Chapter 23

Rekindling

When Tomalak came aboard the Enterprise in shackles he had an audience of four watching while Alec escorted him to the brig. Rene, Ty'brel, Sha'Gra, and Dante, none wanted to miss the opportunity to see the one who held them captive learn what it felt like. Picard had a very strong urge to do so as well but his inner captain overruled his inner child. Taking part in such a thing was not the best way to set an example for the crew. Although he did tell Alec to convey his personal regards to Sela and Tomalak.

Once the overcrowded brig of the Defiant had been emptied and the prisoners transferred to the Enterprise, Picard opened a subspace channel to Admiral Nechayev and gave her a partial update. He told her only of the defeat of Tomalak and Sela but with a promise to include everything else in his formal report.

"I'm sending a towing vessel with the U.S.S. Thunderchild as an escort." said Nechayev over the comline. With her full blond hair and fresh looking face, she looked far younger than her sixty years.

"And the data within should provide us with a way to create a defense against their dilithium weapon."

Nechayev nodded in agreement. "There two Warbirds represent the greatest technological find since Captain Sisko and his crew recovered the Jem'Hadar Attack Ship."

Picard's mind dwelled on something and he could not rid it from his thoughts. "Admiral, what is to become of Commander Wilson?"

Whether she was pleased or angry, Admiral Nechayev always had a stone-faced expression that she had no doubt spent countless hours practicing before a mirror. It was the perfect poker face, which made it impossible to determine her attitude. "I was hoping to wait until after the Vesuvian festivities to inform you, Jean-Luc. When the Enterprise has returned to Earth, Commander Wilson will be subject to a formal hearing, and pending the results of that hearing possibly a court martial."

Frustrated, Picard shifted in his chair. "With all due respect, Admiral, Commander Wilson was the key figure in uncovering the conspiracy and saving the Federation; possibly the Alpha Quadrant."

For the first time in their current conversation, Nechayev displayed a revealing expression. She seemed to show regret. "This must be done, Jean-Luc. Ninety-five years ago, Admiral James T. Kirk and his crew disobeyed a superior officer, sabotaged the U.S.S. Excelsior, stole the U.S.S. Enterprise, and destroyed her. Months later they returned to Earth to find a prove in orbit of Earth, threatening to destroy it. Subsequent events allowed them to save the planet, but they were still required to stand before a court for the crimes they had committed."

It was a similar match to Alec's situation. He had been relieved of duty, he had struck a fellow officer, sabotaged the ship, caused a potentially dangerous fire, stolen a shuttlecraft, and subsequently destroyed it. Although a shuttle was easily replaceable commodity, it had still been willfully destroyed Federation property.

Picard knew the story of Kirk stealing the Enterprise. He also knew the second part. During the hearing they faced, all charges were dropped except one. Kirk was charged with disobeying a superior officer and reduced in rank to captain. It was a reward moreso than a punishment. Picard only hoped that Alec was so lucky whatever ruling came his way.

"I formally request to perform as Commander Wilson's defensive council."

Nechayev smiled warmly. The sincerity in it was unmistakable. "I had a feeling you would. Permission granted, Captain. I would suggest having Presidents Ty'brel and Sha'Gra speak in his defense as well."

The testimonies of two such influential people in the Vesuvian government would do wonders in having Alec's hearing dismissed. "I have a feeling they would have insisted without my interference, Admiral."

"I wouldn't worry about this hearing too much, Jean-Luc."

"I hadn't planned on it."

"Good." she smiled once more. "See you back at Earth."

Picard sat back in his chair and sighed as Nechayev's image disappeared on his terminal and was replaced with the shield of the United Federation of Planets. He had no doubt that Admiral Nechayev would assist in Alec's case. And having President Ross on board the Enterprise didn't hurt.

"Picard to Commander Wilson, please report to my ready room."

"You're starting to look like Unca Will, Daddy." said little James on the wall screen.

Alec laughed and rubbed his hand over his week old bear. He kind of liked it. And he suspected Rene did too.

He and Rene almost burst into tears when they saw their excited children via subspace channel they knew Sonia and James were okay, but they wouldn't have been able to go another second without talking to them. A week was long enough.

"James," said Alec. "What was it that Thumper's mother told him?"

"Ummm." said the young boy. "'If you can't say nothing nice, don't say nothin' at all.'"

"Good man."

"Alec." said a smirking Rene.

"What?" Alec smiled back. He couldn't resist taking a shot at his friend and commanding officer.

Sonia appeared and pushed James away. Alec and Rene could hear the young boy grunt off screen as he hit the floor. "Mommy, Daddy, when are you coming to get us?"

The two parents shared a collective relief that their daughter had not used the word 'home.' "In a few days, Sonia."

"But that's what you said before." said Sonia with a pout. It was a perfect duplication of the one Rene used on Alec. Their daughter was learning.

"Some bad men wouldn't let us come, Sonia." said Alec. "But they won't come this time."

"Did you beat 'em up, Daddy?" said James excitedly off screen.

"Shhh. Quiet!" said Sonia.

"Yes, James." chuckled Alec. He had almost forgotten how much joy being a father brought him. He could feel the tears welling behind his eyes. "Daddy beat them up."

"Ahem." said Rene, jabbing Alec in the ribs. She was no doubt referring to the 'clawing' she gave Tasmith's face. "You weren't the only one, Mister."

Sonia's mouth practically hung open. "You beat somebody up, Mommy?"

Alec let Rene have her moment. "She sure did."

"Whoa, cool!" James popped back into view, almost knocking over Sonia. The two children got involved in a pushing match. An unintelligible voice off screen made them stop. "Yes, Gramma." said James. "Gramma says no dessert if we keep fighting. Dinner's ready."

"You two should go wash up then." said Alec. He didn't want to cry but he didn't want to cry either. "We'll be home before you can say 'Enterprise.'"

"Okay." said James with a little pout of his own as he put his hand on the screen. "I love you, Mommy. Love you, Daddy." said the twins in unison.

Alec and Rene both put their hands on the screen. "We love you too." they said almost in unison. Maybe it was something only twins could do.

"Go on." said the familiar, cheery voice of Rene's mother. "Wash up before it gets cold. Grandpa and I need to talk to Mom and Dad."

"Okay, Gramma." said the kids as they went off screen.

Kate stood in front of the screen and was immediately taken aback at Alec's appearance. "Oh my goodness, Alec. I almost didn't recognize you. It suits you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Mi- I mean, Kate." He managed to stop himself before she frowned at him. "I'm thinking about keeping it but a certain first officer might think I was trying to copy him."

"Let him." said Rene as she stroked the right side of his face.

"Before we have dinner," said Kate. "Steven wanted to say something."

Rene's father stood next to his wife. He looked almost sheepish. "Glad to see you're both alright."

"Thank you, sir."

Steven cleared his throat before speaking again. He was clearly uncomfortable. "Before you left, I said some things that were uncalled for. When word got around that you had assassinated President Sha'Gra and had gone off with my daughter or some vendetta I felt justified in what I had said. I thought 'there he goes, proving me right.' But then, we all found out what was truly going on. And that you, my boy, had saved all our butts. I had never felt so ashamed. I just wanted you to know, that I'm sorry, and proud to have you as my son."

It was now Alec that was taken aback. "I don't know what to say, sir. Thank you."

Steven nodded. "No, thank you."

"We'll see you soon, Daddy." said Rene, who was more surprised than Alec to hear two words in particular come out of her father's mouth. It could not have been easy for him to do that.

"See you soon, Rene. I'm going to relax after dinner with a cup of coffee."

"Crisis is over, Steven." said Kate. "It's back to tea for you."

"Awww, Kate."

Alec and Rene were laughing as the comchannel closed. They hoped to have a relationship as strong as her parents' when they got to be that age. They had many years to go and were more than willing to give it a try. But Alec knew one thing: He wasn't going to give up coffee.

"How long is this hearing going to take when we get back?" asked Rene as she stepped away from the screen and took a seat on the sofa.

"I'm not sure." said Alec as he took a seat next to her. "But I wouldn't worry about it. Captain Picard said it's just a formality."

Rene blinked several times before sitting up. "This past week you've worried about getting court martialed. Now you say you're not?"

Alec smirked and shook his head. His meeting with Captain Picard told me that if they dismiss me from the service he'll tender his resignation."

She sat fully upright with wide eyes. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," said Alec, whose smirk had turned into a victorious grin. "And so is he. He plans to let them know that too."

"What if they still dismiss you?"

"They wouldn't." he shook his head. "They wouldn't risk losing the greatest starship captain of the past century. Not considering all he can do the day he accepts admiralcy."

"Are you going for brownie points?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Just telling it like it is." said Alec. "Princess."

"I knew it!"

The U.S.S. Thunderchild came and went. The towing vessels successfully secured the Warbirds in their tractor beams and made the jump to warp. There was some hull degradation in the hull of Sela's ship, but power units were beamed over and secured to increase power to the structural integrity field. The captain of the Thunderchild was also kind enough to take on the Romulan prisoners that were growing increasingly impatient in the brigs of the Enterprise. Picard was relieved to finally have them off the ship.

The mighty, groundshaking roar of the Vesuvian crowd filled the main hall of the Presidential Forum as Sha'Gra stepped into view from the lounge. Behind her walked President Ross and Ambassadors Neelix and Jobra, followed by the senior staff of the Defiant, then the senior staff of the Emissary, and finally the senior staff of the Enterprise. The joy and excitement of finding out Sha'Gra was alive was clearly not limited to a small group. Rumour was the hall was filled beyond capacity with citizens eager to hear their alive and well president speak.

Ty'brel had tried to convince Sha'Gra to speak in a less public viewing but she had adamantly refused. She was not afraid, and did not want to give any indication to the contrary.

While the Starfleet officers took their seats in front of the podium, she stood behind it in awe of her reception. She could feel her face get warm and could only imagine what shade of purple her cheeks were turning. No attempt on her behalf was made to hide her embarrassment. She was overwhelmed to the point of not caring.

Once the crowd's exuberance had subsided she began her speech which was surprisingly well delivered considering it had been ad-libbed. Sha'Gra felt that anything she wrote down to say wouldn't have sounded right, which led her to the conclusion that the only way for it to come across as honest and heartfelt was to let the words flow during the heat of the moment. Judging by the response from the crowd afterwards it proved to be the right decision. She talked about her experience with the Romulans and made it clear that their trading agreement was officially over. There was absolutely no opposition whatsoever to her decision.

Sha'Gra's effect on the crowd almost seemed to border on hypnotic. It was similar to a snake charmer willing his cobra along with his music. Alec was curious to see if the crowd would sway along with her as she moved.

"I can only hope you show as much appreciation for our special guests here today." she said as she smiled at the Starfleet officers. The heat was finally leaving her face as the attention would shortly be off of her. "My special guests here today have earned a special place in my heart. If not for them it would have been the end of everything. They risked their lives so that we could continue living ours. Please show your appreciation to Captain Kathryn Janeway and the crew of the U.S.S. Emissary."

The redheaded captain arose from her seat to thunderous applause. Her officers followed suit after first letting her get the acclaim that came with the position. Janeway could not but be reminded of the ovation she received upon returning home from the Delta Quadrant. Now she could add another accomplishment to her already dignified list.

"Secondly," began Sha'Gra once more. "Captain Benjamin Sisko and the crew of the U.S.S. Defiant."

Sisko stood reluctantly. He did not care much for the spotlight. But he accepted the attention in light of the scope of his involvement. He along with his fellow captains played a crucial part in the saving of Vesuvia and the Alpha Quadrant. It was something for which he could always be proud. And he had a feeling that Bashir and Nog were loving every second of it, especially the young Ferengi.

"You all know the next group of people." said Sha'Gra eagerly when the ovation subsided. "From what I've read, it seems that whenever someone or something is threatening the Alpha Quadrant, this ship and crew are there to put an end to it. Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise."

The applause that greeted Picard and his crew were rivaled only by that which had met Sha'Gra upon her appearance. While his officers clearly had no problem with the glory he was a little uncomfortable with the amount of praise being lavished upon them. The defeat of Sela and Tomalak and the saving of Vesuvia was a collective effort between the three crews. No one ship, or two ships for that matter, could have achieved anything without the third and neither deserved more praise than the other. He just hoped that history would remember it that way.

The applause subsided and everyone within the forum waited for Sha'Gra to speak again. She was standing with her hands behind her back and a bemused smile on her face. "The man I am about to bring up is a personal hero to everyone in this hall and on this planet. After my 'death,' a good number of you branded him a murderer."

Alec's head snapped towards the podium. Oh no. I don't want to go up there.

"But because he risked his career to track down those responsible he exposed a traitor, rescued me, uncovered the real enemy, and put an end to a threat to everyone."

Nononononononononono.

"We owe him a debt that can never be repaid, but today we will do our best to show him our thanks. Lieutenant Commander Alec Wilson of the Enterprise, come up and be acknowledged."

Alec was hesitant to move but several annoying pokes and prods from his fellow officers drove him to head for the stage. It felt as if he could feel gusts of air coming from each individual clap. He took a deep breath as he neared the podium. He was embraced in a hug by Sha'Gra and heard her say 'thank you' in his ear. The ovation only grew louder as she placed something around his neck. He looked down and saw a necklace very similar in style to Jobra's bracelet and Sha'Gra's pendant. There was a difference though: The decoration of the necklace was the Starfleet insignia. He loved it. It was unfortunate the uniform code forbid such things.

He leaned in towards her. "Is it alright if I go back to me seat? I'm not much one for this much attention." He spoke in a tone he hoped was the exact opposite of offensive.

"Of course." she said with a laugh. "I understand."

Alec returned to his seat as quickly as politeness would allow him. It was interesting that just a week ago the Vesuvian population wanted him torn limb from limb, yet now they greeted him with open arms. We used to be no better as a race. Maybe we're not so different after all.

"Moving on," said Sha'Gra. "President Ross, Captain Picard, could you come up here, please?"

Albeit confused, Picard and Ross made their way up to the podium. Sha'Gra had informed them of her intention to present Alec with a gift, but whatever she intended now was not known to the two of them. There was no ignoring the proud smile on her face.

"Is that charter still available for signing?" she asked, her smile as bright as a sun.

A collective murmur spread throughout the arena, including the Starfleet officers. Sha'Gra's proclamation was obviously a complete surprise to everyone, even Jobra, whom she told everything. The murmurs became shouts of approval that escalated into applause.

"Of course." said Ross with a smile. "We'll have someone beam with it immediately."

Picard proudly tapped his combadge. "Picard to Enterprise, please have someone beam down with Vesuvia's Federation charter."

The on duty bridge officer replied immediately. "Sir, there's already someone in the transporter room. Apparently they've been waiting there for a few minutes."

Picard glanced at Sha'Gra, who looked back slyly. She had planned it. "Energize." he said.

Silence enveloped the arena as a figure materialized nearby the podium. Holding the hollow tubing which contained the rolled up charter was Rene Wilson. She was wearing a black shoulder to ankle evening gown. It was slit up the sides up to her knees and accentuated her figure a little more than Alec preferred given the setting. It was provocative yet incredibly classy at the same time. He knew she had done it for his benefit. It was logical to assume that if Sha'Gra had gone as far to have the charter signing go on, she had arranged to have it broadcast as it would have been before. The billions of people watching will know this incredibly woman is mine.

Rene stepped towards the podium and opened the tube, removing the charter and unrolling it onto the podium surface. She handed President Ross a pen before taking her place beside Captain Picard. "Here you go, Mr. President."

"Thank you, Mrs. Wilson." said Ross as he smiled and took the pen. He took his time to neatly sign his name at the bottom of the document. Despite what happened the previous week it was not something to rush through. He wanted to savour the moment as long as he could.

Ross blew onto the ink before handing the pen over to Sha'Gra. Her hand had a slight tremble to it but she steadied it before putting the pen to paper. She had been waiting for this moment for so long and now that it had finally arrived she could scarcely believe it. There was no doubt in her mind. With people like those aboard the three ships that aided her planet, the Federation was an entity she wanted her people to be a part of.

She had signed her name without realizing it. It was finally done. A new era for her people had now begun.

"President Sha'Gra." said Ross, extending his hand. "Welcome to the Federation."

Whatever Sha'Gra said to Ross in return could not be heard over the roar of the crowd. She laughed to herself as she took Picard's hand next and finally embraced Rene in a hug. Sha'Gra further enraptured the crowd when she gently picked up the charter and held it over her head. The applause continued as she rolled up the document and inserted it back into the tube.

The celebration continued in a more casual atmosphere in the crew lounge aboard the Enterprise. There wasn't a face without a smile to be seen, except for Lieutenant Commander Tuvok. Although they were still formally dressed, everyone was much more relaxed with the ceremony being completed.

Things were just getting started on Vesuvia. Now that they planet was an official member there was much work to be done. Embassies would have to be built, ambassadors assigned, and facilities to accommodate the permanent Starfleet presence which would eventually be there. There was a previously proposed starbase already in the works as well as outposts on nearby habitable worlds. In keeping with Vesuvian wishes, the locations of the mining planets would only be divulged to the highest ranking members of the Federation and Starfleet so that no outside powers could harvest the worlds for themselves.

The Vesuvian Defense Force would be assimilated into Starfleet which would no doubt prove to be a challenge for the men and women who were so used to the rules and conditions to which they had grown accustomed. Given the young age of the majority of them it would be a challenge for Starfleet to grant appropriate ranks. Change was never easy.

Ty'brel was particularly enthusiastic. To be among friends and colleagues that he never expected to look upon again was the ultimate boost in morale. He was eager to resume his political career if he was able. With his friend as president he expected little difficulty.

Neelix spent all the time he could catching up with his friends from the Emissary before he went back to Earth with the Enterprise. They were eager to hear about his experience on Cardassia. Although they found it odd that the Federation would give him such a high profile and difficult first assignment. The reason they decided on was that it be a good test of his diplomatic prowess. And seeing as how he spent the better part of eighteen months on the destruction laden planet, their choice was a good one.

And despite numerous complaints in the past, his cooking was missed.

The three starship captains raised their glasses to the fallen crew of the U.S.S. Falcon, hopefully the only starship casualty. None of them knew Captain Anderson very well, but Sisko had commanded him in battle fleets during the Dominion War. He had been impressed with the performance of both ship and crew. Starfleet would no doubt feel the loss of such a dedicated and capable captain.

"So, Captain Sisko," said Picard. "I understand you'll be returning to the Founders' homeworld."

Sisko nodded as he placed his drink on the table. It would be the first time he had journeyed to the Gamma Quadrant since before the end of the war. "'Bringing the chicken home to roost,' so to speak. I can't even imagine what kind of change it will be for Dante. One can only hope he isn't disappointed. But if it's anything similar to the experience the Constable had I can see him being quite happy. And with Odo as his guide he won't be easily corrupted."

"Still," continued Janeway. "Commander Wilson took a risk in trusting him. Dante could have very easily been a Romulan plant."

"Nothing great was ever achieved without risk." said Picard, who, thanks to a timeline created by Q, learned that he would have been a very different man had he not taken certain risks in his youth.

"I think it's safe to say that nobody at this table made their careers by playing it safe." added Sisko.

There was no denying the accuracy of Sisko's words. Admiral John Harriman once shared a piece of advice with Picard, who had it passed on to him by Captain James T. Kirk on the Enterprise-B's maiden voyage. Kirk had told him that 'risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that chair.' Picard drank from his glass and paid a silent tribute to all the late, great Starfleet officers who had contributed to the safety and security of his beloved Federation.

Across the room, Alec and Rene laughed and drank at a table with their friends from Deep Space Nine. They were all very pleased and proud of what he had done the past week. An added bonus was that there were no lasting repercussions or ill will on Vesuvia.

"Where's Dante now?" asked Bashir.

"He's regenerating in some quarters." replied Alec. Rene was playing footsie with him under the table.

"He should be here." said Kira. "We wouldn't have defeated Tomalak without him."

"I don't think he'd like all the attention." said Rene. "He's the shy type."

So was Odo. Kira was growing steadily more nervous about returning to the Founders' homeworld. She hadn't seen Odo in two years and she desperately wanted him to return to Deep Space Nine. But she accepted the fact it could take years for Odo's work to be done and for him to return. There was little she felt she had to offer that could compete with the pull of the Great Link. But there was some comfort in the fact that when he did return, even when he was an old woman and he still appeared the same as when he left, he would love her no less than before.

"Commander," said Bashir, a curious smile on his face. "There's something I was wondering about. Were you planning on walking for the rest of your life as a Bajoran."

Alec touched his wrinkled nose to the sound of laughter. He had completely forgotten about the surgical alterations that Bashir had made. As had Rene forgotten about the Trill spots that had been added to her face and neck.

"I'll see Beverly when she's free."

"I think it suits you." commented Kira.

"I'm sure it does." said Alec. "But I'm wondering what everyone that was watching the newsnets is going to think. I'm not sure anyone at the hearing will be very impressed. I need to see Beverly anyway. My nose took more than a few hits."

"All things considered," said Dax. "You're in better shape than Commander Jones was."

"I left him in better shape than he deserved to be. What did Tasmith do to him?"

Bashir answered. "He had some slight bruising around his esophagus, and a torn septum."

"That's nothing compared to what Captain Sisko did." said Nog. "I've never heard him yell at a senior officer like that before. I'm just glad that he was transferred off the station."

"Was it to a garbage scow?" asked Rene, whose question drew several chuckles. She didn't bear her teeth very often, but everyone could feel her bite whenever she did.

"No," replied Kira. "The captain contacted Chancellor Martok and got him to agree to take part in some Starfleet exchange program. Martok's got him working security on some penal asteroid called 'Rura Penthe.'"

Alec almost coughed out his wine. "Now there's an interesting idea." he said with a wide grin. It was good to see that poetic justice still existed in some form. "So, does that mean Captain Sisko is in the market for a new chief of security?"

One by one their heads perked up as he planted the idea in their heads. But none of them had the chance to address it as President Sha'Gra approached their table. Everyone at the table arose as she neared.

"Oh, please sit. I'm not one for formality. Commander," she said to Alec. "May I speak to you a moment?"

What's this about? "Of course. Excuse me, everyone."

Sha'Gra led him to an empty area of the lounge. She had business in her eyes. "My world is going to change, Commander. Things are going to happen that are likely beyond my understanding and I'm afraid I'll be swept away by its current. I'm going to need someone who can help me with the Federation side of things. And as recent events have dictated, I'm going to need a new head of security. Your actions over the past few days have impressed me and my people greatly. I'm officially asking if you would be interested in being my Starfleet liaison and head of security."

I did not see this coming. Alec nearly took a step back. What had been offered to him was a truly unique opportunity for discovery, as well as a shift in career that he had not considered. It was a far more significant change than Deep Space would present, and a much more difficult adjustment.

"Madame President," began Alec politely. "I am going to need some time to think about this and discuss it with my family. I have a lot to think about right now as it is."

Sha'Gra gave a passive but polite wave of her hand. "I understand. An answer is not needed right away. I'm aware of the hearing you're going to face. And I want you to know that I'll be speaking in your defense. And if for some reason you are dismissed from Starfleet, I would still like to employ your services. I may now be a Federation citizen, but they do not choose my staff for me."

"Thank you, Madame President." said Alec. "I give you my guarantee that after the hearing is concluded and I know what Starfleet decides to do with me that I'll give your offer serious thought."

"That's all I ask." Sha'Gra said with a smile and a nod. "I'll leave you to your friends."

"Madame President." said Alec, bidding farewell for the time being and returning to his table.

Sha'Gra proceeded to the table that seated the three Starfleet captains. They rose as they saw her approaching, much to her chagrin. "Please sit. I think I've outgrown protocol for the night."

"Please have a seat, Madame President." said Picard as he reseated himself. "Are you enjoying the festivities?"

"Very much, Captain." she replied, taking the chair next to Janeway. "I'd like to thank you for the use of your ship tonight."

"Oh, think nothing of it. I just-"

"Data to Captain Picard."

"Go ahead, Mr. Data."

"Captain, Admiral Nechayev wishes to inform you that if we intend to return to Earth in time for the hearing we must depart immediately."

Picard sighed reluctantly. "Understood, Commander." There were times he hated admirals, even the ones he liked. "Lay in a course for Earth and engage as soon as all our guests have beamed down."

"Aye, sir."

Picard turned to Sha'Gra. "Madame President, I understand you'll be returning with us to Earth."

"Yes. I'll be speaking at Commander Wilson's hearing."

"Very good. We've arranged some quarters for you. If you wish, I can have someone take you there shortly."

"Thank you, Captain." said Sha'Gra as she excused herself from the table. "Someone has to let my people know the part is coming to a close."

"If you don't mind, Captain." began Sisko. "I think it's time my crew and I returned to the Defiant."

"Good to work with you, Captain." said Picard as he turned to the venerable captain and extended his hand. "Safe journey back to Deep Space Nine."

"Oh, we're not returning to the station." said Sisko as he took Picard's firm hand. "We're going to Earth. There's a hearing I need to speak at."

"Captain Janeway?" inquired Picard, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. She was smirking.

"My ship needs a new weapons pod." she said as her eyes aimed upward. "As I recall, McKinley station is in orbit of Earth."

The loyalty that Picard was witnessing in these two captains was what Starfleet was all about and it made him proud to be part of the two century old institution.

He eyed his peers with an everlasting respect. "Then I shall see you both back at Earth."

Alec returned to the crew lounge hours after the festivities had ended. Until he was returned to full active duty he had all the free time he could spare. For the first time in a week he was able to sit back and relax for the night without looking over his back for some bounty hunter or Romulan sneaking in for the kill. That and knowing his wife was safe once more would let him sleep easy.

Though he was not the only one there, several officers were conversing at nearby tables, it was still the most peaceful environment he could hope for, which was exactly what he needed. Background chatter and laughter was far more soothing than ambient computer noises. He looked ahead at the main viewport of the lounge. If he used his imagination enough, he almost felt as if he was the very tip of the bow, standing outside among the stars as they flew towards him.

He had been thinking about Sha'Gra's offer. It was tempting, he could not deny that. To delve into an alien world such as he was faced with was what Starfleet officers dreamed about. Yet he was hesitant. He remembered what Bru'Dan had told him about their education system and social structure. If he and Rene were not parents he might jump at the chance, but Vesuvia was not the place to raise two human children.

With the testimonies of everyone he knew on his side, he and Rene would be remaining on the Enterprise for awhile yet.

"Mind if we join you?" came a familiar voice behind him.

Alec held his synthale at mouth level as he turned to see Commander Riker, with Lieutenant Edwards at his side. He pointed at the seats in front of him just adjacent the window. "Feel free."

Riker and Edwards sat down, each in their standard uniforms and a each with a drink in hand.

"Just getting off duty?" asked Alec as he noticed their weariness.

"And not a moment too soon." commented Riker. The first officer ran his hand down his face as he positioned himself comfortably. "What a long day."

"I had enough diplomacy to last a lifetime." said Edwards as he eased back into his chair. "I'll be happy when you're back to active duty, Commander."

Alec took a sip from his drink and shook his head. "Well suck it up, John."

"Enjoying your time off?" chuckled Riker.

"Yes. And I plan to enjoy every second of it up until the hearing."

Edwards leaned forward and set his drink on the table. "Rumour has it you have quite a few people on your side."

Riker drank from his synthale. "Captain Picard, Captain Sisko, Captain Janeway, President Sha'Gra, even President Ross."

"I can't believe the support I'm getting. I only have two days to get ready."

Alec didn't notice the ambient sound level grow quieter. Nor did he notice Riker's gaze shift to the door and the chatters become nervous murmurs.

"Actually," said Edwards, who hadn't noticed either. "Two and a half. We're rendezvousing with another ship to transfer some passengers from Vesuvia."

"Passengers?" asked Alec. "What passengers?"

Rapid footsteps came up behind Alec and before he could turn to see who was nearing him a strong hand grabbed his shoulder. "Human pahtk!"

Oh, crap.