"What's our plan, Jack?" Wesley remarks coolly, carefully studying the console, touching controls seemingly at random.

Men hold us and watch us as we watch them. Maddox moves about on the opposite console, arranging data that neither Jean Luc nor myself can understand. I want to reach for him, take his hand, and moor myself to his staid solidity. Since we became friends – since we fell in love – just being with Jean Luc, in the same room with him, has been enough. For years I contented myself to find fulfillment and satisfaction in the small touches, in the occasional looks and furtive glances. Coming close enough to hug him was an event, but just being close enough to feel the heat roll off of his body was special in and of itself. However, since that night when he put that ring on my finger, the night when we first made love, I've felt a craving for him – his body, his touch – which I've never felt before with anyone. His flesh is a part of my own – I'm cleaved to him and him to me. Now, simple proximity seems like desolation – one that's only filled when my body touches his.

If he has a plan to get us out of this, or if Wesley has one, I'm not aware of it. Owen told us that we were coming here to help uncover Advancement – to lure Jack and subsequently apprehend him. He did not, however, tell us that we would be ambushed again. And now, I'm not sure of what's happening. I feel helpless just standing here. I can't say anything; there's nothing that I can do and I'm almost afraid to move.

Jack has proven to be choleric, sociopathic, and delusional. I wonder to myself, all those years ago – did I see it? Was it there all along? How could I have been so blind? Why, when Jean Luc was right in front of me, would I have turned him down and willingly given my self to this monster? Was his deception really that proficient? Was I really so stupid? So naïve?

If Wesley can't pull off the insurmountable – if he can't manipulate those fields again like he could when he was younger, then his life is also in jeopardy. And, I sigh; here we are again – back where we started at the Daystrom Institute. Jack and Maddox have no qualms about killing, and to them Jean Luc and I are useless. What's more: we know too much.

Owen was right about one thing. If Jean Luc, Wesley, and I are absent to testify at the trial, the evidence will be dismissed as circumstantial. Starfleet will prohibit Will, Deanna, Data, and Geordi from testifying – they'll send them on an away mission right before the date to assure their absence. Jean Luc and I will be dead – our deaths made out to be an unfortunate, freak accident. Wesley will be detained, or injured, or drugged, or hidden. Jack and Maddox – not to mention every other liable, scheming party- will see to it.

My heart rate is starting to speed and I can feel my pulse jumping from my wrist at all the possible outcomes. My gaze shifts rapidly around the room as panic starts to ripple through my soul. Wesley is at the console, still focused – manipulating foreign keys with practiced alacrity. "Jack, would you mind adjusting the Balting Graform to the fourth frequency?" He looks over at Jack, almost bobbing for approval.

Wheels of thought start turning and puzzle pieces start falling into place: he's cooperating? Why? I look quickly to my right again; Jean Luc doesn't look phased by Wesley's behavior. Instead, he remains calm – like a man who knows what's coming. Well, Beverly, I inwardly roll my eyes: that's nothing new. Jean Luc has always been calm under duress. Remember Rutia? Even Kesprytt! Dammit – the man never cracks!

"Exactly, Son," Jack smiles at Wesley. "Don't you see – now don't things go so much smoother when we work together?"

"Maddox," Jack looks over his shoulder and Wesley increases the frequency of his keystrokes. He's up to something.

"Jack?" Maddox responds, not looking up from his own console.

"Take care of those two, would you?" He looks back and flashes a lusty smirk. "You know what to do."

Linds: Welcome back to SC! Hope that you had the craic on yer trip :). Gahhh I just got the Phil Happy Happy Happy thing! They are such riots on that show. I don't even know what to do with them. I kind of want to go hang out with them though.. even though I would feel like a fish out of water. I'm only on season 1 though. But it's a riot and I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a TV show. PS: I love that you are hating Jack. I didn't want him to be likeable here.

Martin: I've got a plan, my man. I know - Jack is such a villain. I don't think I've ever written one before, but it's been fun. But stay tuned. I'm in a mood this evening so I might post more! What?! Merry Christmas!

Lydia: YAY! You watch Royal Pains! Listen: Are you not so looking forward to Divya and Jeremiah getting toether. They are such a cute couple and I can't wait until he tells her that he loves her. I am hoping that is the season 4 cliffhanger. It would be amazing and I would jump for joy. Listen, Wes and Jean Luc and Bevs - I've got plans that you're going to like. You're in good hands here.

Meg: Listen girl, I've got you with regard to our scenes. When this is all said and done - we be in 'bidness. Don't worry girl. I have a plan. And I will of course totally let Jack learn about the name change! Epicness. Just you wait.

Mels: SO MANY IDEAS I LOVE YOU. Thank you Mels! Alrighty, I will have to look into this. It would be more of a comedy than this one, but with a good measure of Drama mixed in. Good stories always come when I am under duress from school and should be doing other things - so wait for that this fall. I might write in between study sessions. That might be a good idea. Hmm.. Let me percolate. But listen, I am not a Q fan just because I can't metaphysically factor Q into the Star Trek Universe. I don't know what Q is and his existence fecks with the whole Star Trek paradigm. But, other than that - I will see what I can do.

To my unnamed guest: Thank you dear! I really appreciate it and love that you're keeping up.

And to everyone else who has been sticking with the story - would love to hear from you guys. I respond to everyone so don't be shy :).

Alrighty has anyone here seen Iron Jawed Angels? I have a minor obsession with it and if you do too - we need to be friends.