In Search of Hope

              The hover car cruised slowly down the street in the black, cold night. It was oh one thirty on a Sunday night and most of the homes they passed were dark, but the home at the end of the street seemed to brood in its darkness. The young man at the helm steered the little craft into the driveway and, after positioning the vehicle correctly in its parking spot, carefully settled the car onto the ground. He switched off the lights but kept the power on, maintaining the interior heat against the cold of the exterior, the gentle hum of the rector the only sound in the otherwise silent cabin.

His companion, his sister, sighed in the darkness, her eyes trained on the house before them. She sighed again deeply and when she spoke, her soft lilting voice showed her worry.

“Do you think he made it to bed tonight?”

James Picard shrugged brusquely and although his heart squeezed in sympathy, his voice was derisive.

“Probably not.”

Adele Picard turned to her brother and gently admonished him.
“Don’t be so hard on him Jim.”

The eighteen year old grunted and shook his head.

“He’s so bloody stubborn! Why Delly? Why won’t he just accept the truth?”

“Because he can’t Jim, to do so would be to admit she’s gone.”

In anger and frustration, James hit the steering yoke.

“But it would help him Delly! He’d be able to grieve and get over it. God…the way things are now…and have been for the past two years…surely it would be a relief to him.”

Adele closed her eyes against her pain and sighed.

“He can’t Jim. He’ll keep searching…and hoping…to do otherwise…”

The young man’s eyes glittered in the darkness and he muttered,

“You know about the drinking don’t you.”

Adele lowered her head and nodded, saying softly,

“Yes.”

“If he shows up at Headquarters pissed he’ll lose his job, his reputation…all those bloody years in the fleet, all he’s achieved will count for nothing.”

“I don’t think he drinks during the day, just at night. Maybe it helps him to sleep.”

James snorted.

“Oh yeah…sleeping at his desk in the study doesn’t count Delly. Besides he’s not asleep, he’s passed out.”

The callous disregard for the man saddened the young woman deeply. She sighed.

“Come on Jim be nice, he’s going through hell.”

James turned to look at the darkened house and growled.

“It’s a hell of his own choosing Delly. I can’t find sympathy for a man who insists on wallowing in self delusion.”

Her patience beginning to wane, Adele’s voice sharpened.

“It’s not self delusion James. Look, try and see this from his perspective. There was no body…no incontrovertible proof of her death! You’re asking him to accept the unacceptable. He loved her…loves her with every molecule of his being, James! Until someone can prove to him that she’s really dead he will go on searching and hoping until he himself dies. And James…he needs our support, not our derision. We may not agree with him…we may think he’s chasing phantoms, but he’s our father and he deserves more from us than to be discounted as a fool.”

The shoulders of the young man slumped and he sighed.

“You’re right I suppose.”

He turned to look at his sister, his voice sad.

“I just feel so helpless Dell. I see his pain…his anguish and it kills me. And you know…we miss her too.”

Adele looked up at the house and whispered sadly,

“Yeah.”

They sat in silence for a while before Adele lifted her head and smiled.

“You certainly were getting cosy with Sarah Thompson tonight.”

James folded his arms across his chest and flicked back the lock of dark brown hair that habitually fell across his forehead. He huffed and shook his head.

“I knew there was a reason why I didn’t want to take my seventeen year old sister to that party.”

The girl giggled.

“Oh come on…you needed a chaperone!”

In mock outrage, James pointed to himself.

“I needed a chaperone? Who had their tongue down Adam Carnegie’s throat?”

Adele flapped her hand, somehow sounding bored and embarrassed at the same time.

“We were just kissing, Jim.”

Her brother sounded disgruntled.

“Yeah well…find someone else to kiss in future. Adam Carnegie is a dweeb.”

Adele’s voice betrayed her amusement.

“He’s a dweeb who’s taking the same degree as you.”

James snorted.

“Oh yeah…I can see it now. The only thing that slob will ever design is an outdoor toilet.”

His sister chuckled wryly.

“While you on the other hand…”

James made a fist and shook it for emphasis.

“Will design grand edifices!”

He grinned at his sister.

“I am going to be the most famous architect in the Federation.”

Adele’s eyes shone with love and admiration for her brother and when he took her hand and squeezed it, she grinned at him. He shook his head and said softly,

“What about you Delly? Have you decided yet?”

Her grin faded. She lowered her head and sighed.
“No, not yet.”

James tilted his head to see under her brow.

“You haven’t got much more time to make up your mind. You have to choose your subjects for next year. Your final year Dell.”

Adele disengaged her hand and gathered her auburn hair, pulling it back off her neck. She tilted her head back and stared at the roof.

“I know Jim…but…it’s just that…”

James waited patiently while his sister tried to find the words to explain. Eventually she sighed and let go of her hair.

“I want to be a doctor…I really do…but I also want to be an archaeologist.”

She looked at her brother, her eyes troubled.

“Either way I still have to pass my exams for this year. Will you help me with my physics?”

The young man shrugged.

“Yeah of course, but Dad is better at physics than me, he’d be a better choice.”

Adele sighed.

“I know but he’s been so busy with the treaty…and he’s so tired all the time…”

James’s voice grew hard.

“Yeah well if he’d get a decent night’s sleep occasionally instead of wiping himself out every night with alcohol maybe he wouldn’t be so bloody tired.”

Instead of reacting to the angry words, Adele just sighed. After a few moments James spoke again, this time softly.

“Delly…why do you want to be a doctor or an archaeologist?”

Irritation crept into Adele’s tone when she said,

“That’s a dumb question.”

James kept his voice light.

“Why?”

“Because it just is!”

Taking his sister’s hand, James tried to see into her eyes, but in the darkness it was impossible.

“I think you should ask yourself why you would choose professions that our parents are interested in that’s all.”

Adele glared at her brother and pulled her hand from of his grip.

“Well I think that’s a stupid thing for you to say!”

Displaying the calm patience he inherited from his father, James gave a small smile.

“Fair enough, you’re entitled to your opinion but Delly…ask yourself what you’d like to do…not what you think our parents would like you to do.”

Her brows knitted together in a deep frown, Adele activated the door release, saying as she got out,

“I’m going inside. You coming?”

In answer James deactivated the power then exited the car and fell in step with his sister as they approached the front door. While James inputted his security code Adele said softy,

“Will you want my help in getting him to bed?”

The porch and entry way lights came on automatically and Adele caught the look of resigned disgust in her brother’s eyes.

“No thanks Dell, I’ll manage.”

Quelling her sadness, Adele nodded.

“Okay, I’m going up to bed. Goodnight Jim, thanks for taking me to the party.”

Giving his sister and affectionate kiss on the cheek, the tall young man smiled.

“No worries. Goodnight.”

As Adele climbed the stairs to her bedroom, James went through the living room and down the hall to his father’s study. The door was slightly ajar, light spilling out into the dark hall. Taking no care to keep quiet, James pushed the door open and stood still, staring down at the man asleep at his desk with anger and disgust. His head was pillowed on his arms and in front of him the computer monitor glowed soft blue in standby mode. Beside the monitor an untidy pile of PADDs teetered precariously and a half eaten sandwich sat amongst crumbs on a plate. But what caused James’s reaction was the three empty wine bottles standing on the desk in mute testament to what James saw as the man’s weakness.

Striding over to the desk, James took care to save the work on the computer before he turned it off. He then took the bottles; glass and plate to the disposal unit then went back to the desk and tidied the pile of PADDs. He straightened and looked down at the sleeping man, shaking his head as he leaned forward and took his father under his arms.

“Come on Dad, time for bed.”

Ambassador Jean-Luc Picard started and opened his eyes. He blinked and lifted his head, searching for the source of the voice. In a rough deep mumble he managed,

“James?”

James didn’t bother to keep the disgust out of his voice.

“None other. Now come on, get up. I’ll help you up the stairs.”

Jean-Luc stood without his usual grace and, as he turned, staggered and nearly fell. James grabbed him, snarling,

“Jesus Dad…stand up will you!”

The anger in his son’s voice made Jean-Luc look at his son. Even in his inebriated state he could see the disgust and it made him briefly close his eyes. Instead of addressing the boy’s anger, the Ambassador sighed with melancholy, slurring.

“Why don’t you call me Papa any more?”

Ignoring the putrid smell of his father’s breath, James gritted his teeth and slipped the man’s arm over his shoulders as he took him around the waist.

“Because I’m grown up now, Dad.”

James manoeuvred his father out of the study, down the hall and up the first few steps of the stairs in angry silence. Oblivious to his son’s mood, Jean-Luc suddenly lifted his head and said,

“You don’t speak French any more either. You used to speak French with me all the time.”

James ignored his father as he concentrated on negotiating the stairs. At the top he turned right and steered the man down the hall to the master bedroom. He deposited Jean-Luc on the bed; made sure he was sitting relatively steadily, then took off his boots and jacket.  Having divested his father off enough clothing, James none to gently made his father lie on the bed with his head on the pillows. He threw a blanket over the man and made sure there was a glass of water on the side table. Before he called for the lights to extinguish he looked down at the man to see him asleep. James closed his eyes against his despair and sighed. The anger dissipated and he bent and kissed his father’s brow. In a sad whisper he said,

“Bon nuit Papa.”

He stood abruptly and as he strode from the room he muttered,

“Lights out.”

                     James met Adele at the top of the stairs next morning. They shared a quick greeting, but the smell of freshly brewed coffee hastened their steps down the stairs. They entered the kitchen to see their father leaning against the counter, a cup of steaming coffee in one hand, a PADD in the other. He looked up and smiled.

“Good morning you two.”

Adele studied her father, noting the dark circles under his eyes, his obvious weight loss and pallid complexion. However he had showered, shaved and was dressed conservatively in a light blue polo shirt and dark blue trousers. She also noticed he wasn’t eating.

“What do you want for breakfast Dad?”

Jean-Luc offered a quick smile before returning his attention to the PADD.

“I’m not hungry Adele, besides Captain Mason is due any minute.”

James snorted softly and went to the replicator, ordering scrambled eggs on toast. His muttered comment made his father lift his head and frown.

“I beg your pardon.”

James looked at his father, defiance flashing in his eyes.

“I said…there’re not many vitamins in a bottle of wine.”

Anger flared briefly in the older man as he glared at his son, but it was gone just as quickly. His eyes softened and he sighed before returning his attention to the PADD. Adele watched the two males, a frown marring her comely face. Both Adele and her brother bore a striking resemblance to their father, although Adele’s hair carried the red of her mother and her hazel eyes were lighter than her brother’s. The only things that differed significantly between father and son were James’s full head of dark brown hair and his height. At just on two metres he was tall by any standard. As Adele watched, Jean-Luc lifted his eyes from the device he held and looked up at his son, offering a small conciliatory smile.

“How was the party?”

With a shrug, James chewed on his mouthful, swallowed and made a dismissive wave with his hand.

“Not bad.”

The curt answer made Jean-Luc grit his teeth, but outwardly his face was calm.

“Did you meet the people you will be sharing lectures with?”

“Yeah.”

Knowing her brother would maintain his desultory replies, Adele tried to inject some humour into what was becoming a tense situation.

“Jim spent some time with Sarah Thompson. They were…close...most of the night.”

James glared at his sister while Jean-Luc sipped his coffee, a frown creasing his forehead.

“Sarah Thompson…would that be Douglas Thompson’s daughter?”

James sighed, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah.”

“She’s doing architecture? At the same university with you?”

The young man turned in his seat and gave his father a challenging look.

“Yeah…so?”

Jean-Luc smiled.

“Oh nothing really, it’s just…I went to the Academy with Douglas.”

Adele smiled at her father, then sobered.

“He died a few years ago didn’t he?”

Before Jean-Luc could answer, James muttered,

“A lot of people die in Starfleet.”

The Ambassador glared at his son and this time his anger wouldn’t settle. He tossed down the remains of his coffee and strode from the room.

Adele went to the replicator and while she waited for her order to materialise she said succinctly,

“You can really be a bastard sometimes James.”

The young man shrugged and returned to his breakfast.

                Captain Della Mason was deep in thought as she eased the hover car into Hastings Street. She had made this journey most mornings and evenings for the past ten months. She would pick up her boss, drive from the leafy outer suburbs into the heart of Melbourne then transport half way around the Earth to start their working day at Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco. Her brilliant mind was a perfect foil for her boss. He, calm and analytical, she quick tempered and mercurial, they made a formidable team, one that worked with well-oiled proficiency. That she was also darkly attractive was completely lost on her boss. He either never saw, or completely ignored the admiring looks she garnered from the men she encountered, although they were brave if they kept up their pursuit, one look from his steely dark eyes usually made them quickly retreat.

They had known each other in the distant past, in fact they’d been intimate for some very torrid months, but time and their careers pulled them apart. When she had been assigned as his aide she’d hesitated. She knew he was married and recently widowed, but although he had seemed to go on with his life, she had never stopped loving him.

As she steered the car into his driveway, she let out a gasp and braked heavily. There, standing in the gravelled drive was her boss. He quirked a look at the driver and stared pointedly at the very small distance between the front of the hover car and his head. Swallowing to wet her dry mouth, Della landed the car and opened the door.

“Sorry Jean-Luc…I didn’t expect you to be outside.”

The Ambassador gave a nod and found a small smile.

“Indeed.”

He climbed into the car and settled his briefcase on the back seat. When he made no attempt at conversation Della shrugged and lifted off, backing out of the drive and cruising down the street. As she drove she cast a sideways glance at her old friend and frowned at what she saw. He felt her scrutiny and gave her a sharp look. Snapping her eyes back to the controls, she flushed slightly and smirked to herself.

“My God…after all these years he can still make me feel like a bloody first year cadet.”

They flew in silence for ten minutes, Jean-Luc staring out the windows. His sudden, quietly worded question startled Della.

“Have you read this morning’s despatches?”

“Yes Sir.”

“And?”

He asked the same thing every morning and it was slowly driving Della to despair. She sighed and cast her passenger a sympathetic look.

“Jean-Luc…”

His face, so often a stoic mask, hardened even further and he gritted his teeth.

“Is there any news, Captain?”

Della focused her attention ahead and slowly shook her head.

“No Sir, no news.”

Jean-Luc gave a curt nod.

“And what of your enquiry to Penarra nine?”

Della swallowed and briefly closed her eyes.

“That will take some time Sir. My contact there cannot get to a communication device often and he told me the people he needs to talk to would be hard to find.”

“I see. I take it you sent him all we knew.”

Della nodded.

“Yes Sir, but you have to admit…that wasn’t much. A report of the debris analysis and an unconfirmed sighting of an unidentified ship.”

Jean-Luc turned his head and said quietly,

“You think she’s dead too.”

Della risked a quick look at her boss and tried to ease his pain.

“Jean-Luc I’m just trying to follow what we’ve got. She was on the shuttle that was destroyed. What do you want me to say?”

The Ambassador stared out of the windscreen, his deep voice insistent.

“There was no body…not even any evidence of her remains!”

Della spoke quietly.

“Jean-Luc the shuttle was atomised.”

He shook his head, doggedly refusing to believe what the evidence told him.

“Then there should have been remains at the atomic level.”

Patiently Della explained.

“But you know that in an explosion like that which destroyed the shuttle, any organic matter would have been vaporised. Jean-Luc please…it’s time you accepted…”

His harsh voice made her wince.

“NO! I refuse to accept that my wife is dead! If she had been on that shuttle when it was destroyed there would have been evidence…something…”

The pain and despair in his eyes made Della’s stomach sour. She shut her mouth, returned her attention to flying the craft and the rest of their journey was taken in silence.

              Later that day, over a working lunch, Della was gratified to find Jean-Luc a little happier. Her grandmother was from Betazed allowing Della the gift of partial empathy. While Jean-Luc was occupied with his lunch, Della closed her eyes and concentrated her meagre ability to find him calm and in a receptive frame of mind. Taking a deep breath, Della asked softly,

“Do you have to go straight home tonight, Jean-Luc?”

Lifting his eyes from the report he was reading, he frowned and slightly shook his head.

“Ah…no, Adele is studying with a friend until nine thirty and James is researching an assignment at the university library. I don’t expect him home until eleven or so. Why?”

Offering her most charming smile, she flipped back her long black hair and hoped her eyes showed her affection.

“How about coming home and having dinner with Tony and me?”

His eyes darkened and he shook his head.

“I don’t think so, Della, but thank you.”

The Captain weighed the risks and decided to press ahead, regardless.

“Oh come on Jean-Luc…I know you, you’ll go home, have nothing to eat and bury yourself in work until you fall asleep on the sofa. Come on, have a home cooked meal with us.”

His lips curled in a half smile.

“You cook?”

Della shrugged.

“I can if you want; besides it’s been ages since you’ve seen Tony.”

The Ambassador sat back and considered the invitation.

“How old is Tony now?”

The Captain smiled wistfully.

“Twelve.”

Jean-Luc’s eyebrows shot up.

“Twelve? Good lord, when did that happen?”

With a warm chuckle Della shrugged.

“I know…it crept up on me too. Sam would have been so proud of him.”

At the mention of Della’s deceased husband Jean-Luc’s face shuttered and he lowered his gaze. Della cursed to herself and tried to quell her dismay at her lapse. She plastered a sunny smile on her face and made sure her tone was light.

“So what’ll it be? Pasta? Roast? Fish?”

Jean-Luc held up a hand and was about to refuse when Della reached across the desk and took his hand.

“Please Jean-Luc…Tony would be absolutely delighted to see you.”

He stared into her dark eyes and slowly capitulated.

“Oh very well.”

                    Jean-Luc was quiet on the ride to Della’s home. For convenience she had moved to Melbourne to be closer to Jean-Luc, although she lived several kilometres away, in a different suburb. She could sense he was tired and his emotions were unsettled. She pulled into her drive in a pensive mood. Jean-Luc picked up his brief case, prompting Della to say,

“Leave it in the car Jean-Luc. I want you to relax tonight.”

She was surprised by the stern look he gave her.

“Della we’re meeting with the Antorian Ambassador in three days and if I’m not completely up to date with the current reports we may well find ourselves shut out of the negotiations, negotiations we’ve been working on for ten months! Now you might feel you can relax but I cannot.”

Having been upbraided Della lowered her eyes, bowed her head and offered her apology.

“Sorry Jean-Luc, I just thought…sorry.”

He shut the car door firmly and waited for Della to open the front door. As soon as she entered her home a youthful voice called out over the noise of a computer game.

“Hi Mum.”

Della grinned with doting affection.

“Hi love. Come out, there’s someone I want you to see.”

The noise suddenly stopped and a young boy emerged from the living room. He was short and thin, his colouring dark, like his mother, but unlike her English accent, he had a pronounced Australian accent. He stopped in front of his mother and suffered a quick kiss before his eyes appraised the man standing before him.

“Honey do you remember Captain Picard?”

The boy frowned, his eyes wandering as he thought.

“No…I don’t think so.”

Jean-Luc smiled and offered his hand.

“The last time I saw you, you would have been about four years old, so I’m not surprised you don’t remember me.”

Warily the boy shook Jean-Luc’s hand and looked up into his eyes.

“You’re a Captain? My Dad was a Captain. He died at Wolf 359.”

Said so softly, Tony had to strain to hear.

“I know.”

Della placed a hand on her son’s shoulder and gently urged him towards the kitchen.

“Captain Picard is a Federation Ambassador now, Tony. Now how about you give me a hand in getting dinner”

She looked over her shoulder at Jean-Luc.

“You can settle in the living room if you like Jean-Luc. I won’t be long.”

The man smiled, lifting his eyebrow in query.

“Would you like some help?”

She shook her head.

“No, we’re fine. Help yourself to the bar. There’s a good selection of real spirits, glasses are in the cupboard.”

Before he could say anything further, mother and son were gone. He shrugged and went into the living room, going to the bar and pouring himself a large neat scotch. Having then settled into a comfy chair, he opened his briefcase, took out several PADDs and began to read.

              It was with some worry that Della noticed that Jean-Luc kept drinking throughout the meal. He eschewed the wine she offered, opting to continue with the scotch. They chatted through the meal, Tony asking a myriad of questions and Jean-Luc surprising Della by giving good answers, seemingly with limitless patience. After dinner Tony went to his room while the adults settled in the living room.

Della went to the entertainment system and pulled up the music files. She inputted a selection then turned, a wistful smile on her face. Softly she said,

“Remember this?”

The gentle strains of Debussy’s Claire De Lune wafted through the room and Jean-Luc smiled.

“Oh yes. The Seine, autumn, 2340.”

The woman grinned saucily.

“You were thirty five and I was a mere slip of a girl.”

Jean-Luc snorted and took a sip of his drink.

“You make me sound like a cradle snatcher. You were…twenty eight if I remember correctly.”

She came to sit beside the man and leaned her head back on the cushions.

“Ah those were the days. You were Captain of the Stargazer and I was an up-and-coming second Lieutenant. God…those were carefree days weren’t they?”

They sat in companionable silence for a while before Jean-Luc chuckled.

“As I recall, you propositioned me…at a bistro in Paris.”

Della snorted.

“I didn’t proposition you Jean-Luc, I pinched your arse.”

His grin was wicked.

“Same thing.”

“Egotist!”

That brought a muffled guffaw.

“Well what the hell was I supposed to think? I feel my arse getting pinched, I turn around and there’s this gorgeous woman with a saucy smile on her face. How was I supposed to react?”

Della rolled her eyes and flapped a hand.

“Well you certainly didn’t waste anytime in seducing me! My God…we had what…two drinks…then it was back to your hotel room.”

“I was shipping out in a week; I had no time to lose!”

Della turned her head and grinned.

“It was wonderful, wasn’t it.”

His face softened and he took another sip of his whisky.

“Yes…yes it was, and so were the months that followed.”

Della sighed wistfully.

“A grand affair.”

Her eyes sharpened and she moved a little closer to the man.

“Jean-Luc…” she said in a soft voice, “Was your life with Beverly…”

His head snapped around and he glared at his friend and barked,

“Don’t!”

She watched in dismay as he stood abruptly and picked up his briefcase.

“We have a lot to do tomorrow; it’s time I went home. Thank you for a lovely meal.”

He began to walk to the door even as Della was rising from the chair. In some confusion she scooped up her jacket and met him outside, beside the hover car.

The journey back to Jean-Luc’s home was taken in stony silence. It wasn’t until he was getting out of the car that Della said,

“See you tomorrow then.”

Jean-Luc looked at her for the first time since leaving her home and gave a curt nod.

“Yes. Good night.”

He shut the door on her words and walked stiffly to his door. Della waited until the automatic lights came on then left, her feelings in turmoil.

                 As Jean-Luc entered his home, Adele called from the kitchen,

“Is that you Dad?”

Instead of answering her from the living room, Jean-Luc wandered into the kitchen, smiling at seeing his daughter eating a bowl of ice cream.

“Hungry?”

Adele shrugged, a smile tugging her lips.

“Kinda. Paula and I had some take away but after all that studying I felt I needed a sugar fix.”

Jean-Luc nodded his understanding then asked,

“How’s it going?”

Knowing he meant her exam preparations, she sighed.

“Okay I suppose. I’m doing all right in everything except physics.”

Her father raised his eyebrows.

“Physics? I can help you with that.”

Adele offered a smile, but shook her head.

“You’re too busy Dad, it’s all right, Jim said he’d help me.”

The hurt in his eyes made the young woman inwardly wince. To try and make amends, she went to him and gave him a hug.

“Thanks anyway Dad.”

As he returned the hug, he closed his eyes and rested his head on her shoulder. Adele felt him trembling and said softly,

“It’s okay Dad.”

He abruptly lifted his head, giving it a brusque shake.

“No it’s not!”

He went to leave the kitchen but Adele caught his sleeve.

“Hey Dad…have you had something to eat?”

She could smell the alcohol on his breath and wanted to stall his retreat into his study.

“How about I make you an omelette and a cup of Earl Grey?”

Jean-Luc smiled and shook his head.

“No thank you Adele, I’ve had dinner. What I have to do now is catch up on some work.”

To emphasise his words, he lifted his briefcase. Adele scowled and shook her head.

“Oh Dad…you’re always working! Why don’t you have a night off for a change? Have a long hot shower and an early night? Or maybe you could watch a vid with me?”

Keeping his smile in place, the man gently tapped the tip of his daughter’s nose.

“If anybody needs an early night it’s you my lass. When is your first exam?”

As she rolled her eyes she sighed.

“Oh come on Dad…my first exam isn’t for another week. I can have one late night.”

He shook his head.

“No you can’t! Now it’s…”

He looked at the clock on the wall.

“Ten thirty…high time you were in bed.”

Adele scowled and lifted her hands to flip her hair off her shoulders.

“I’m seventeen Dad.”

He shook his head, trying to keep the smile from his face. He was successful, but it showed in his eyes.

“I’m aware of that Adele, but you still need your rest.”

Outraged at feeling patronised, Adele took a step back and glared.

“Mum let me have late nights.”

At the mention of Beverly, Jean-Luc’s eyes shuttered.

“That may be so, but she’s not here so you’ll just have to put up with me.”

He tried to make his tone light, but his tension was evident. Adele took a speculative look at her father and said in a flat voice,

“She’s not here because she’s dead, Dad.”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

“If that’s what you choose to believe Adele, that’s fine, however I don’t share your views. Now please go and…”

Adele’s sharp retort cut through his gentle words.

“Dammit Dad why won’t you accept the truth? She’s gone! Yes it’s sad…it’s horrible, but you have to give up.”

Jean-Luc turned on his heel and took a few steps towards the door. Adele went after him and grabbed his arm.

“Dad…please….everyone says she’s gone, Starfleet even held a memorial. Jim says…”

Finally provoked into responding, Jean-Luc’s head came up and his intense dark hazel eyes blazed.

“I don’t care what your brother says Adele…and I expected more from you! Can’t you get it into your head? There was no body! No remains! Doesn’t that tell you something?”

Adele softened her voice and increased her grip of his arm.

“Dad the shuttle was completely destroyed. There would be no…”

Wrenching his arm free, Jean-Luc held up his hands.

“NO! If you have so little faith in me then I don’t want to hear your traitorous drivel!”

He spun around and marched from the room. Adele wiped at the tears that slid down her face and sighed. In a soft whisper she said,

“Good night Dad.”

                  On his way to his study Jean-Luc went into the living room and took a bottle of scotch out of the bar. Having an almost unlimited supply of wine, courtesy of his sister-in-law, he was accustomed to drinking his family’s vintages, but having started the night on scotch, he decided to finish the same way. He tucked the bottle under one arm, a tumbler and his briefcase in his hands; he didn’t bother with the lights until he entered his inner sanctum. He put the briefcase and tumbler on the desk, then took the bottle, screwing off the lid and pouring a large measure. It went down in one gulp. Another followed, before he poured again and activated his computer. He was well aware his drinking was getting the better of him, but the oblivion it afforded him was far better than the dreams that haunted him otherwise.

He closed his eyes as the memory of the last dream invaded his mind. He was in his office at Command. The door chimed and he frowned, his secretary would normally announce any visitors.

“Come.”

As his eyes swept over his caller, his heart swelled and he stood.

“Beverly!”

His wife’s face shone with happiness as she walked the short distance around his desk. They embraced then kissed, first tenderly, then languidly, then passionately. They parted, slightly out of breath.

“When did you get back? You weren’t due for another four days!”

The stunning red head laughed and kissed her husband again.

“Well…we managed to cut a few corners…and exceed a few speed limits…and here I am.”

Jean-Luc chuckled and shook his head.

“You’re incredible.”

“Hey…I’m a Captain now…and head of SFM. You once told me that Captains can do whatever they damn well please! Seems you were right.”

Jean-Luc’s face shone in a rare full grin.

“I love you Captain Picard.”

“And I love you Ambassador Picard.”

They shared a kiss then Beverly sighed.

“What say we get the kids out of school and go somewhere?”

Nuzzling her neck, Jean-Luc’s deep baritone was a rumble against her skin.

“Where?”

She mewed softly and pulled his shirt out of his trousers, sneaking her hands under the fabric to caress his back and chest.

“I don’t care…somewhere…anywhere.”

Distracted by her sensuous hands, Jean-Luc trailed his fingers up her sides to gently cup her breasts. She groaned softly and he bit her neck, murmuring softly,

“I want you Beverly.”

Throughout the five weeks of their separation Jean-Luc had kept his desire for his wife under a tight leash. The sub-space communications they shared only served to remind him of how far away she was. Now she was here, in his arms and his body yearned for her. He let go of her breasts and lowered his hands to grip her buttocks and pull her to him, grinding his hips against her. She felt his erection and gently bit his earlobe.

“Here?”

His reply was a deep growl.

“Why not?”

As he kissed his way down her throat Beverly lolled her head back and moaned.

“Yes…”

Jean-Luc suddenly stepped back and began to divest his wife of her uniform. His gaze was intense as his hands worked, his deep voice muttering,

“Computer, secure door, authorisation Picard, Delta five two eight. Henderson?”

From the ceiling speakers, the secretary’s voice sounded curious.

“Yes Ambassador?”

“No calls, no comms. I don’t want to be disturbed.”

“Yes Sir.”

Beverly took the opportunity to strip him of his shirt and open his trousers, pushing them and his briefs down to his thighs.

They made love on the desk, then later, again on the sofa. Jean-Luc squeezed his eyes shut as tears welled and overflowed his eyes. He was now painfully erect, the memories making his body respond. He placed his hands on the desk and leaned forward, gritting his teeth and shaking his head.

“Oh God Beverly…you still command me.”

He took a deep breath, straightened and poured another drink. After downing it, he sat with difficulty and poured again. Finally he looked at the computer screen and grimaced, ignoring his body.

“So…the Antorian Ambassador? What do you have up your sleeve my friend?”

                   The object of Jean-Luc’s query sat back in his seat and studied the man seated with him in the booth. The pub they were in was off the beaten track, a small establishment on the outskirts of the city. A few regulars propped up the bar, but in the main lounge only a scattering of people sat at the tables, the hour being very late.

The Antorian Ambassador pursed his lips and caught the eye of the barman. Holding up two of his seven fingers, he indicated he wanted fresh drinks. His companion watched in silence, his eyes ever restless as they constantly scanned the dim room.

“Is our package all right Darnid?”

The smaller man gave a brief smile.

“Oh yes Ambassador. Safe and well.”

The Ambassador inclined his oddly shaped head, his large violet eyes gleaming on their stalks in the diffused light.

“And she knows nothing?”

Someone approached their booth and the smaller man slunk deeper into the shadows, pulling his cap down over his face. The barman put their drinks on the table and left.

Cold black eyes watched him leave before they continued their never ending surveillance.

“She knows nothing Sir.”

“And she has had no contact with anyone?”

His eyes settled briefly on the big alien before sliding away again.

“In these last two years the only person she’s seen has been her keeper and he’s a mute.”

The Ambassador smiled.

“Excellent. I am well pleased Darnid, you have done well.”

The furtive little alien smiled, showing a ragged row of sharp teeth.

“And how much longer do we keep her Ambassador?”

The big Antorian shrugged his shoulders to settle the cloak he wore. With his eyes situated each end of stalks that protruded from the sides of his elongated head, it was sometimes difficult to see them, as they moved independently.

“Not much longer my little friend, a few more months. Things are moving along quite well but, as the Humans would say, soon there will be a fly in the ointment…and that’s when we will play our little game with the Federation Ambassador.”

Darnid shifted in his seat and frowned.

“I hear he’s a formidable adversary, Ambassador.”

The big alien shrugged again.

“That he is…he serves the Federation well, but I think I have the measure of Jean-Luc Picard…I have his wife.”

The little alien sneered.

“I have seen her Ambassador…she is strikingly beautiful, her hair is red.”

The Ambassador grunted.

“It has never ceased to amaze me…this variation Humans have in their appearance. Hair, eye and skin colour…so diverse.”

Darnid tilted his head back as he drank and the Ambassador stifled a grimace as the folds of flaky skin of his neck parted to reveal grime, sebum and small, red suppurating sores, the odour of which almost made the large alien gag. Smacking his thin lips, his bright green forked tongue appeared to lap up the dribble of alcohol that ran down his stubbled, dirty chin. Beady black eyes briefly settled on the Ambassador and his querulous voice dropped lower.

“And after you play your games Ambassador…what happens to her then?”

The big alien sat forward and shrugged.

“Actually I don’t care; she will be worthless to me once we have Picard in our pockets.”

The forked tongue made another appearance as one of Darnid’s hands left the table to fumble in his trousers. Quelling his disgust, the Ambassador curled his eye stalks and managed a smile.

“She interests you Darnid?”

The little alien’s furtive fumbling increased and he began to pant.

“Oh yes Ambassador. There is a mirror in her bedroom…it is two-way…I’ve watched her…”

With a sharp gasp Darnid’s body stiffened then slowly relaxed. He brought his hand out from his pants and proceeded to lick something thick and milky off his fingers.

“I would very much like to have her Ambassador.”

The big alien steepled his many fingers under his small chin and regarded his employee.

“I suppose that could be arranged Darnid, but it would come out of your earnings. Our agreement never included you ending up with our little prize. After all, it took considerable expense to orchestrate her disappearance and her ongoing upkeep has come at a cost too. No Darnid…if you want her, it will cost you…dearly.”

A scowl crossed the pinched features of the little alien, but be leered soon enough.

“Name your price Ambassador, I will pay.”

Curious about his motives, the Ambassador sipped his drink, his mind sharply alert, but his voice conversational.

“And what will you do with her…apart from the obvious?”

Darnid’s hand went inside his trousers again.

“She would please me Ambassador…as often as I wanted and, when I tired of her…which could take a very long time, I would recoup my losses with the Orions.”

The Antorian sat back and closed his eyes as Darnid brought himself to another climax. Disgust clouded his voice as he said,

“Yes well, we’ll see, shall we? I will go now, expect my payment at the usual time.”

He glanced at Darnid and wished he hadn’t. The diminutive alien had his fingers in his mouth, sucking and licking them. Around his digits Darnid muttered,

“Same time next month?”

The Ambassador nodded and pulled his cloak around his massive body. The next time Darnid looked in his direction he was gone, a surprising feat for one so large.

                          James took the stairs three at a time as he made his way up to his room. Shrugging off his backpack, he elbowed his door open and called for lights. It was just on one am and he was tired. With a very full day of lectures ahead of him, he kicked off his shoes and pulled his jumper over his head. His hands began to strip off his pants when he suddenly stopped and frowned.

“Oh hell,” he muttered. He pulled up his pants and left his room, going down the hall to the master bedroom. One quick look told him all he needed to know. With anger simmering, he went back downstairs and straight to his father’s study. Sure enough, the man was asleep at his desk, the bottle of whisky all but empty.

James closed his eyes and tried to stop the anger from spilling over.

“Damn you.”

None to gently he grabbed his father’s shoulders and shook him.

“Wake up Dad.”

Jean-Luc came awake abruptly and sat up too fast. A vicious cramp knotted the muscles of his back and he groaned, trying to get his fingers to the source of his pain. Heedless of the man’s discomfort, James gripped his father under his arms and hoisted him to his feet. Jean-Luc took an angry swipe at his son and lost his balance, causing both men to fall to the floor. James shoved his father to one side as he scrambled to his feet, growling menacingly,

“Look you stupid old drunk…get to your bloody feet so I can put you to bed.”

Anger turned to fury as Jean-Luc struggled to get his feet under him. He made it upright and surprised his son by grabbing fistfuls of his shirt and backing him up against the bookcase.

“You cocky little upstart! How dare you talk to me like that!”

The tall young man looked down at his father and gripped his wrists. Like Jean-Luc, James’s voice became deadly soft when he was truly angry.

“Let me go, Dad.”

Even drunk, Jean-Luc was a match for any man. His own voice softening dangerously, his dark hazel eyes bored into their twin’s.

“You will apologise to me first my boy.”

James snorted and increased his grip of his father’s wrists.

“For what? For calling you a stupid old drunk, or for being your son?”

Pain sliced through his anger and Jean-Luc gaped.

“What?”

“You heard me! Now let go of me before I hurt you.”

Shocked, Jean-Luc loosened his grip of James’s shirt. In a hushed whisper, the man looked up at his son and asked,

“What’s happened to you James?”

James pulled his father’s hands free and let them go in disgust.

“Me? It’s not me, Dad, it’s you! You’re a deluded fool who won’t accept the simple truth of your wife’s death. Instead you crawl into a bottle! I’m ashamed of you Dad! I’m ashamed to be your son!”

With one final derisive glare James stalked out of the room. Jean-Luc’s legs failed and he slumped to the carpet, staring at the place where his son had stood. He slowly slid to one side until he was lying curled on the floor. He was still there when the sun rose.

                 The sun that greeted the woman in the bed only served to remind her that another day of incarceration had begun. With absolutely no contact with anyone or anything, she had no idea where she was or indeed, why she was there.

From the outset she’d marked the passage of days with a small stroke on the wall. As she lay in her bed, her cerulean eyes travelled over the marks, making her sigh. With little else to do with her time, she counted the marks fairly regularly and she knew that there were 738 grey marks. She sighed and struggled to keep her tears at bay.

“Two years. Two long years.”

Her routine well established, she rose from the bed and went into the bathroom to relieve herself. Then she showered and dressed, her clothing, like everything else, provided by unseen means. The futility of her incarceration had dulled her mind over time and, as she sat at the table and stared at the door, her thoughts centred only on the coming meal.

She had no way to measure the passage of time other than watching the shadows as they crept across the room as the day progressed.

When the door suddenly clicked open, her eyes flicked to the wall and noted her keeper was on time…as usual.

The alien who entered was an impressive specimen. He was over two metres tall and massively built. The clothes he wore, like hers, were nondescript, giving no hint as to his origins. His dusky brown skin, iridescent green eyes and naked high domed head gave the woman no clue as to his species. From the moment she had regained consciousness in the bed, this was the only person she had seen. For the first few months of her capture she had tried every method available to her to communicate with the being, but his total lack of response afforded her little hope that he either heard or understood her. Not once had he giving any sign that he was even remotely interested in what she was trying to do. Not even sign language raised any reaction in him. One morning, two weeks into her imprisonment, in sheer frustration she had attacked the alien as he brought her meal, striking him several times with what would normally have been telling blows. Without uttering a sound he calmly dropped her tray and grabbed her wrists, squeezing until the woman was on her knees, keening in agony. Having gained her capitulation, the being released her and left the room, returning half an hour later with a fresh breakfast. While she stood by the table, glaring and shouting obscenities, he stoically cleaned the mess on the floor, then silently left. That incident took something from the woman. The hope that had burned so brightly inside her dimmed and she contemplated, for the first time, that she might be in worse trouble than she had previously thought.

Captain Beverly Picard stared at her tray, her hand automatically picking up her plastic cutlery. As she reached forward, the black electronic bracelet she wore caught her eye and she scowled. There was another one on her ankle and embedded in her chest was yet another device. She knew from bitter experience their purpose. The bracelet and anklet gave her captors her position at all times. The device in the muscle under her left breast activated when she approached the door leading to the outside. It caused mild pain, but the closer to the door she got, the worse the pain became. She had only once made it to the door but the agony caused her to lose consciousness. However she learned her lesson. Since that day she avoided the door.

Her prison was pleasant enough. There were three moderately sized rooms, a bedroom, bathroom and larger living room. The living room had a sliding glass door that led to a small courtyard that had a table and a chair. Surrounding the courtyard was a dark plastishield that let in natural sunlight, but remained opaque to the Captain. She had no idea what lay beyond the confines of her little world, no sights or sounds ever reached her.

She had access to generic reading material and a computer, but all it would do was play basic games and display scientific papers that were at least ten years out of date.

In one corner on the living area was situated some exercise equipment.

There was a small treadmill, a static cycle and an assortment of moderate weights. Beverly spent a lot of time using the equipment; the only other breaks to her otherwise stultifyingly boring days were the regular appearances of her keeper as he brought her meals.

As she mechanically ate her morning meal her mind drifted, her thoughts going, as always, to her husband and children. The ever-present ache in her heart swelled to agonising proportions and she closed her eyes, shaking her head as she savagely quashed her pain. She knew if she didn’t keep her anguish under tight control she would certainly go mad. In the early days of her imprisonment she pined for her family, her husband especially. In her waking hours she thought of him and her children…what were they doing? Were they all right? Were they searching for her? Would they ever be able to find her? Her anguished thoughts were bad enough during the day but at night, when sleep finally took her, her dreams invaded her mind and tortured her anew. Visions of her beloved Jean-Luc being tormented by her captors, her children forgetting who she was and not recognising her when she was finally reunited with them or worst of all, Jean-Luc in the arms of another woman. She so often woke, sobbing and distraught, that she slowly taught herself to sleep only very lightly, mostly avoiding the deep sleep her body cried out for. Over time, this quasi sleep deprivation altered her mind leaving her a parody of her former self. Dull, listless and compliant, no one who knew her would recognise the person she had become. Along with her hope and spirit, she successfully buried her self and merely existed. It was the only way she could survive.

                     Della surreptitiously watched Jean-Luc as she piloted the hover car into Melbourne. Habitually taciturn, he was even more withdrawn than usual and, as she studied his wan features, her worry increased.

Nothing was said as they transported to San Francisco and, as they entered the suite of rooms that constituted their work place, he walked into his office with a brusque,

“I’ll take my messages in ten minutes.”

 Lieutenant Jeremy Henderson stood, his mouth opening to acknowledge his instruction, but his boss was already closing the door. The young man cast Della a look of concern   and she summoned a small smile.

“He’s a little grumpy this morning.”

The Lieutenant raised his eyebrows and puffed out his cheeks, letting out a long breath.

“Oh great.”

The Captain offered a sympathetic look before going to her own office. Once behind her desk, she activated her computer and scanned through the accumulation of headers. Near the bottom of the list a line of text caught her eye. She sat back and stared, her heartbeat accelerating. Swallowing, she touched the screen, bringing up the message and began to read.

Ten minutes later she was knocking at Jean-Luc’s door, a PADD in her hand. She ignored Jeremy’s,

“Captain, the Ambassador doesn’t want to be disturbed.”

As she brazenly opened the door and marched through.

The Lieutenant was behind her, offering his apologies as Della approached the desk, proffering the PADD.

“I think you’ll want to see this Sir.”

Jean-Luc scowled at Della, but then his eyes settled on the PADD. With a flick of his hand he dismissed his secretary and took the device, grunting his permission for Della to sit.

He read for a few moments, his face a deepening scowl. Looking up, he shook his head.

“This makes no sense.”

Della shrugged.

“I know, but my source is sound.”

Jean-Luc rubbed his face.

“But why would the Antorians even consider this?”

The Captain sat forward and speared Jean-Luc with a measuring gaze.

“One upmanship.”

Jean-Luc shook his head.

“Oh surely not? I’ve been dealing with Ambassador Tar Taz for months now…he gave no indication that anything like this was on his agenda. In fact he’s been very careful to appear very compliant. No…there must be another reason, either that, or your source is wrong.”

With an emphatic shake of her head, Della refuted Jean-Luc’s claim.

“No! My source is absolutely rock-solid.”

Jean-Luc tossed the PADD onto the desk, sat back and folded his hands behind his head.

“All right, what then? I can’t believe it’s as simple as one upmanship.”

Della raised her hands and sighed.

“I don’t know. Like you said, it makes no real sense, besides we’re not offering admission into the Federation. This whole process has been about trade.”

The Ambassador sat forward and picked up the PADD. He read for a while then snorted.

“Well insisting on a delegation at the next sitting of the Council, as well as access to our weapons program…it’s absurd to even think we’d allow it. Those sorts of things are for Federation members only.”

Della waved a hand.

“Which they insist they don’t want. I don’t know Jean-Luc, I smell a rat.”

Tossing the PADD back onto the desktop, Jean-Luc fisted his hands and shook his head.

“Well time will tell. If your source is correct Tar Taz will be making his play soon. The talks are due to end by the end of the month.”

Della gazed at her friend and frowned. Risking his wrath, she said softly,

“Are you getting any sleep Jean-Luc?”

His glare faded and he sighed.

“Not really.”

“Want to talk about it?”
He shook his head.

“No…not unless you can tell me why my son hates me.”

A surprised woman gaped.

“James? James hates you? I can’t believe that.”

Jean-Luc’s face showed his derision.

“Oh you can believe it. He told me as much last night.”

Della lifted her hands and shook her head.

“But why?”

With a dismissive flick of his hand, Jean-Luc snorted.

“Does it matter?”

“Of course it matters Jean-Luc! Look James is eighteen years old. Boys that age often find conflict with their fathers…but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Talk to him Jean-Luc.”

The Ambassador gave the woman a speculative look then closed his eyes. When he opened them, the subject was done with. Della took the hint and stood, saying gently,

“Would you like to come for dinner again tonight?”

Without lifting his eyes from his computer, Jean-Luc shook his head.

“No thank you, I have too much work to do.”

He didn’t see her sad smile. She left and went back to her office and, once seated, keyed in the code for James’s personal communicator. Fortunately he answered immediately.

“Hello.”

“James it’s Della Mason, your father’s Adjutant. Are you able to talk?”

“Yes Ms.Mason, I’m just on the way to another lecture.”

“Fine. Look James I’m worried about your father, would it be possible to meet?”

“Ah…yes…ah, how about this evening…say nine thirty at the University commissary?”

“Yes that’s fine. Thank you James, I’ll see you there.”

“Okay, bye.”

                      That evening Della was drinking a tepid tea when James appeared at her table. She smiled up at the handsome young man, savagely quashing her reaction to seeing someone who looked so much like her former lover. James put his cup down on the table, offered his hand and a grin.

“I don’t think we’ve ever been formally introduced…despite the fact I’ve seen you plenty of times when you pick Dad up and bring him home.”

The Captain stood, her smile warm.

“Hello James.”

James’s grin widened.

“Hello to you Ms.Mason.”

As Della was sitting she chuckled.

“Oh no…it’s Della. I’m not old enough to be called Ms. Mason by someone as old as you!”

The young man laughed and took his seat. There passed a few moments of silence, broken by James.

“You said you were worried about Dad.”

Della sighed.

“Yes I am. He admitted to me that he’s not sleeping very well…and James…he said you hate him.”

James lowered his head and ran his fingers around the rim of his cup while gathering his thoughts. He took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds before slowly letting it out. He looked at Della, a wry smile on his face.

“It’s complicated.”

Della returned the smile.

“When it comes to your father, it usually is.”

James snorted softly and sat back, stretching his arms above his head.

“It’s true about the sleeping, but there’s a little more to it.”

Nodding thoughtfully, Della said softly,

“Can you elaborate?”

James’s smile faded and he frowned.

“Della, my father is a very important man…and his work is crucial to him, both as his career and for his peace of mind. I hesitate to discuss something that may impact on that.”

Della nodded.

“You’re worried about me saying something I shouldn’t.”

With a shrug, James spread his hands.

“You’re his Adjutant. If you thought his ability to work was compromised…you’d be honour bound to say something.”

Della sat back and folded her hands on the table.

“Fair enough, but why don’t we say this is off the record? I can tell you that whatever’s going on…it hasn’t affected his work, so officially I don’t have a problem.”

James gave the woman a long look, then asked,

“How well do you know my father?”

That brought a warm smile.

“Oh I think quite well. James I have to tell you that your father and I shared a relationship many years ago. Meeting him again after all that time only served to reinforce my opinion of him as a superlative Ambassador and a very nice man.”

The snort and derisive sneer took Della aback. Wisely she waited for him to speak.

“Well that superlative Ambassador has been drinking himself into a stupor every night. He says it’s so he doesn’t dream, but the truth is…he won’t accept Mum’s death. He’s hiding in a bottle and I, for one, have had enough!”

Pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. Della sat up and sighed.

“I noticed he drank a lot last night…I thought he was just relaxing. What about his food intake?”

James shrugged.

“To be honest I’ve not seen him eat anything in weeks, but I’m not home at meal times much. The person to ask would be my sister, Adele.”

Della nodded thoughtfully.

“Well he usually has a light lunch with me but it’s not much. Is there anyone he can talk to?”

James shrugged again.

“I wouldn’t know Della. Mum and Dad always kept their work away from Adele and me. Once they came home it was just us, as a family.”

The Captain eased back in her chair and rubbed her chin.

“What about Starfleet? His former command?”

The smile that grew on the young man’s face pleased Della.

“Oh yeah, there’s Uncle Will and Aunt Deanna…and Uncle Geordi and Uncle Data.”

Della frowned, but a smile lingered.

“And who are they?”

James held up a hand in apology.

“Sorry. Captain William Riker, Commander Deanna Riker, Commanders Geordi LaForge and Data. All of the Enterprise.”

“That would be the Enterprise F?”

“Yep.”

Della sat forward and idly pushed her cup in circles.

“Do you think he’d talk to any of them?”

James shrugged, something he seemed to do often.

“I’m not sure. I know he still keeps in contact with them and they come to visit when the ship comes back to Earth…and Deanna is still the ship’s Counsellor…”

He shrugged again.

“I really don’t know Della. Maybe.”

The Captain smiled.

“Okay, I’ll look into it. Now James…do you really hate your father?”

James sighed and slumped back into his seat.

“No not really. It’s just…he’s always been in complete control…you know? Nothing ever fazed him, not when he was a Captain and not when he became an Admiral or an Ambassador. But this…he’s lost it Della. His refusal to accept Mum’s death has caused him to hide, not only in a bottle, but from Delly and me. And to be perfectly frank, I’m sick and tired of putting him to bed when I’ve found him passed out in the study.”

Della nodded, her expression one of sympathy.

“I see where you’re coming from James. I’ll make a couple of calls…we’ll see if we can’t help him.”

James looked at his chronometer and smiled.

“Thanks Della. Now I have to go. Would you like an escort to your car?”

The woman stood.

“No thank you James, I can find my way. Thank you for meeting me.”

The grin was rakish and once again Della was reminded of a younger Jean-Luc.

“No problem.”

It was a thoughtful Captain that left the building.

                      Jean-Luc had worked diligently at his computer until nearly midnight. He’d heard James come in, but his son didn’t come in to see him. Adele had though. Just on ten his daughter had poked her head inside the study and said softly,

“I’m going to bed Dad.”

He looked up and turned his head, giving Adele a smile.

“Want me to tuck you in?”

His clear speech and the absence of any bottles made the young woman grin.
“Oh Dad…you haven’t tucked me in for ages.”

Jean-Luc stood and went to his daughter, gently gripping her shoulders and shaking them.

“You’re never too old to be tucked in by your Papa. You go up and I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

The delighted Adele giggled as he turned her and gently pushed her down the hall. He knew if he went back to his work he would invariably forget to go up to his daughter so instead he went into the kitchen and put the kettle on. Ten minutes later a fresh pot of tea was brewing and Jean-Luc was climbing the stairs.

The soft knock at the door made Adele say softly,

“Come in Dad.”

The Ambassador went in and sat on the bed.

“All comfortable?”

She sighed with happiness.

“Yes.”

He bent forward and kissed her brow.

“In that case, sleep tight, sweet dreams.”

He stood but before he could leave Adele sat up and called him.

“Dad?”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry about what I said.”

Jean-Luc sat back on her bed and sighed.

“Adele…I understand why you said what you did, but you have to understand I can’t…no, actually I won’t accept your mother’s death until I have incontrovertible proof. As you well know, I have been investigating everything I can about the incident these last two years and there is too much left unexplained. Until I have a satisfactory answer to the entire event I will keep looking…and searching. Adele…I can’t let this go…I love her.”

The young woman sighed and brushed at the tear that tracked down her cheek.
“I do understand Dad, but it was good enough for Starfleet to accept. What could you possibly find that they couldn’t?”

The man sighed and rubbed his brow, feeling his advancing years.

“To be honest I don’t know, but something’s not right Adele, something about this whole situation feels wrong, and I’ve spent too many years of my life trusting my instincts to ignore them now.”

He sighed again.

“You’ll just have to trust me my love.”

Adele summoned a smile and pushed aside her misgivings.

“I do trust you Dad, I always have.”

Jean-Luc kissed her again and went to stand. Adele caught his wrist and looked up at his with pleading eyes. In a hushed voice she said,

“Dad…please don’t drink any more.”

A spike of anger made Jean-Luc close his eyes, but it was quickly followed by crushing guilt. He opened his eyes and smiled down at his daughter.

“I will try Adele.”

Adele smiled at her father and sighed.

“J’taime Papa.”

Tears welled in the man’s eyes.

“J’taime ma belle fille.”

His step was lighter when he went back to his study.

                   Now, as he shut off the computer and sat back in his chair he contemplated the trial that awaited him. His eyes travelled to the cupboard where he knew several unopened bottles of wine waited, but instead of succumbing to his need, he abruptly stood and stalked from the room, his brusque,

“Lights off!”

Disturbing the silence of the house. Scant minutes later he was in bed, staring at the ceiling in the utter darkness, but despite his fears, sleep eventually claimed him. It was not a peaceful rest though, his dreams came to haunt him.

                      He stood so straight and proud at the small rostrum in the forward lounge. He’d opted for a plain black suit, a small cream rose in the buttonhole of his lapel. His crisp white shirt was set off by a burgundy tie that had belonged to his brother. At his side stood his first officer also resplendent in civilian clothes. The tall man grinned in his usual rakish way and bent to say sotto voce,

“Did she say she would keep you waiting?”

Lowering his head, Jean-Luc smothered a smile, keeping his face expressionless, but his eyes twinkled.

“No Number One, she didn’t.”

The soft clearing of a throat brought the men to attention. The Captain standing before them in dress uniform frowned and did everything but waggle a finger.

“Quiet you two.”

Captain Jean-Luc Picard schooled his features and straightened his already ramrod straight back. Will Riker stifled a chuckle, tucked in his chin and tried to look serious. Jean-Luc was well aware of his best man’s amusement and sighed inwardly, wishing, not for the first time, that his bride would hurry up.

Suddenly soft music started and he turned slowly. Coming towards him was his beloved Beverly. Dressed simply in a flowing gown of ivory silk. It was unadorned stunningly beautiful, falling to her feet in a shimmering sleeve. In her hands was a posy of small cream roses, nestled within a halo of young fern fronds.

She was statuesque, serene and the most astonishingly gorgeous woman Jean-Luc had ever seen. His mechanical heart swelled in his chest as his eyes welled in tears. As she walked down the short aisle between the seats her progress was suddenly stopped by a tall young man. Jean-Luc frowned as he recognised the man. He whispered,

“James?”

Then watched in horror as his son raised his arm, the overhead light glinting off the blade of a long, sharp knife. His hand dropped quickly and the blade plunged into Beverly’s chest. Immediately blood spread over the fabric of her dress. Beverly’s mouth opened in a silent scream as the knife stabbed again and again. She fell to her knees and Jean-Luc finally found his senses. He took three steps towards his bride only to halt in shock as another person began to assault Beverly. This time he shouted.

“Adele…NO!”

By the time he got to Beverly she was covered with blood and her life was ebbing away. His son and daughter, covered in gore, turned to him and said in unison,

“This is all your fault.”

He dropped to his knees beside his bride to hear her whisper,

“Why Jean-Luc?”

Before a gout of blood bubbled up from her mouth and she died in his arms.

He was wrenched from his nightmare shouting over and over,

“It wasn’t my fault…it wasn’t my fault!”

                      James sat bolt upright in his bed, his heart pounding in fright. Trying to control his ragged breathing, he listened, attempting to identify what had shattered his sleep. The dark house offered nothing in its silence, but James was unconvinced. Something had woken him, something disturbing. He threw back the covers and exited his bed, ignoring his robe as he went to his door, opened it and stepped out into the hallway. In the dim light he saw his sister and waved her back into her room. Looking left and right in the darkness, his eyes settled on the top of the stairs and his feet began to carry him there, but he hesitated, looking back over his shoulder, down the hall to his father’s room. He sighed, angry that he should even hope that his father would be in his bed. Nevertheless, he turned and stalked to the master bedroom door and opened it, fully expecting to find the room empty. He was very surprised to see a dark shape, hunched over in the bed. As he cautiously approached he heard soft sobs. Very confused and concerned, James stood beside the bed and said softly,

“Dad?”

Jean-Luc, startled and humiliated, stiffened and turned his head away, wiping brusquely at his face. By the light of the moon, peeking in through the partly drawn drapes, James sat tentatively on the bed and laid a gentle hand on his father’s shoulder.

“Dad…what is it? Are you all right?”

Jean-Luc took a shuddering breath and lifted his lowered head, but he refused to look at his son. He spoke softly, but his voice was ragged and very deep.

“I’m fine James…it was nothing, I…I just had a bad dream, that’s all.”

The large warm hand on his shoulder gently squeezed and Jean-Luc grimaced at the concern and sympathy he heard in his son’s voice.

“Was it about Mum?”

The urge to deny the question rose quickly in Jean-Luc, but just as quickly he squashed it. He took another deep breath and struggled to gain control of his emotions.

“Yes.”

James bowed his head and closed his eyes. He spoke so softly Jean-Luc had to strain to hear him.

“I dream about her too.”

The two males sat in silence for a few minutes before Jean-Luc looked at his son and sighed.

“I drank so I could sleep without dreams.”

The admission both shocked and relieved the young man. He sighed and shook his head.

“Dad…”

Hearing the exasperation in his son’s voice made the Ambassador suddenly angry. He shrugged free of James’s hand and slid from the bed, stalking stiffly to the window and staring sightlessly out into the night. James silently cursed himself and tried again.

“Dad you know drinking like that would achieve nothing. Eventually you were going to have to face whatever it is you’ve been hiding from.”

The man spun around and glared at his son.

“You know nothing! You don’t know what its like to be told that the love of your life is gone! How the hell was I supposed to cope?”

James was tempted to stand and confront his father face to face, but showing maturity beyond his years, he remained seated and softened his expression.

“You forget Dad…Adele and I lost our mother. I know…we know how devastating that is.”

Jean-Luc’s voice cracked as he strode around the bed and loomed over his son.

“But James, what if she wasn’t gone? What if she wasn’t on the shuttle when it was destroyed?”

Showing sensitivity he usually kept hidden, but which his parents, especially his mother knew existed, James looked up into his father’s anguished eyes and said softly,

“She’s gone Dad. You have to let her go.”

Jean-Luc straightened and lowered his hands. His shoulders slumped and he suddenly looked older than his years. He sighed and turned, walking slowly back to the window. James stood and went to his father, standing beside him and lifting his head to gaze up at the stars.

“I’m sorry Dad; I wish I could help you.”

The older man sighed and bowed his head.

“You can James…by leaving your mind open. Just trust me, trust that I’m not a deluded old fool who can’t accept a simple truth.”

He turned to his son and gently gripped his shoulder.

“There’s more to this than we know James.”

James looked down into his father’s eyes and something in his heart squeezed. His love and respect for the man welled and he summoned a crooked smile.

“Okay Dad, as long as you stay off the booze.”

With a soft growl, Jean-Luc shook his head, but his voice was tinged with amusement.

“You are as single minded as your mother.”

James’s smile grew and he put an arm around his father’s shoulders.

“And as stubborn as my father.”

Jean-Luc snorted and gently pushed his son.

“Go back to bed.”

James left his father and walked to the door in silence, feeling the man’s eyes on his back. He turned at the door and said softly,

“I love you Dad.”

The voice that replied was strong and full of love and pride.

“And I love you James. Never forget that.”

Once again in his bed, James quickly fell asleep, but his father stayed awake for the rest of the long night, staring out of the window.

                    Breakfast next morning was more comfortable than it had been in months. Adele cast her brother a questioning look as he sipped his coffee and they both glanced at their father. He was a little pale and the dark circles under his eyes was indicative of lack of sleep, but the eyes themselves were clear and bright as was his demeanour.

He was reading from a PADD as he nibbled on some toast, his hand drifting occasionally to his cup, sipping the strong black coffee. Adele, wishing to take advantage of her father’s improved mood, softly cleared her throat.

“Dad?”

His eyes stayed on the screen, but he raised his head slightly.

“Hmm?”

“Can I stay at Paula’s tonight?”

There was a moment’s silence before Jean-Luc finally looked at his daughter, a frown on his face.

“It’s a school night.”

The young woman swallowed her dismay and tried again.

“Yeah but…”

Her father’s eyes hardened.

“It’s yes.”

Adele sighed and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

“Yes but Paula’s mother said it was okay and we can get so much more studying done and …”

Jean-Luc gently placed the PADD on the table and folded his arms.

“It’s a school night.”

This time Adele couldn’t contain her exasperation. She raised her hands and rolled her eyes.

“I know that Dad, but…”

“No.”

Now clearly angry and frustrated by her father’s implacable front, Adele savagely pushed her chair back and stood, her hands fisting on her hips.

“That’s so unfair! I’m seventeen for God’s sake, Dad. Stop treating me like a child!”

Father and daughter regarded each other, one with calm resolve, the other with fiery tempestuousness. James could see his sister was building up to an out and out display of temper. Wishing to preserve, or at least salvage the earlier pleasant atmosphere, he sat back and said into the tense silence,

“Dad, how about you let Delly stay at Paula’s later than usual? I can pick her up on my way back from the uni.”

Jean-Luc’s eyes travelled from his daughter to his son. With a speculative pursing of his lips, he raised one eyebrow.

“How late?”

James gave a noncommittal shrug.

“Oh…eleven, maybe closer to twelve.”

Jean-Luc frowned.

“It’s still a school night.”

James allowed a sly smile.

“Oh come on Dad. What were you doing a seventeen? You were at the Academy getting into strife.”

His face remained expressionless but his eyes twinkled.

“That may be the case, but Adele knows, as did you, school nights are not for entertainment.”

Adele opened her mouth to protest but the quick glance from her brother effectively silenced her. The young man sat forward, gesturing with his hands.

“Yeah but…”

The raised eyebrow from his father made James sigh theatrically.

“Yes but Adele isn’t staying at Paula’s for entertainment, she and Paula are going to study. Come on Dad, Adele’s exams start next week.”

Instead of saying anything further, Jean-Luc reached for the coffee pot and topped up his cup. He then took a sip before settling his gaze on his daughter.

“Are you behind in your studies?”

Seeing the question for what it was, the now cautiously optimistic girl regained her seat and shook her head vehemently.

“No! I just want to brush up on everything, get it into my head again.”

Jean-Luc placed his cup on the table and idly ran his fingers around the rim.

“And your physics?”

Before Adele could answer, James interjected.

“No problem Dad, I’ve been helping her.”

The Ambassador kept his intense gaze fixed on his daughter. Adele, to her credit, held his gaze but her stomach churned. Eventually Jean-Luc sighed and waved a hand.

“Very well. But…”

He held up one finger.

“It’s straight to bed when you get home.”

Adele was out of her seat and hugging her father in one motion.

“Thanks Dad.”

Jean-Luc briefly closed his eyes, savouring the contact with his daughter. He gathered himself as she pulled away, coming to his feet as the front door chimed.

“That will be Captain Mason. Would you like a lift to school?”

Adele was about to accept when James said,

“That’s okay Dad, I can drop her off on my way.”

Jean-Luc offered a nod then planted a quick kiss on Adele’s cheek. He then walked around the table and gave his son’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. With a knowing smile, he left. James sat back and put hands behind his head, a smug grin on his face.

“You owe me…big!”

Adele screwed up her face in mock pain and held a hand to her forehead.

“Oh God…the ignominy! In debt to a tyrant. What’s the payment for your assistance big brother?”

The handsome young man snorted, his face stern, but his eyes danced with glee.

“Assistance? It was more than that little sister! What I did was demonstrate superior intellect. Going toe to toe with our father is no mean feat.”

Adele sidled around the table until she stood beside her brother. She hitched a hip onto the table edge and idly reached down to take a piece of his toast. She took a bite and chewed thoughtfully, her face passive. Her voice, when she spoke was not.

“And how much of your desire to see me liberated tonight had to do with Sarah Thompson?”

James growled and pushed his chair back, glaring up at his sister.

“You really are a troll sometimes Adele.”

She shrugged and took another bite of the toast.

“Perhaps, but you and I both know we have ulterior motives. Yes we both have work to do, but after I study, Paula and I are going to watch the latest vids from Celestial Rock. What are you and Sarah going to do?”

A sly smile spread across her brother’s face. He stood and accentuated his greater height by looming over her and tapping the tip of her nose.

“You’re way too young to understand.”

With an irritated snort, Adele ducked under James’s body and stalked to the sink. Over her shoulder she said archly,

“Well I don’t care how many times you get your rocks off, as long as you remember to pick me up from Paula’s.”

She flounced out of the room and James grinned.

“Ha!”

                     James cursed silently as he hurried to the parking lot. He and Sarah had dallied in the library, forgetting their study and indulging in some heavy petting in a secluded section of the cavernous building. Now it was already five to twelve and he was way behind time. Just as he reached his hover car, a hand reached out to grip his wrist.

“Oh I’m so glad I caught you. Can you give me a lift James? I left my access chip for my car in the library, I went back but it’s closed.”

His silent cursing increased rapidly.

“Look Sarah…I’d love to, but I’m late picking up my sister. If we get home too late my Dad will go ballistic.”

Sarah ran her hand up James’s sleeve and gently caressed his neck.
“Please James?”

Undone by her extraordinary green eyes, James sighed with resignation and unlocked his car.

“Hop in.”

The kiss was heated and the caressing hands left no doubt in James’s mind that Sarah intended to reward him for his gallantry. By the time he got his brain back on line, Sarah was sitting in the car, raising an expectant brow. James swallowed and got into the car, but before he could power up Sarah’s sultry voice brushed his ears.

“Opaque the windows James.”

As she spoke she slid her hand up his leg, stopping just short of his crotch. His eyes never left her as he pressed the control to darken the windows. She kissed him again, her tongue forcing itself into his mouth as her hand covered his growing erection. All thoughts of his sister fled his mind when he felt her opening his trousers. She broke the kiss and lowered her head as she freed him from his briefs. He closed his eyes and held his breath as he waited for the first exquisite sensation of her hot, wet mouth as it descended on his straining penis. He thought he was ready, but as she engulfed him he cried out and thrust up into her mouth. She chuckled sultrily around his penis as she insinuated a hand into his briefs to gently massage his testicles. They had done this before; in fact oral sex was all they had done to each other, wishing to wait a little longer before they had real sex.

James possessed control, he knew that. When he masturbated, or when he and Sarah had plenty of time he could prolong his pleasure as long as he liked but Sarah was aware of his obligations, even if he had forgotten, so she applied herself diligently to her task and quickly broke through her partner’s efforts to stave off his orgasm. He arched his back, pressing his head against the backrest as a particularly devilish application of tongue and teeth brought him to the edge. Panting and groaning he gasped,

“Oh God…Sarah…I’m going to come!”

Sarah smiled to herself and took his considerable size deep within her mouth. While gently squeezing his testicles she sucked hard and feathered her tongue over his fraenulum. It was more than enough. With a soft cry James came in a heady rush. Sarah continued to suck, drawing out his pleasure as he slowly softened. She let him slip from her mouth then sat back to admire him in the dim light. He swallowed twice before he found his ragged voice.

“Holy shit Sarah, that was incredible.”

Daintily wiping her mouth, she gave a wry smile.

“You’re welcome, but…”

She gently ran a finger down his face.

“You owe me.”

He could see the arousal in her eyes and he smiled. His eyes darkened and glittered as he kissed her, his fingers dancing up her thigh but she grabbed his hand, whispering,

“We don’t have time.”

His eyes widened and he gasped.

“Oh shit.”

As he tucked himself in and powered up the car, he cleared the windows and asked frantically,

“Computer, what is the time?”

The gentle feminine voice replied.

“The time is twenty three past twelve, pm.”

“Shit! Shit. Shit, shit!”

The car was in the air when his personal communicator chimed. He took the unit from his pocket and scowled when he read the screen. He pressed the button and tried to keep the panic out of his voice. As soon as the connection was established, Adele’s angry voice sounded.

“Where the bloody hell are you James?”

“Keep you shirt on Delly, I’m on my way.”

“How long?”

“Twenty minutes, tops.”

“You know Dad is going to crack a major sad.”

James sighed and would have closed his eyes but for the fact he was flying.

“Let me handle Dad. Be ready to leave when I arrive.”

His sister’s anger made her curt.

“Just bloody hurry up!”

As he closed the channel he pulled back on the yoke, raising the car out of the stream of traffic in the air up to a faster stream. He opened the throttle and the little car hurtled through the night causing Sarah to giggle.

“Any higher and we could join the mile high club.”

In a good natured grumble he muttered,

“Shut up.”

The silence was comfortable as they approached Paula’s home. They descended through the sparse traffic down to the suburban streets where he guided the craft into the driveway. Light spilled out of the house as the front door opened and closed. James pressed the door release and once Adele was inside, he lifted off and was closing the door even as the craft gained height. Adele’s voice broke the warm silence.

“Sarah? What are you doing here?”

Half turning in her seat, Sarah looked back at Adele and grinned.

“James is taking me home.”

The seventeen year old threw her hands in the air and moaned.

“Oh great! Where do you live?”

Hearing the panic in the younger girl’s voice, Sarah chuckled.

“Hey, take it easy! I don’t live that far from you.”

Adele glared.

“Fifty metres is too far! James do you know the time?”

Her brother refrained from answering the question. Instead he increased speed. Adele sat forward and peeked over her brother’s shoulder.

“Slow down James.”

His reply angered her.

“Shut up.”

“Don’t tell me to shut up! You’re going too fast, slow down.”

Sarah was about to tell Adele to leave her brother alone when suddenly everything went mad. Hover craft traffic travelled at different heights depending on speed. To change streams, one waited until encountering the frequently spaced feeders to either rise or descend into a new stream. Because James was relatively close to his destination, he didn’t bother to rise up into the main flows, but kept low in the local traffic area, an area strictly speed controlled. Zooming too fast above a street, he took a bend too rapidly only to be confronted by another car coming straight at him. With a stifled curse he wrenched the yoke, pulling the craft around too tight. Exceeding the limits of the car, it veered off, spiralling drunkenly before glancing off a tree, slamming down onto the street surface then rising again to a height of eight metres before the reactor shut down and the craft dropped like a stone. The noise of the crash brought residents out of their homes. Two men cautiously approached the darkened wreck, one calling for an ambulance. Between the two of them they managed to get the passenger door open and Sarah tumbled onto the road. The older of the two men turned his head and called,

“Someone bring a light!”

Sarah groaned and sat up, her fingers probing a cut on her brow. She heard James grumbling and chuckled.

“Nice one ace!”

One of the men helped Sarah to her feet while the other pulled at the rear passenger door, helped by Adele as she pushed from the inside with her shoulder. Light suddenly flooded the scene and Adele glanced at her brother, frowning at his odd expression. She was about to speak when Sarah gasped.

“James!”

Adele heard the shock in her voice and abandoned her assault on the door to scoot forward to get a better look at her brother. As her eyes slid from his bloody face, she gasped.

“Oh bugger!”

The yoke had collapsed onto James’s lower abdomen. A dark stain of blood coloured his shirt in stark contrast to his pale face. She gripped his shoulder and whispered.

“Oh James…”

He smiled and wiped at the blood stained sweat that trickled down his face.

“Hey…don’t go all girly on me Delly.”

In the distance the approaching emergency services sirens could be heard. Very quickly the glaring flashes of their strobe lights illuminated the area. An ambulance and a police vehicle settled nearby and two officers jogged to the wreck. Their assessment was brief and professional. Adele was freed within minutes, but it took almost thirty minutes to free her brother. No one was allowed to accompany James to the hospital. Sarah and Adele were checked at the scene and their minor injuries dealt with. Bundled into the police car, they were escorted to their homes.

                   Unable to go to bed until his children were home and reluctant to do so because of the nightmares, Jean-Luc was in the study, but his mind wasn’t on the text that glowed on the computer screen. Three times he had picked up his personal communicator only to toss it back on the desk in disgust. He glanced at the clock and glowered. Once again he picked up his communicator, this time opening a channel and beginning to input James’s number.

The front door chime stilled his fingers and his head snapped up, his stomach souring.

“Who the hell could be at the door at this hour?”

He moved through the house quickly, trepidation dogging his steps. The lights were on in the entryway and he could see, through the lead lit side panels of the door, a uniformed figure standing under the light of the porch. He opened the door and saw two things. Adele, with blood on her shirt and two police officers.

“Ambassador Picard?”

“Yes, I’m Ambassador Picard.”

“Sir, there’s been an accident.”

Keeping his voice steady with an effort, Jean-Luc stared into the man’s eyes, willing the news to be good.

“Where is my son?”

The tall sergeant smiled and held up a hand.

“He’s in hospital Sir, but I have been informed his injuries aren’t life threatening, although he is in surgery.”

Jean-Luc gave a short nod.

“I see. Which hospital?”

“Melbourne General.”

Jean-Luc was about to say more when the sergeant said softly,

“There will be charges laid Ambassador.”

“And they are?”

“Exceeding the speed limit in a local area and driving dangerously, causing injury. Your daughter and the other passenger received minor injuries.”

Jean-Luc raised an eyebrow.

“Other passenger?”

The large man consulted a small PADD.

“Sarah Thompson.”

Jean-Luc took a large breath, held it for a few seconds then let it out slowly.

“I see. What is the procedure in this situation?”

The sergeant smiled.

“Once your son is discharged and he’s feeling up to it, bring him and his sister to the station. They can give their statements and the charges will be laid. A date will be set for an informal hearing before a magistrate. Unless he wishes to contest the charges, appropriate punishment will be set then. Hopefully no actual conviction will be recorded.”

Jean-Luc pursed his lips, his eyebrows raised.

“No conviction?”

The policeman smiled.

“No Sir. In cases such as these we feel it disadvantages someone as young as your son to bear a conviction, which, as you know, he would have for life. The judiciary had decided, as long as the guilty party agrees to re education in safe driving techniques, that and performing community service, usually at a hospital, suffices and no conviction is recorded. Oh…there will also be a fine.”

Jean-Luc nodded and gave a wan smile.

“Well all in all, I consider him very lucky. Is that all sergeant?”

The big man grinned.

“Yes Ambassador, good night.”

Jean-Luc ushered Adele inside then took her shoulders and stared into her eyes.

“Are you all right?”

Her voice hushed, she had trouble looking her father in the eye.

“Yes Papa.”

“Fine. I can get someone to come and stay while I go to the hospital.”

The young woman took her father’s hand, her voice breaking.

“No! I want to come too.”

For a few seconds father and daughter stared into each other’s eyes, before Jean-Luc gave a curt nod.

“Very well. Go and get changed, I’ll wait down here.”

Adele turned and took a few steps before she stopped.

“Papa…I…”

He held up a hand and shook his head.

“Not now Adele.”

She nodded sadly and went up the stairs to her room. Jean-Luc went back to the study and contacted the hospital.

The ride to the hospital was taken in silence. Once there, Jean-Luc and Adele were ushered into a dimly lit room. Lying in a bed was James, a white coated woman standing beside him. She turned to the pair and smiled.

“Ambassador Picard?”

Jean-Luc nodded.

“Yes.”

“I am Doctor Lydia Humphries. Your son is doing well; he’s been lightly sedated and will sleep until morning. He told me before he went to sleep that you are not to stay here overnight.”

Jean-Luc smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He looked down at his son and sighed.

“What were his injuries?”

Doctor Humphries picked up a PADD and frowned.

“Nasty, but not life threatening, at least not here in the city. He had a perforated bowel, ruptured peritoneum and ruptured abdominal muscle wall. He’s going to be a little tender when he wakes up.”

With a soft grunt, Jean-Luc wiped a hand over his face. Adele moved closer to her brother and gently touched his face. The Doctor said softly,

“You can’t do anything here, why don’t you go home? We’ll contact you in the morning when he’s ready to be discharged.”

Jean-Luc shook his head and was about to politely refuse, when Adele said quietly,

“The Doctor’s right Dad.”

Father and daughter held each other’s gaze before Jean-Luc sighed.

“Very well.”

The ride home was silent but once they were inside, Jean-Luc went to go to his study but Adele caught his hand.

“No Dad, we need to talk about this.”

The tired man shook his head.

“I don’t think so Adele, perhaps in the morning.”

The young woman gritted her teeth and shook her head.

“No Dad. I know you don’t want to talk about it, but we have to. You have questions, and I need to tell you what happened.”

Growing angry and about to dig his heels in, Jean-Luc saw the determination in his daughter’s eyes and sighed in capitulation. Instead of saying anything, Jean-Luc gestured to the living room. They entered and sat side by side in silence, the air thick with tension. Eventually Adele sighed and rubbed her eyes.

“I’m surprised you didn’t call me.”

Jean-Luc grunted softly.

“I nearly did. When you weren’t home by midnight I really started to worry.”

Adele regarded her father.

“So why didn’t you call?”

That brought a rueful smile.

“Because you’re seventeen and I thought you deserved the benefit of the doubt. Besides, your elder brother was supposed to be picking you up. If anything had gone wrong, I expected him to call me.”

There were several moments of silence before Jean-Luc said quietly,

“What happened?”

Adele shrugged.

“James was late, I don’t know why, but I can guess.”

Jean-Luc nodded slowly.

“Sarah Thompson?”

Adele smiled.

“Uh huh. She was in the car when he finally arrived. We were going to her place to drop her off when the accident happened.”

With a deep sigh, Jean-Luc rubbed his forehead.

“And was he travelling too fast?”

“Yeah.”

Jean-Luc gave his daughter a look and she rolled her eyes.

“Yes.”

“It’s not like you to let your brother drive recklessly.”

Adele sighed.

“I told him to slow down Dad. He told me to shut up.”

Jean-Luc frowned.

“That doesn’t sound like James; in fact driving dangerously doesn’t sound like him at all.”

Adele laughed bitterly.

“Oh come on Dad.”

She enumerated her points on her fingers.

“He was really late, probably because he’d been snogging Sarah and that after talking you into letting me stay out. And Sarah was in the car. Nothing like having your girlfriend by your side to entice a bloke to drive like a maniac.”

Jean-Luc smiled ruefully and nodded.

“I see your point.”

He then sighed.

“Well we can’t do anything about it now. I think we should both try to get some sleep.”

He stood and looked down in confusion when Adele remained seated. She lifted her head, tears in her eyes. Softly she said,

“Dad…I didn’t study the whole time I was at Paula’s. In fact we stopped early to watch the latest rock vids. I’m sorry.”

Smothering a smile, Jean-Luc sat beside his daughter and put an arm around her shoulders. He leaned to her ear and whispered,

“You think I didn’t know? I was young once too.”

Adele gasped softly then flung her arms around her father, hugging him fiercely. Into his neck she murmured,

“J’taime Papa, J’taime.”

                   Next morning Jean-Luc called his daughter as he passed her room.

“Come on Adele, I’ll get breakfast going.”

Her muffled reply made the man grin.

“Okay Dad. I’ll be down in a minute.”

Once in the kitchen, he put the kettle on, feeling like a real Earl Grey instead of a replicated one, but before he programmed the breakfast order he made three calls. One was to James’s university, explaining his absence. The next was to Adele’s school for the same reason. The last call was to Della Mason.

“Good Morning Ambassador, I’m just leaving.”

“Well you can forget about me this morning Captain. James had an accident last night and is in hospital. I will be going there later this morning and I probably won’t be coming into the office until much later this afternoon.”

“Is he all right?”

“Yes, he’s being discharged very soon.”

“What about the meeting with the Antorian Ambassador? That was scheduled for this morning.”

Jean-Luc scowled and closed his eyes.

“Blast! Look, ask him if we can move it to this afternoon, then call the Federation secretary and tell her I’ll see her later, after I’ve seen the Ambassador.”

He could hear the wince in her voice.

“She’s not going to be happy Sir, that appointment took weeks to arrange.”

Jean-Luc sighed.

“I know. Tell her what’s happened, I’m sure she’ll be sympathetic once she knows.”

“Very well Sir. Tell James to get better soon.”

“Will do.”

Jean-Luc terminated the call just as Adele sauntered into the kitchen. As he went to the boiling kettle he pointed to the replicator and said over his shoulder,

“I’ll have scrambled eggs on whole grain toast.”

Adele nodded silently and placed his order, then hers, bringing the plates to the table.

They ate in silence for a while before Adele asked quietly,

“Dad…how come you don’t have croissants and coffee any more for breakfast?”

Jean-Luc kept his eyes on his plate as he said roughly,

“That’s what I had when your mother was here.”

The young woman frowned.

“But…”

Jean-Luc looked up, his dark eyes hard.

“Leave it alone Adele…just…let it go.”

Adele shrugged, but her heart went out to her father. She was pouring them both a cup of tea when Jean-Luc’s communicator rang. It was the hospital, telling him they could come and collect James.

                     Jean-Luc knew his son was in discomfort, but resisted the urge to help him as they walked out into the car park. The ride home was tense, nothing much was said. Once in the kitchen, Jean-Luc replicated James a cup of coffee, and a tea for Adele and himself. They all sat in uncomfortable silence before James snorted and rubbed his forehead.

“I suppose I’m grounded for the next ten years?”

Jean-Luc looked at his son, his eyes hard and his voice deceptively soft, a sure sign of brewing anger.

“It’s not funny James.”

The lad sighed.

“I know Dad, sorry.”

Adele, wishing to ease the tension, smiled and said,

“Hey you’ve been wanting a new hover car anyway.”

James smiled his gratitude but his father growled,

“You might have been killed! And what about your passengers? Was speeding and driving recklessly worth injuring your sister? Or Sarah? Or you?”

James sat back and closed his eyes.

“I know Dad…look you’re right, what I did was really stupid, but it’s done. What can I do to make up for it?”

Jean-Luc sighed and made an effort to quell his anger.

“I’m not sure. You will be charged with several offences, you’ll probably be doing community service for a while and you’ll be fined and as for your licence…”
The man shrugged.

“I don’t know.”

James grunted.

“Bloody hell, I need my licence to get to uni.”

Jean-Luc’s anger spiked again.

“Well you should’ve thought of that before you piloted the car like a maniac!”

James sat up and glowered.

“It was not like a maniac! Give me some credit for some sense! Yes, I drove too fast in the wrong zone, but gee Dad, you make it sound like a capital offence!”

Jean-Luc stood and fisted his hands.

“It may well have been if you had killed someone! And far be it from me to point out the obvious, but if you hadn’t been running so late, you wouldn’t have had to speed in the first place! What the hell held you up anyway?”

James reddened and coughed into his hand, wincing as his newly repaired stomach muscles complained.

“Ah…Sarah and I forgot the time…we were at the library studying.”

Jean-Luc folded his arms and glared down at his son.

“The library closes at midnight James. The police told me your accident occurred at nearly ten past one. It’s not that long a flight to Paula’s. What were you doing for nearly half an hour while your sister was waiting for you to pick her up?”

James looked at his father, then quietly said,

“Delly, give us a minute will you?”

Knowing now wasn’t the time to complain at being asked to leave the room, Adele silently stood and left. James took a deep breath while his father waited.

“Sarah and I lost track of time in the library and just as I got to the car, she appeared and told me she’d left her access code chip for her car in the library. Of course it was closed by then and she asked me to give her a lift home. I said okay and…she…well, she was really grateful…and showed me how much…in the car.”

Jean-Luc lowered his head and groaned softly.

“Oh Christ James. Are you using an implant? Is she?”

Reddening further, James tried to keep his voice steady.

“It’s not like that Dad. We had sex, but not…you know, not…intercourse.”

The Ambassador took a deep breath.

“All right, I see. So you wasted half an hour in your dalliance and tried to make up time by speeding?”

“Pretty much.”

Just then Jean-Luc’s communicator rang. He answered curtly.

“Picard.”

“Ambassador the Federation secretary wants to see you urgently. She says it can’t wait.”

“Captain…”

“I’m sorry Sir; it looks like something big has come up.”

Jean-Luc looked down at his chastened son and sighed.

“Very well. I’ll drive to the nearest transport station and beam over.”

“Thank you Sir.”

James looked up at his father and said quietly,

“I’ll drive you Dad.”

Jean-Luc’s glare withered the young man, but to his credit he maintained eye contact.

“I don’t think so James.”

James stood slowly and held out his hand.

“Come on Dad, you know how much trouble there’ll be trying to get the car back tonight…and parking will be horrendous. Give me the chip. I’ll drive you then I’ll come home, pick up Delly and take us both to the police station.”

Painted into a corner, Jean-Luc grunted.

“Oh very well, but I’m not happy about it!”

James grinned but it soon faded as his father muttered,

“This discussion is far from over my lad.”

It was a very subdued young man who smiled wanly at his sister as he went to wait at the front door while his father fetched his brief case.

Jean-Luc explained what was happening to Adele then left, his mind trying to push aside his concerns to concentrate on his job.

                   Federation secretary Margaret Hick was pacing in front of her desk when Jean-Luc knocked at her door. She stopped her restless movement and called,

“Enter.”

As soon as the Ambassador had set foot in the room, Margaret stalked to him, brandishing a PADD.

“You’re Adjutant tells me you knew about this!”

Showing outward calm, Jean-Luc took the PADD, activated it and read, all the while ignoring the secretary, who had resumed her pacing. He lowered the device and nodded.

“Yes, Captain Mason showed me this a few days ago.”

The woman stopped in her tracks, her face and tone incredulous.

“And you did nothing? Why wasn’t I informed?”

Jean-Luc sighed.

“Because I don’t think it has any bearing on the talks. Look secretary the Antorians can manoeuvre as much as they like, you and I know those demands, and I must point out nothing has been said officially, are not going to be met. These talks are for a treaty, not for admission of Antoria into the Federation. Tar Taz knows that.”

Hick rounded her desk and sat, placing her hands on the desktop.

“But Jean-Luc, that…”

She pointed to the PADD,

“Says they want our weapons specs and a delegation on the Council!”

The Ambassador shrugged.

“We both know both things are patently impossible.”

“Then why?”

Jean-Luc shrugged again.

“Who knows? Until something is said officially my advice is to ignore it.”

The secretary scowled.

“This source is very good.”

“Agreed, but what can we do? If we say anything it may tip our hand, in any case it would certainly compromise our source.”

Margaret sighed, her shoulders slumping.

“You’re right I suppose. I just hate surprises.”

Jean-Luc smiled.

“You and me both. If there’s nothing else?”

The secretary shook her head then frowned.

“Your son…how is he?”

“Oh he’s fine, thank you.”

“Very well. Thank you Ambassador, that will be all.”

Jean-Luc was back in his office in under ten minutes. Della entered with him and went to the replicator, getting them both a cup of tea.

“Are you ready for Ambassador Tar Taz?”

Jean-Luc took his tea with a nod of thanks then smiled grimly.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Della smiled and went to the door.

“Fifteen minutes?”

Jean-Luc nodded.

“Yes, that will be fine.”

                    Ambassador Tar Taz sighed as he looked at his superior. His accommodations in the Federation’s main building in London were comfortable and well appointed but he had been on Earth too long. He had been supplied with a secure communication system and his twice weekly contact with home was something he looked forward to. He knew by the agitated curling of the eye stalks that his superior was upset.

“But why Tar Taz? You have been in negotiations for over ten months now. Surely you can bring the talks to a close? The Emperor is getting impatient and it’s me who has to deal with him.”

Bowing four times as was the custom of his people to show contrition, Tar Taz bent his eye stalks forward and smiled.

“My apologies Fyn Har. Their Ambassador is s stickler for protocol, I’m surprised we have achieved as much as we have.”

The older being huffed, his eye stalks stiffening.

“That may be so Tar Taz, but what do I tell the Emperor?”

The massive being shrugged and spread his hands.

“I’m afraid I can’t offer any suggestions Sir, although we are making progress.”

The Aide wiped at a sweaty brow and sighed.

“Can you give me anything? Anything at all? A time for the resolution of the talks perhaps?”

Seeming to consider the request, Tar Taz bowed his large head and scratched his receding chin. His eye stalks lifted upright as the being raised his head, a smile in place.

“I think another month should see the treaty ratified Sir. Yes…I’m sure of it.”

Fyn Har scowled but took the news with resigned fatalism. He bowed his ponderous head, his eye stalks lowering as well.

“Very well Tar Taz, I will inform the Emperor. Antoria out.”

Once the channel had been closed, the Ambassador took a device from within his clothing and attached it to his computer. He waited patiently as the gadget integrated itself into the computer and was soon rewarded with a new screen. He inputted a series of numbers and again waited while the computer digested the new information. He knew he had been successful when a new image appeared. It was the great seal of the Romulan Empire. Within seconds a face appeared.

“Yes Tar Taz?”

“We are almost ready my friend. By the month’s end we should have Picard in our pocket.”

The Romulan senator smiled, but all it did was make his visage more cruel.

“And his wife?”

“She is in our safe keeping.”

“Where?”

The Antorian smiled depreciatingly.

“It would be unwise to disclose that, but rest assured, she is close, but far away enough to be safe from prying eyes.”

The Romulan sneered.

“My sources tell me the Humans know about our ship.”

Tar Taz turned his hands palm up and shrugged.

“They know nothing. All they have is an unsubstantiated report of an unidentified ship. As far as I know, no one here has given it any thought.”

The senator shook his head.

“From what I know of Picard, it is highly unlikely he would discount such a report.”

“That may be so, but who would listen to him? Starfleet is so certain the Doctor died in the shuttle; they held a memorial service for her! No my friend, he may have suspicions, but nothing to work with. Trust me, once we spring our little trap he will be ours.”

The Romulan grinned, his hard eyes twinkling.

“And once that occurs, your little coup on Antoria can begin. Tell me Tar Taz, what will your first edict as Emperor be?”

Spreading his arms wide, the Ambassador opened his mouth in a silent laugh.

“Oh that’s easy! To grant unlimited access to Antoria by the Romulan Empire of course. Once your base is constructed you will have a strategic post within striking distance of Federation space.”

The senator nodded.

“And you will have wealth untold. You have done well Tar Taz; I look forward to your next communiqué.”

The Antorian bowed, his mouth split into a huge grin.

“Yes senator I must go. Until next time.”

The screen went blank just as the overhead speaker came to life.

“Ambassador you are due to transport to San Francisco in five minutes.”

He took the device from the computer and secreted it in his clothing. Taking a few seconds to compose himself, he lifted his head and said,

“Very well, I will make my way to the transport room.”

“Thank you Sir.”

                As had the meetings of the past few months, Jean-Luc was left feeling frustrated and disgruntled by the latest round of talks. Following a now well established pattern, Tar Taz was cordial and infinitely polite, but, also infuriatingly obtuse. Try as he might, Jean-Luc was unable to move the discussions forward in any meaningful way. Yes the Antorian agreed, at least in principle, that the suggested trade in goods was fair and the exchange in scientific data pertaining to their respective areas of space were also equitable, but as for actually signing on the dotted line…the alien hedged. Tar Taz both sensed and felt the underlying tension in his Ambassadorial counterpart and smiled inwardly. He gleefully listened, laughing inside himself while outwardly projecting nothing but concerned interest as Jean-Luc tried ever so diplomatically to secure a resolution to the talks. He skilfully deflected the Human when he attempted to corner Tar Taz into making a decision one way or the other, but…and Tar Taz found this very interesting, towards the end of the current talks Jean-Luc had, for the first time, allowed his frustration to show. They had been parrying back and forth over the suggested dissemination of mineral ores when Jean-Luc suddenly slammed his PADD down onto the table, lowered his head and closed his eyes. The Antorian looked on with smug satisfaction as his counterpart took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds before slowly letting it out. By the time Jean-Luc raised his head and locked his eyes on the alien, Tar Taz was the epitome of concern.

“Are you all right Ambassador Picard?”

Jean-Luc allowed a small smile which didn’t reach his eyes. He waved away the question, instead asking in a soft voice,

“Do you want this treaty for your people Ambassador?”

Affecting confusion, the large alien made sure his eye stalks curved gently inward as he face frowned.

“I’m not sure I understand.”

Jean-Luc sat back, studying the Antorian.

“It’s just that you seem to hesitate so much. Ambassador the treaty is an equitable one, mutually beneficent to our peoples. What can I do to reassure you as to the Federation’s sincerity? Our charter is open to all, you are free to contact any Federation world for another opinion…this treaty is sound, economically, fiscally…how can I assist you in making your decision?”

The triumphant satisfaction in finally breaking through the walls the Human so resolutely stayed behind almost made Tar Taz loose his composure. To make sure his voice would be suitably contrite when he spoke, he waited a few seconds before sighing.

“Ambassador Picard I can only apologise for my recalcitrance. Antorians are a cautious people, it is the main reason we have eschewed contact with others for so long.”

The large alien lowered his eye stalks and sighed again.

“And I must remind you, I cannot make the final decision on my own. That must come from the Emperor himself and to that end, I have been informed that my Emperor wishes to discuss matters with me, but unfortunately that may take a few weeks, two at least.”

The Antorian lifted his massive head and focussed his unswerving gaze on the Human.

“All I can ask is that you be patient.”

His command façade back in place, Jean-Luc gave a gracious bow of his head and offered a rueful smile.

“I apologise for my lapse Ambassador…it will not happen again. Of course I will wait; the Federation values this treaty, as do I.”

Both beings came to their feet and bowed.

As Jean-Luc strode towards the exit from the building, Della fell into step beside him and cast a side long glance over his angry face. She held her tongue until they entered their building.

“I take it things didn’t go well.”

Jean-Luc grunted as they entered the lift, but when he reached up and rubbed his eyes, some of the tension left his frame.

“In the course of my years of service I have encountered a wide variety of species and in doing so, I have experienced the gamut of personalities and cultural psychs but the Antorian Ambassador would have to be one of the most stubborn, cautious, suspicious beings I have ever met.”

As the lift door opened on their floor, Jean-Luc stepped out, then halted. Deep in thought, he addressed the floor.

“I want to know more about him Captain. I get the feeling there’s more to him than we’ve been made aware.”

Relieved at hearing the resolve in his voice, Della smiled and gave a nod.

“I’ll get right onto it Sir, but before I do, there’s something you should see.”

Knowing such a statement required the privacy of his office to disclose, Jean-Luc remained silent as they crossed the anteroom, waving the young secretary back into his seat. Once inside, Jean-Luc went to his desk, but remained standing as he turned to face his Adjutant. Della stood in front of him and handed over a PADD. Jean-Luc read then snapped his head up.

“How old is this information?”

The Captain frowned.

“That’s a little hard to say. It came via three people in two different sectors, but…it is rock solid.”

Jean-Luc closed his eyes and tried to slow his mechanical heart.

“You realise what this means”
Della’s smile disappeared and she struggled to keep her voice even.

“Jean-Luc it’s not conclusive. Yes the information is sound, but it proves nothing.”

She almost winced at the anger and pain in his eyes.

“Not conclusive? The unsubstantiated, unidentified ship that was reported as being near to Beverly’s shuttle when it was destroyed has now been identified, not only proving its existence, but as Romulan and you still insist that’s not conclusive? What’s wrong with you?!”

Raising her hands to placate her angry boss, Della strove to keep calm.

“Jean-Luc think about it for a moment. Yes the existence of a Romulan ship in the area is suspicious in relation to what eventuated but really, what does it prove? The shuttle was near the Neutral Zone…that ship may have had a legitimate reason for being there.”

Jean-Luc hated the sympathy in her eyes, but swallowed his anger. He took a deep breath to calm himself then straightened his shoulders.

“All right, I agree there’s room for speculation, but I still feel this is of vital importance.”

Della smiled.

“And I agree with you! I’ll keep my sources on the trail for more about that ship. Maybe they can shed some more light on the situation.”

Jean-Luc’s smile made Della’s heart sing.

“Very well. Now if there’s nothing else. I’m going home; I would like to see my children.”

The Captain grinned.

“Well in that case, I’ll go too. Can I run you home?”

Jean-Luc’s smile widened.

“Yes, that would be kind, thank you.”

Della should have quelled the heady rush of emotion his words evoked, but she was too happy. They walked close together on their way to the transporter room and Della was still grinning as they dematerialised.

                    James and Adele were in the kitchen when Jean-Luc found them. He could tell by their sombre looks that things had not gone well at the Police station. They stared glumly at their mugs while Jean-Luc replicated himself a cup of tea and it wasn’t until he was sat at the table that James looked up and offered a wan smile.

“What was your day like?”

The Ambassador took a sip of his Earl Grey and shrugged.

“About the same as it usually is, but I am more concerned about you. How did it go?”

James sat back and ran a hand through his dark hair, making it spike in unruly waves.

“I’m being charged with dangerous driving involving injury, speeding and misuse of local traffic areas.”

Jean-Luc bowed his head and took another sip of his tea.

“When is the hearing?”

“Next week, the fourteenth.”

Jean-Luc looked at his son, noting the paleness of his skin.

“How are you feeling?”

The lad snorted, then winced.

“I’m okay Dad.”

Adele pushed her mug around in idle circles before summoning the courage to speak.

“Dad?”

Jean-Luc’s eyes settled on his daughter, his eyebrows raised.

“Yes.”

“Sarah Thompson’s mother called, she wants to speak with you…she sounded really pissed.”

His brows immediately descended.

“Adele!”

The young woman held up her hands in exasperation.

“Well she did!”

Jean-Luc’s voice dropped dangerously.

“And she is entitled to be angry! How is Sarah? What were her injuries?”

James sighed and rubbed his face.

“She had a cut on her forehead and two broken fingers.”

“Have you spoken to her?”

“Yeah.”

Before his father could correct him, James held up a hand and amended,

“Yes.”

“And?”

James looked up in confusion.

“And what?”

“What did she say? How is her mother taking it?”

With a look of resigned guilt, the lad reddened.

“Oh well…she’s been grounded for a month and she’s not allowed to see me for a while either.”

Jean-Luc snorted.

“Well that seems more than fair.”

His scrutiny of his son told the Ambassador that there was more bothering the young man. Keeping his voice low and steady, he asked softly,

“Is there something else James?”

Somewhat startled by his father’s perspicacity, the redness on James’s face deepened.

“Ah…the insurance company called.”

“And?”

“They want to talk to you about the wreck.”

“I see. Did they say the policy will be honoured?”

James shrugged, his embarrassment growing.

“They didn’t say.”

Jean-Luc sighed.

“Where is the wreck now?”

“Carmichael’s in Hurstbridge.”

Jean-Luc nodded thoughtfully.

“Is there anything you wish to get from the wreck?”

The lad shook his head morosely.

“No, the police had already got everything out. They gave it to me in a box at the station.”

Jean-Luc stood and tugged down on his shirt, a habit of long standing.

“Very well, it seems I have a few calls to make. When I am finished I would like to speak with you James…Adele, I take it you have study to do?”

Adele looked up at her father and inwardly winced at the hardness she saw in his eyes. She came to her feet and pushed her chair in.

“Yes Dad.”

Just before she left the kitchen she gave her brother’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. He turned his head and smiled wanly up at her, his dark hazel eyes imparting his love and gratitude at her gesture of sympathy and solidarity. Jean-Luc watched this in silence before following Adele from the room.

                     For the twenty minutes that his father was gone, James sat in his chair in the kitchen staring into his half empty mug. His mind went over the fateful night, colour rising to his cheeks as he recalled Sarah’s erotic ministrations in the car park. To date, he had never had proper intercourse with Sarah, or any other girl for that matter, but their games had been getting more and more torrid and he knew it was just a matter of time before they had full on sex. He looked forward to that time, feeling a stirring in his groin at the thought of penetrating Sarah. Some of his male friends who had had sex told him about the experience and he yearned to discover for himself what it was like. Moving on, his thoughts took him unerringly through his actions that night…his decision to take Sarah home, the dalliance, the race to pick up Adele and the desire to try and make up time on their way to Sarah’s home, all leading to the crash. He sighed and rubbed his face tiredly, muttering,

“You bloody idiot Picard.”

His father’s deep voice made him jump as he said dryly,

“My thoughts exactly.”

Jean-Luc stood by his son’s side and said softly,

“Do you want to talk here or would you rather be somewhere else?”

James snorted.

“Oh I’d rather be somewhere else Dad…preferably not in this house with you.”

Jean-Luc kept his tone reasonable.

“Granted, but I think you know what I mean.”

The lad smiled ruefully.

“Yeah…sorry, yes I know. Here will be fine.”

Jean-Luc took James’s mug and disposed of it in the reclimator. He then replicated himself a cup of tea and a new cup of coffee for James. Once seated at the table he took a sip of his brew and sighed.

“All right, first things first. Mrs.Thompson is justifiably angry, but I managed to placate her. I told her you are not by nature reckless, nor do you normally take a cavalier attitude to your driving. I explained the extenuating circumstances…”

At that James snapped his head up and blushed, but Jean-Luc held up a placating hand.

“I did not, however, tell her about you and your…extra curricular activities with Sarah.”

James swallowed and cleared his voice to mutter,

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. You may also be interested to hear that I managed to get Mrs.Thompson to allow you and Sarah to keep seeing each other.”

James gaped, his eyes shining.

“Oh wow…thanks Dad!”

James’s sudden delight tempered when he saw the stern expression oh his father’s face. The older man held up a warning finger as he said,

“But…for God’s sake James try and keep your mind above your groin! Look…I know what it’s like, contrary to popular belief I was young once too and I know how distracting women and sex can be!”

He leaned forwards and said conspiratorially,

“I failed organic chemistry at the Academy because of the charms of a lovely young woman.”

James gaped for the second time.

“You failed something?!”

Jean-Luc smiled ruefully.

“Indeed and no, you may not tell anyone!”

James chuckled and shook his head.

“Well if you hadn’t told me I would never have guessed, not in a hundred years.”

Jean-Luc sat back and sighed wistfully.

“I was quite the lady’s man when I was a lad.”

He sat forward and became serious again.

“But it wasn’t worth it James. That kind of behaviour does no one any good. You can’t compare a loving relationship to a casual encounter. I know I’ve told you before, but there’s huge difference between having sex and making love.”

Feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken; James nonetheless swallowed his embarrassment and smiled.

“I know Dad, I believe you. I feel pretty strongly about Sarah and I think she feels the same way. We haven’t had…you know…intercourse but I think we will soon.”

Jean-Luc smiled and nodded.

“I see. Well as long as one of you is taking precautions…and you choose an appropriate locale, I have no objections.”

He held up his finger again,

“One thing though James…don’t hurt her. If you find the experience isn’t what you thought it might be, don’t immediately blame her. You are both learning and it’s something that should be fault free. Do you understand?”

James smiled.

“Yes Dad, I understand…and thank you.”

The man smiled.

“Good. Now, about the car. The insurance company will pay as long as you don’t lose your licence.”

James grimaced.

“Well that will be in the hands of the magistrate.”

“Agreed. Would you like me to come with you next week?”

The lad frowned, thinking deeply about the offer. Eventually his face cleared and he smiled.

“Yes Dad, I think I would.”

Jean-Luc returned the smile.

“I’m glad. It was going to be hard not to go if you didn’t want me there.”

James nodded.

“Yeah…yes…Adele would probably want you there anyway.”

Jean-Luc’s eyebrows rose.

“She will have to be there?”

The young man shook his head.

“No, she doesn’t have to be there, but she wanted to come. So does Sarah.”

Nodding his head pensively, Jean-Luc offered,

“Well it will probably help you if the magistrate sees that your passengers are willing to support you at the hearing.”

James nodded too.

“Yea…yes, but that’s not why they’re coming.”

Jean-Luc smiled and gently squeezed his son’s shoulder.

“I think I understand.”

Just then the front doorbell rang. Jean-Luc got up and went to the comm. system on the wall, pressing the video link. Seeing Della at his door, Jean-Luc activated the audio and pressed the door release.

“Come in Captain, we’re in the kitchen.”

“Thank you Jean-Luc.”

James stood and went to the replicator.

“What would she like?”

Somewhat preoccupied by Della’s arrival, Jean-Luc stared at his son and said distractedly,

“Hmm? What?”

James’s query was moot as Della entered the room. She smiled at Jean-Luc then raised her eyes at James.

“Still in one piece I see.”

The young man grinned.

“Yeah.”

He sighed and before his father could say anything, corrected himself.

“Yes thank you Captain Mason.”

The woman chuckled and sent a look of mischief.

“It’s Della, James.”

Having already been given permission to call her by her given name, James knew the exchange was more for his father’s benefit than his. He gave a surreptitious nod towards the Captain then asked blithely,

“Would you like something? A drink perhaps?”

Della folded her arms and leaned against the bench.

“Well, that depends.”

Jean-Luc, curious as to the byplay between the two, straightened and entered the conversation.

“On what?”

Della grinned.

“On whether or not you, James and Adele would like to have dinner with me.”

About to shake his head in the negative, he was circumvented as James grinned and nodded.

“Hey that’s a great idea.”

Jean-Luc folded his arms and frowned.

“Where?”

Della shrugged.

“Anywhere you want. You can come home with me, or we could all go out to a restaurant.”

Gently rubbing his lower lip, Jean-Luc asked pensively,

“What about Tony?”

“He’s at a friend’s house for the night.”

James sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Come on Dad, you can do with a decent meal.”

He looked at Della and said sotto voce,

“He doesn’t eat much.”

Adele poked her head around the door and, seeing Della, grinned and came into the room.
“So the third degree is over?”

Jean-Luc glowered at his daughter and shook his finger.

“That’s quite enough out of you my lass!”

Seeing the warmth in his eyes, Adele sidled up to him and wound her arms around his waist.

“Or what? You’ll have me exiled to the outer rim?”

He hugged her and growled into her ear,

“I’ll sell you to the Ferengi.”

She giggled as James said,

“Hey Delly, want to go out for dinner?”

Adele turned her head and nodded against her father’s chest.

“Oh yeah, that’d be ace!”

She sighed as her father grumbled,

“Adele…”

She straightened and smiled.

“Yes, that would be really nice. Where are we going?”

Jean-Luc rolled his eyes and groaned.

“Mutiny, this is a mutiny! Oh very well. Where shall we go Captain?”

Della’s heart soared and she grinned.

“I know a nice little Indian place in Wattle Glen.”

James nodded.

“I know it!”

The Captain turned to him and tilted her head.

“Have you been there?”

James shook his head.

“No, not yet, but I’ve heard it’s really good.”

Della’s smile widened.

“Then tonight’s the night! Ambassador, may I use your comm.?”

Jean-Luc waved to the unit on the wall and sighed.

“Be my guest.”

While Della made the reservations, Adele whispered to her father,

“Dad why don’t you go and get changed?”

The man frowned and looked down at himself.

“Why?”

Sighing with exasperation, Adele pulled him towards the door, much to her brother’s amusement.

“Because you’re going out!” she hissed. “Put on those nice grey pants and your black jumper.”

Jean-Luc resisted her pull to the foot of the stairs and shook his head.

“But…”

She gently pushed him up the stairs saying,

“Hurry up Dad.”

He’d reached the top of the stairs before his mind clicked into gear.

“Oh Lord, she thinks this is some sort of a date!”

He sighed in resignation, vowing to set his daughter right before the evening ended.

                     They decided to take Jean-Luc’s car as it was bigger than Della’s. As they lifted off, Jean-Luc said,

“Did you make any enquiries about Tar Taz yet Captain?”

Della sighed, rolling her eyes.

“No, but for tonight I’m not your Adjutant, or a Captain, I’m just Della, okay…Jean-Luc?”

His dark eyes glittered but after a soft groan and a…

“Lighten up Dad.” From Adele,

Jean-Luc sighed and offered a nod and a smile.

“Very well, no shop talk.”

Della grinned.

“Thank you.”

In the back seats, Adele caught her brother’s eyes and cast a meaningful look between Della and their father. James frowned, not understanding, causing his sister to roll her eyes and lift her hands in exasperation.

Annoyed by his little sister’s antics, James leaned forward and asked,

“How late can we stay out tonight?”

Jean-Luc’s eyes were focussed on the air space before them, but he glanced in his rear view mirror and frowned.

“Well, tomorrow is Friday, what lectures do you have?”

James pursed his lips and shrugged.

“Well, if I go back tomorrow, I have four lectures, but none too heavy.”

Jean-Luc nodded.

“And you Adele? If you go back to school, what sort of day can you expect?”

“Oh our year group has been given a half day study time. I only have classes tomorrow morning.”

The Ambassador seemed to consider the information before giving a nod.

“Very well. As I don’t have a busy day tomorrow I don’t see why we can’t stay up late. What about you Della? Does that meet with your plans for this evening?”

The woman smiled.

“That’s fine.”

Adele grinned slyly.

“If we get home really late you can stay with us.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t.”

Jean-Luc smiled.

“Of course you can. We’ve plenty of room.”

The thought of sleeping in the same house as her former lover made Della flush. Fortunately in the dark interior of the car, it went unnoticed. She had to concentrate to keep her voice light despite her racing heart as she said,
“Well that’s very kind, thank you.”

Adele gently pinched her brother’s thigh and he scowled at her. Again she gave a significant stare at both adults, making James glare and roll his finger at his temple. Adele poked her tongue out and he turned his head to pointedly gaze out the window.

                     Jean-Luc parked the car outside the restaurant and entered with Della at his side. Lagging behind, Adele caught James’s sleeve and said quietly,

“Well?”

James, growing tired of his sister’s seeming insanity, barely kept his patience intact.

“Well what? What the hell have you been going on about?”

Rolling her eyes at her brother’s obtuseness, Adele glanced at the closing door and hissed,

“Dad and Captain Mason!”

James shook his head. He had absolutely no idea what she was on about.

“What about them?”

Punching his arm, Adele growled,

“You are so bloody dense! Don’t you think they make a great couple?”

Light dawned in James’s eyes and he gaped.

“Dad and Della?”

“No…Frankenstein and Dracula! Of course Dad and Della! Who do you think I was talking about?”

James looked at the now closed restaurant door and shook his head.

“No…surely not?”

Adele nodded vigorously.

“Yes! Haven’t you seen the way she looks at him?”

James scowled.

“You’re imagining things Delly. She’s his Adjutant for crying out loud.”

Adele crossed her arms and looked up into her brother’s eyes.

“Mum was his CMO for years, Jim.”

That took the wind out if his sails.

“But…”

The restaurant door suddenly opened and Jean-Luc stepped out, a frown marring his patrician features.

“Are you two coming in?”

James reddened and offered an apologetic smile.

“Yes Dad.”

Della appeared at Jean-Luc’s side and placed a proprietary hand on his arm.

“Everything all right?”

Jean-Luc shrugged.

“I think so.”

As James pulled Adele into the restaurant she muttered,

“See?”

He bent low and whispered,

“Shut up Delly.”

                         As Beverly lay in her bed the darkness seemed to enfold her in its embrace. Rather than keep her eyes open for nothing, she closed them to a darkness of her own choosing. In the twilight between sleep and wakefulness, her mind wandered, as it usually did and, again habitually, she went over the circumstances that led her to her current situation.

As head of SFM she had been adamant from the very beginning that she would not be constrained to the confines of the main medical facility, but be free to go where she thought she was needed. Such a need arose when a virulent plague erupted on a small outpost near the Neutral Zone. With barely enough time to inform her husband of her imminent departure, she hastily packed a bag and was ready when the shuttle arrived to take her to the transport ship. Jean-Luc had made it to the shuttle pad, but there hadn’t been time to get the children out of school.

They embraced and shared a quick kiss. He said,

“Be careful and hurry home.”

She smiled tenderly and blew a kiss.

“Fifteen days…tops.”

The three day journey at high warp was filled with work as Beverly and five of her staff worked around the clock to find a cure.

The ship entered orbit around the planetoid and the next few days were a blur as the medical staff battled the plague. They got the upper hand on the sixth day but Beverly saw that another planetoid, this one just inside the Neutral Zone, was the most probable site of the outbreak. Insisting on taking a shuttle to investigate, despite the strenuous objections of the ship’s Captain, she had taken the little craft and crossed into the Zone. All went well until her return. Just at the edge of the Zone the shuttle had suffered a catastrophic explosion. Such was the devastation, there was little for the ship to salvage.

As for Beverly, her mission had gone smoothly. She had beamed from the shuttle down to the planetoid to collect some samples. True to her suspicions, it was indeed the source of the plague. Just as she was ready to beam back up, there was a bright, unnatural light and instead of rematerialising back aboard the shuttle, she found herself on an unfamiliar ship. She turned slowly to be confronted by a Romulan with a disruptor. He smiled evilly and fired.

Instructions for the onboard computer were sent to the shuttle by a sub-space carrier wave. The little ship left orbit to begin its journey back to the mother ship. It never completed it.

Beverly had awoken stiff and sore. The light was dim, but the bed she was lying on was soft and she was covered by something warm. By the chemical taste in her mouth and the lethargy in her muscles she knew she’d been drugged as well as shot with a disruptor.

She opened her eyes tentatively and slowly sat up, wincing at the pain in her body. Judging by the general darkness, she assumed it was night time. She felt very tired and somewhat nauseous so she decided to lie back down, intending to think. Sleep crept up on her quickly. When she next opened her eyes it was morning. She had been up only minutes when her huge keeper appeared. Her incarceration had begun.

Sighing sadly, the Doctor turned over, letting her tears wet the pillow.

“Where are you my love?”

As she slowly entered her light sleep, she silently begged for an end to her suffering.

                   The dinner had been delightful. Despite his natural reticence, Jean-Luc had relaxed and enjoyed the evening. James and Della spent time in lively repartee, each trying to outdo the other with their sharp wit while Adele happily whiled away the time quietly observing her father and his friend. It was late when they finally left and the ride back to the Picard home was taken in quiet peace. James and Adele went immediately to bed, leaving Jean-Luc to show his guest to her room. He went down to the kitchen and put the kettle on. He had just made a pot of tea when Della appeared in the doorway. She had replicated a silk nightgown and matching robe in peach. Her dark skin and glossy black hair accentuated the ensemble and Jean-Luc couldn’t help but give her an appraising glance.

“Have you made enough for two?”

He smiled and nodded.

“Oh yes, I think so, but it’s Earl Grey, not black tea.”

Della came into the room and stood behind one of the chairs.
“That’s all right, like Earl Grey.”

While Jean-Luc poured two cups, Della sat and lifted her hair off her shoulders, noticing how Jean-Luc watched through his lashes.

He sat beside her and raised his cup.

“To sweet dreams.”

She smiled coquettishly and raised her cup.

“Indeed.”

With a chuckle they clinked their cups and took a tentative sip of the hot brew.

“Mmm, this brings back memories.”

Jean-Luc sighed and sat back, closing his eyes. When warm lips grazed his, his eyes snapped open.

“Della?”

She sighed and sat back in her seat.

“Sorry.”

Unsettled, Jean-Luc stood and took his cup to the sink, where he emptied the contents then muttered a hurried,

“Good night.”

Della watched his retreat with a pensive sigh.

“When will you finally let go my love, and let me love you again?”

                      Jean-Luc lay in his bed wide awake and restless in the dark of his bedroom. Della’s kiss, though unexpected and unwanted replayed again and again in his mind, but his thoughts weren’t of Della, they were of his beloved Beverly. It wasn’t Della’s lips that brushed his, it was Beverly’s.

He hardened slowly as his mind furnished images of his wife, her hands roaming over his body, their foreplay languid and sensual. His own hands went to his head, covering his face as tears slid down the sides of his face to pool in his ears. He moaned softly as his erection began to throb. His hands left his face to slide down his body to push his shorts down. The sensation of the sheets touching his straining penis made him quietly sob. He lifted his hands and pushed the bed clothes down, exposing himself to the night air. One hand went to his penis, the other to his aching testicles. Behind his closed eyes he could see her, straddling him and slowly rising and falling on his penis. She was never as beautiful to him as when they made love. Her alabaster skin flushed rosy with arousal and her nipples erect and pushing into his palms as he reached up and kneaded her breasts, while below he was sheathed in her tight, slippery heat.

His fist wrapped tightly around his penis, the strokes became shorter and faster. His other hand gently gripped his testicles, pulling them down and squeezing. His hips began to buck as he thrust into his hand. In his mind Beverly bowed her head over him, her luxurious red mane falling forward in a silky cascade. She braced herself on hands spread on his chest. With each of her downward plunges he thrust up into her, lifting them both off the bed. Suddenly her fingers fisted in his chest hair and she flung her head back, a high pitched cry emanating from her mouth. Her internal muscles rhythmically gripped him and he lost his battle with his control. With one final push he came in an overwhelming surge of euphoria. In the throes of his orgasm, Jean-Luc twisted onto his side, his semen spilling over his pumping hand to anoint his lower belly and hip. His body shuddered and spasmed as the aftershocks ripped through him, but as his physical self began to subside, sobs were wrenched from his throat.

In a pitiful moan the stricken man quietly wept.

“Oh Beverly my love…where are you?”

Despite his messy state, he cried himself to sleep.

                           The dreadful cry tore Della from her sleep. Up and out the door in an instant, she was met by both James and Adele, the siblings standing in the hall, staring at the master bedroom door. Della went to them, saying softly,

“Go back to bed, I’ll see to him.”

Adele acquiesced, but James hesitated. The Captain took his arm and squeezed it for emphasis.

“Really James, it’s all right, he might be more comfortable with me.”

The young man sighed and nodded in the darkness.

“Okay, but please call me if you need me.”

Della nodded and waited until James was back in his room before she padded down the hall to Jean-Luc’s bedroom. She opened the door and stepped silently into the room.

Jean-Luc was curled up in his bed in a foetal position, quietly sobbing. Della went to the bed and gently stroked his back, murmuring,

“It’s all right Jean-Luc.”

At the touch of her hand he tensed and growled,

“Get out.”

The woman ignored him and continued to stroke his sweaty skin.

“Shh Jean-Luc, let me help you.”

Abruptly moving away from her hand, Jean-Luc sat up, pulling the blankets over him to cover his nakedness. In a deep, ragged voice he barked.

“I mean it Della. Get out.”

Not intimidated in the least, Della moved closer, keeping her voice low and soft.

“You don’t mean that Jean-Luc. Talk to me.”

His voice cracked as he tried to maintain his composure.

“I do mean it! I don’t want to talk to you…I want…I want…Beverly.”

He finally lost control, sobbing brokenly.

“I dream…I dream of her constantly, but the dreams…they’re horrible! They torture me every night and I’m so tired…so very tired.”

Wrapping her arms around him, he resisted only a moment before his head found her shoulder. His arms went around her and he clung on to her for dear life, his litany of misery continuing.

“If I could only get some sleep…peaceful sleep. If I don’t get some rest soon…I’ll go mad. Help me Della…please…can you help me?”

Tears slid down her face as she struggled to find her voice.

“I will my love, I will, I promise.”

She held him until he relaxed in her embrace. She then gently lowered him to the pillow, lying beside him, holding within her protective arms. He slipped into a restless sleep, Della lying awake by his side.

                            Darnid wiped his mucous encrusted nose with his filthy fingers, inspected the result before flicking out his forked tongue to lap his digits clean. He glanced at the small screen held in his other hand and sneered.

“Come on Ambassador, I haven’t got all day.”

The prearranged signal to let him know Tar Taz wished to speak to him had arrived three hours ago and, since receiving the signal, Darnid had been waiting, though not patiently. His ever-restless dead black eyes slid around the room while his free hand disappeared into his trousers. A far away look crossed his features as the furtive stroking took place and just as he climaxed, the screen came to life.

“Darnid?”

His panting made his wheedling voice even more grating.

“Yes Sir?”

“I have need or your services.”

The little alien grinned.

“I am at your disposal Sir.”

“You are to go to our package and retrieve something for me.”

At the thought of finally having an excuse to interact with the red headed Human woman, his hand dived inside his pants again. As he furiously masturbated, Tar Taz told him just what it was he wanted.

“She wears two gold rings on the third finger of her left hand. The ring I want is plain, unlike the other which is adorned with precious stones. Take it from her and bring it to me as soon as you can.”

With a grunt the obsequious little alien orgasmed and was licking the product off his hand as he nodded.

“It will take approximately six days for my return.”

“That will be fine. Remember Darnid, there are eyes everywhere. Be discreet.”

The little alien grinned slyly and bobbed his grotesque head.

“I will be very careful Sir.”

“Good, I will reward you handsomely. Tar Taz out.”

The venal little alien left the booth and made for the door. Other patrons in the pub gave him a wide berth. He was a Fretan. They were known for three things. Their diminutive stature, their appalling body odour and their over sized genitals, organs completely out of proportion to their small body size.

Once outside he squinted in the bright light of day and fumbled in his pocket for his communicator.

“Kin?”

“Yes?”

“Prepare to leave orbit immediately once I’m aboard.”

“Yes Darnid.”

Already in a seedy part of the old city, Darnid travelled a well-worn path to his favourite merchant. There he purchased six new holo porn novels. As he contacted his ship for a beam up, his hand was back inside his pants.

                         In the early hours of the morning, Jean-Luc woke, feeling the warm arms surrounding him. For a few blissful seconds he thought it was his beloved Beverly who held him, but reality soon came crashing down and he closed his eyes against his pain. He attempted to extricate himself from Della’s embrace, but the movement was detected by the woman and she spoke softly,

“How do you feel?”

He sighed and tried again to move away. When he spoke his voice was rough and very deep.

“Embarrassed.”

“Don’t be.”

Finally freeing himself from her arms, Jean-Luc sat up and rested his head on his drawn up knees. Della put an arm around his shoulders but he flinched so she withdrew.

“Talk to me Jean-Luc.”

He sighed.

“I’d rather not Della…in fact I would like you to leave my bedroom.”

Risking his wrath, Della gently stroked his arm.

“Jean-Luc you’re going through hell, surely you can let an old friend help.”

He lifted his head and glared in the gloom.

“I don’t want your help!”

Della sighed and moved closer to him.

“Yes you do Jean-Luc. One man shouldn’t have to bear such a burden on his own.”

His tense shoulder sagged and he lowered his head in defeat. His rough whisper made Della grimace.

“It’s so hard.”

There followed a few moments of silence before Della asked,

“How long have you been having the nightmares?”

Jean-Luc lifted his head, took a deep breath and rubbed his face.

“They started a week after…after the accident.”

“So two years ago.”

“Uh huh.”

“And the drinking?”

The man sighed and shook his head.

“I’m not sure…maybe six months ago.”

Della snorted.

“And I suppose you found comfort in the oblivion alcohol provided.”

With gritted teeth, Jean-Luc ground out,

“Not comfort Della, dreamless sleep.”

Suitably chagrined, Della offered an apology.

“Sorry, that was callous of me.”

When there was no response to that, Della sighed.

“I know someone who might be able to help.”

The derision in the Ambassador’s voice made Della frown.

“A counsellor I suppose? Forget it!”

Keeping her voice calm with effort, Della remained steady.

“No not a counsellor. Have you heard of Harry Pickford?”

Jean-Luc lifted his head and frowned.

“Harry Pickford? The name does ring a bell. Who is he?”

Della grinned.

“He’s a vagabond in the traditional sense. I’m not sure just how he does it, but that man travels to places no Human ever goes. He has more contacts…dubious as they may be, than anyone I know.”

Turning to face the Captain, Jean-Luc shook his head.

“And why would I want to know this man?”

Della grinned.

“Because he might be able to help you.”
“How?”

That brought a frown to the woman.

“Well I’m not certain, but if you tell him what’s wrong, chances are he will know something that may help.”

Jean-Luc snorted.

“You’re saying that if I tell this man that I can’t sleep because of persistent nightmares he might be able to do something about it? That’s preposterous.”

Della shrugged.

“That may be so, but what have you got to lose? You’ll be no worse off for telling him.”

Jean-Luc stared at his friend for some seconds before grunting.

“And just how do we contact the illustrious Harry Pickford?”

Della smiled.

“Leave that to me but be warned Jean-Luc. Harry moves in mysterious ways…he’s not given to adhering to appointments or meeting in offices. Most likely he’ll find you at a time and place of his own choosing.”

Jean-Luc grimaced.

“That could be very inconvenient.”

With a chuckle, Della gently punched his shoulder.

“That’s Harry. Look, he’ll be well aware of who he’s dealing with. Harry always does his homework.”

Jean-Luc grunted and rubbed his face again.

“Very well, contact him.”

A delighted Della impulsively kissed Jean-Luc’s cheek, making the man blush. He cleared his throat and summoned a steady voice.

“Now if you don’t mind, I would like to be alone.”

Reluctantly, Della left the bed and sighed.

“Will you be all right?”

Offering a wan smile, Jean-Luc nodded.

“Yes, I’ll be fine, thank you.”

She left and Jean-Luc got out of bed, stopping only long enough to don his robe as he went to the window. He stared up into the lightening sky and sighed deeply.

“Where are you my love?”

                        Not a great deal happened over the next few days. The morning of the fourteenth dawned overcast and cold, the last vestiges of winter showing their faces. Jean-Luc, James and Adele made their journey from the car park to the magistrate’s rooms quickly, the biting south westerly wind cutting straight through their clothing.

The warmth of the interior made them smile as the doffed their coats. They were ushered into the room by a reeve and took their seats at a long table. The magistrate entered shortly thereafter and Jean-Luc was pleased to see it was a relatively young woman. She introduced herself and spent a few minutes reading the charge sheet. She then lifted her head and speared James with the most piercing look the young man had seen on anyone other than his father.

“This doesn’t make very good reading Mr.Picard.”

Opting for silence, all James could do was look embarrassed.

“Speeding in a local zone, causing an accident involving injury…not very intelligent of you.”

Jean-Luc sat on one side of James, Adele on the other. James could feel his father’s tension and gritted his teeth as he stood and said respectfully,

“No Ma’am.”

“What have you to say for yourself?”

Somewhat surprised by the question, James felt, rather then saw his father’s flinch.

“I ah…it was stupid of me Ma’am. By acting so irresponsibly I not only endangered my passengers…I endangered other flyers. It is not something I’m proud of.”

The magistrate looked again at the PADD and shook her head.

“And do you have a plausible excuse for this behaviour?”

James shook his head.

“Not one that justifies my actions Ma’am.”

The woman’s eyes left James and settled on Jean-Luc.

“And you Ambassador Picard. Do you have anything to offer?”

Coming to his feet, Jean-Luc was composed and calm.

“All I can say Ma’am, is that my son usually shows better judgement and has never before shown such a blatant disregard for either flight regulations or his passenger’s well being.”

The magistrate gave a slow nod then asked,

“Who taught him to fly?”

“I did Ma’am.”

The woman smiled.

“I thought as much.”

She turned her attention back to James.

“And I can assume your father never taught you to act so foolishly?”

James grimaced.

“No Ma’am.”

The magistrate held James in her intense gaze for a few moments before a ghost of a smile emerged.

“Well young man you are very lucky. No one but you suffered any significant injuries and as far as I can tell, this incident is aberrant. So…although I find you guilty on all charges I am not going to register a conviction. You will be compelled to complete a safe flying course and undergo one hundred hours of community work, concentrating on the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. I certainly hope that in the future you will take better care when you fly. Case dismissed.”

All parties rose but before the magistrate could leave the room, James called softly,

“Ma’am?”

The woman stopped and turned.

“Yes?”

“May I keep my licence please?”

Stepping closer to the family, the magistrate turned to Jean-Luc.

“The insurance?”

The Ambassador nodded.

“The policy will only be honoured as long as he keeps his licence.”

With a knowing smile, the woman nodded.

“Very well, you may keep your licence Mr.Picard…don’t abuse it.”

James’s face split into a wide grin.

“No Ma’am, I won’t. Thank you very much.”

As they were leaving the building Sarah appeared. James and Sarah shared a hug then sent Jean-Luc an appealing look. He sighed and gestured back into the building.

“You go in there, Adele and I will wait in the car.”

James shot his father a grateful grin.

“Thanks Dad.”

Father and daughter were only metres from the hover car when a man approached. As he got near he quietly said,

“Ambassador Picard?”

Jean-Luc looked up, his face expressionless.

“Yes?”

Pulling his coat further around his body, the capped man kept his face lowered.

“May we talk?”

Jean-Luc subtly placed himself between the man and Adele before asking,

“You can make an appointment with my secretary.”

The man chuckled.

“I don’t make appointments.”

Jean-Luc scowled.

“And you are?”

“Harry Pickford.”

Thinking very quickly, Jean-Luc turned and gave Adele the chip for the car.

“You go and put the heater on, I won’t be long.”

Judging by the stern look on her father’s face, Adele knew not to question his softly given command. By the time she was safely in the car, Jean-Luc and the man had moved off under some nearby trees.

Harry’s eyes constantly scanned the area. Once he was certain they weren’t being watched, he looked at Jean-Luc and smiled.

A man of comparable height to Jean-Luc, his features were craggy. He had several days’ growth of beard and his face was deeply lined, but his most compelling feature was his eyes. They were a startling bright blue and icy cold. Jean-Luc suppressed an involuntary shudder as the intense gaze seemed to see right through him. The smile broadened and the man shoved his hands deep in his coat pockets.

“Della Mason says you want to talk to me.”

Years of command allowed Jean-Luc to remain calm. He showed no stress in his voice as he nodded and said softly,

“Yes, she seems to think you can help me.”

The predatory smile never faltered.

“Really? And what is it you want?”

Jean-Luc folded his arms across his chest and summoned a wry smile.

“Who says I want anything?”

Still that cold smile.

“Everybody want’s something Ambassador. What do you want?”

Tiring of the jousting, Jean-Luc’s smile vanished.

“I am finding it difficult to sleep without being tormented by nightmares.”

Harry nodded slowly.

“I see. And I take it the reason for this is not going to be resolved?”

Jean-Luc’s face hardened.

“Not in the near future.”

“Hmm, an interesting problem.”

Tilting his head to one side, Jean-Luc asked.

“Can you help?”

Harry shrugged.

“I can always help.”

“And what is your price?”

Again the shrug.

“Depends on the help.”

Rapidly growing frustrated, Jean-Luc was about to call a halt to proceedings when Harry suddenly coughed and spat on the ground.

“I will see you here tomorrow, same time.”

With that, Harry abruptly turned and walked away. Jean-Luc was watching him go when James called.

“Dad? Are we going?”

The Ambassador turned to look over at the car to see James and Sarah waiting for him. He gave a nod then turned back, but Harry was gone.

                    The shadow on the wall told Beverly it was nearly time for her enigmatic keeper to arrive with her breakfast. Her eyes were trained on the door and she wasn’t surprised when it opened, but she was surprised when, for the first time in two long years, a new face appeared along with the mute. She stood abruptly and took a step towards the newcomer.

“Hello, who are you?”

Darnid grinned and Beverly was immediately repulsed by his mouthful of rotting teeth. Her eyes travelled over his diminutive form, taking in the filthy clothing, the cloth bag he carried and the distinct bulge in his crotch. As he approached she backed away.

“What do you want?”

Darnid’s grin grew.

“Why you, of course.”

The little alien turned slightly and gave a signal to the mute. He advanced on Beverly, backing her across the room and into her bedroom. When her legs met the bed she raised her hands.

“Keep away from me!”

At another subtle signal from Darnid, the huge alien grabbed Beverly and ripped her clothing from her. She struggled valiantly but it was useless, her blows, kicks and bites having absolutely no effect. Once naked the keeper picked her up and threw her on the bed. Darnid came to stand beside the bed, his hand in his trousers. He bent over the Doctor, his foetid breath almost making Beverly gag.

“Those rings on your hand. Give them to me.”

Beverly sat up and spat in his face.

“Never!”

Darnid shrugged and began to disrobe. Once he was naked he opened the bag and tossed the keeper four sets of manacles. At a signal the huge alien pounced on Beverly and, after a short struggle, fastened her spread eagled on her back to the bed.

Darnid climbed onto the bed and knelt between her open legs, stroking his huge penis.

“You will enjoy this woman, I know I will.”

Beverly strained against her restraints and hissed.

“Go to hell!”

The ugly little alien spat into his hand and rubbed the thick saliva over the head of his penis then, with no thought for Beverly’s comfort, savagely shoved his erection inside her.

The Doctor cried out her shock and pain as Darnid began to violently thrust. The dreadful smell of the alien only served to add to Beverly’s violation. His putrid teeth sank into the soft flesh of her right breast as he climaxed. He stilled, panting and lapping at the blood he’d drawn. Then suddenly he was thrusting again. Tears slid down Beverly’s face as she endured the agony of her rape. Four more times the horrid alien brought himself to orgasm before he finally withdrew. Gasping and drooling he pulled himself up her body, attempting to kiss her mouth. Beverly tossed her head from side to side until two large hands gripped her head and forced her to keep still. Darnid’s disgusting mouth descended on hers, his forked tongue forcing its way between her lips. She gagged over and over before he finally lifted his head and grinned.

“I enjoyed that woman. Soon you will be mine and we can do it again and again. Won’t that be fun?”

Darnid gave the keeper a signal and he undid Beverly’s left hand. He forced the hand over to Darnid who sat up, straddling Beverly’s stomach.

“Now, the rings.”

He tried pulling the rings off, but they wouldn’t budge. He twisted them and used his ragged, filthy finger nails but still he couldn’t get the rings off her finger. With a guttural growl he forced her finger into his mouth. Beverly shrieked in agony as his teeth bit into the flesh and tore the skin. Jerking his head from side to side, he pulled hard on her hand, dragging her finger over his teeth. Suddenly her finger emerged from his mouth, bloody and wet. Darnid manipulated his tongue then grinned as he spat out two rings. He then expectorated the skin and flesh he’d peeled from her finger.

“See? I told you I would get them!”

He cast a look at the mute who grabbed Beverly’s wrist and held it while Darnid raped her again. When he finished he withdrew and looked down at himself, scowling at the blood that covered his penis. There was blood on the bed clothes and he snarled.

“You are bleeding woman. You’d better be healed when I return.”

With that he left the bed and dressed. Beverly kept her eyes on the ceiling as she struggled to find her voice.

“Why am I being kept here?”

Darnid chuckled.

“You are our little…persuasion.”

Beverly lifted her head, straining to see the alien through her tears.
“Persuasion? I don’t understand.”

Having dressed, Darnid sat on the bed and painfully pinched Beverly’s nipples.

“You may not understand, but your husband will.”

At the mention of Jean-Luc, Beverly gasped.

“My husband? Does he know where I am? Can you give him a message for me?”

The cruel bark of laughter made Beverly’s hopes die.

“There will be no messages woman! Your husband thinks you’re dead! These…”

He held up her rings,

“Will prove otherwise, but by then he will be…compromised…and you will be mine.”

Beverly tried vainly to keep her voice steady.

“Please…”

Darnid ignored her plea. He rose from the bed, went to his bag and took a device from it. It was a small box with a cable connected to it. He went to the keeper and reached up to tug on the huge alien’s ear. The mute dutifully obeyed the silent command and fell to his knees. Darnid pulled at the skin behind his left ear, exposing a small round terminal. He connected the cable to it and then inputted information onto the box. The keeper closed his eyes then nodded ponderously. Darnid disconnected the cable and sealed the terminal. The large alien rose and stood silently while Darnid took the remaining manacles off Beverly, placing them back in his bag. He leered at her nakedness and licked his lips.

“You will wash, eat your morning meal, then you will repair your damage.”

He turned to leave but Beverly slid from the bed and grabbed the sleeve of his jacket.

“Please…at least tell me where I am.”

He shook free of her hand and sneered.

“The only thing I will tell you is to be ready when I return. I will want you again woman. Had I the time I would have you all day….but must go. These…”

He showed her the rings,

“Must be delivered.”

He walked towards the door and Beverly made to follow him, but the keeper blocked her path. She looked up into his impassive eyes and shuddered.

“Oh my God…what’s going on here?”

The door opened and shut and Beverly sank to the floor. Between the pain between her legs, the deeper pain inside and the throbbing sting of her finger she felt absolutely wretched, but the thought of her beloved husband thinking she was dead…her heart seized in agony.

“No wonder they never came! No one is looking for me!”

Overwhelmed with anguish, Beverly was completely unprepared for the huge hands that reached down to grab her arms. She was hoisted to her feet and pushed towards the bathroom. Gathering her wits, she gratefully entered the shower, wishing to wash the stench of Darnid from her body. As she scrubbed herself she silently cried.

              At the appointed time, Jean-Luc kept watch for the enigmatic Harry Pickford. During the day he had pressed Della for information on the man and in the face of her obfuscation, he made discreet enquiries of his own. The sum total of his work was zero. Harry Pickford didn’t seem to exist. If not for meeting him face to face, the Ambassador would have doubted he ever lived.

The quiet voice behind him made Jean-Luc’s eyes darken.

“I see you are punctual Picard, I like that in a man.”

Jean-Luc turned slowly, his face devoid of emotion.

“You are an interesting man Mr.Pickford. As a Federation Ambassador I am not without significant resources at my beck and call, but I have been unable to find anything out about you. Just who are you Mr.Pickford?”

Lifting his head to see from under the brim of his cap, Harry smiled but it didn’t reach his bright blue eyes.

“I am many people Ambassador, in your case I am the bringer of dreamless sleep.”

Jean-Luc returned the smile, but like Harry, it didn’t reach his eyes.

“I see. Tell me Mr.Pickford, just how is it that you are not listed on the central registry. You appear Human. Are you?”

The short bark of laughter lacked any warmth.

“I tend to eschew concepts of species Ambassador. I am what I am. Now, do you want what I have for you?”

Jean-Luc’s smile faded.

“That depends. What is it?”

Harry reached into his coat pocket, making Jean-Luc grip his phaser, hidden deep within his own coat pocket.

“Ah curiosity…another thing I admire.”

He withdrew his hand; his other hand stayed in the coat’s other pocket. He proffered a hypospray.

“I think you will find this very interesting Ambassador.”

Jean-Luc took the hypo and inspected it. He noted the lack of identifying numbers.

“Not Starfleet issue.”

The chuckle was cold.

“Ah…no. It comes from the private sector.”

The Ambassador lifted the device to the sunlight and squinted at the liquid in the cartridge.

“And this is?”

“The answer to your problem.”

“Indeed? You are hedging Mr.Pickford. Exactly what is it?”

Holding out his hand, Harry silently asked for it back. Having got hold of the hypo, he rolled it in his fingers.

“The drug is remarkable Ambassador. What do you know about Human sleep and dreams?”

Jean-Luc shrugged.

“I know that dreams are important, that to be deprived of dream sleep can lead to insanity.”

Harry grinned mirthlessly.

“Oh yes! Well, what if I told you this drug would allow you to experience dreamless sleep without any detrimental side effects?”

Jean-Luc frowned.

“How is that possible?”

Harry shrugged.

“I’m not a scientist Ambassador; I only know what it does, not how it does it.”

“Where does it come from?”

Pickford stared up into the overcast sky and smiled his cold smile.

“Not from Federation space.”

That brought a scowl.

“Then how do you know it is safe for Humans?”

The eyes that settled on his were completely devoid of emotion.

“Because it was tested on Humans.”

A cold feeling settled in Jean-Luc’s stomach.

“Who did this?”

Pickford’s smile turned predatory.

“You wouldn’t know them Ambassador.”

He handed the hypo back to Jean-Luc and reached into his pocket again.

“It comes with these.”

In his hand was a clear box containing several more cartridges. Jean-Luc stared, his mouth going dry.

“What is the price?”

Harry shrugged.

“Only a little information.”

Jean-Luc looked up and frowned.

“Information? On want?”

Pickford smiled with cold intensity.

“Not what…who.”

“All right then, who?”

Harry stepped closer and lowered his already soft voice.

“Ambassador Tar Taz of the Antorian delegation.”

Jean-Luc’s eyes widened and he took a deep breath.

“You have chosen your mark well Mr.Pickford. I take it you are aware of the talks I am negotiating?”

The cold smile grew.

“Of course.”

“And you must also be aware that I will do nothing to compromise those talks?”

Still keeping one hand in his coat pocket, Harry lifted his other hand and shrugged.

“Yes Ambassador, I am ware of that.”

Jean-Luc gritted his teeth.

“Then, specifically, what is it you want to know?”

The smile grew again.

“Nothing really, just what is Tar Taz’s relation to the Emperor’s family.”

Jean-Luc’s frown deepened.

“And why do you want to know?”

The smile disappeared.

“That is not your concern Ambassador.”

Jean-Luc sighed and shrugged.

“I see. Well if you expect me to give you information like that, I need to know why. I have the Federation’s interests to protect.”

The smile returned.

“I assure you Ambassador, the Federation’s interests are not under any threat. I am simply an information gatherer…a broker if you will. What I learn from you may be of interest to someone else, someone not even remotely connected with the Federation.”

Jean-Luc’s speculative look hardened.

“I see. And can you also assure me that this little exchange of ours will have no bearing on the talks?”

With a solemn nod of his head, Harry’s smile disappeared.

“Yes Ambassador I can. What we share will have absolutely nothing to do with the talks, at least from the Federation’s point of view.”

There was a lengthy silence before Harry grinned rakishly.

“You said I picked my mark well Ambassador. It’s true. I knew of you of course…not many don’t, but I did my homework. I know you are a man of high principles…a man with a moral core, a highly trained and vastly experienced man who doesn’t suffer fools lightly. Now I know you know nothing of me, and that makes you nervous…cautious…but I can assure you my motives are aligned with yours. I’m not interested in politics Ambassador, like I said, I gather information, nothing more.”

Jean-Luc’s expressionless façade gave no indication of what he was thinking. He gave a curt nod, his dark eyes glittering.

“Very well. I need to think about this.”

Harry pursed his lips and nodded.

“All right. Tell you what. I’ll give you the hypo…try it and see how it works. If you’re happy, meet me here in two days, same time and we’ll make our exchange. You give me the information and I’ll give you the rest of the cartridges.”

Jean-Luc held Harry’s gaze then nodded.

“Agreed.”

Pickford’s smile showed genuine warmth for the first time.

“And next time, you need not come armed.”

Jean-Luc’s grin mirrored Pickford’s.

“And you’re not?”

Harry chuckled.

“Ah…a sign of the times perhaps Ambassador?”

Jean-Luc’s grin grew.

“Or perhaps two cautious men Mr.Pickford.”

Harry sighed, nodding.

“Most likely. Well, two days then?”

Jean-Luc nodded decisively.

“Two days.”

Jean-Luc turned and strode to his hover car. Upon reaching the vehicle he looked over his shoulder. Harry was gone.

                            When she stepped out of her shower her keeper was waiting. In his huge hands he had a Starfleet issue med kit and a medical tricorder. He waited in silence while Beverly dried herself, then offered her the tricorder. Ignoring her nakedness, he stood passively while the Doctor scanned herself, noting the internal tearing. She gave him the tricorder and he offered the med kit. She chose a tissue regenerator and applied it to her lower abdomen, sighing as the insidious aching subsided. She then repaired the deep bite to her breast then concentrated on her mangled finger. Once she had completed her repairs the keeper allowed her to dress and by the time she emerged from her bedroom, her breakfast was waiting at the table.

She sat, somewhat dazed, at the table, staring vacantly at her food. While she had something to do, especially medically related things, she functioned on automatic, but now left to her own devices, shock set in. The enormity of what had happened bore down on her, crushing her already fragile spirit. Two fat tears slipped free of her eyes and slid unheeded down her cheeks. Her eyes tracked to her naked finger and a soft sob worked its way free of her throat. With a sharp intake of breath, Beverly covered her mouth with her hand and closed her eyes, her efforts to maintain control costing her dearly. She slammed one fisted hand down onto the table, growling,

“I won’t give those bastards the satisfaction!”

She swallowed her shock, grief, outrage and anguish. In its place she concentrated on anger. Anger and determination. She scrubbed savagely at her wet eyes and gritted her teeth, saying softly,

“You may do to me what you will you little bastard, but you won’t break me!”

With a wide sweep of her arm, she shoved the breakfast off the table. She stood and glared at the door, shouting,

“I won’t give up! You hear me? I WON’T give up!”

Where before she had slipped into despondency, now she glowed with resolute determination. Rape may have brought about the change, but the fire that burned within her now was raging.

                    Dinner had been very pleasant for Jean-Luc and his children. It wasn’t often they ate the evening meal together, but, as luck would have it, all three were home at the same time. Adele wanted to spend a quiet night studying in her room and James was expecting Sarah later the night. Jean-Luc was waiting for a communiqué from Della but not until after dinner, so the family took advantage of their good fortune and shared a delightful meal. The Ambassador was well pleased with himself when he settled in his study later that evening. He had just poured a cup of tea when his computer beeped, announcing an incoming message. He tabbed the control and Della’s smiling face appeared.

“Good evening Jean-Luc.”

He gave a cordial nod and a smile.

“Good evening Della.”

Returning his smile, the Captain lifted a PADD.

“I have the information you wanted, it makes interesting reading.”

Jean-Luc sat up, his eyes darkening.

“Indeed? Well kindly encrypt it and send it immediately please.”

The woman grinned.

“Sending it now.”

Having inputted his security clearance code, Jean-Luc began to read. Della watched him, a speculative look on her face. With a soft grunt, Jean-Luc sat back and ran a hand over his bald head.

“You’re right, this is interesting. So Tar Taz is an old friend of the Emperor’s older brother? Tell me Captain, why isn’t the elder brother Emperor?”

Della leaned forward, her eyes betraying her enthusiasm.

“Because he was involved with a very seedy scandal as a young man…and one of the three women involved was Tar Taz’s elder sister. The child she bore as a result of the…liaison…is Tar Taz’s nephew…and illegitimate heir to the throne.”

Jean-Luc shook his head, a sardonic smile in place.

“Oh how very interesting! But Della…why are we just finding this out now?”

The Captain sighed, rubbing her eyes in obvious fatigue.

“Because it was buried deep Jean-Luc, really deep! And you have to remember, the Antorians are notoriously shy about what they consider internal matters. To admit to an off worlder something as tacky as the sexual peccadilloes of the royal family…”

The Ambassador held up his hand in surrender.

“I understand. So how much influence does the deposed brother have over the Emperor?”

Della shrugged.

“Good question and the short answer is…I don’t know. There is a rumour…just a whisper…that a deal was done but as to the details…”

She shrugged again.

“That’s anyone’s guess.”

With a pensive nod, Jean-Luc gently ran his fingers over his lower lip.

“It’s curious though, isn’t it. Tell me Della, to your knowledge have the Antorians given any indication of initiating contact with any other worlds?”

The Captain frowned.

“I’m not sure Jean-Luc. They’re so damned reclusive…”

The Ambassador nodded.

“Indeed, but can you find out?”

Della smiled.

“I can try.”

“Good. Now…any other news? Anything from our friend on Penarra nine?”

Her smile faded.

“No, but that’s not unusual. I expect he will contact us soon though, it’s been over a month since his last communiqué.”

Jean-Luc gave a curt nod.

“Very well. If there’s nothing else?”

Della shook her head, but she leaned forward and touched her screen.

“No that’s all, but Jean-Luc…don’t work too hard, you need to rest.”

He gave a reassuring smile and sat back, crossing his legs and sipping his tea.

“As a matter of fact, I’m going to have an early night.”

Della beamed.

“Good for you! Well good night then, see you tomorrow.”

The man grinned, his dark eyes twinkling.

“Good night Della.”

He terminated the link and drained his tea. After a quick trip to the kitchen to dispose of his tea tray, Jean-Luc ascended the stairs to say good night to his children. Adele was in bed, a book tented on her chest. She grinned at her father as he bent to kiss her forehead.

“Are you going to bed now Dad?”

He nodded, a warm smile gracing his handsome face.

“Yes, I thought I’d give it a try.”

Della sat up and gave her father a fierce hug.

“Good on you Dad.”

He chuckled softly, straightened and gave his daughter a cheeky wink.

“Don’t stay up too late.”

She blew him a kiss and shook her head.

“I won’t. ‘Night Dad.”

“Good night Adele.”

His next stop was James’s room. After a soft knock he was granted admittance and smiled at seeing both James and Sarah sitting on his bed watching a holo vid.

“I’m off to bed. Don’t forget to set the alarm when you return from taking Sarah home.”

The young man nodded, absently flicking back the hair that flopped over his brow.

“No worries Dad. Good night.”

“Good night, good night Sarah.”

The young woman blushed.

“Good night Ambassador Picard.”

Once the door had closed James dug Sarah in the ribs, earning him a retaliatory tickle. He chuckled and gently punched Sarah’s shoulder.

“Ambassador Picard? What’s the matter with you? Call him Jean-Luc.”

Sarah gaped.

“Oh I couldn’t James!”

The young man rolled his eyes.

“Oh bloody hell, not you too! Look, my father is just a man…an ordinary man with all the faults and frailties that all ordinary humans have.”

Sarah left the bed and angrily pulled her dark hair back.
“Come off it James. Your father was Captain, then Admiral Jean-Luc Picard. The man is a living legend! I can’t call him Jean-Luc…besides he hasn’t asked me to…it would be impolite.”

James grunted.

“Well have it your own way Sarah, but at least call him Mr.Picard? I don’t want to be reminded of his job in my own home.”

Seeing that James was obviously upset, Sarah went back to the bed and sat with him. She snuggled under his arm and nuzzled his neck. In a softly sultry voice she murmured,
“I’ve got something to show you.”

Enjoying her attentions, James muttered,

“What is it?”

In response, Sarah sat up and pushed her sleeve up her arm, turning her arm over to expose the underside. Somewhat confused, James looked at her arm and frowned.

“What?”

Sarah smiled with a conspirator’s glee.

“See that tiny red mark? The one near my wrist?”

James chuckled and pushed his own sleeve up, mirroring her actions.

“You mean like this one?”

Sarah gaped and looked into his dark hazel eyes.

“You got an implant too?”

The lad nodded.

“Uh huh, this morning at the clinic at Uni.”

Her expression melted from surprise to kittenish in a fraction of a second.

“I went private. So we both have implants.”

James grinned, his eyes sparkling.

“Seems like.”

Sarah snuggled back into his arms and sighed, saying softly,

“My Doctor said it was effective immediately.”

James buried his nose in her hair and inhaled her scent.

“Mine too.”

Her hand crept up his thigh to cup him.

“What say we try them out?”

He was growing hard under her hand but he lifted his head and encouraged her to meet his eyes.

“You’re sure Sarah?”

Her reply was a passionate kiss. They parted, panting, moments later. James looked into her smoky dark eyes and swallowed.

“Computer, lock my door.”

They didn’t hear the computer’s reply as they descended into another searing kiss.

With the impatience of youth they stripped each other of their clothing. Sarah lay on the bed, her eyes smoky with desire as James panted raggedly above her. She opened her legs, but he hesitated.

“Sarah…I’m not sure…I don’t want to hurt you.”

She nodded her understanding and lifted her head to kiss him. In a breathy whisper she moistened his ear.

“Use your fingers.”

James frowned, then smiled. He returned her kiss and eased a hand between her legs, gently caressing her folds. She sighed and raised her hips. He slid his fingers between her lips, feathering over her clit. His mouth descended onto a turgid nipple and Sarah gasped, her body flexing. James tenderly explored her sex before gently probing her entrance with his finger and encountering the barrier. He gently pressed against it while nipping and sucking her nipple. Sarah lifted her hips, panting,

“Yes James…yes…”

Encouraged and ignoring the ache of his straining erection, James pressed harder against the resistance. Sarah groaned, screwing her eyes shut. His own need spiralling almost out of control, James gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, whispering,

“I’m going to do it now.”

All Sarah could do was nod. He shoved his finger hard and the barrier broke. Sarah cried out, then bit her lip, drawing blood. James kissed her brow and kept his finger still while Sarah recovered.

“Are you all right?”

She opened her eyes and summoned a crooked smile.

“Uh huh.”

He frowned.

“Was it bad?”

The young woman frowned, her eyes darkening.

“It was intense but short lived.”

James kissed her again.

“I’m sorry.”

With a wicked grin, Sarah returned his kiss.

“I’m not.”

James looked down at her and sighed.

“You really are beautiful you know.”

Sarah blushed and reached down to take his wilted erection in her hand.

“Now…where were we?”

He smiled and sighed as she gently stroked him. They shared a tender kiss that quickly escalated into a passionate connection. He hardened rapidly and Sarah clenched her internal muscles around his finger. He broke the kiss and panted,

“Is it okay?”

In response she lifted her hips and encouraged him to move his finger. He did so slowly and gently, making her wince, then moan sensuously. His mouth found her nipple, the fingers of his free hand going to its mate. For ten minutes they pleasured each other before Sarah whispered,

“Now James.”

He kissed her as he withdrew his finger. He draped his body over hers and she embraced him, whispering,

“I want you.”

As she lifted her legs around his hips. He reached down and took hold of his penis, sliding it through her saturated folds before finding her entrance. He lifted his head and stared intently into her eyes as he slowly penetrated her. Sarah arched her back and cried out softly as he stretched her. He stopped but she grabbed his shoulders, shaking her head and gasping,

“No…keep going!”

Gritting his teeth against the incredible sensation of her tight, hot embrace, he closed his eyes and continued until he was fully inside her. He stilled then and opened his eyes to see tears running down Sarah’s face. Immediately concerned, he kissed her and used his fingers to caress her face.

“Am I hurting you?”

She summoned a smile.

“A little, but it feels good too. You’re so…there, James…I am so…filled.”

He smiled down at her and when he spoke; his voice was rough with emotion.

“You feel incredible Sarah, it’s so much better than I imagined.”

She undulated her hips, making James groan and close his eyes.

“Make love to me James.”

Instead of giving any verbal response to her plea, he kissed her and slowly withdrew before gently sliding back into her. She gasped into his mouth and reached down to grip his buttocks. Heartened by her actions, he slowly increased his pace and was immensely gratified when she answered his actions with subtle lifts of her hips, meeting his thrusts. His need rose quickly and he realised the control he usually had was absent. He lifted his head and screwed his eyes shut, pleading raggedly,

“Sarah…please…”

Sarah quickly reached between then and roughly rubbed her clit. As James suddenly cried out and shuddered, Sarah arched her back and did her best to stifle her cry of ecstasy as she came.

Several minutes later James eased out of her and rolled to his side. Sarah stared up at the ceiling and chuckled.

“Shit!”

James answered her chuckle with one of his own.

“You can say that again.”

He rose up on one elbow and gently kissed her temple.

“What was it like for you?”

Sarah smiled tenderly.

“It was wonderful…really intense.”

James smiled, then frowned.

“Me too, but…did it hurt?”

Sarah shrugged.

“A little but the sensations quickly overpowered any pain. I just wish it had lasted longer.”

James scowled.

“I’m sorry…I tried to but it was too…I just…I…oh hell Sarah I’m sorry.”

Sarah sat up and ran a finger down his face from brow to chin.

“No James, I’m not complaining…I think under the circumstances it was understandable.”

She offered a cheeky grin.

“What we need is practice.”

James’s grin was delighted, and grateful.

“Yeah.”

Consulting the clock on the bedside table, Sarah grimaced.

“I have to go soon. My place tomorrow night?”

He took her into his arms and nuzzled her neck, making her sigh.

“I can’t wait.”

Within minutes they were dressed and leaving his bedroom.

                      Dressed in royal blue, satin sleep shorts, Jean-Luc sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the hypospray he held in his hand. He had been thus for over fifteen minutes, his mind warring with itself over whether or not he should use the drug. With a soft grunt he tossed the hypo onto the bed and rubbed his face with his hands. He was so tired the fatigue seemed to extend into his bones. He shook his head and sighed, whispering to himself,

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

He picked up the hypo and, without any further thought, placed the nozzle against his thigh and injected himself. Sitting very still and concentrating, Jean-Luc frowned as he felt absolutely nothing. His body showed no reaction and his mind seemed to continue to function unimpeded. With a disgusted snort he slid under the covers and settled his head on the pillows.

“Lights out!”

 His seamless descent into sleep came completely unnoticed.

                In his private cabin on his ship, Darnid lay naked on his filthy bed, one hand slowly stroking his enormous penis, the other held in front of his face as he admired the gold and diamond ring on his crooked finger. The other ring resided in his coat pocket, bound for Tar Taz, but this ring, this pretty ring, was his reward…and his reminder, of the beautiful red headed woman. He lifted his eyes from his contemplation of the ring to gaze at the screen above his bed, the gyrating couples silently sweating through their copulation. He lowered his hand to employ both hands to stroking his penis, quickly increasing their speed. As two of the males on the screen withdrew and ejaculated across the stomach of the female, Darnid grunted and came over his hands. He lay panting for a few moments before lazily licking his hands clean. The call from the bridge was unwanted.

“Damn you! What do you want?!”

“I am sorry to disturb you Darnid, but there is an urgent call for you.”

Savagely deactivating the holo vid screen, Darnid snarled,

“Send it down here!”

The screen darkened then flickered back to life. The image of Tar Taz grimaced as he saw the little alien blatantly fondling his penis.

“Yes Sir?”

“Have you got the ring?”

Darnid nodded, his gleeful smile exposing his rancid, rotting teeth.

“Yes Sir.”

“Good. Now I have further urgent need of your talents.”

Darnid closed his eyes as he again grew erect, muttering absently,

“Yes?”

Growing impatient with the debauched alien, Tar Taz barked,

“Pay attention!”

His eyes glittering with resentment, Darnid glared at the screen. Tar Taz nodded.

“That’s better. Someone has been poking around in things that are none of their business. Find out who it is, and eliminate them.”

His measured stroking made Darnid sigh.

“That will cost you.”

The sardonic smile and curled eye stalks made the Ambassador seem bigger some how.

“I’m sure it will, but I think we can come to an equitable arrangement. Perhaps we can offset the cost against the value of the woman?”

Barely able to control himself, Darnid nodded eagerly.

“Yes! That would be acceptable.”

“Good. I will…”

Tar Taz turned his face away from the screen as Darnid ejaculated over his stomach. He kept his eyes averted as he ground out,

“I will see you on your return to Earth. Tar Taz out.”

As he wiped his semen up with his hands, Darnid nodded dreamily.

“I’ll see you then Sir.”

                      James and Adele met Della as they left next morning. The Captain smiled at James and pointed to the front door.

“Is your father ready?”

James snorted.

“As far as I know, he’s still asleep.”

Della gaped and stared at the house, walking slowly towards the door. Adele called gaily as she got into the hover car,

“Make him a cup of tea. That’ll get him out of bed.”

Della nodded absently and vaguely noted the car taking off. She entered the home and stood in the foyer, listening to the silence. She sighed and went to the kitchen, deciding to take Adele’s advice and put the kettle on, knowing Jean-Luc preferred real tea to the replicated variety.

Once the kettle was on, she left the kitchen and climbed the stairs. At Jean-Luc’s bedroom door she knocked twice but there was no reply. Opening the door slowly she frowned, but a smile soon emerged. Jean-Luc was sound asleep, lying on his side with one arm draped over the side of the bed. She approached quietly and said softly,

“Jean-Luc?”

Nothing.

She bent forward slightly and gently gripped his shoulder, giving it a gentle shake.

“Jean-Luc? Hey, come on, wake up.”

The Ambassador mumbled something and was about to turn over when Della shook his shoulder harder.

“Ambassador Picard! Wake up!”

His eyes snapped open and he stiffened. Jean-Luc’s eyes slowly focussed and he found himself staring at two black-clad legs. His eyes travelled up the legs until he saw Della smiling down at him. He scowled and grunted, saying roughly,

“What are you doing in my bedroom?”

The Captain brazenly sat on his bed and shook her head.

“Well, considering it’s oh eight forty, I should ask you why are you still in bed?”

He sat up abruptly, his mouth agape.

“Oh eight forty?! What the hell…”

He glared at the bedside clock and scowled.

“Blast!”

In one smooth motion the vexed man was out of bed and marching to the bathroom, saying over his shoulder,

“I’ll be down directly. Put the kettle on please.”

As she stood, Della chuckled.

“Already done Sir.”

The bathroom door closed on his reply and a highly amused Captain went back to the kitchen to make the tea. Her boss appeared ten minutes later. He accepted the steaming mug she offered and smiled for the first time.

“Thank you.”

A grinning Della reached up and removed some shaving cream from his earlobe.

“Messy, Ambassador. Won’t do you know.”

Jean-Luc’s eyes darkened but he did nothing but smile and bow his head. Della, however, wasn’t going to let the matter rest.

“Don’t tell me you use a blade to shave? Why don’t you use an iso razor?”

Jean-Luc sipped his tea and shrugged.

“I did when I was on Starships, but since I’ve been Earth bound I find I like to shave the old fashioned way, besides, Beverly likes the shaving soap I use.”

At the mention of his wife’s name, Della’s smile faded.

“I’m sorry Jean-Luc.”

The Ambassador shrugged.

“Don’t be, it’s all right.”

Della’s smile returned and she went to the replicator.
“Now, if I remember correctly, you like croissants for breakfast.”

Jean-Luc’s smile was sad as he shook his head.

“No…toast will be fine.”

She sensed his sadness and decided not to question it. She ordered two rounds of buttered toast and took the plate to the table to find Jean-Luc seated, sipping his tea. While he ate she asked,

“How come you slept in?”

He chewed thoughtfully, swallowed then shrugged expansively.

“I’m not sure.”

Della tilted her head and smiled.

“Did you sleep well?”

The grin that emerged on his face transformed his usually stern features into handsome friendliness.

“As a matter of fact I did.”

Sobering somewhat, Della asked quietly,

“Did you…dream?”

Jean-Luc’s smile faded and he frowned.

“Ah…no, I don’t think I did, or if I did, I don’t remember.”

Della’s smile came back.

“Well that’s wonderful. So you had a good night’s rest?”

Jean-Luc finished his toast and gave a nod.

“Yes. Now if I’m not mistaken, we are significantly late in starting our day. Why don’t you go out to the car? I’ll get my briefcase and lock up.”

Della gave a nod and smiled widely.

“Right, see you outside.”

They had been flying for fifteen minutes in companionable silence before Jean-Luc asked his inevitable question.

“Have you read today’s dispatches?”

Keeping her eyes trained forward, Della nodded.

“Yes.”

“And?”

She gave a sidelong glance at her boss and sighed.

“Nothing, I’m afraid.”

Jean-Luc stared straight ahead as he clenched his teeth. He muttered so quietly, Della had to strain to hear him.

“Something will surface. We just have to be patient.”

The rest of their journey was taken in silence; in fact they were entering their building in San Francisco before words were once again exchanged. Della stopped Jean-Luc from going into his office.

“I’m going to check the messages that have come in overnight. I may want to see you.”

The Ambassador nodded.

“Very well, come straight in if you need to.”

Della turned to her office as Lieutenant Henderson stood and handed his boss a PADD.

“This came in this morning Sir. It’s flagged urgent.”

Jean-Luc took the PADD and frowned, saying absently,

“Thank you Lieutenant.”

He was deep in thought when Della came into his office. She had to clear her throat to gain his attention. He looked up, frowning.

“What have you got?”

She handed him a PADD.

“It would seem we stirred something up by making enquiries about Tar Taz’s relationship to the Emperor’s family.”

The Ambassador’s frown deepened.

“How so?”

“Someone has been asking questions, trying to find out who our contact is.”

Jean-Luc tossed the PADD onto the desk and rubbed his face.

“That would tie in with what I’ve just been told by Command.”

Della frowned.

“Can you tell me?”

The man nodded.

“Yes. It would seem that Tar Taz has a go-between, someone with a foot in both camps.”

The Captain sat in front of his desk and scowled.

“Do we know who?”

With a brusque shake of his head, Jean-Luc let his frustration show. His one word reply was curt.

“No.”

Della sighed, running her fingers through her fringe.

“This is bad Jean-Luc. If he has someone with ears on both sides, we could find ourselves at a significant disadvantage.”

The Ambassador picked up the PADD and glowered.

“I know. Tell me Della…could it be Harry Pickford?”

The woman gaped.

“Harry Pickford? I…I don’t think so Jean-Luc. As far as I know he has no interest in politics. He an information gatherer.”

Jean-Luc grunted.

“Exactly Captain! This is just the sort of information he could gather for both sides.”

With an adamant shake of her head, Della’s eyes grew dark.

“No Ambassador, I sure he’s not the go-between. That’s not how he works.”

With a derisive sneer, Jean-Luc tossed the PADD back onto the desktop.

“Not how he works? Captain we know next to nothing about him! Who’s to say he isn’t playing the Antorians off against us?”

Della lifted her hands.

“But Why? He has nothing to gain.”

“What about latinum?”

Della shook her head again.

“No, that’s not how he does business. He trades Jean-Luc, usually information for what ever it is his…client wants.”

Jean-Luc sighed and shook his head.

“Well in the face of our lack of information about him, I would hazard a guess that he’s decided to up the ante.”

Della sat back and gave the Ambassador a speculative look.

“Well you’ve met him…and I happen to know you’re a very good judge of men. What did you think of him?”

She met his piercing gaze with equanimity she didn’t really feel. It was a look she knew made lesser people quake in their boots. Eventually Jean-Luc softened his gaze and sighed.

“Actually he managed to instil a confidence I hadn’t expected to find.”

The Captain said quietly,

“And you had a dreamless sleep.”

His eyes darkened and his voice grew soft.

“Are you aware of what he offered me?”

Della shook her head.

“No, I’m not.”

Somewhat relieved, Jean-Luc sat up and cast off his apprehension.

“Well I’m meeting him tomorrow; I’ll have a little chat with him, see if I can find out exactly what his agenda is.”

Hearing the subtle dismissal, Della stood and picked up her PADD.

“I’ll keep an eye on this. We need to protect our sources.”

Jean-Luc grimaced.

“Indeed.”

                      Harry was waiting for Jean-Luc the next day. The enigmatic man lifted his capped head and smiled his cold smile. Jean-Luc gave a noncommittal nod and placed a hand inside his coat pocket, the compact shape of his personal phaser giving him comfort.

“Punctual; as always Ambassador.”

Jean-Luc smiled and inclined his head, silently acknowledging the compliment.

Harry, one hand in his coat pocket, lifted the other hand and rubbed the tip of his nose.

“I am a little pressed for time this afternoon Ambassador. What have you decided?”

Jean-Luc gave a small shrug.

“You have upheld your end of the bargain Mr.Pickford. I have had two nights of dreamless sleep, as promised.”

The erudite Harry nodded, but his eerie blue eyes were speculative.

“I sense hesitation despite your endorsement Ambassador.”

Jean-Luc nodded.

“You are correct Mr.Pickford.”

His restless eyes constantly scanning the surrounding area, Harry sighed.

“And just what is it that disturbs you?”

With darkening eyes, Jean-Luc’s voice dropped to a low rumble.

“I am concerned as to why you want information about Ambassador Tar Taz.”

Shrugging impatiently, Harry snorted.

“I told you Ambassador, I collect information. It’s what I do.”

Jean-Luc huffed.

“Oh I know that, but why? To whom will you sell this information?”

Now growing irritated, Harry glared, his remarkable blue eyes glittering.

“I won’t sell it Ambassador, I will trade it. And as to whom I will trade, quite frankly, that’s none of your business.”

His voice dropping even lower, Jean-Luc practically growled,

“But I think it is Mr.Pickford. It has come to our attention that a go-between has been operating, a spy with feet in both camps. Are you that spy Mr.Pickford? Have you taken advantage of my…problem…to insinuate yourself into my sphere of influence?”

With cold eyes Harry glared at Jean-Luc, then relented and offered a chilly smile.

“I am not your spy Ambassador…however…I might be able to find out who it is.”

Not impressed and still deeply suspicious, Jean-Luc shook his head.

“And find myself in deeper debt? I think not.”

Harry removed his hand from his pocket and raised both hands.

“No Ambassador, hear me out. If you give me the information I originally asked for, not only will I give you the remaining cartridges, I will instigate a search for your spy. If I locate such a person, I will contact you. We can work out payment, a payment mutually beneficial at a later date.”

“And why would you be so generous Mr.Pickford?”

The smile that emerged was predatory.

“Because it’s in my best interest Ambassador. The more I know, the better off I am.”

Jean-Luc studied the nondescript man. The only outstanding feature he had was his eyes, other than that he was quite unremarkable. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, Jean-Luc swallowed his misgivings and lifted his chin.

Very well Mr.Pickford, I will give you what you asked for. As for the other matter, we will discuss it if and when you have some information.”

A hand slowly extended and Jean-Luc took it, indulging in a quick shake.

“Done, Ambassador.”

“Now Mr.Pickford, it would seem that Tar Taz is tied to the Emperor’s older brother by virtue of the fact that the older brother fell foul of the Antorian authorities in a scandal involving himself and several women, one of which was Tar Taz’s sister. There was a child born as a result, apparently the illegitimate heir. The scandal ultimately cost the older brother the throne.”

Although his face showed no outward reaction to the information, Harry’s body tensed.

“How interesting Ambassador. That will prove very useful to my client. Here…”

He handed Jean-Luc the box of cartridges and smiled.

“Well Ambassador, this has been most illuminating. Hopefully, I will contact you soon.”

Jean-Luc gave a curt nod.

“Indeed.”

As Jean-Luc turned to leave he heard a soft chuckle. He looked over his shoulder to see Harry shaking a finger at him.

“You really need not come armed Ambassador.”

Jean-Luc shrugged and offered a wry smile.

“Better safe than sorry.”

By the time he reached his car, Harry was gone.

              At eighteen thirty Jean-Luc entered his home and went straight to his study. While he activated his computer, he placed his briefcase on the desk and took out several PADDS. He was entering his security code when he realised he wanted to go to bed. He frowned and checked the time.

“Ridiculous!” He muttered. “It’s only six thirty for God’s sake.”

He pushed the thought from his mind and settled down to work.

                 The next morning Jean-Luc woke to his alarm. He had made sure it was set when he went to bed the previous night, finding without its help, he overslept. He had withstood his desire for an early night, working until just after twenty three hundred, but he was grateful when his head hit the pillow. As he had the preceding two nights, he injected himself and enjoyed deep, dreamless sleep, waking refreshed and alert. He almost bounded down the stairs, hearing his children in the kitchen. Over breakfast Adele said quietly,

“Dad…I think I know what I want to be.”

Jean-Luc looked up over the rim of his cup and smiled.

“Really? What then…Doctor or Archaeologist?”

Keeping her face straight, her worry still showed in her eyes.

“Neither. Dad…I think I want to be a teacher, specialising in mathematics.”

He covered his shock well. Placing his cup in its saucer he nodded solemnly.

“Teaching is a very noble profession Adele, I’m sure you will excel. Will you want to teach primary, secondary or tertiary?”

With a smile of relief, Adel’s eyes twinkled.

“I’m not sure yet Dad, I’ll talk to the school Counsellor…see what the options are.”

The Ambassador stood and took his dishes to the reclimator.

“Well what ever you decide will be fine by me.”

He gave her a kiss, then squeezed James’s shoulder.

“Captain Mason will be here soon, I’ll wait outside. Will you both be home for dinner?”

Adele nodded but James shook his head.

“I’ll be at Sarah’s, Dad. I’ll be home late.”

Jean-Luc gave a nod.

“Very well. Come in and see me when you get in.”

“Okay.”

Once his father had gone, James winked at his little sister.

“Well done Delly.”

The young woman sighed.

“You were right Jim; I really did need to think about it.”

James shrugged.

“Don’t thank me Delly, I inherited it from Dad.”

She stood and gently punched his shoulder.

“Idiot.”

He grinned.

“I know. Want a lift to school?”

She nodded.

“How much longer are you going to use Dad’s car?”

“Until the insurance comes in and I can buy a new one.”

Adele grinned.

“You must love driving his car.”

James smiled ruefully.

“Oh yeah…it’s really cool. I’ll be as old as Dad before I can afford something like that.”

Adele chuckled.

“Of course you’ll be the Federation’s leading Architect…you’ll be able to afford two.”

He threw a napkin at her.

“Now who’s the idiot? Come on, or we’ll be late.”

They were still laughing as they left the house.

                     The past ten days had been difficult for Tar Taz. The time for springing his trap was drawing near and he needed Darnid’s help. As much as he detested the Fretan, he couldn’t deny the little alien was brilliant at what he did. Discreet, efficient and reliable…if a little expensive. Tar Taz grimaced as he recalled the disgusting habits Darnid continually indulged in, but knew he would have to continue to ignore such things if he were to realise his dream. The plans had been laid down over three years ago and it had taken considerable latinum to get it this far. Had not the Romulans agreed to help, he would not have got as far as he had. Yes, soon he would be Emperor with a seat on the Federation Council. All he had to do was remain patient.

Squeezed into the booth in the darkened room, Tar Taz smelled Darnid before he arrived. Quelling the urge to gag, the Antorian Ambassador smiled at his employee, curling his eye stalks in greeting.

“I have been looking forward to seeing you Darnid. Do you have what I requested?”

In answer the little alien reached into his pocket and brought out his hand in a fist. With a flourish he uncurled his crooked fingers to display, lying in his filthy palm, Beverly’s wedding ring. Manipulating his large fingers, Tar Taz picked up the ring and held it near his eyes.

“I believe it is engraved, the same word is also engraved on Picard’s ring.”

He bent towards the dim light and smiled.

“Eternity. How sentimental these Humans are.”

Darnid waggled his fingers and the light caught the diamonds in the engagement ring he had stolen. Tar Taz looked at the ring and frowned.

“Where did you get that?”

As the Fretan grinned, saliva dribbled down his chin and his free hand went inside his pants.

“The woman…she gave it to me.”

Tar Taz’s eye stalks straightened.

“Gave?”

Darnid smirked, his furtive stroking making the Ambassador wish he could leave.

“Well maybe not gave…perhaps I took it…when I took her.”

Tar Taz glowered.

“You interfered with her?”

The disgusting alien shrugged, his mouth open and panting.

“I couldn’t help it Sir. She was…she was…ohhhh…”

He stiffened then slumped in his seat. As he licked his hand clean Tar Taz admonished him.

“You were not to interfere with her! Leave her alone until you pay for her!”

The little Fretan shrugged.

“What does it matter? I enjoyed it; she enjoyed it…after all soon she will be mine anyway. Where’s the harm?”

The Ambassador hissed,

“I don’t want her…damaged!”

With a flick of his hand, Darnid dismissed the Ambassador.

“I will make sure she is repaired.”

Somewhat mollified, Tar Taz sniffed loudly, trying to get some fresh air into his nose to dispel the appalling odour coming from the Fretan.

“Just you make sure she is alive and well when we spring our little trap. Now…”

His eye stalks swivelled left and right.

“About the other matter. Have you made any progress?”

Darnid leaned forward and it took all of Tar Taz’s control not to recoil away from him.

“As a matter of fact, yes Sir. I have discovered the Antorian leak, but not to whom the information was given.”

“And?”

Darnid grinned, his rotting teeth emanating their own particular putrid odour.

“The leak has been…sealed.”

“Good.”

Darnid sat back and began to masturbate again. He slitted his black eyes and smiled.

“How much longer Sir?”

Unable to sit with the Fretan any longer, Tare Taz stood and gathered his cloak around his massive body.

“Three weeks, maybe four.”

Darnid’s free hand slipped inside his pants and he sighed.

“Will you be needing me again soon?”

The Ambassador shrugged.

“I don’t know. Why?”

The little alien pulled his pants down, exposing his huge purple penis. He was stroking it slowly with both hands and Tar Taz struggled to keep from leaving immediately.

“I thought I might visit our package again.”

Now desperate to leave, the Ambassador said curtly,

“If you must, just remember…when the time comes, she is to be unharmed.”

Darnid laid his head back on the seat and increased his stroking. His mouth slackened and he drooled.

“Of course Sir.”

Tar Taz left before he witnessed Darnid’s climax. Once out in the night air, he took several deep breaths and decided there and then, that once he was in power, Darnid would have a little accident.

                   It was fourteen fifteen and Jean-Luc was at his desk in his office, but he wasn’t working. He was staring at the computer screen, his eyes unseeing as his mind turned over the problem he was developing.

It had been ten nights now that he had used the drug and generally he was pleased with the results. But…every night, at about six thirty, he started to want to go to bed. At first it was just a thought…a vague feeling, but as time went on, the feeling gathered strength until it was almost too strong to ignore. The urge…the driving desire to go to sleep was almost overwhelming, but what puzzled Jean-Luc was that it wasn’t because he was tired. Indeed, since using the drug, he felt rested and invigorated. He couldn’t understand it and it troubled him that soon he wasn’t going to be able to resist the urge to sleep. He sighed and started when a soft voice said,

“You’ve worked through lunch again.”

He looked up, startled to see Della standing in front of his desk, a soft smile on her face. Quickly gathering his wits, he summoned a smile.

“Ah…yes, so it seems.”

Della’s smile widened and she gestured to the low table in front of the sofa.

“Well, I can remedy that. If you please Sir.”

Jean-Luc’s eyes softened as he saw a lunch spread out on the table. He rose slowly, stretched his stiff muscles and left his desk, joining Della on the sofa. They ate hot vegetable soup, crusty warm bread and salad sandwiches, washed down with cups of Earl Grey.

Once finished, Jean-Luc sat back and sighed.

“That was nice Della, thank you.”

The Captain chuckled.

“You don’t remember do you.”

He cast her a look of confusion and frowned.

“Remember?”

“The picnic by the river. Spring, your second leave.”

His eyes cleared and he smiled wistfully.

“Oh yes! That was a glorious day, wasn’t it.”

Della moved closer and ran a finger down his face.

“Uh huh. We made love under that big oak tree.”

His smile faded and he sighed.

“Yes we did.”

She moved closer still and looked deeply into his eyes.

“It was wonderful.”

She kissed him, feathering her tongue over his lips, seeking admittance. His arms came up involuntarily, embracing her as he opened his mouth, but as her tongue slipped inside, he stiffened and withdrew. He looked into her eyes and shook his head.

“No Della.”

She tried to pull him to her, nuzzling his neck.
“Why Jean-Luc? I want you…and I think you want me.”

He pulled free and stood.

“No I don’t, Della.”

The Captain stood and came close to him, running her hands over his shoulders.

“Jean-Luc…she’s gone, it’s time to live again. We were happy once, we can be again.”

Before he could respond, he was paged.

“Ambassador Picard?”

Jean-Luc stepped away and cleared his throat.

“Picard here.”

“Sir there is a call from the Federation Secretary.”

“Thank you Henderson, I’ll take it in here.”

“Aye Sir.”

Jean-Luc didn’t look at Della as he said quietly,

“Thank you for lunch Captain.”

Hurt by his dismissal, Della considered staying, but his stiff posture told her he wouldn’t allow it. She gave a short bow and offered,

“Not at all Ambassador.”

Before leaving.

Jean-Luc looked at the closed door and sighed, rubbing his face.

              Belderand Haz was by nature a cautious man. His passage through life was steady, never a risk taker, Belderand prided himself on his ability to blend in…and never cause waves. His employment at the Imperial palace was a feather in his cap, something he had quietly worked for over many years. Now he sat at the Secretary’s right hand, a trusted confidant and advisor.

The news of the death of his close friend, Mersen Pul, deeply troubled Belderand. They had grown up together, enjoying a carefree existence in Antorian society and getting into much mischief. They had both made it into civil service and Mersen was the first to congratulate Belderand on his appointment to the Palace. Now his dear friend was dead and Belderand had a niggling suspicion his death was under less than clear circumstances.

Having finished his duties for the day, Belderand went to his desk and activated his private safe. From its interior he collected a small chip. He closed and locked the safe, then left the building, catching a commuter shuttle to his friend’s home. Upon entering, he went to Mersen’s study and, having checked to see there was no surveillance, pushed the desk to one side and pulled back the floor covering to expose a floor safe. He utilised his chip, then inputted a security code. There was a moments’ silence before the safe chimed softly and the lock disengaged. He ignored the contents save one medium sized PADD. He took it out and activated it.

Tears welled in his eyes as the image of his friend appeared. The soft, deep voice made his eyes blur with tears.

“Belderand my friend, if you are hearing this, then I must be dead. You know…when we first decided to make these I never thought either one of us would ever use them. I’m only glad it’s not me at your home, hearing you.”

Belderand pressed pause and wiped his eyes. He took several deep breaths then pressed resume.

“As I recall, it was your idea. Once we began to rise in the service you said we should be careful…and you were right, as usual. Always the cautious one eh Belderand?”

The Antorian chuckled and gave a nod.

“Anyway, there are some things you should know and I think what you learn may have something to do with my death, so listen carefully my friend.”

Belderand frowned and checked the recording date to find it was done two days before his friend’s death. He tried to slow the rapid beating of his heart to concentrate on what he was hearing.

“For the past eight months I have been supplying information to the Federation of Planets.”

Haz gasped and shook his head.

“No…Mersen…no!”

The image on the screen smiled tenderly.

“I know what you’re thinking Belderand my friend, but it’s not what you think. Tar Taz is up to something…something detrimental to the Empire. The person who should be watching Tar Taz is the Secretary but he’s more concerned with currying favour from the Emperor, not doing his job as he should. I am not a spy Belderand, I am a patriot. Nothing I supplied to the Federation could harm Antoria in any way, rest assured my friend, I love my world and my Emperor.”

Belderand sighed and briefly closed his eyes.

“About ten days ago I was asked to supply information about Tar Taz’s connection to Kazzarin. As you know, the Emperor’s elder brother is loosely related to Tar Taz through his sister. I did as I was asked, I told my contact about the scandal and the child and I thought that would be the end of it, but several days ago I became aware that someone was on my tail. I came home one night and I’m sure someone has been here Belderand; you know how it is…you just know when your things have been disturbed. Anyway I made some enquiries of my own, but the only name I can come up with is Darnid. Ring any bells my friend? It doesn’t for me, but maybe you can learn more.”

Belderand sat back and frowned.

“Darnid?”

“So my old friend, if my death is related to my activities, so be it, but I have a request to make of you Belderand my dear friend. What I was doing was important, both to Antoria and the Emperor. Take up the challenge Belderand, take my place and help the Federation, because by doing so, you will help Antoria. Be brave Belderand, if I didn’t think you could do it, I would never have suggested it. Good bye Belderand.”

Belderand deactivated the PADD then rested his head on his knees, allowing himself to cry for the first time since he learned of his friend’s death.

                         Casting another look at her clock, Della glanced at her office door, wishing, not for the first time, that she had waited before making a move on Jean-Luc. She sighed, knowing she may have ruined any chance she may have had in establishing a romantic relationship with him. Her feelings, however, would not be denied. She loved him. The love she felt for him had lasted years…through her marriage, through his marriage…it had never waned and now, now that she felt he should move on, get past the tragic death of his wife, now she thought, was the time for them.

She had said they were happy once, and they were, deliriously so, and she knew, knew in her heart that they could have that again.

She had asked Jeremy Henderson to alert her when Jean-Luc left his office and she wasn’t surprised when he softly hailed her.

“Captain Mason?”

“Yes Jeremy.”

“He’s getting ready to leave.”

“Thanks.”

She picked up her briefcase and was waiting in the foyer when he emerged. He cast her a quick glance, but his face remained impassive. She fell into step by his side and together they left the building.

It wasn’t until they had rematerialised in Melbourne that Della spoke.

“It’s been a long day.”

A noncommittal grunt was her only reply. They remained silent until they were in the hover car. Della powered up the craft, took off then said quietly,

“We should talk.”

The stony, cold silence that greeted her made her grit her teeth.

“Jean-Luc…”

His voice was hard as he barked,

“I’d rather not, if you don’t mind.”

She sighed and gathered her patience.

“Not talking about it won’t make it go away.”

He grunted again.

“I don’t want to talk about it Della, I have nothing to say.”

“Well I do!”

He stared out of the windscreen, studiously ignoring her as she tried to explain her actions.

“Jean-Luc I’m sorry if I embarrassed you…my feelings for you are…dammit I love you. There! I said it! Now if that makes you uncomfortable I’m sorry but I can’t help the way I feel. We had something you and I, something wonderful and I believe we can have that again. All you have to do is…”

He turned to face her, his face a mask and his dark eyes glittering with anger.

“Your feelings for me are irrelevant! I don’t love you Della, I haven’t for years! Please…please don’t make something where nothing exists.”

Quelling the hurt that welled inside her, Della glanced at him and implored,

“Jean-Luc, please, think about it. Remember what we had, what we shared.”

His jaw muscles rippled as he clenched his teeth. His voice grew soft, a sure sign of his growing anger.

“If you can’t control yourself I suggest you request another posting. If you don’t, I will request one for you.”

She stifled her gasp of dismay and struggled to keep her voice even.

“That won’t be necessary Sir.”

The Ambassador looked straight ahead and grunted his response.

“Good. Let that be the end to it, Captain.”

“Yes Sir.”

She landed the craft in his driveway ten minutes later. He left the car in silence and she watched as he went to his front door, entered his code and went inside.

Once the front door was closed, Jean-Luc leaned his back against the door and closed his eyes as he listened to the craft take off. He sighed deeply and swallowed, tumultuous feelings whirling around inside him. He straightened and was going to go to his study, but a surge of desire to go to bed washed over him and he was too weary to resist. He climbed the stairs, stripped off his clothing and picked up the hypo. He injected himself and slipped under the covers, closing his eyes and giving up any resistance to sleep.

                       Tar Taz smiled at the Romulan face on the screen. He held up his huge hand, the ring pinched between two long fingers. The Romulan peered and gave a cold smile.

“That is it?”

Curling his eyes stalks, Tar Taz nodded.

“Yes. With this little trinket I will bring Picard to his knees.”

The cold smile grew.

“How satisfying, I wish I could be there to see it. Tell me…is it true the ring is engraved?”

Tar Taz nodded.

“Yes, apparently both his and hers are engraved with the same word.”

“And that is?”

“Eternity.”

The Romulan’s eyes glittered with cruelty.

“How appropriate! If all goes according to plan, Picard will know an eternity of anguish!”

The Antorian grinned.

“Oh yes, he will know exquisite pain my Lord.”

“And none too soon. That Human has been a thorn in our sides for far too long!”

Tar Taz gave a short nod.

“Well not for much longer! Within the month I will be in power and the Federation will be making every effort to woo me. It will be glorious when the Romulan Empire finally brings them to heel.”

The Romulan grinned and nodded.

“Indeed. Well Ambassador, if there’s nothing else?”

“No my Lord. Be well.”

“And you.”

                    The alarm startled Jean-Luc out of sleep. With a gruff,

“Off!”, he turned onto his back and sighed.

“Another day.”

His fingers went to his wedding ring, idly turning it on his finger as he stared sightlessly up at the ceiling.

“Where are you Beverly? What happened?”

He briefly closed his eyes and savagely quashed the anguish that threatened to overwhelm him. Taking a large breath, he threw off the covers and sat up, his eyes catching a picture, held in an antique silver frame on his nightstand. Beverly stared back at him. It had been taken on their wedding day, the glow of happiness shining clearly in her eyes. He picked the frame up and held it against his chest, gripping so tightly, his knuckles showed white. His deep voice cracked as he almost sobbed.

“I will find you my love.”

Once showered, shaved and dressed, he joined his children in the kitchen.

Adele, already finished her breakfast was busy hurrying her brother when Jean-Luc entered. To his upraised eyebrow she smiled and explained,

“My first exam today Dad, I want to get to school early to study.”

Jean-Luc smiled his appreciation as he poured a cup of tea, causing Adele to flush with pride. He took a sip as his face sobered.

“Are you ready for it?”

Her smile widened.

“Yes Dad, I’m ready, I just want to go over a few things. If I get to school early I can use the library before it gets crowded.”

Jean-Luc placed his cup on the counter and held his arms open.

“In that case, give me a hug. I’ll be thinking of you today.”

The hug was a warm one and Adele giggled as her father kissed her cheek. As she moved out of his embrace he was surprised when his son stepped up in front of him.

“One for me too Dad?”

His surprise registered, but only for an instant. Jean-Luc’s face split into a grin as he gave his son a hug, muttering,

“I thought you were too old for this kind of thing?”

James chuckled and stepped back, grinning wryly at his father.

“Well…I’m not sure who needed it most…you or me.”

Jean-Luc shrugged.

“It matters not James, I’m just glad you still feel comfortable enough to do it.”

James lightly punched his father’s shoulder while Adele moaned,

“Okay you two, enough with the male bonding. If we don’t get going James, there’ll be no point in trying to leave early.”

With a shooing motion, Jean-Luc ushered his children from the room.

“Go on then; I’ll see you both tonight.”

Their cheery goodbyes drifted back as the front door closed.

When the front door chimed Jean-Luc was ready to face Della. She smiled her greeting but said little as they flew into Melbourne. She answered his usual question perfunctorily, but not unkindly and it was a calm pair who entered their offices.

Jean-Luc had just taken his seat and was about to ask his aide to bring in the latest communiqués when he was suddenly struck with an urge to go to sleep. He frowned, shaking his head in annoyance, muttering,

“Ridiculous, I’ve just started my day.”

The feeling grew as he struggled to ignore it. To help in pushing it aside, he called for Lieutenant Henderson. The young man came into the office, a smile on his face.

“Here you go Sir, the daily grind, all set out for you.”

The Ambassador summoned a wan smile, making Henderson somewhat nervous, being more accustomed to his boss’s stern façade. The soft deep voice mollified the young man.

“Thank you Lieutenant, that will be all.”

He was only gone a few minutes when the overhead speakers came to life.

“Ambassador Picard, you have a call. A Mr.Pickford wishes to speak with you and he won’t be dissuaded Sir. I told him you were busy, but he was insistent.”

Jean-Luc closed his eyes and sighed, he really wasn’t feeling up to dealing with the enigmatic Harry Pickford. Nonetheless he opened his eyes and sat up in his chair.

“That’s all right Lieutenant, I’ll take the call.”

“Very well Sir, but it’s audio only I’m afraid.”

“Understood.”

Jean-Luc tabbed a key on his computer and smiled grimly when the slightly husky voice came through.

“Good morning Ambassador, I trust you slept well?”

Ignoring the veiled reference to their arrangement, Jean-Luc replied,

“Good morning Mr.Pickford. What can I do for you?”

The chuckle was harsh.

“You mean, what do you want?”

With a wry smile, Jean-Luc acknowledged the man’s perspicacity.

“Indeed. What do you want?”

This time the chuckle was warmer.

“I have some information for you Ambassador.”

Jean-Luc’s eyes hardened and his back stiffened.

“I see. And when can we meet?”

“How about tonight, at your home?”

Alarm skittered across Jean-Luc’s mind. He recovered quickly and made sure there was no trace of it in his voice.

“I’d rather not, if you don’t mind. Would our usual place be sufficient…say seven thirty this evening?”

There was a momentary silence before Harry replied and Jean-Luc could hear the sarcasm in his voice when he said,

“I am not a danger to your children Ambassador, in fact I like kids. They bring a good price on the open market.”

Refusing to rise to the gibe, Jean-Luc remained calm, even smiling sardonically.

“I’m sure they do, but I would rather not conduct business at home.”

The equanimity of his next words surprised Jean-Luc.

“Okay Ambassador, fair enough. Our usual spot then, seven thirty tonight.”

Before Jean-Luc could reply, the line went dead. He sighed and rubbed his eyes, the insidious need for sleep almost overwhelming him. He savagely shook his head, took a deep breath and reapplied his concentration to his work. It was going to be a long day.

                  Adele was first home that afternoon. She knew her father wasn’t due home for some hours and James often was late, so she was unprepared when Jean-Luc entered the kitchen, just as she was sitting with a hot cup of tea. He walked to his daughter and kissed the top of her head.

“How did it go?”

She grinned up at the man, her heart swelling with love. Putting aside her curiosity at his being home so early, she nodded, her eyes twinkling.

“I think I nailed it Dad.”

He went to the teapot and poured himself a cup before sitting with Adele and settling his intense gaze upon her.

“Tell me about it.”

She shrugged.

‘Not much to tell really. There weren’t any questions I wasn’t expecting and I didn’t feel at all uncomfortable with the entire exam. It was a breeze.”

Jean-Luc sipped then sat back, a knowing smile in place.

“It pays to study, doesn’t it.”

She rolled her eyes and sighed.

“Yes Dad…and you can say it…I told you so.”

He chuckled and took her free hand in his.

“Your mother and I are very proud of you Adele. When is the next exam?”

Adele ignored the reference to her mother and smiled at her father, basking in his love and pride.

“Three days…and it’s the big one, physics.”

Jean-Luc sobered, his dark hazel eyes glittering.

“Are you ready?”

She sighed.

“I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, but physics scares me Dad. I can’t seem to conceptualise it. With all my other subjects, if I’m having trouble, I try and turn the subject into something else so I can understand it better, but physics…”, she sighed again.

“It defeats my efforts to turn it into something more familiar.”

Jean-Luc nodded slowly.

“I see. Has James been able to help you?”

Adele smiled ruefully.

“A little, but he’s so good at it…he must think I’m a dunce.”

Jean-Luc squeezed her hand and shook his head.

“I’m sure that’s not true. Look, I have to go out after dinner, but when I return, how about we have a look at your physics work together. Who knows, perhaps a different perspective might help?”

Adele gave her father a dubious look, but smiled.

“Well…okay.”

The Ambassador grinned and gave a short nod.

“Good. Now…is your brother coming home for tea?”

Adele shrugged.

“I’m not sure, Dad. He and Sarah seemed to be joined at the hip lately. Why don’t you give him a call?”

Jean-Luc stood and placed his cup in the reclimator.

“I’ll do that. In the mean time, what do you want for dinner?”

Adele made a show of giving the question due consideration, only just keeping the devilish grin off her face. Her father looked on indulgently, knowing full well what was going on. Her one word reply didn’t surprise him.

“Lasagne.”

He chuckled and shook his head.

“Ever since you were a toddler you’ve loved lasagne. You realise I will have to replicate? I don’t have time to make it from scratch.”

The young woman nodded.

“That’s okay Dad, but I can grate on some real cheese on it can’t I?”

The man grinned.

“Of course. Well, I’m going to my study for a bit. I’ll give James a call and tea will be at about six thirty.”

“Okay Dad, I’ll be in my room.”

As she stood to leave, Jean-Luc gave her a knowing look.

“Don’t have the music too loud.”

Rolling her eyes theatrically, Adele sighed and flounced to the door.

“Gee Dad…you’re not that old!”

He was still chuckling as he walked to his study.

As it turned out, James did manage to join his sister and father for tea. On seeing the lasagne he guffawed and poked fun at his sister, causing her to grimace at him and complain to her father. Jean-Luc waved off her protests and chuckled at his children’s gentle fun before finishing his meal and standing from his seat.

“I have to go somewhere…I won’t be long. James will you clear away the dishes? Adele, you get those books out and try to outline your major problems.”

He smiled at the cheery,

“Okay Dad.” And left the house.

As usual, Harry was already there when Jean-Luc arrived. In the darkness of late winter, steam gathered around his mouth as he muttered,

“Punctual as usual Ambassador, thank you, it’s too cold tonight for lingering.”

Not wishing to prolong his time away from home, Jean-Luc stuffed his hands deep in his coat pockets and rumbled,

“You said you have information for me.”

Pickford nodded.

“Indeed I do, in fact what I’ve discovered may be more than you anticipated.”

“Tell me.”

Harry’s head swivelled from side to side as his constant surveillance swept the car park. Always vigilant, the mysterious man settled his restless blue eyes on Jean-Luc and speared him with the intensity of his gaze.

“The go between is a Fretan named Darnid. He operates in the shadows, on the peripheries, sometimes paying for information, sometimes killing for it. He has contacts here on Earth and on Antoria. At present he is employed exclusively by Ambassador Tar Taz, but my sources tell me he has also dabbled in contact with certain individuals within the Romulan Empire, in fact, he has been known to accept payment for services rendered from the Proconsul himself. He has a lengthy criminal record, here within the Federation and outside, mostly for crimes of a sexual nature. Being a Fretan, he is obsessed with sex and doesn’t care who, or how he satisfies his…urges. He is utterly ruthless and loyal to whoever employs him.”

Jean-Luc’s eyes glimmered as he breathed out a cloud of steam.

“What a delightful character. Do you know what Tar Taz has been using him for?”

Harry lifted his head and chuckled coldly.

“That my friend, will cost you more.”

Jean-Luc shrugged.

“As I recall, we haven’t set the price for what you’ve just told me.”

Harry snorted.

“True Ambassador, but what I know may be interesting to you…personally.”

Jean-Luc’s eyes darkened and his voice dropped to a husky whisper.

“What do you mean?”

Again his head moved as his eyes swept the area.

“You are aware, Ambassador, that the mystery ship that was reported near where your wife met her death was in fact…Romulan?”

Jean-Luc’s voice grew gravelly

“Yes.”

“Well my sources tell me Darnid negotiated…for Tar Taz…to have that ship there…it was no mere happenstance that put it there. Rumour has it, that at the exact moment your wife’s shuttle exploded, an unauthorised and untraceable transport took place.”

With lightning speed, Jean-Luc’s hands came out of his pockets to grab fistfuls of Harry’s coat. In a menacing growl he asked,

“What are you talking about? Was my wife abducted by the Romulans?”

Harry allowed the manhandling, instead smiling coldly.

“Not by the Romulans...at least she’s not on Romulus as far as I know.”

Jean-Luc almost shouted.

“Then where? Antoria?”

With slow deliberation, Harry raised his hands and pried Jean-Luc’s hands loose from his coat. He straightened the fabric and shrugged.

“I suppose I could find out, but what do you offer in return?”

Trying to control his racing heart, Jean-Luc struggled to keep his voice even.

“What do you want?”

The predatory smile that emerged made Jean-Luc shiver involuntarily.

“Well, for what I’ve told you so far…I want details of the Federation Secretary’s financial dealings with the Vulcan Science Academy. Precisely, who is she paying and what for.”

Jean-Luc took a step back, shaking his head.

“There are no financial dealings with the Vulcans…not with their science academy or anything else!”

Harry’s unnaturally blue eyes glittered.

“Oh but there are Ambassador. Look I don’t care what arrangements have been made…wheels need greasing to turn silently. Do some quiet digging Ambassador and when you have the information, tell Captain Mason and she will contact me.”

Jean-Luc glowered, outrage in his deep voice.

“You can’t possibly expect me to…”

Harry held up a placating hand.

“Calm down Ambassador. I’m not asking you to spy on the Federation, nor will anything you tell me have an adverse affect on it. For me to find the answers to your questions, I have to have a significant bargaining chip. Now the people I’ll be dealing with won’t care about what you tell me…as I’ve said before, this isn’t about politics; it’s about information, nothing else. Besides, once you do your digging and find the information I want, you’ll be able to do something about it…won’t you. After all, corruption should be weeded out, shouldn’t it?”

Jean-Luc’s head was spinning. On the one hand, what Harry said was true, if he found that there were clandestine financial dealings with the Vulcans, then he could, and would put a stop to it. But what tore at him, what made his heart ache, was the chance that Harry might be able to finally lead him to his beloved Beverly. For two long years he had hoped…refused to believe she was dead. As much as he warred with himself over the ethics of what Harry was asking, he knew deep in his heart…knew with a dreadful certainty, that he would do anything to find her. And with a sinking heart he knew Harry knew that too.

Jean-Luc tried to ignore the triumphant smile that split the man’s face as he muttered,

“It will take time.”

Harry clapped Jean-Luc on the shoulder and nodded.

“I am a patient man Ambassador. Just let Captain Mason know when you have something for me.”

Jean-Luc nodded dumbly as Harry stepped back and disappeared into the night. He eventually made it back to his hover car and drove home in a daze.

               Adele knew her father was preoccupied. He had a habit of scratching just above his left ear whenever his mind was somewhere else, but even though his mind was elsewhere, he still managed to help Adele with her physics. For over two hours they worked until Jean-Luc began to lose his struggle against the desire to go to bed. He sat back in his seat and smiled at his daughter.

“Well, how do you feel about it now?”

Adele sighed and offered a wry grin.

“Better than I did before. Thanks Dad, you’ve been a big help.”

The man stood and stretched.

“And do you feel more confident about the exam?”

That brought a thoughtful nod.

“Yes I think so. At least I know I can handle most of what they’re going to throw at me.”

Jean-Luc bent and kissed the top of Adele’s head.

“Good, I’m glad I could help. Well I’m off to bed now. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Adele frowned.

“But Dad…it’s only nine forty.”

Covering his consternation with a smile and a shrug, the Ambassador shook his head.

“What can I say? Must be old age.”

Adele stood and frowned at her father, not convinced by either his actions or his words.

“Are you okay Dad?”

“I’m fine Adele…really; I just want an early night. It’s been a long day and I’m tired.”

Still not fully convinced, Adele shrugged nonetheless and managed a smile.

“Well…okay.”

She went up on tiptoe and kissed her father’s cheek.

“Goodnight Dad, and thanks again.”

Jean-Luc gave his daughter a one-armed hug and ruffled her hair, earning him a mock glare as the lass used her hands to right the mess he had wrought.

“No problem.”

It wasn’t until he had changed into his sleep shorts and was sitting on the side of the bed that he realised he had lied to his daughter. He glared at the hypo in his hand and shook his head.

“Well what could I say? I’m sorry Adele, but I really need to go to bed. I’m not tired; I just want to go to sleep.”

He snorted angrily and shoved the hypo against his thigh, pressing the nozzle hard onto his skin. Once the injection was finished he tossed the device onto the nightstand and slid under the covers. He closed his eyes and didn’t even register it when he descended into dreamless sleep.

                  Della Mason’s son was asleep, leaving her alone in the living room. In the subdued lighting of the room she sat in her favourite chair, a large PADD in her hands. With a bowed head, her eyes misted as images slowly scrolled across the screen. As one particular image appeared, she pressed pause and sighed as a photo of her and Jean-Luc glowed up at her. It had been taken by a street photographer in Paris many years previous. They were in each other’s arms, facing each other, noses just touching. She had a dreamy smile on her face and he was staring intently into her eyes, his mouth just open. She remembered how, just after the snap had been taken, they had kissed languidly…then  hungrily. What had begun as a stroll through a city park became an urgent race back to his flat where they tumbled into bed and made love for the rest of that lazy summer afternoon.

Colour rose in her cheeks as the memories of that day flooded into her mind. Heat bloomed in her genitals as she let her head rest on the cushions behind her. She tossed the PADD to one side and closed her eyes, letting her mind furnish the images of their lovemaking. She recalled how Jean-Luc had risen up on his hands to stare at her as he thrust slowly in and out of her. The muscles of his chest and arms corded and flexed as his body moved in her, but his face remained a mask of concentration, his dark hazel eyes boring into her, transfixing her with their intensity.

She undid her uniform pants and slipped a hand inside, under the elastic of her underwear and easing her fingers through her wet folds. In her mind’s eye she saw Jean-Luc increasing the force and frequency of his thrusts and her fingers found her clit and teased it. Already highly aroused, she parted her legs and lifted her hips as she quickened her fingers. With her eyes tightly closed she saw Jean-Luc’s mask finally slip as his orgasm consumed him. He closed his eyes and lifted his head, opening his mouth, his lips drawn back to expose his teeth as he emitted a low growl.

She felt her climax approaching and she slipped two fingers inside her, pressing her thumb hard against her clit. As she was vaulted into ecstasy she bit her lip to keep from crying out, lest she wake her son.

She panted through the aftershocks, gently feathering her finger over her sensitive clit. Slowly she recovered until she opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling.

“Oh my God Jean-Luc…I want you…and by God I’ll have you!”

She picked up the PADD, had one last look at the photo and sighed before deactivating the device and going to bed.

                   Senator Narwan Jemurl bowed low before the Proconsul, keeping his smile hidden. The Romulan was tall for his race and highly intelligent. The Proconsul watched him keenly as he paid his respects, never once forgetting he was facing a devious and mercenary adversary. Narwan, having given due respect to his leader, allowed his eyes to travel up to meet the eyes of the Proconsul. The powerful Romulan stifled his outrage at this breech of manners, knowing the information his senator possessed was worth the infraction. He also knew there were other…less convivial methods of extracting information, but for now he was content to conform to the niceties of the Imperial Chamber.

“You have spoken to the Antorian?”

Narwan nodded sagely.

“Yes my Lord.”

“Is everything in readiness?”

Narwan’s smug smile irritated the Proconsul but he hid it well.

“Of course my Lord. Once we have Picard and the Federation by default, Tar Taz will be installed as Emperor and we can begin our invasion of Antoria.”

The Proconsul’s smile was cold and cruel.

“And he suspects nothing?”

With a shake of his head, Narwan had to control the urge to laugh out loud.

“No my Lord! He still thinks we will build a base, nothing more.”

The sigh of satisfaction made Narwan glow inside. Already he could see his reward and it made him giddy with happiness. His son would find himself a Commander with his own ship, his daughter would marry into a good family and he…he would finally be able to wipe clean a stain that had existed in his family since his Grandfather had been executed on charges of treason. It was a good day.

With an imperious wave of his hand, the Proconsul indicated the audience was over. Deciding he was magnanimous enough to give another deep bow, Narwan had turned in preparation to leave when the older man’s deep voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Oh senator…remind Darnid that I want the names of the Federation operatives on Antoria.”

Caught flat footed, Narwan turned to face his leader, struggling to keep his dismay from his face.

“Darnid, my Lord?”

The utterly cold smile made Narwan’s recent happiness turn to dust. The Proconsul lifted a hand with affected, bored indifference.

“Oh come now senator…you know full well who I mean. Darnid, the Fretan, the little dog you’ve been feeding scraps to. Did you think you were the only one keeping his leash tight?”

Narwan swallowed and tried to keep his panic from showing.

“Oh by the Gods…I’ve underestimated you!”

The Proconsul’s eyes glittered as he sat forward in his high backed chair and said with cold menace,

“A word of advice senator. Nothing…absolutely nothing goes on without my knowing about it! You would do well to remember that if you truly want to find redemption for you and your family.”

As he bowed again, Narwan briefly closed his eyes and swallowed to wet his dry mouth. It wasn’t until he had left the chamber that he was able to wipe the sweat from his brow.

                       It was James who answered the chime from the front door. Activating the screen by his bed, he rubbed his sleepy eyes and summoned his ragged voice.

“Della?”

A sheepish Captain stood under the outside light in the dim light of early dawn.

“Sorry to wake you James…is your father up yet?”

James shrugged, still knuckling his eyes.

“Ah…well if he was, he would have answered the chime.”

Della offered an apologetic smile and nodded.

“Oh, well I’m sorry to have woken you James, but I need to see your father.”

The young man smiled.

“No problem, come on in.”

The door lock deactivated and Della reached for the knob, saying softly,

“No need for you to get up James, I’ll just go up to Jean-Luc’s room.”

Already snuggling back under the covers, James mumbled,

“Okay.”

And promptly went back to sleep.

Della smiled, but her nervousness showed in her light step as she ascended the stairs. She passed the closed doors of the children’s bedrooms and approached the forbidding closed door at the end of the hall with growing trepidation, however she didn’t hesitate, opening the door and stepping into the dim light of the room. As usual, Jean-Luc hadn’t completely closed the drapes and, by the pinking light of dawn, her eyes travelled over his sleeping form. Sprawled on his back, one arm flung over the top of his head, the other outflung from his body, across the mattress. The doona was askew, although it was quite cool in the room. His chest was bared and one leg poked out, only partially covered, his foot sticking out over the edge of the mattress. Congratulating herself for being in comfortable civilian clothes, Della silently approached the bed until she stood by its side, listening to Jean-Luc’s soft, steady breathing. She took a deep breath and gingerly sat on the bed before summoning the courage to do what she had come for. With her hand trembling, she lightly feathered her fingers over his nipple, making it pebble. Other than that reaction, Jean-Luc continued to sleep obliviously.  Della smiled tenderly down at the somnolent man then slowly leaned forward and kissed the puckered pap. Still Jean-Luc slumbered on. Growing bolder, Della quickly stood and stripped off her clothing, leaving her in a camisole and thong. Regaining her seat on the bed, she bent and kissed his nipple again, but this time she lightly trailed the fingers of one hand down the mid line of his torso and gently under the waist band of his shorts. When she encountered his flaccid penis he sighed and shifted slightly, bringing his outflung arm up to join its partner above his head. She stilled for a few seconds then, emboldened, flicked her tongue out to tease his nipple while her questing hand gently took hold of his penis and carefully squeezed. She sighed as she was rewarded by his slowly growing erection. As he hardened in her hand she began to gently stroke him while continuing to tease his nipples.

Being unable to dream, Jean-Luc responded in a purely physical way, his response dictated by the stimulation he was receiving. Della lifted her head and licked her lips as the growing light outside revealed more of his face. Shadows still cast their darkness over much of his face, but that which she could see was tense, as if he was waiting for something. Her smile widened as she threw caution to the wind and softly kissed his firm lips. He pursed them and sighed, raising his hips a little as his now full erection sought further stimulation.

Very carefully, Della pushed the doona down then eased his shorts down until his penis was free. She then gently draped herself over his body. He woke as she kissed him, her tongue slipping inside his mouth as he gasped. His hands quickly descended and grabbed her buttocks as he pushed his hips up, thrusting against her. She moaned into his mouth and he growled deep in his throat as he suddenly rolled them, pinning her underneath him.

She looked up at him and caught her breath as his glazed eyes stared down at her. He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her head back, exposing her throat as he thrust hard against her, bowing his head to bite her neck.

Overwhelmed with desire, Della cried out his name and he abruptly froze. His head snapped up and his eyes cleared. Recognition dawned and he promptly rose to his knees, summoning his voice as he pulled his shorts up.

“Della? What the hell…”

Reaching up, Della caressed his chest and smiled.

“I love you Jean-Luc.”

He savagely grabbed her hand, gripping it so hard she winced.

“How dare you come into my home to seduce me! Get out!”

She slowly sat up and, with her free hand, boldly caressed his now limp penis through his shorts.

“Oh come on Jean-Luc…you wanted it…you were rock hard my love.”

He left the bed still gripping her hand. With a strong tug, he pulled her off the mattress then bent to pick up her discarded clothes.

“Get dressed, then get out. I will expect your request for a transfer on my desk when I arrive this morning.”

Startled by this turn of events, Della struggled to free her hand from his vice-like grip.

“No Jean-Luc…please…listen to me. We could be so good together, like we were years ago. All you have to do is let go…let me love you.”

He suddenly released her hand and grabbed her shoulders, giving her a shake.

“I don’t love you Della! I love Beverly, it was Beverly I was about to make love to, not you.”

The Captain lifted her hands to cradle his face.

“But she’s dead Jean-Luc! How much longer will you deny the truth?”

The anger began to wane, replaced by pity.

“Della, she’s not dead, I have received information that almost certainly proves she was abducted. Please Della…I’m sorry you love me and I’m sorry you wanted something impossible, but it cannot be. I love my wife. Now please…leave and don’t come back.”

Della sniffed as tears slid down her cheeks. She dressed then turned for the door, but hesitated and turned back. In a soft whisper she said,

“Please Jean-Luc…don’t make me transfer. This won’t happen again, I promise.”

Jean-Luc took a step back and sadly shook his head.

“It’s for the best Della. If we keep working together it will just prolong your pain. You have extensive experience in a lot of fields…go and see what’s out there. You and Tony deserve some happiness.”

Nothing more was said and, as the bedroom door softly closed, Jean-Luc lowered his head and rubbed his eyes.

“Merde!”

He cast a look at his bed but knew sleep was well gone. With a sigh he went into the bathroom, stripped off his shorts and entered the shower stall, closing his eyes and raising his head under the hot spray. As the water cascaded down his tense body, memories of what Della did to him surfaced and he was surprised when his erection returned. He sighed and ignored it, shifting his head and opening his eyes to reach for the soap, but with the addition of suds to the hot water, the sexual tension rose until he could ignore it no longer. With a grunt of annoyance he gripped his penis and began to quickly stroke himself. Sometimes, when the need became too much he would indulge himself, creating elaborate fantasies involving Beverly, or simply flooding his mind with memories of his wife as he took his time bringing relief, but that wasn’t his intention this morning. With gritted teeth he fixed one image in his mind…that of Beverly, spread below him as she came, shrieking his name. Feeling his climax imminent, he closed his eyes, let his head loll back on his neck and gave himself to his orgasm with a soft cry. As he began to recover he choked back a sob, emitting one heartfelt word, a word of benediction and love.

“Beverly…”

He placed his folded arms on the wall and pillowed his head, allowing the water to needle his back. Tears slid down his cheeks, his breathing ragged. Minutes passed before he finally straightened and shut off the taps. Stepping out of the stall, he dried himself roughly then stood, staring at his image in the basin mirror. His vacant stare was interrupted by a soft knock on his bedroom door. Wrapping a towel around his slim waist, he padded barefoot into the main room and opened the door. James greeted him with a lopsided grin, his dark hair askew.

“Morning Dad, I’ve made a cup of coffee for you.”

Jean-Luc looked down to see the offered cup. He smiled his thanks then sighed, trying to dispel the dark mood that had threatened to overwhelm him.

“Thank you James, that was kind of you.”

The tall young man’s eyes twinkled as he said,

“Would Della like a cup too?”

Jean-Luc’s eyes darkened and the humour left his face.

“She’s not here James.”

James’s face fell.

“Oh…I...I ah…”

He gave his throat an embarrassed clearing.

“Sorry Dad…I thought…”

Jean-Luc had to concentrate to keep the anger out of his voice.

“Well you were mistaken son. Captain Mason has left and won’t be returning.”

James jerked his head up, a frown on his face.

“What…never?”

Jean-Luc gave a curt nod.

“She will be requesting a transfer as soon as possible.”

James shook his head.

“But…why Dad?”

The anger began to creep into his voice and Jean-Luc struggled to stifle it.

“That’s not your concern. Now, thank you for the coffee, I will join you downstairs in a little while.”

Hearing the firm dismissal in his voice, James summoned a smile and a nod.

“Okay Dad.”

Jean-Luc closed the door and made his way back to the bathroom, idly sipping his coffee. With a quick glance in the mirror, he growled softly and shook his head.

“Just shave yourself Jean-Luc…don’t think about anything. Go through the motions…get through the day.”

                       Adele frowned up at her brother, her confusion clear.

“What…she’ll never come back?”

James shrugged.

“That’s what he said. She was to request a transfer this morning and never return here.”

Adele stood, went to the replicator and ordered poached eggs on toast. Her silence stretched as she retrieved the plate and retook her seat. James idly traced his fingers around the rim of his coffee cup as he waited for his sister to comment further. Eventually she snorted, shaking her head.

“It makes no sense. They were getting on really well…and I know Captain Mason had the hots for Dad…dammit James, what a cock up.”

Again the tall young man shrugged.

“Yeah well you know Dad. If Della came on strong he probably reacted badly.”

Adele chewed thoughtfully, swallowed and sighed.

“Yeah, you’re right of course. Geeze James, the way this is going, Dad will never find another woman.”

James snorted.

“You’re forgetting something Delly.”

She raised her eyebrows, chewing quickly.

“He doesn’t want another woman.”

Adele closed her eyes and sighed with resignation.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

They were silenced by Jean-Luc’s arrival. He smiled at his children and went to the reclimator, disposing of his now empty cup. James stood, went to the replicator and said with a smile,

“What would you like Dad?”

“Oh just some toast and tea I think.”

“Marmalade?”

Jean-Luc thought for a few seconds then shook his head.

“No I don’t think so…how about raspberry jam?”

James smile grew to a grin.

“Raspberry jam it is.”

Jean-Luc took his seat at the table, aware that Adele was surreptitiously staring at him. He ignored her until she said softly,

“James told me about Captain Mason. Would you like to talk about it Dad?”

As James placed his breakfast in front of him, Jean-Luc smiled his thanks up at his son, picked up his tea and took a sip, all the while gathering his thoughts.

He put the cup down, picked up a half of toast then lifted his head and smiled at his daughter with what he hoped was sincerity.

“I appreciate your concern Adele, but I’d rather not talk about it if you don’t mind.”

Undaunted, and showing bravery James was unaware she possessed; Adele reached forward and took her father’s hand. Her sympathetic tome made Jean-Luc grit his teeth.

“Dad…”

His smile stayed in place but his dark eyes hardened.

“Really Adele, it’s fine. Now I have a lot on my mind…so if it’s all right with you, let’s just drop it shall we?”

His face was smiling, although his eyes were hard, but what tipped the balance was his deep voice. Despite speaking softly, there was an unmistakable ring of authority and although Adele had been known to get around her father on occasion, she knew with certainty that this was definitely not one of those times.

She briefly closed her eyes to hide her pain and disappointment, sighed then opened her eyes to smile tenderly at her father.

“Okay Dad, but if you want to talk…”

His eyes softened and his smile grew.

“You will be the first person I go to.”

James had already finished his breakfast and Adele was finishing just as her father ate his last bit of toast. They all stood together, grinning widely. Jean-Luc asked,

“Adele would you like a lift to school?”

James was about to interject but his sister cut him off.

“Yes thanks Dad, that would be ace.”

The Ambassador gave a kindly nod then left the room to retrieve his brief case. James grinned at his sister and annoyed her by ruffling her hair.

You’re devious little sister, but be warned, he won’t talk about it, no matter how hard you try.”

The young woman shrugged and laughed at her brother.

“Well you can’t blame a girl for trying.”

James sobered.

“Yeah well…just be ready when he bites your head off.”

Adele went to her brother and hugged him. Into his ear she whispered,

“How are things with you and Sarah?”

James gently pushed her away and tapped the tip of her nose.

“Why…aren’t we nosey this morning.”

Adele chucked and punched his broad shoulder.

“Just answer the question.”

James folded his arms and took on a mock serious face.

“Well, we’re okay. We’ve had sex.”

Adele gasped.

“You have? Real sex…not just fooling around?”

James nodded, his face splitting into a grin.’

“Yeah.”

“Wow! What was it like?”

His grin grew.

“Absolutely wonderful! Honestly Adele, it was ace.”

Adele’s face grew serious.

“And Sarah…did she like it too”
James nodded enthusiastically.

“Oh yeah! At first it was you know…a little awkward and painful, but now…WOW!”

She grabbed his arm, pushing up his sleeve and peering at the underside of his forearm.
“You have an implant?”

Rolling his eyes, James pulled his arm free and sighed.

“We both have. Now I have to go.”

Adele went up on tiptoe and kissed her brother’s cheek. Her eyes were shining when she said softly,

“I’m really happy for you James.”

James sighed.

“Thanks Delly, I love you.”

“You too.”

Jean-Luc knew he had interrupted something when he came in, but brother and sister parted with a smile and left with him, seemingly happy.

                 Lieutenant Jeremy Henderson was confused. He had watched as Captain Mason had cleared out her office. She was already there when he arrived and had made considerable progress in her work before he was able to offer assistance. She refused, saying only that she was requesting a transfer. His boss was late, uncharacteristic for him and the young Lieutenant was beginning to think the world had gone slightly mad.

When Jean-Luc finally arrived, he went straight into his office and it was half an hour before Jeremy was summoned. By this time, Della had vacated her office and left the building.

“Yes Ambassador?”

Jean-Luc looked up from his work and sighed.

“Have a seat Lieutenant.”

Jeremy sat nervously, perched on the edge of his chair.

“Thank you Sir.”

Jean-Luc plastered a smile on his face and took a deep breath.

“I suppose you know that Captain Mason has requested a transfer?”

The young man nodded.

“Yes Sir.”

“Well it will take place as soon as possible, so I will need a new Adjutant. Please inform Command that I require a person of no less rank than Captain, a person with extensive experience in diplomacy and inter planetary governments.”

Jeremy stood, flushed then offered his boss an isolinear chip.

“Ambassador, Captain Mason asked me to give you this.”

Jean-Luc frowned, but took the chip with a soft,

“That will be all Lieutenant.”

“Yes Sir.”

Jeremy turned and left, closing the door quietly.

Jean-Luc sat staring at the chip, debating whether or not he really wanted to play it, but, being the man he was, he sighed and slotted it into his computer. The image of Della showed a woman in pain. Red-rimmed, bloodshot eyes stared out at him and her voice was low and husky.

“Well Jean-Luc, you’ve got your wish. As you can see, I’m gone.”

She paused to wipe her eyes and sighed.

“You said Tony and I deserve happiness…and that’s true, but I thought that happiness would be found with you.”

She looked away, then straightened and set her jaw.

“But obviously that’s not to be. Okay Jean-Luc, you win…I won’t bother you again and I hope you find what you’re looking for…God knows, you deserve it for waiting so long.”

The message ended and Jean-Luc briefly closed his eyes and sighed. He deactivated the screen only to be called by Jeremy.

“Ambassador?”

“Yes Lieutenant?”

“Ambassador Tar Taz is calling Sir.”

“Put him through please.”

The image of the huge Antorian filled the screen. Jean-Luc summoned a smile and donned his diplomatic mantle.

“Ambassador, a pleasure as always.”

Tar Taz smiled, curling his eye stalks in polite greeting.

“And you Ambassador Picard.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

It was disconcerting to watch the being blink his eyes at different times, but Jean-Luc was used to it and ignored it.

“I was wondering if we could meet Ambassador. I have been in touch with my Emperor and I have some questions for you.”

Jean-Luc gave a short nod.

“Ah…would you wait one moment while I check my schedule please?”

The big alien gave a ponderous nod.

“Of course.”

Jean-Luc paused the screen and called Jeremy.

“Lieutenant Henderson?”

“Yes Ambassador.”

“Ambassador Tar Taz has requested a meeting. When am I free?”

“Oh…ah…you have two and a half hours free this afternoon at fourteen hundred Sir.”

‘Thank you Lieutenant.”

Reactivating the screen, Jean-Luc smiled widely.

“Would this afternoon at two be convenient Ambassador?”

The Antorian grinned.

“That would be excellent Ambassador. I will come to your office.”

Jean-Luc gave a small bow.

“I look forward to it.”

The call was terminated and Jean-Luc sat back, idly rubbing his fingers over his lower lip.

“How interesting. Will you show your hand now Tar Taz?”

                   Seated in her temporary office at Starfleet Command, Della stared at the computer screen, a deep frown on her face. Jean-Luc may have ordered her from his life but she was unable to simply forget him. She was in love with him, had been for many, many years and she was not about to ‘move on’ as he suggested, not when her heart told her he was nearing danger. The information on the screen glowed softly, casting its subdued light over her face, making shadows where her brow had lowered. She shook her head, sat back and rubbed her face.

“So…it seems his wife may be alive after all.”

One part of her was overjoyed for the love of her heart, knowing what this would mean to him, but another part, a stronger more desperate part suddenly realised just how she could use what she’s just learned. She stabbed off the computer and wandered to the window, staring vacantly out over the bay and, as her mind churned, she whispered,

“What would you do for this information Jean-Luc…just how far would you go?”

She stood motionlessly for over an hour, formulating one plan after another, but no matter how she imagined the scenarios, one thing remained absolute. She was determined to get her man. She wanted him and she’d damn well have him.

                It occurred to Jean-Luc, as he watched the Antorian Ambassador sweep imperiously into his office, just how much a person’s image was dictated by the clothes they wore. Since leaving Starfleet to become an Ambassador, he had, for the first time in more years than he cared to admit, been without the mantle of authority his uniform represented. Not being an ostentatious man, he favoured simple clothing, muted colours and simple cuts to his clothes, relying instead on his abilities and extensive experience to put forward his image. Tar Taz, on the other hand, accentuated his massive bulk with brightly coloured capes which came to the floor behind him and swirled dramatically when he turned. He was also in the habit of hunching his broad shoulders to adopt an almost intimidating stance. In his many years of space travel, Jean-Luc had encountered many species, indeed many individuals who had employed various means to intimidate him and so far none had succeeded. Tar Taz seemed to know this but was somehow unable, or unwilling to abandon his tactics, so Jean-Luc chose to ignore it.

With a flourish of his heavy cape, the Antorian took his seat on the sofa, indicating to Jean-Luc he wished this meeting to be informal. Having stood to receive his guest, Jean-Luc went to the lounge and sat, offering a smile.

“The rain this morning was welcome.”

Tar Taz smiled, curling his eye stalks.

“Indeed, but I must admit, I miss the distinctive smell rain brings to my home. Here the odours are so…different, so…alien.”

He smiled apologetically.

 “Forgive me Ambassador Picard; I have been away from home far too long.”

Jean-Luc gave a small shake of his head.

“Not at all Ambassador, I understand completely. Now Sir, you say you have been in contact with your Emperor?”

Noting that his adversary, though always polite, wasn’t about to waste time on any more pleasantries. He smiled, hoping the predatory gleam in his eyes was missed by the Human.

“Yes Ambassador. The Emperor wishes to know if a delegation from Antoria can sit on the Federation Council.”

Said with such deadpan delivery, Jean-Luc almost lost his composure. Knowing in advance that this outrageous request was going to be made didn’t detract from its force when it was delivered. Years of experience held Jean-Luc in good stead. His face remained impassive as he replied,

“But surely Ambassador Tar Taz, you must know that is impossible. Seats on the Federation Council are for member worlds only. Antoria has made no application to join.”

The smile that emerged on the big alien was apologetic, but Jean-Luc was too good at his job not to see right through it.

“I am sorry Ambassador Picard, but the Emperor feels that the treaty is manifestly unfair. Unless we gain a seat on the Council, I’m afraid the terms of the treaty will be null and void.”

With a frown, Jean-Luc stood and looked down at his guest.

“I don’t understand Sir. Does Antoria wish to join the Federation?”

Tar Taz shook his head.

“No.”

“Then why is the treaty unfair? In what way is it unfair? The trade of goods was agreed on, the exchange of information was equitable…you yourself said what a boon it would be to your world. Now you say it is unfair? In what way?”

The Antorian spread his hands and shook his head.

“I do apologise Ambassador, I know how much time and effort has gone into the treaty thus far, but my Emperor feels Antoria is being taken advantage of. The Federation is reaping far more from us than we are getting in return. Now, and I have been authorised to say this, if the Federation was willing to grant us…say…weapons technology…well that would be a different matter entirely!”

This time Jean-Luc gaped, he simply couldn’t help it. The unmitigated gall of the being was just too blatantly manipulative to believe.

Jean-Luc abruptly turned and stalked to his desk where he turned again and faced the alien.

“You have to be joking.”   

Tar Taz stood, hunched his massive shoulders and stiffened his eye stalks in a belligerent display.

“I assure you Ambassador, I am most certainly not joking…and if that is your attitude to my perfectly reasonable request, then I think this meeting, and the treaty, is at an end.”   

While Jean-Luc looked on in annoyed silence, the Antorian left, swirling his cape around him in a final defiant gesture.       

Ten minutes later Jean-Luc was talking to a very animated Federation Secretary.

“Oh Gods…what a mess!”

Jean-Luc lowered his head and sighed.

“I wholeheartedly agree. The thing is…what do we do about it?”

The secretary rubbed her face with her hands and shrugged in resigned irritation.

“They have us over a barrel and they know it! We need that treaty!”

Jean-Luc’s head snapped up, his eyes widening.

“But surely Madam Secretary you’re not advocating bowing to these outrageous demands?”

The tired woman lifted her head and glared.

“Of course not! But we do need to smooth their feathers. I don’t have to remind you, Jean-Luc how vitally important it is that we stay on good terms with these people. The position of their world is of huge strategic importance to us…we need these people on side.”

With a glower, Jean-Luc sat back and ran his hands over his head.

“That may be so, but my hands are effectively tied! I can’t offer them a seat on the Council, nor can the Federation supply weapons technology. Just what am I supposed to do?”

The Secretary smiled but there was no warmth in it.

“Leave that to me. I’ll convince Tar Taz to stay a while longer and in the meantime I want you to cool your heels.”

Jean-Luc shrugged.

“Fine by me.”

“Good. Now Jean-Luc, why are you requesting a new Adjutant?”

The Ambassador lowered his head and grimaced, once again amazed at how fast gossip spread within the organisation. He looked up and summoned what he hoped was a bored look.

“Oh just a bit of internal reshuffling.”

The Secretary sat forward, her intense green eyes trying to read every nuance of the Ambassador.

“Are you sure that’s all Jean-Luc. As I understood things, you and Captain Mason got on well. You knew each other years ago didn’t you?”

Sighing to cover his dismay, Jean-Luc nodded slowly.

“Yes, that is so, but Captain Mason is too good an officer to be wasted in this arena. She needs to spread her wings.”

“I see. And was this a mutual decision?”

With his face devoid of all emotion, Jean-Luc’s dark eyes glittered dangerously as he said mildly,

“You would have to ask Captain Mason.”

The Secretary knew Jean-Luc well enough to know she had pressed far enough. She smiled and offered a small chuckle.

“Enigmatic to the last, eh Jean-Luc? Okay, matter closed. I’ll be in touch.”

The screen reverted to the Federation logo and Jean-Luc sat back and sighed. Now that he had some time on his hands he called up an encrypted file and opened it. Carrying out Harry’s request, he had started to sniff around the Secretary’s dealings with the Vulcan Science Academy and so far what he had learned had given him cause to dig further. Harry was right, something was going on.

                  Beverly sweated heavily as she worked with the weights. One good thing had come from the rapes, the fog she had existed in had lifted and she burned with excess energy. As usual, her days were structured around her meal times, but in the interim she no longer stared blankly at a computer screen, or sat listlessly in the courtyard, now she attacked the gym equipment, working out until she was so exhausted she fell into her bed and slept, but something else had changed. She now slept so heavily she dreamed.

She lifted the weights until her arms trembled, the muscles protesting. With a soft grunt, she laid them down then mounted the static cycle. Her knuckles showed white as she gripped the handles, her legs burning as she pedalled as fast as she could. She didn’t hear the door open and with her eyes tightly closed she didn’t see her visitors until a large hand grabbed her upper arm. Crying out in alarm, her eyes snapped open and she gaped.

“Get away from me!”

Her mute keeper stoically dragged her from the cycle. It was then that she saw Darnid. He gestured to the mute and he dragged her struggling to the bed. She fought with all she had, scratching, punching, kicking and biting but the huge alien ignored her struggles and calmly went about shackling her to the bed. Once immobilised, Darnid approached her with a small sharp knife. In a matter of moments he had cut her clothing from her. He then stood back and slowly stripped of his filthy clothes. He then straddled Beverly and grabbed her face, lowering his head until his foetid breath washed over her.

“Ah my pretty, are you ready for me again?”

He moved closer and opened his mouth, preparing to kiss her. Beverly took in his half closed eyes and acted. She suddenly lifted her head and bit his lower lip and chin, not letting go as he pulled back in alarm and pain. He screamed and flailed his arms, attempting to beat her face, but he was too closely connected to her. Beverly bit harder, marshalling all her strength. Blood filled her mouth, making her gag but still she held on. It wasn’t until a large hand reached in and pulled her nose violently upward that she finally had to let go. Darnid left the bed quickly, his hands holding his wounded face. His cold black eyes shone with hate and fury as he spat,

“You will pay for that!”

He found dressing difficult, as he had to hold one hand against his face to try to stem the bleeding. In the end, he held his shirt against his face as he stepped up to the bed and used his free hand to punch Beverly in the face, breaking her nose. As she gasped in pain and shock, Darnid savagely pinched her nipple until she cried out.

“I will return shortly, then you will know my anger.”

While he was gone, Beverly struggled to breathe freely. Blood from her smashed nose was trickling down her throat, making it hard for her to draw breath. She swallowed as much as she could, knowing the blood in her stomach was eventually going to make her vomit. All the while her mute keeper stood impassively at the foot of the bed, his expressionless eyes watching her.

True to his word, Darnid returned after about half and hour, his face repaired. He wasted no time in stripping off his clothes and again straddling her, but this time across her hips, well away from her mouth. With one hand he slowly stroked his enormous, ugly penis while the other hand caused Beverly agony by cruelly pinching and twisting her nipples.

“I have been waiting for this woman…you will please me many times before I leave.”

Between gasps of pain Beverly glared at her tormentor and snarled,

“Go to hell you little fuckwit!”

Darnid’s evil black eyes glittered as he shifted down her body to kneel between her spread legs. He pulled her labia apart then suddenly lowered his head to suck strongly on her clitoris.

Beverly cried out as the sensitive organ was forced to engorge with her blood. Darnid kept sucking, causing Beverly to jerk in unwanted response. Far from pleasurable, it was painful, almost unbearable as he tortured her with his mouth. When he abruptly stopped and sat up, Beverly almost sobbed with relief. That was until he used his ragged fingernails to pinch the swollen little organ at its base. He slowly increased the pressure until his nails penetrated the flesh. Beverly screamed, her back arching as he kept on pinching until her clitoris was almost severed. He withdrew his hand, but before she could even hope to recover he forced his huge penis inside her, tearing her vagina and bludgeoning her cervix.

As the Fretan thrust violently into his victim, he made a curt gesture to the mute. As Beverly continued to scream his large hand covered her mouth and ruined nose. Suddenly unable to breathe, Beverly writhed on the bed, struggling vainly against her attackers. Darnid ignored her actions, closing his eyes as he approached his orgasm. As he came he opened his eyes and bent his head to bite her nipple. Beverly’s vision began to grey, the periphery of her sight closing in. Blood vessels in her eyes burst and her struggles weakened, until she was barely able to move. Just as she was about to lose consciousness, the mute removed his hand. The first gasp of air made her head spike with pain. She coughed violently and drew another breath, blinking rapidly.

A cold, hard hand grabbed her chin and shook.

“Look at me woman!”

Getting her eyes to focus was difficult, but Beverly managed to glare up at the rapist, hate pouring from her eyes.

“That was good…I like it when you wriggle. Now…again I think.”

He pushed himself into her and the searing agony of her damaged clitoris and internal injuries made she cry out in pain and anguish.

This time his thrusts weren’t so violent, but that didn’t diminish the pain. She wanted to stay still, to deprive him of some of his pleasure, but the agony made her writhe, trying to avoid his plunging penis. Again he came quickly and again the hand covered her nose and mouth. Each time she regained consciousness he would rape her again and again. Soon she was almost incoherent, the agony and repeated smotherings robbing of her stamina. When his disgusting mouth covered hers and his tongue invaded her mouth she tried to turn her head, but he grabbed her chin and held tight. He raped her again as he kissed her, and when he finished he bit her as she had bitten him.

Finally he withdrew his bloodied penis and left the bed. He used Beverly’s tattered clothing to wipe himself as he snarled,

“Get cleaned up, I will return later.”

As before, the mute kneeled as Darnid connected a device to his head. After inputting the instructions, Darnid left. The huge alien unshackled Beverly and carried her to the shower. She was unable to stand so he deposited her in the stall and turned on the water. With water cascading over her body, Beverly stared blankly as the alien washed her with surprising gentleness. Blood and semen trickled from her, mixing with the water before disappearing down the drain. The mute washed her thoroughly, although he would not touch her genitals, for which Beverly was grateful. The throb of her injured clitoris pervaded her whole body, even overriding the pain of her internal injuries and her lacerated face. Her head pounded and her sight was unreliable as the alien gently picked her up and laid her on the stripped bed. With the same gentleness he dried her then refastened the shackles. Her blackening eyes were swollen almost shut and she knew the risk of infection in the bite was high, but all she wanted to do was sleep. Shock and blood loss were taking their toll. She fought it though to look up into the eyes of the mute. Summoning her ragged voice she said in an almost whisper,

“Please…don’t let him hurt me again. Let me go…please…I beg you…”

The alien stared emotionlessly at her before turning and leaving the room. Beverly bit back tears and, as she slipped into sleep, she filled her mind with visions of her beloved Jean-Luc.

                  James nuzzled Sarah’s neck as they lay quietly, savouring the afterglow of their lovemaking. The soft knock at his bedroom door made James lift his head and mutter,

“Yes?”

His father’s voice came through.

“Dinner’s almost ready James.”

“Okay Dad, we’ll be down in a minute.”

There was a slight pause before Jean-Luc said questioningly,

“We?”

James smirked and gave Sarah a quick kiss as she dug him in the ribs.

“Ah yes Dad, Sarah’s here too.”

“Oh I see. What would Sarah like for dinner?”

As James was about to answer the man, Sarah bit his throat. He yelped, making his father say,

“James? Are you all right?”

With a mock-glare, James subdued his minx of a partner and sighed.

“Yes Dad I’m fine. Sarah will have the same as me.”

“All right, ten minutes then.”

“Right, Dad.”

As soon as James felt his father had gone, he pinned Sarah beneath him and tickled her mercilessly. She breathlessly begged for mercy and he relented, but not before he playfully nipped her earlobe.

“That was for teasing me…you wench!”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him.
“You deserved it Picard! Now let me up, we need to shower…and no funny business.”

They entered the stall and James caressed her breasts.

“Not even a little bit?”

Sarah sighed and reached up to cradle his face.

“Not even a little bit lover boy, but I must say…we are getting very good at it, aren’t we.”

James grinned wolfishly, his male pride suitably stroked.

They washed quickly then dried and dressed. Sarah was brushing her hair as James sat behind her, massaging her shoulders.

Sarah…I want to tell you something.”

She paused in her brushing and half turned.

“What?”

He softly cleared his throat, took her hand and encouraged her to turn fully to face him.

“I think I love you.”

Sarah reddened and swallowed. She squeezed his hand and sighed.

“That’s really sweet James, but it’s not necessary.”

The confused young man shook his head.

“Not necessary? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Sarah closed her eyes and lowered her head.

“James you don’t have to say it, we’ll continue having sex. I really like it.”

Now angry, James left the bed to pace the room.
That’s not why I said it dammit! I love you Sarah…I think I have for a while now.”

When she said nothing, he went back to the bed.

“Do you love me?”

She shrugged.

“I don’t know James. You’re really cute and you’re a really nice bloke, but love? I just don’t know.”

The crestfallen young man left the bed again and stared out of his window. When he spoke his voice was low and rough.

“Then maybe we shouldn’t see each other any more.”

Sarah left the bed to join him. She put an arm around his waist and leaned against his tall frame.

“Why James? We’re having so much fun.”

He turned to look down at her.

“That’s just it Sarah…this isn’t just fun for me…it means too much and if you don’t love me, as I love you, then there’s not much sense in going on is there?”

Sarah sighed and shrugged.

“But James it’s just sex. Look, we like each other and at the moment there’s no one else I’d rather be with…can’t we just do it as friends? No strings attached?”

He lowered his face so she couldn’t see the tears in his eyes. Shaking his head he sighed.

“No Sarah…it means too much to me. I suppose it’s the way I’ve been brought up. It’s not that I don’t want to have sex with you, of course I do, it’s just that I want us to both feel the same way about it…that it means something more than just the physical.”

Sarah nodded slowly.

“Okay, I think I understand. Look, let me think about it and we’ll talk again. Okay?”

James gave a relieved sigh and kissed the tip of her nose.

“Okay.”

 They left the room and descended the stairs, the aroma of dinner teasing their senses.

                     After dinner the family and guest spent some time together before Adele went to her room, Jean-Luc went to his study and James took Sarah home. The Ambassador found two messages on his computer. One was from a Vulcan friend of his, the other was from Della. He ignored Della’s message to read the former. In essence, his Vulcan friend had found some very disturbing evidence that indeed, the Federation Secretary had been paying three Vulcan scientists for information about a new biological weapon delivery system. Such weapons were banned in the Federation and on Vulcan, even the thought of such a heinous weapon was an anathema to their philosophy. He composed a short missive, acknowledging the message and asking for more information. He then opened Della’s message. It was short and to the point. She told him Harry Pickford would meet him the following evening at their usual spot. The rest of the message was cryptic to say the least. He read it three times before he sat back and rubbed his face with his hands.

“What the hell are you on about Della? It is in your best interest to contact me; I know something you might like to know.”

He was about to send Della a massage when there was a soft knock at the door.

“Come.”

James poked his head in, a wry smile gracing his face.

“Are you free Dad?”

Jean-Luc hid his dismay well. For over five hours he had battled with an almost overwhelming need to go to sleep, but he summoned a smile and waved his son inside.

“Of course James. What can I do for you?”

The lad came in and took a seat, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. His first words took Jean-Luc by surprise.

“Dad…did you and Mum ever have sex when you weren’t in love?”

Jean-Luc took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds then let it out slowly.

“Ah…not really James.”

James frowned, rubbing his eyes.

“Yeah but…”

Seeing his father’s disapproving look, James sighed and corrected himself.

“Yes…but you waited ages for Mum. Wasn’t there a time when you didn’t love her, a time when you could’ve had sex with her?”

With a rueful smile, Jean-Luc scratched the area above his left ear.
“That question would be better put to your mother.”

A surge of sadness washed over James but he quashed it to ask,

“Why?”

“Because there was a time when she didn’t love me…and perhaps entertained the idea of having sex with me.”

James shook his head, confused.

“Would you like to explain that Dad?”

Jean-Luc’s smile grew.
“Well I fell in love with your mother the first time I saw her and, as you know, she married my best friend. Now that was hard, very hard on me and I tried everything I knew to get her out of my mind…”

He sighed deeply.

“But it was impossible. So I hid it.”

James shook his head.

“Why Dad? Didn’t she have a right to know?”

Jean-Luc’s eyes glittered and he slowly shook his head.

“No she didn’t James! She was married to my best friend…a man who meant more to me than my own brother…and…he was my First Officer. I had to hide it son, the alternative was too horrible to contemplate.”

There was a momentary silence while both men digested the words. Then Jean-Luc continued.

“After he died we didn’t see each other for a very long time, then she signed on when the Enterprise D was commissioned. We were awkward with each other at first…I always worried she blamed me for Jack’s death, but slowly, over the years we got closer and closer. Then on one mission together we were telepathically linked and we learned how each of us felt about the other. The rest, as they say, is history.”

James’s frown deepened.

“But you didn’t get together then.”

Jean-Luc smile grew wistful.

“No we didn’t. I offered a closer relationship, but your mother rejected me.”

The young man grunted.

“That must have hurt.”

The chuckle was warm, but James could see vestiges of the pain skitter across his father’s eyes.

“Oh yes…I was devastated, but I loved your mother and I knew she loved me. I had waited nearly thirty years and I was prepared to wait as long as she needed. Luckily I am a very patient man.”

James laughed and shook his head.

“You must have been so happy when she finally came to her senses.”

Jean-Luc’s smile was tender as he nodded.

“Oh yes! The day she told me she loved me…I was the happiest man in the universe. But why are we talking about this James? What’s on your mind?”

James stood, changed his mind and sat back down, flicking his hair off his brow.

“Sarah and I are having sex…and it’s really good, for both of us…but I don’t think she loves me.”

Jean-Luc sighed, briefly closing his eyes.

“And you love her.”

“Yeah.”

Jean-Luc let the lapse pass, instead trying to find the words to ease his son’s pain.

“James you are to be commended for feeling the way you do. Most young men…and I include myself in this, are only interested in having sex as often as possible with as many partners as they can. Love…feelings and relationships are the last thing on their mind. That you think it’s important for you and Sarah to be in love makes you a very special young man. I’m proud of you son.”

James snorted and shook his head.

“Thanks Dad, but it doesn’t help. Sarah says we should just have sex for the fun of it…no strings attached, but I don’t want to. What do I do Dad?…I don’t want to lose her.”

Jean-Luc placed a hand on James’s knee and sighed.

“James I could tell you that you’re young…that you will find another to love, but like you said, that won’t help. All I can tell you is to discuss it with Sarah, make sure you both know exactly how the other feels and try to find a compromise. You can’t force her to love you and she can’t force you to have sex when you don’t feel it’s right. If you’re honest with each other then hopefully you will find an answer without anyone being further hurt.”

James sighed and nodded.

“That sounds like good advice, thanks Dad.”

He stood, bringing his father to his feet. They stared into each other’s eyes for a few seconds before they spontaneously hugged.

James kissed his father’s cheek, saying softly,

“Bon nuit Papa.”

Jean-Luc smiled tenderly and reached up to ruffle James’s dark hair.

“Bon nuit James. Doux reves.”

The young man grinned.

“I’m sure my dreams will be sweet.”

Once James had left, Jean-Luc shut off his computer and left the study for bed. Della could wait until tomorrow.

                     When the rough hands grabbed her ankles, Beverly started awake to see a naked Darnid crawling up the bed between her legs. His huge, bulbous penis dragged its tip along the mattress, leaving a silvery trail of precome. He rose to his knees and took his penis in hand, pushing the head against her mutilated clitoris. Beverly cried out, doing all she could to move away from the contact. Darnid laughed and pushed harder. Fresh blood flowed, coating the head of his grotesque erection. He revelled in Beverly’s agony, delighting in making her writhe in her suffering. When he suddenly forced himself inside her she arched her back and screamed. He pumped into her fast and hard, coming within scant minutes. While still inside her, he raised his head and idly inserted a finger into his left nostril. He dug around for a few seconds, withdrew his finger and inspected the dark green object before licking it off his finger and into his mouth. The suffering Doctor turned her head in disgust but his cruel, bony fingers gripped her chin and forced her to face him. He snarled as he kissed her, resuming his quick thrusts as his tongue invaded her mouth. He abruptly lifted his head and growled as he came. Tears blurred Beverly’s vision and she felt her mind begin to close down. She managed to separate her mind from her body, still feeling the agony, but disassociated from it. She filled her mind with images of her husband and their children, floating above her body as Darnid raped her again and again. When he finally left, she was unaware. The mute unshackled her and again took her to the shower, carefully washing her before taking her back to the bed. But this time he didn’t re shackle her. He gently covered her with a blanket then stood at the foot of the bed, watching her as she slept.

                              Although the Federation Secretary had told him to cool his heels, there was other work Jean-Luc had to do. He made it to his office on time, but it was a close thing. He hadn’t heard the alarm the first time it buzzed and it was only by going without breakfast that he’d made it on time.

As he sat at his desk he struggled with the desire to lie on the sofa and go to sleep. Such was the strength of this need, he had put a hypo in his briefcase and the temptation to use it was almost overwhelming. He took a large gulp of scalding black coffee to sharpen his mind and frowned at the desk screen, trying to decide whether or not to use a text message or a video to send to Della. In the end he decided on a text message. He selected the appropriate command and began to quietly speak.

“Della, thank you for passing on Mr.Pickford’s message, I will meet with him as planned. As to your other, rather cryptic message, what is it? You must know I do not appreciate being toyed with. If you have any information, please tell me. Regards, Jean-Luc.”

He tabbed off the computer and again looked longingly at the sofa. He closed his eyes, lifted his head and said quietly,

“Lieutenant Henderson, what is my schedule for today?”

“You are free until thirteen hundred when you have a meeting with the Federation Secretary Sir.”

“Thank you Lieutenant.”

Casting another look at the sofa, Jean-Luc sighed and lifted his briefcase onto the desk. He took out a few PADDs but his eyes were drawn to the hypo. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath then picked it up. He stood and walked to the sofa, calling softly,

“Computer wake me at twelve thirty.”

The gently chimes of acknowledgement went unheard as Jean-Luc injected himself and stretched out on the sofa, closing his eyes and sighing. He was asleep in seconds.

                       Beverly woke several hours later. While lying motionlessly in the warmth of her bed, she could almost ignore the dull aches of her injuries, but as soon as she moved she moaned and curled up into a ball. The blankets were pulled back and two large hands encouraged her to sit up. As her vision cleared, Beverly could see clothing laid out at the foot of the bed. The realisation that Darnid had gone filled her with relief, but this time her injuries had not been seen to. Knowing protests were useless; Beverly slowly and stiffly got out of bed and dressed. She was then led into the living area to the table where a meal awaited her. Wincing, she sat gingerly and stared at the food, trying to control her rebellious stomach. Unfortunately she lost the battle and made a dash for the toilet, only just making it. The blood she had swallowed came back up along with the meagre remains of her last meal. She was sitting on the floor with her head on the toilet seat when the power suddenly went out.

Outside a storm raged and lightning struck frequently. One such strike took out the generator that had supplied the compound she was in.

The mute alien was on his feet immediately. He went to the door and opened it, exiting the room. He closed the door behind him but the automatic lock didn’t engage. The door swung silently open. Beverly, weak and disorientated, got to her feet and staggered into the living area. She was trying to make sense of what had happened when a particularly bright lightning bolt gave enough illumination in the room for her to see the open door.

With no thought for the consequences, and driven by a primal need, Beverly approached the door, fully expecting the shock to stun her. When nothing happened she cautiously stepped through.

Although in pitch black, her senses told her she was in a confined space. She held out her hands, feeling walls on either side. She went forward cautiously, ready to retreat at any second. She came to another open door and this led to a small room. At the far end was another open door and through it she could see outside. She lurched into a staggering trot and was out the door in seconds. Wind and rain nearly knocked her over as she fought to get her bearings. By the flickering light of the raging storm, she could see nothing but thick jungle. Not knowing when her captor might return, she plunged into the thick growth and prayed that she left no evidence of her passage. She pushed on blindly, at times crawling and frequently scratched by the undergrowth. Twice she was bitten on the hands by unseen creatures but she kept going, functioning on adrenaline alone.

Soaked through to her skin and beyond terrified, she forged on, hoping to find a place to hide.

                   The gentle chime of the computer pulled Jean-Luc from sleep. Disorientated, he sat up and grunted as he remembered where he was. He stood, stretched and went to his bathroom to wash his face. Then he went to his desk and activated the computer screen. There were two messages. The first, from his Vulcan friend he read immediately. Scowling, he digested the information then composed a short reply. He then opened the next message, one from Della. Reading, he sighed in frustration.

Jean-Luc what I have to tell you is of a sensitive nature. Meet me at my home tomorrow night at nineteen thirty hours. Della.

He was about to send a refusal when he hesitated and rethought. He knew Della well enough to know she wouldn’t risk his anger by playing foolish games and he also knew she had sources that reached far across the quadrant. His deep low voice rumbled through the quiet of his office.

“Acknowledged, I’ll be there. Jean-Luc.”

By the time he had taken care of a few more things there was a call from Jeremy.

“Ambassador? Your meeting with the Federation Secretary is in five minutes.”

Jean-Luc left his office and smiled at the young man.

“Thank you Lieutenant, I probably won’t be back after the meeting, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

On his feet, Jeremy smiled and nodded.

“Very good Sir.”

At his usual brisk pace Jean-Luc covered the distance between his office and the Secretary’s in the five minutes he had up his sleeve. The tall, grey haired woman smiled as her secretary escorted him in, gesturing to a seat on the sofa. While he made himself comfortable, she went to the replicator.

“Earl Grey?”

He smiled.

“Yes please.”

She got his drink and hers and brought them over to the low table. She pointed to Jean-Luc’s briefcase and grimaced.

“Taking work home?”

He offered a rueful smiled and shrugged.

“I find I work well at night. All those years on Starships.”

The Secretary chuckled and sighed.

“Your kids don’t mind?”

Jean-Luc shook his head, his smile growing.

“No, at their age it’s me who doesn’t see them, not the other way around.”

“How old are they now?”

His slight frown was well hidden behind his smile, but Jean-Luc was growing increasingly curious as to why the Secretary was indulging in small talk instead of getting down to business, as was her usual style. However, he answered her.

“Adele is seventeen, James eighteen.”

She sighed.

“That’s close.”

Jean-Luc nodded.

“Eighteen months apart.”

He picked up his tea and sipped, surreptitiously watching her over the rim. She made a show of sipping her own drink then fiddled with the hem of her dress.

“Jean-Luc…do you know a Vulcan by the name of T’Van?”

“Ah,” thought Jean-Luc. “The game’s afoot.”

The Ambassador adopted his best poker face and nodded once.

“Yes, I know him.”

The Secretary smiled nervously.

“My sources tell me you have been in recent contact with him.”

“Yes.”

“May I ask what for?”

Jean-Luc made a show of placing his cup on the table before levelling an uncompromising gaze at the woman.

“I think you know.”

There was an uncomfortable silence while each person watched the other. Eventually the Secretary sighed and rubbed her brow.

“The biological weapon delivery system.”

Jean-Luc refrained from commenting. The woman stood and began to pace.

“I suppose you want to know what’s going on?”

Jean-Luc’s voice was soft and very deep.

“If by that you mean do I want to know what the Federation is doing dabbling in prohibited technology…not to say developing banned biological weapons, then yes Madam Secretary, I do indeed want to know what’s going on.”

The Secretary collapsed into her seat, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“I knew it would come out eventually. The short answer is I’m being blackmailed. I was given information as to whom to contact on Vulcan and told to pay for what I learned. Then I was to pass it on.”

Jean-Luc sat back, rubbing his fingers over his lower lip.

“That explains your actions, but why are the Vulcans doing this? Biological weapons were outlawed within the Federation centuries ago.”

The woman shrugged.

“I’ve no idea…yet. I have been making my own enquiries, but so far I’ve hit a brick wall. My gut feeling is that the three scientists I’ve been dealing with are being blackmailed too.”

“All right, that’s something we can look into. What are you being blackmailed over?”

The Secretary blushed and closed her eyes.

“It’s a classic case Ambassador. A smutty, tawdry affair. My blackmailer provided vids of me and my lover…needless to say we both need to protect our families…our respective jobs…the whole thing is a mess.”

“Has your lover been blackmailed?”

The woman looked up in surprise.

“I don’t know!”

Jean-Luc speared her with a hard look.

“Well I think you’d better find out. I’ll do what I can; perhaps we can pool our resources?”

Relief flooded across her face.

“Yes…yes that would be good.”

Jean-Luc stood.

“If that is all madam?”

She looked up and frowned.

“What? Oh…no…you have a meeting with Tar Taz the day after tomorrow. He wants to meet at some little pub out in the sticks. He said he’d send a map.”

Jean-Luc scowled.

“Has he changed his mind?”

The Secretary shook her head.

“To be honest I don’t know, but he is willing to meet you, that has to count for something.”

Jean-Luc gave a decisive nod.

“Very well madam, I will be in touch.”

He left the office, anger simmering under his stoic appearance.

                        Jean-Luc piloted the hover craft through the evening traffic over the outer suburbs of Melbourne. Exiting at the appropriate time, he throttled back and joined the lower bands of slower moving traffic as he negotiated the streets leading to Della’s home.

The lights were on as he landed and cut the power. He was just closing the hatch when the front door opened. Della took a few tentative steps forward but stopped at seeing his cold look. She offered a small smile and gestured inside. Jean-Luc nodded once and entered her home, coming to a standstill in the foyer.

“Please Jean-Luc, come and sit down.”

He shook his head.

“I’d rather not. What is it Della?”

Her pleading look began to melt his resolve.

“Please Jean-Luc, I’m not asking much. Just come and sit down and I’ll explain everything.”

He sighed and lowered his head, muttering,

“Oh very well.”

They went into the lounge and, as Jean-Luc took a seat on the sofa, Della poured them both a glass of white wine. Once seated, she smiled and gave him his glass.

“There now…that wasn’t so hard was it.”

Jean-Luc took the glass, but his hard expression never faltered.

“I’m still waiting Della.”

Hurt skittered across her eyes but she smiled bravely.

“Okay…I received some very interesting information two days ago. My sources tell me that the Romulans have been making contact on a regular basis with Tar Taz. He has a go between…a Fretan named Darnid. This go between has also been in contact with the Romulans, in fact the Romulan Proconsul himself has been dealing with him, apparently without Tar Taz’s knowledge.”

With a stoic sigh, Jean-Luc sipped his wine and shrugged.

“I know all that.”

Hiding her surprise, Della rallied her resolve.

“Perhaps you do, but are you aware that there was an almost untraceable transport initiated scant seconds before Beverly’s shuttle exploded?”

Keeping his gaze steady, Jean-Luc nodded.

“Yes.”

With her advantage rapidly disappearing, Della went for broke.

“Okay, but do you know I may have the means to find out where she is?”

That got his attention. He sat forward and put his glass down.

“You can? How soon?”

She moved closer to him and smiled sultrily.

“That depends.”

He drew back, suspicion clouding his dark eyes.

“On what?”

She moved to him again and trailed her fingers down his face. Her voice was a low purr.

“On how much you want the information.”

He resisted the urge to bolt from the room. Instead he lifted a hand to catch hers and lowered his own already deep voice to a mellifluous rumble.

“Oh but I want the information Della…I want it very much.”

She sighed, leaned in and gently nuzzled his neck, whispering,

“Then you would do…anything…to get it?”

He stifled his urge to stiffen and push her away. Keeping control of himself he gently rubbed his cheek against her face.

“What did you have in mind?”

Her arms went around him and she bit his earlobe.

“Make love to me Jean-Luc….I know that once we do you will never want anyone else. I will give you memories to light your way for the rest of your life.”

He closed his eyes and flexed his jaw.

“But Della, if Beverly’s alive…”

The Captain mewed and drifted a hand up the inside of his thigh, brushing his genitals.

“You won’t want her back Jean-Luc, not after she’s been a Romulan whore.”

His eyes snapped open, but he kept control, even though his heart accelerated.

“She’s on Romulus?”

Della’s hand cupped him, gently squeezing.

“I didn’t say that…I don’t know where she is…yet.”

He gently reached down and took her hand, lifting it from his body.
“Then perhaps we should wait until we know more?”

Her mew of dissatisfaction made Jean-Luc frown. She lifted her head and kissed him, slipping her tongue into his mouth. When he didn’t respond she pulled back, her eyes hardening.

“You still won’t give yourself to me, will you.”

He sighed, his eyes pleading for understanding.

“Della…”

She stood abruptly and glared down at him.
“Until you come to your senses and make love to me as you should, I’m not going to tell you what I find out.”

Jean-Luc took the time to pick up his glass and drain the contents. He slowly and gracefully came to his feet and looked at his former lover with pity.

“I won’t be blackmailed Della.”

Her anger faltered and she took a step towards him.

“If you’d only…Jean-Luc it would be like it used to be, don’t you remember how good it was?”

All Jean-Luc did was shake his head.

“Good night Della.”

He took a few steps towards the door then stopped and faced her again.

“If I find you withheld information from me…information that may have freed Beverly and didn’t, I will come after you Della…your life won’t be worth living.”

She was still staring at the closed front door long after he’d gone.

                      Dinner in the Picard home was a little tense. Jean-Luc and Adele were half way through their meal when James came in, his tense mood affecting everybody. After the meal, Jean-Luc shot his daughter a meaningful look and she smiled, giving a surreptitious nod.

“I’ll clean up here Dad.”

Jean-Luc offered a warm smile then gently grabbed his son’s shoulder. James understood the gesture and rose to follow his father to his study.

“You’re upset James. Want to talk about it?”

The young man sighed and flicked his hair off his forehead.

“Sarah’s coming over later. She said she wanted to ‘talk’.”

The older man shrugged.

“That’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

James snorted.

“She’s been ignoring me at Uni…she wouldn’t even have a look at my new car.”

That raised Jean-Luc’s eyebrows.

“You have a new car?”

James rolled his eyes.

“Come on Dad…get with the program. I picked it up day before yesterday.”

“You might have told me.” he grumbled.

“Yeah….yes well I’ve had a few things on my mind.”

Jean-Luc sat and scratched above his left ear.

“Like what?”

James took a seat and sighed.

“Like fitting in study and lectures in between my community service at the hospital.”

“You’re finding it too much?”

James shrugged.

“Not really, it’s just that I don’t have any spare time.”

Realisation dawned on Jean-Luc.

“Ah…I see. Not enough time for Sarah.”

James’s shoulders slumped.

“Yeah.”

Jean-Luc allowed the lapse and smiled inwardly.

“So you think she may be coming here to give you hell.”

With hands raised in defeat, James shook his head.

“What else could it be?”

Jean-Luc couldn’t stifle the chuckle that rose, earning him a glare from his son.

“James, one thing I’ve learned about women, is that they are rarely predictable. If I were you, I’d just roll with the punches, take whatever she deems to give you and be grateful she took the time to tell you whatever it is she wants you to know.”

A small smile emerged on James’s face and he shook his head.

“What if she wants my hide?”

Jean-Luc’s chuckle grew to a laugh.

“Then give it to her!”

Both men laughed and then James sighed.

“So what you’re saying is, let her have her say and cop it sweet, no matter what it is.”

Jean-Luc stood and squeezed his son’s shoulder.

“Yes, but have faith in her James, she may surprise you yet.”

James stood and hugged his father.

“Thanks Dad.”

Jean-Luc sighed and returned the hug.

“You’re welcome James…anytime.”

                      Just as Jean-Luc was unlocking his hover car, Sarah’s landed in the driveway. He smiled and inclined his head.

“Good evening Sarah, James is expecting you.”

The young woman flashed a dazzling smile, her green eyes sparkling.

“Thanks Mr.Picard.”

Jean-Luc was still smiling when he powered up his car, but it faded as he took off.

“Now Mr.Pickford…what do you have for me?”

                       James bounded down the stairs as Sarah was closing the front door. He came to a halt at the bottom step and the young couple stood staring at each other. His nervousness showing in his tentative smile, James cleared his throat and jerked a thumb over his shoulder.

“Coming up to my room?”

Taking her time, Sarah sidled up to her boyfriend and gave him a withering glare as she ascended the stairs imperiously. James swallowed to wet his dry mouth and followed her, his heart pounding in his chest.

Once in his room, James went to the replicator and muttered,

“Want anything?”

Her reply was cold.

“No thank you.”

James turned and folded his arms across his chest. His nervousness was beginning to wane, to be replaced by rising anger.

“What are you so pissed about Sarah?”

Her mouth gaped before she quickly rose to her feet and made for the door. James took three long strides and caught her arm.
“Oh no you don’t! You came here because you said you wanted to talk. Okay, talk!”

Her face settled into a cold glare as she looked pointedly at his restraining hand. He got the message and released her, gesturing to the bed. With a flick of her head, Sarah walked stiffly to the bed and sat down. James went to his desk, pulled out the chair and turned it, sitting to face her. There was an uncomfortable few minutes before Sarah huffed and tucked some wayward strands of long dark hair behind her ears.

“You’re a pain in the arse James!”

James raised his eyebrows, pulled his mouth down at the corners and nodded.

“I can live with that, but why exactly?”

Sarah folded her arms and rolled her eyes.

“It’s not supposed to be the bloke who’s complicated you know. That’s supposed to be the woman’s job.”

James wisely stayed silent, inviting Sarah to continue with a wave of his hand.

“You got me confused! It was so simple James…we liked each other, we had sex and it was really good, then you had to spoil it by telling me you loved me! Why couldn’t you have just kept you mouth shut?”

James sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He graced Sarah with an intense gaze and sighed.

“Because that wouldn’t have been fair to either of us. I needed to tell you and you had a right to know.”

“But James…”

He opened his hands and looked at them, wanting to ask his question, but not wanting to look at her while he did it.

“Sarah…why are you confused?”

Her sharp reply dragged his eyes up to hers.

“That’s none of your bloody business!”

His smile was small but warm.

“I think it is actually.”

Instead of saying anything further, Sarah stood and went to him, taking his face in her hands and kissing him with urgent passion. He closed his eyes and returned the kiss with equal fervour, but when her hand drifted down his torso to gently caress his penis through the fabric of his trousers, he broke the connection and shook his head.

He was panting slightly as, with an unsteady voice he said,

“I don’t want to have sex with you Sarah…not without…”

She silenced him with another passionate kiss. Drawing back slightly she again caressed his penis and said sultrily,

“I don’t want to have sex either James…I want to make love.”

It took a few seconds before the meaning of the words dawned on James. He looked up into Sarah’s eyes and saw, mixed with undeniable desire, love. He came to his feet slowly, muttering,

“Computer, lock my door.”

They spent several slow minutes undressing each other, kissing and caressing the skin as it was exposed. James gently steered Sarah backwards to the bed, then eased her down onto the mattress, making sure she was comfortable before stretching out beside her. He propped himself up on one elbow and stared down at her, his love plain to see in his eyes and his tender touch.

“You are so beautiful Sarah.”

She sighed and smiled, taking his hand and guiding it to her breast.

“Touch me James.”

He watched his hand intently as his fingers kneaded the firm flesh, drawing ever closer to the protrudent nipple. As he lowered his head to take the nipple into his mouth, Sarah sighed and wrapped her hand around his head, pulling him closer. As he took the turgid nipple inside his mouth, he trailed his fingers down the flat plain of her stomach to dally in the strip of dark hair of her sex. She moaned softly as he teased her nipple and opened her legs, lifting her hips in an unmistakable invitation. He parted her labia with his fingers and teased her clit, one finger dipping in and out of her vagina. So engrossed was he that when she took his penis in her hand and began to stroke him, he cried out, his eyes fluttering shut. She moaned again as he pushed his finger deep inside her, then gasped as he pushed his thumb over her clit. Panting raggedly she gasped,

“Now James…I want you to do it now…”

His own need spiralling almost out of control, he rolled over her and knelt between her open legs. His erection was stiff and throbbing, the head glistening with precome. He wanted nothing else but to plunge into her, but he held back, taking a deep breath and struggling to steady his voice.

“Look at me Sarah.”

She opened her eyes and gasped, licking her lips at the sight of his straining penis. She reached for him, but he shook his head.

“No, not yet. I need to know how you feel Sarah.”

Tears welled in Sarah’s eyes as she shook her head.

“James…please…I need you now!”

Resolutely, he shook his head.

“No…tell me!”

Swirling within the desire and passion in her eyes, anger darkened the irises and James smiled grimly.