AN: Not a regular J/P piece — probably comes from reading too many stories about 'Picard.'

So, what if a member of the Janeway-Paris clan ran into a certain retired admiral during his visit to Starfleet Headquarters? If you've read my story 'Search & Rescue,' some references will make more sense. The year: 2399 (about eight years before the events of the story.)

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Miral couldn't fathom why Admiral Picard was frowning at her.

Actually, she'd never expected to see Jean-Luc Picard today, or any other day. And certainly not at the turbolift bank as she mentally prepared for her upcoming meeting.

She tried to hide her surprise, but he noticed and pleasantly asked if the Admiralty Offices were still on the 80th floor.

She pleasantly confirmed that as they stepped on the lift, but when he noticed they were going to the same floor, things got … frosty.

Maybe it was just part of the Admiral Act, as she called it. Grandpa certainly made a career of scaring subordinates. Funny how it never worked on her. …. and maybe she'd have time to stop at his office later to say hello …

"Ensign," Picard's voice cut in, "I appreciate the thought, but I do not require an escort."

"What?" She turned and looked at him … he was certainly dignified … somewhat imposing … but underneath that, she sensed an aura of sorrow and regret. She'd seen this before — it tended to slip out in her mother's unguarded moments. "What brings him here?" she wondered. "Is it because of that interview he gave?"

"Of course not, sir," she said diplomatically. "I have a meeting with Admiral Teixeira."

Picard seemed surprised. "My mistake," he said gravely, then looked at her more closely. "Teixeira? You're with the Corps of Engineers, then?"

"Yes, sir. Special Projects Team."

He raised an eyebrow. "That's quite an accomplishment, Ensign …?"

"Paris, sir. Miral Paris."

Light dawned, as if her family name answered all his questions. Well, maybe it did.

"I assume then that you are very familiar with the Admiralty Offices," he said, and she noticed the twinkle in his eye.

"Some of them, sir," she said, offering a smile.

"I'm sure your family must be very proud."

This time she saw a moment of wistfulness … not for her, she suspected. Maybe she reminded him of someone.

"I hope so sir. I have a lot to live up to."

"I don't think you'll have any problems with that, Ensign," he said.

They finished the ride in silence. When the door opened, he left without a word; she waved her access badge at the security officer as she stepped out.

She was about to enter the Engineering section when he called to her. "Ensign ..."

"Yes sir?" Her cushion of time was evaporating.

"Please give my regards to your stepmother; we haven't spoken in some time. I trust she is well."

Miral bit down a flash of annoyance. He wasn't the first to make that assumption … then again, how do you explain a complicated family? And how to explain her legal and emotional ties to the only mother she'd ever known?

She thought to correct him but gave herself a mental shake. "Get over yourself, Paris; Ensigns don't correct admirals. And the man obviously has bigger problems."

So, she gave Picard her best smile. "Admiral Janeway is quite well, sir. I'll certainly pass on your regards."