Location: Federation Outpost Deep Space Nine.

Year: 2374

Sat alone at the bar in Quark's, she observed the word passing by with a hint of sadness at knowing that it all could end at any moment while the deadly enemy, the Dominion made its plans for galactic conquest. Slowly, she reached for the almost empty glass at her side while a shadow passed over her as the annoying bar owner stopped once more at her side.

"Perhaps I could interest you in something else?" He said as seductively as possible.

"Look, sir! I've told you twice already. Leave me alone please. I am waiting for someone" She smiled slightly.

"Well from my point of view, you've been stood up… now, I could offer you…"

Slowly turning to face him, she kept her emotions closely hidden as she spoke once more. "Kindly remove your hand from my buttocks, or you will not be able too use it again"

"Are you sure… I could offer you something…"

Smiling slightly, she reached towards his hand, with her thumb and forefinger, she squeezed tightly as she lifted his hand from her body as he yelped with pain while she spoke calmly and softly.

"I will not tell you again Mister… Your attention is not welcome, am I clear?"

"Yes!" He gasped in pain.

"Thank you sir… ahh here he is!"

Releasing the Ferengi from her grip, she stood and dusted off her trousers while a tall Klingon walked towards her, much too the dissatisfaction of the Ferengi almost curled up in pain on the floor at her feet.

"What is it about him?" Quark groaned too himself.

"Worf. It is good to see you again!" She smiled widely.

"Miss Cole" He nodded with pride.

"Why so formal? After everything, where is that hug?"

"Has HE been bothering you?" Worf nodded towards the wounded Quark.

"He's harmless. Let's get a table, we have a lot of catching up to do. Ohh… Quark, please be kind enough too refresh my drink and what ever mister Worf drink… that table in the corner, if you wouldn't mind"

Moving towards the table, the two seemingly friends sat down as Quark held his wrist in pain while he shuffled towards the bar.

"I trust the war has gone well for the Son of Mogh?"

"I can not complain" He said firmly.

"Don't hide behind your warrior pose for me… how are you doing?"

"I am fine!" He said with pride.

"Worf, I know you good enough, You lost your house… everything. Sorry it took so long to get here, I've been… very busy" She smiled.

"I understand. Is this why you are here, my… family problems?"

"Worf… a joke? I sense progress my friend" She mocked slightly.

Location: Federation Starship USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D

Year: 2371

She awoke from his centuries old slumber, her eyes adjusted too the light as he blinked rapidly from the shock of usage, although 400 years had passed, her body had healed itself from the injuries sustained. Words became meaningless as her hearing fought the multitude of sound exploding around her, until one single voice caught her attention, the calm soothing words of the beautiful female doctor looking down upon her as the doctor spoke.

"Can you hear me? Come on, one, come on… focus!"

She blinked once as if tin response to question as the feeling returned too her fingers and toes and her vision focused on the amazingly beautiful woman looking down upon her.

"Captain, she's awake"

"Wh… where, where am I?" She said with a weak voice.

"Relax, you are safe. Can you move?" Replied the doctor with a soothing voice..

"Y-Yes… I can… F-Feel my fingers and toes, who-who are you?"

"I am a doctor, My name is Beverly, Beverly Crusher… you are onboard the USS Enterprise. We found your vessel drifting in space. Do you know your name? what is your name?"

"Alison, my name is Alison… Where am I? how long have…"

Once again, the long darkness claimed her, although the last thing she saw as her vision faded was the sight of four men carefully holding what appeared to be a large weapon of some kind.

An explosion of sound filled her ears once more as her eyes darted open, only to be hurt by the light which flooded her eyes as she clamped them closed until finally she opened them slowly only to be greeted by a creature the likes of which she had never before seen. Acting purely upon instinct, her legs swung off the platform she was laid upon and grabbed the creature by the throat with all the power she could muster as fear gave way the natural urge of self defence. Her muscles ached as she lifted the creature from his feet as his arms grabbed hers in self defence while the apparently male creature wheezed for breath.

"What are you?" She said as she examined his features closely.

For a brief moment, her eyes darted towards a pale looking man as he stood next too her and grabbed her wrist. His strength was incredible as her hand had no choice but to open and release the dark creature within her grasp. Stepping backwards slightly, the pale man's hand released hers as she looked upon him with envy and a slight embarrassment.

"W-W-What is that?" She said as she pointed too the creature before her.

"I-I am a Klingon" He declared with pride.

"Does that mean anything? Where am I?"

"You are onboard the USS Enterprise…" Called out the Klingon.

"Ent-Enterprise… where are we? This not a carrier…" She exclaimed.

"Carrier?" Declared the creature.

"Accessing, ahh… USS Enterprise, Registry CVN-65, the first nuclear powered Aircraft carrier in service with the United Stated Navy…"

"I will ask once more, where the hell am I?"

"All in good time Miss…" Called out a powerful male voice.

Slowly, her eyes searched for the origin of the voice as an elderly male approached her with respect and a slight smile on his face while the lighting from the room bounced off his bald head.

"My name is Jean-Luc Picard, I am the Captain of this vessel Miss, we where surprised too discover your vessel this far out in deep space"

"Space?… this is a Spaceship of some kind? How long has it been?"

"Your vessel's computer had suffered damage, we are currently working on the data files, however we have an estimation of 400 years"

Shock and excitement echoed over her face as she looked around the room at the amazing technology surrounding her.

"400? 24th century? What is the current date sir?" She said politely.

"Stardate 48612.4" Called out the pale man.

"What does it mean, Stardate?" She replied with confusion.

"Forgive me Miss, by your calendar… the year is 2371"

"Ohh my god, 413 years… wait! The others, there where more on the ship… what happened too them?"

"With the vessel's computer failing, several of the Cryo-Tubes unfortunately malfunctioned… only one other survived" Called out the Captain with regret.

"Who?"

"A young man of 18 years"

"Then he survived… may I see him?"

"Doctor?"

"She will be fine, however I'd like her to return here… there are still a lot of unanswered questions about her"

"Of course doctor, but first, and with respect Captain. May I see the survivor? To confirm who has survived" She smiled slightly.

"This way miss?"

"Alison, Alison Cole. A pleasure to meet you sir"

As her strength began to return to her, she slowly followed the Captain and the Klingon into the next room where the only other survivor was resting on what appeared to be a hospital bed. As she walked towards him, a large sigh of relief came from her delicate features as she placed her hand on his forehead carefully with a large smile. Closing her eyes, she turned slightly towards the Captain and spoke softly.

"Captain Picard, this young man is the reason I am here. His name is Alara. He is, was the Crowned Prince of a small country in the Middle East back on Earth. I am… Commander of his personal guard. I vowed myself to protect him for as long as he wishes…" She said with pride.

"How did you wind up on the sleeper ship?" Called out the Klingon.

"Firstly sir, if I may ask. Who are you, and what is your position on this amazing vessel?"

"I am Lieutenant Worf, Chief of Security…"

"Security Chief? Then we have a lot in common sir, may I ask for forgiveness with regards to my earlier actions?" She bowed slightly with respect.

"As you wish!" He replied.

"Captain Picard, Lieutenant Worf, is there someplace we go to speak in private?"

"You can use my office" The doctor smiled.

"Thank you ma'am"

It was a pleasant surprise to everyone surrounding her of the polite manner in which she spoke as her entire demeanour changed to one of great respect and confidence in her own abilities as she followed the Captain and large security officer into the Doctor's office. Smiling slightly, she looked around slowly as if taking in every detail of her surroundings as she stood at almost military attention before the Captain as he sat down behind the Doctor's desk.

"Thank you Captain. First may I say that this vessel is amazing, I can honestly say that I have never imagined anything like this, who was the pale man?"

"Commander Data" Replied Worf.

"Data? What is he, an alien?"

"Android, it is a long story" Picard smiled slightly.

"Amazing. Well, this could take some time sirs… When he was 10 years of age, Alara's father died and power was passed to his two children, Alara and his elder sister Cora. Being the only son, he became the prime leader of his country with his sister as regent, since she was 18 years old at the time, working in his Proxy until he reached the age of ascension, 18 years old. I was made Chief of his Security and Staff when he was 10, my job was too manage his affairs and protect him. On his 16th birthday, a civil war erupted as his sister did not wish to hand over power to her younger brother. With fully two thirds of the military behind her, she quickly took control of the countries military, she attempted too assassinate her brother. Using less then reputable sources, I was able to smuggle him out of the country and flee. Being on the run with only two of my must trusted guards, we ran to France…"

"She wanted to kill her brother?" Worf sighed with anger.

"Yes sir, for six months we where hidden by a family in La Barre, France…"

"La Barre?" Picard smiled. "My home town"

"Really… Picard? Ohh my god… It was a family named Picard who hid us" She smiled widely.

"Then the family legend is true" He laughed. "Four strangers hiding out for months… that was you?"

"Yes sir, I owe your family a great debt sir! Umm oh yeah, after hiding out on YOUR family's land, we where discovered by Cora's agents… as you probably know sir. We fled France to England in the hopes of gathering support, unfortunately two a year or two later, we where followed. That's when I heard of the launch of a sleeper ship in which two of the 'Passengers' had pulled out, I switched our names for the two who pulled out and got us both onboard… and the rest you know sir"

Leaning backwards in his chair, Picard smiled widely as he looked up at the ceiling while his mind ran wild with old family legends.

"I remember my father telling myself and brother the stories as children. What where my ancestors like?"

"Good and honourable people sir. In fact, I see your ancestor within you, he offered us shelter during a time of great need. I said I owed your family a great debt sir, I debt I intend to repay in full to you Captain Picard"

"There is no need to repay any debt Miss" He nodded graciously.

"I feel the need sir. My own personal code of honour dictates that I repay a centuries old debt, in full. For now sir, may I ask what will become of us?"

"Your vessel is stored in the shuttle bay for inspection, unfortunately we are not heading back to earth, however, we will pass by Starbase 247 in three days…"

"Star-base sir?" She said with confusion.

"Of course… One of our distant outposts in this sector. We could drop you both off at the Starbase after which you will be taken back to Earth"

"I have a feeling that I am going too enjoy this time. For now sir, may I ask one favour before the Prince is revived?"

"Name it" Picard smiled.

Four Hours Later…

With as much of the ship as Security would allow having been revealed to her, Alison had been overwhelmed by the ship and great technology around her. At her request and due to the nature of the young man of which she was bound to protect, Captain Picard had agreed to her request of a full honour guard being present when the Prince himself had been revived.

Dressing in appropriate attire for his 'Rebirth' as she called it, she had used one of the ships Recplicators too design clothing suitable for the occasion. With as many of the senior staff as possible stood in full dress uniform, she entered the large medical quarters much to the shock of the command staff as she gracefully drifted through them as her long almost see-through black silk dress flowed from her graceful movements. Standing before the Captain, her smile almost electrified the room with an almost static charge as she spoke softly to the Command Staff.

"Thank you for allowing this, you have my gratitude and respect. By now I am sure that Captain Picard has informed you of the situation?"

"Y-Yes…" Called out a tall bearded man, whom she instantly recognised from the computer data banks as Commander William Thomas Riker; First officer of the great ship itself.

"Commander Riker. I have reviewed your file, as much as I was allowed to do. You are a very impressive officer sir, you remind me of a my Commanding Officer, he was a great General…"

"Thank you Miss Cole" He smiled.

"Alison, if you please. I feel that I must warn each of you, the Prince has led a difficult life, although his language may not be recognised by you. However, your… Translation Matrix should identify it. It was the Official language of the Royal Court. Upon his rebirth, I alone will approach him, it will be of enormous respect for the young man if you would avert your eyes and bow with respect, until I call you over"

"Captain, I must…"

"Lieutenant Worf, as Head of his Personal Security, I understand your trepidation. I give you my word, he is harmless. If you do so wish, you may stand at my side" She smiled slightly.

"That would be wise" He nodded.

"Very well, Doctor Crusher, if you please… revive Prince Alara"

With the authority of his status as both a Klingon Warrior and the Chief of Security, Worf stood at her side as the Doctor tended to the young man on the Bed between them. Almost instantly, his life signs begun to return to a normal level as his eyes began to blink open and his focus returned for the first time in 400 years. Bowing slightly, Alison held her arms out to the side with her palms facing upwards as she approached the young man while his eyes darted around the room.

"Where… am I?" He said slowly, although his words did not match what shapes his lips had made due to the Universal Translator.

"Your Highness, welcome back. You are safe here" She said as she slowly straightened herself.

"What-What is this place?"

"A medical facility, you are onboard a… Star-Ship named Enterprise"

With focus returning, he looked around slowly as his eyes fell upon the Klingon at her side, fear and panic gripped him as he moved away from the alien while he searched the room for any sign of a weapon.

"Your highness, please. Allow my to Introduce Lieutenant Worf. Chief of Security of this vessel"

"What? What is it?" He said with fear.

"I am a Klingon" Worf said with pride.

"A Kling-ot?" He mumbled.

"Kling-ON. This maybe difficult to explain sir. It has been over 400 years. Alara, with respect of your Royal blood line. The Captain has allowed me too gather the senior staff in honour of you. May I introduce the Captain of this vessel, Captain Jean-Luc… Picard"

Slowly, he returned to the centre of the bed as he slowly pulled himself to a sitting position with a smile on his face as he recognised a single name.

"Picard?" He smiled.

"Yes. Captain, you may approach" She smiled slightly.

"Your Highness, we are honoured by your presence. Welcome onboard" He smiled slightly as he bowed with respect.

"Captain… Picard?"

"From what I have heard of my family history and Alison's own words… a descendant of your saviours"

"And yet a gain, we are in gratitude of the Picard family" He said with regal pride.

After slowly introducing the command staff of the Enterprise, Alara was discharged from Sickbay after brief testing from the medical staff while under the ever watchful eye of his only surviving security officer. Although his position and quiet possibly his country had not survived the rigors of time, he was granted the status of his former position and placed in the larger guest quarters onboard the ship. After a rest and meal, he sat before a computer unit as he examined the past history of his country after his departure while Alison sat next to him at the computer.

"… The civil war ended after we left France, Cora installed herself as Queen after dissolving the Senate. Two years after her ascension, she rebuilt the military and begun a campaign against her neighbours and expanding her territories. The United Nations would not stand for it and war was declared, after loosing the war, Cora decided on the ultimate act of spite against her enemies… oh my god!"

"What? What is it?" He sighed with regret.

"She detonated… eight Nuclear warheads… effectively reducing the country to a radioactive wasteland…"

"Stop! I wish to hear no more" He wept.

"I am… sorry Sir. Even today, your country is… a wasteland"

"Then I have nothing… what good is my rebirth if I can not return to my home?" He said past his tears.

"With regret sir, I can not say. However, this time offers much. Who knows what could be out there…"

"You have served me faithfully Alison. The danger that awaited me has past and as promised, you have delivered me to safety and for that, I am eternally grateful" He said with respect.

"It was my duty to protect you as I have since you where a child" She smiled softly.

"In light of our current situation, I release you from your vows as my protectorate. Your life is your own to live as you see fit" He said with a sigh of regret.

"As you wish Your Highness. However, we are alone in this time with no connection to our past but each other. With your permission, I would like to remain at your side…"

"I was hoping you would say that Alison. You have… had no family to speak of, your adoption into the Royal Court was my father's wish, much to the annoyance of the Elders… they once saw your red hair as an Omen from the Gods themselves. When General Cole took you in as his own Daughter, my father was grateful, he saw a greatness within you even as a child"

"How can you know this?" She said with shock. "My true birthright was hidden, by your father"

"Once I reached an age of understanding, my father revealed your true past to me. That is why I requested you as my Protectorate, against the objections of others. In light of our current situation, I must now reveal the truth of your past history…"