldn't ruin such a prosperous gain with deceit.

"And there is a third group." said Sha'Gra. "They believe that being a member of the Federation will make them a target for the next major power that chooses to pick a fight."

That, to Picard, was the most logical reason for reluctance. Bajor was wise to forego joining the Federation and sign a non-aggression pact with the Dominion. He could only imagine what would have happened to the Bajorans this time. It would have been tragic to have them cast back into the grave from which they so valiantly pulled themselves out of. Countless lives had been spared.

Jobra spoke up. "They are just afraid of what they don't understand. This is beneficial to our world, and in time they'll see that."

"I hope you're right, Jobra." Sha'Gra ate some of the food off her plate before speaking again. "Captain Picard, do you have much experience with Romulans?"

A little more than I'd like to. He knew it would have been inappropriate to say that, although he couldn't help but think it. "I've crossed paths with them periodically in my career. The most recent example being two years ago when we encountered a Warbird violating our space." He remembered that day well, it was just after that his ship wound up in the Delta Quadrant while attempting to retrieve Captain Benjamin Sisko. "I understand you've maintained your trading arrangement with them."

"I felt it would have been unwise to antagonize them by breaking off trade, and to instead see what their reaction would be upon learning they'd be trading with a Federation member. And it's the result that troubles me."

"And what's that?" asked President Ross.

"That they've chosen to continue trading with us." replied Sha'Gra concernedly. "One would think that they'd break off relations once that happened, just as they did with you when the Dominion War was over."

"It could be that they don't want to break off a beneficial trade system." said Neelix. "Or maybe they realize there's nothing to gain from being enemies with the Federation and this is their first step in warming up."

I wish that were the case. Picard knew what Sha'Gra's concern was. And now he shared it. "Or it could be that they're interested in something other than trade."

"That's my fear, Captain."

Picard didn't think the Romulans would be foolish enough to try something against a member world of the Federation, but he'd been wrong in the past. He chose not to think about it right now. This was a joyous time, one that shouldn't be spoiled by dread.

The entrance of two more people into the crew lounge caught Picard's attention. He looked up and saw Alec Wilson and his wife Rene enter with their arms locked together at the elbow. Alec was in his dress uniform, while his wife was in something a little less formal but still appropriate for the evening.

Alec and Rene made their way to the buffet table and began serving themselves. Riker saw the happy couple and motioned them over. "Care to sit down?" he said with a smile.

Alec looked at the two vacant chairs and then looked back at the table which seated Jobra. "Thanks for the offer, Will. But as I recall, you owe the ambassador some stories. I'd hate to be selfish and rob him of a seat."

Riker chuckled as Alec left to join another table. Rene stayed for a moment to talk with Troi before joining her husband. It was about a minute after she left that Riker noticed his Imzadi looking at him. "What?"

"Can't you two ever play nice?"

He smiled. "This is how we play nice."

Already seated at the table Alec chose were Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge and Lieutenant Commander Data. "Good evening, Commander." said his android friend.

"Hey, Data. Geordi."

"How was your visit down on Earth?" asked La Forge.

"Beautiful area. One day when I retire or they kick me out of Starfleet I want to live somewhere like that." Alec stuck a fork into the mashed potatoes he selected from the buffet table. He saw Rene heading for their table. He stood up and the pulled out the chair next to him. "For you, my dear."

Before sitting, she placed her plate on the table and curtsied. "Thank you, kind sir."

"Did you enjoy your visit with your parents, Rene?" asked Data. He had learned over the years that a good conversation starter for humans was asking them about their day. He found it had an 84.2 success rating.

Rene's fork was an inch away from her mouth and stayed there. For a second Alec thought she was going to start crying again, but she didn't. She even managed to fake a smile. "It was an enlightening visit, Data." she said with a polite smile.

Data cocked his head slightly, his emotion chip evoking a twinge of guilt. "Based on your initial reaction to my inquiry, and my own experiences with emotion, I appear to have caused you some discomfort. I apologize."

Rene shook her head and laughed quietly. "It's okay, Data. You didn't know."

"So, Alec." said La Forge in between mouthfuls. "You looking forward to providing security for the summit?"

"It's definitely the biggest job I've had to coordinate, but I'm pretty sure I can take care of it. With the help of the Vesuvian security force we should be able to prevent a Khitomer. Not that anything would happen anyway. It's just a signing summit."

"To use a human saying." said Data. "Bad things happen when you least suspect."

Alec eyed his friend. "I hope you're more optimistic during tonight's poker game. I want to have fun, not be depressed."

"It was not my intention to upset. I was only expressing a possibility."

"A small part of me hopes somebody does try something, just so they can see what they're up against."

"Maybe the Romulans will give you something to do." said La Forge.

"The better enjoy their time in Vesuvian space while they can, because once the deal is done they'll have to use a third party courier for their trading."

"How come?" asked Rene. Not being a Starfleet officer, she wasn't privy to all the political notions that most were. She didn't mind sometimes, it meant she often had less to worry about. Plus, she found it exciting when Alec explained such things.

"Because once Vesuvia joins the Federation the border will be redefined. Their ships won't be allowed to cross the Neutral Zone. Unless they can reach an agreement with the Federation, but I think if they were going to be interested in that they wouldn't have done an about face on us in the first place."

A server walked by the table carrying a tray with full champagne flutes on top. Rene helped herself to one. "Thank you." she said. The server smiled and nodded at her before walking away.

"I'll go get my camera." said Alec.

"Shut up."

After awhile, everyone in the lounge was mingling. There was not one table that didn't seat someone from another. Rene and Troi sat in a corner with their friend, Dr. Beverly Crusher. Just last week, little Sonia came down with a cold. Crusher could not help but be amused by the fact that as far as they've come, despite all the diseases they've cured, there was still no cure for the common cold.

Jobra was sitting at a table alone with Riker, who was putting on his best face to make it seem like he was having a good time. He had already told Jobra about the incidents at Farpoint Station, Dividia II, Aldea and the meeting he had with his double on Nervala IV. The ambassador was captivated by them all. Riker was just tired of telling stories. Tonight's poker game was not near enough. He was about to excuse himself when he saw Alec approaching. "Hey, Al. Care to join us?"

Alec saw the look in Riker's eye. It seemed to dictate that it was more of an order than a request. He leaned down on the table with his left hand and put his right on Riker's shoulder. "I just came over to see if you told the good ambassador about the time you were kidnapped by mercenaries."

A pleasant look of surprise appeared on Jobra's face. "No, he hasn't."

"I was just getting to that." said Riker, just barely maintaining his demeanor.

"Well," said Alec, standing upright again. "My wife needs me. I should go."

"See you at the poker game, Ensign." said Riker flatly, but he didn't think Alec heard him.

"I thought he was a Lieutenant Commander." said a puzzled Jobra.

"Things change."

The reception finally came to an end. Riker had had his fill of diplomatic functions for the time being. For the first time he was dreading the signing summit that was to take place in two days. He had nothing against Vesuvia joining the Federation, he just didn't want to be stuck with Jobra again.

La Forge and Data were the first to arrive for the poker game. They showed up before Alec, who was usually the first to arrive. "Hello, gentleman." said Riker. Troi was already sitting at the table which Riker had just finished preparing. She and Riker had moved in together the previous year, sparking several marriage rumors which Riker quelched immediately.

"Hello again, Commander. Counselor." said Data, his poker hat sticking out from his forehead.

"I see you survived your encounter with Ambassador Jobra." said La Forge with a chuckle.

Riker exhaled. "Just barely. I would have gotten away from him sooner if our chief of security hadn't interfered."

"I swear," said Troi. "This little quarrel of yours is typical of men wanting to recapture their youth."

"Hey, I had a lot of fun as a kid." said Riker, smiling as he sat down.

"I'm sure you did. But you have to grow up sometime."

"Not if I have anything to say about it."

The doors opened, in walked Alec and Crusher. They were laughing about something. "Hey, guys." said Alec, seating himself.

"What's so funny?" asked Troi.

Crusher sat down. "We were talking about the time Sonia put my medical coat and went around sickbay tapping everyone with an empty hypospray."

"I think she has her future careers narrowed down to botany and doctor." said Alec.

"Don't let her rule out counseling." said Troi.

"I'll try, Deanna."

Riker began dealing. Red eights wild, two draws. "What's little James want to be? Twenty."

"He wants to fly the ship while dad shoots bad guys." Alec threw chips into the center and watched while the others did the same.

"Well, if he flies half as good as his namesake I think we're in good hands." said La Forge, eyeing his cards.

"Couldn't agree more." Alec would always carry the demon of his best friend's death. His life hadn't been the same after James was killed. The man had been his friend, partner, brother. Time heals all wounds. I don't have enough time.

The fact that James died was hard enough. But having been there when it happened, watching him die, the image forever burned into his memory, he wondered if it would eventually push him over the edge. Alec focused on the game. "I'll take two."

Riker dealt the appropriate number of cards to those that wanted them and looked at his own. His flush wasn't working this first hand, but he had a pair of kings and a queen, if he could get another queen he'd be in good shape. "So, Alec. I was stuck at that table with Jobra for over an hour. What did I ever do to you?"

Alec lowered his cards from his view and blinked at his friend. "Come back to my quarters for some Romulan Ale and we'll talk about it."

Riker laughed with the others. "Why, Alec. Whatever could you mean?"

Alec put his gaze back on his cards once more. "Do you know how long it took to get the taste of kanar out of my mouth?" He had tried everything to overpower the taste, even some of his private Klingon Bloodwine stock, 2309 vintage. Nothing worked. "Whose bet is it?" Things had started well, he had three queens at the moment and was hoping to get the fourth.

"Fifty." said Riker. He watched who matched the bet. Alec was in, as were Troi and Crusher, but La Forge and Data folded. "Cards?"

"One." Alec picked up his new card. Damn, no queen. Three will have to do.

"Two." said Troi.

"Three." said Crusher, frustrated.

"So, Alec." said Riker. "How about we set up a little wrestling match between you and one of Sha'Gra's guards?"

"How about not." countered Alec. "I've seen a squad of Klingons with less muscle than them. Come back ten years ago when I was single and childless."

Riker was still offset by Alec's occasional brashness. This was not the same Alec Wilson that he had met two years ago. After his experience with the Borg he was more serious, faster to act and slower to joke. They had all expected him to be a changed man Borg but they were hoping it would only be a short time before he was himself again. But that didn't happen. Only in the past few weeks had he started to show more and more of his former self.

He didn't always come to the poker games either, instead choosing to spend the night with his family. Riker tried to imagine how he would act had he been in Alec's position. But it was impossible. Nothing in his life came close to what Alec had endured. Riker looked at the two cards he had dealt himself. No queen, not even another king. Time to bluff. "Twenty. How's the security detail coming, Alec?"

Alec matched the bet, and watched the others match it as well. "I've pretty much got it done. I just need to go over a few things with the Vesuvians once we get there. It's basically just the Vesuvian deployment that I need to work out. My staff has everything down to a tee."

La Forge shifted in his chair. He already knew the outcome of this first hand. "I wonder what the head of Starfleet security thinks about you being in charge of this."

Alec shrugged. "Maybe he welcomes the break."

"Or maybe he thinks you're after his job." said Crusher. "This could be Starfleet's way of seeing if you're up to it."

"He can keep it, I couldn't deal with a desk job. I'd get too bored."

"You and me both, Alec." said Riker.

"So when are you going to quit stalling and show us your cards?" asked Alec.

There's the Alec I met two years ago. Riker sighed and lay down his measly pair of kings. Alec chuckled and put down three queens. Wouldn't have gotten another queen no matter how many times I hit. Troi exhaled happily and showed her hand. Two kings and two red eights, four of a kind equivalent. Crusher had four of a kind as well, but not enough to beat Troi's. Riker at least had the satisfaction of knowing that while Alec had beaten him he had still lost the hand.

"I knew you were bluffing." said Alec.

"You had my cards."

After a long day, Alec finally came home for the night. As he entered his quarters he wondered why his children weren't there. The answer made him laugh. He had forgotten they had left Sonia and James on Earth. Wonder how many times I'm going to do that. On the nearest sofa was James' teddy bear. It was his son's favorite possession, one which he took everywhere. Poor kid, he probably misses it.

Alec walked to the replicator. "Romulan A-" He stopped himself from making a mistake. He hadn't yet corrected the adjustment that Riker had made to his replicator. "Saurian Brandy." Alec held up the glass. "Here's to you, old friend" He toasted his friend, James. Saurian Brandy was his favorite. Alec looked around once more. Usually Rene was waiting with the kids when he returned from the poker game but he didn't see her.

He went into the bedroom and saw her sleeping soundly. The events of the day along with her champagne intake had taken their toll on her. Leaning down, he stroked her hair and kissed her on the forehead.

Rene's eyes battered open and she looked up at him, a smile on her face. "Sleeping Beauty isn't done sleeping yet." she said.

"Didn't mean to wake you."

"That's okay. How'd you do tonight?"

"Could have done better." Alec sat down on the bed and removed his boots. "I think Deanna is more empathic than she leads us to believe." Alec leaned forward, held his face in his hands and sighed. It had been a long day.

Rene reached over and rubbed Alec on the back. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Alec removed his face from his hands and turned to Rene. "I guess I'm just more stressed than I thought."

She sat up and started massaging his shoulders. "I'd be surprised if you weren't. You said yourself that this is the biggest job you've ever done."

He was more worried about what the officials would think of his performance than his performance itself. He wasn't after a promotion to Head of Starfleet security but he still wanted his superiors to be impressed. The shoulder rub was helping, he started to relax. "I'm pushing myself too hard."

Rene moved closer and started massaging down Alec's back. She then leaned forward and gently kissed his neck. She knew that was his spot. "Well, Dr. Wife has a remedy for that."

Goosebumps worked their way in a wave around Alec's skin. The kids aren't here, what the hell. "Well, I guess I have to fellow doctor's orders then."

Everything was dark. Alec couldn't see a thing. But he heard whispers, so many whispers. They came from the jet black void that surrounded him. The dark seemed to be seeping into him, enveloping his soul. "Who's there?" More whispers were all that answered. In his hand was his katana, the familiar feel of the handle held tightly. Alec walked forward on a ground that he could not see. He did not know where he was but this place felt familiar, and it scared him.

Something brushed by him, but he could not see it. He spun around to face whatever was there with him in the darkness. There was nothing. Slowly, ever so slowly, the area began to light up. He was again hit by familiarity of his surroundings. In the center of the room was a platform with clasps at the bottom of top, someone was meant to be held there. All around the room were odd computer terminals, some with even odder looking mechanical men standing before them. Borg. They were Borg drones. He couldn't move, but it wasn't out of fear. His limbs would just not work.

A woman entered the room through a doorway at the foot of a ramp. She was also Borg. And she struck a terror in Alec that was more than he thought was humanly possible. He walked backwards away from her, but he only moved closer. He stopped moving his legs, but closer still he went. A cruel, twisted smile was on her face, one of pure evil. Alec's arms both now gripped his sword, and they were rising over his head beyond his control. With all his will he could not stop. The closer he came to her the higher his sword went. When he was next to her, the sword came down.

Everything was dark again. He heard a scream, a man's scream. Then his hands were warm. His sword slipped out of his hands and landed with a clang on the ground. The room began to light up again. He looked at his hands, they were red with blood, as were the blade and handle of his sword. Lying facedown on the ground in front of him was a body, only not of the Borg woman.

Alec walked over to the form, there was a bloody wound on its back. Whoever it was wore a Starfleet uniform. He grabbed the body by the shoulder and rolled it over onto its back. It was James.

James' eyes flew open. "Why Alec? Why did you kill me?"

With his time in the dreamworld at an end, Alec sat up in bed drenched in sweat. His recurring nightmare had been haunting him for some time. He had always felt guilty for not having done more to save James, but he knew he was not the one who had killed him. Apparently there was a part of him that bore that responsibility.

The soft touch of Rene's bare skin hugging him gave him a start. He embraced her back and began to cry. He loved her so much and promised himself he would never let anything happen to her or his children.

"Are you okay?" Rene felt stupid for asking that question, but she couldn't think of anything else to say. Of course he's not.

Alec heard the question but did not answer. He just sat there and held Rene knowing that she asked it out of love and compassion rather than curiosity. He knew he had to do something if he were to be rid of the demon that haunted his mind, and it would have to be soon.