He held her in his arms. Her long brunette hair smelled of honey and roses. He placed his chin on her bare shoulder and looked at her hazel eyes looking up into the night sky. The large moons of Xiexath radiated its brilliance to the people of this far-off planet. She could feel him looking at him, so she gave him a quick glace and then smiled. His heart raced faster, and he hugged her tighter.

“Do you know how many away mission rules we are breaking?” She gave a small sigh while lightly shaking her head. “If my father found out, my Starfleet career would be over.”

Asani shrugged. “Regulations are more like…guidelines.” She quickly turned her head. Her eyes narrowed with one eyebrow higher than the other. The smile was now gone. “What?”

“Guidelines?” Asani could see her face becoming annoyed. “You preach that we need to follow every single regulation. Not one subsection, subsection can be broken.” She removed his arms around her and turned to look at him directly. “You were about to toss me off this away team when I told you about hacking their computer systems and stealing records.” Her left eyebrow was higher than the other once again. Asani knew this was not a good sign. “Something I know that you would have done.” Asani looked away knowing she was right. “But, of course, if breaking the rules means that you get me into bed, then those rules become guidelines.”

Asani could feel his face blushing. “You’re right.” She tilted her head to the side. Her long brunette hair caressed her face. Her eyes still narrowed but a small smile was returning. Asani raised his hands in an apologetic gesture. “You are totally right. I only follow the rules when it suits me.” Her eyes widen. The eyebrows were the same height, and the smile was back. “It is only because I care about you.”

Her same face had returned. “Don’t give me that crap, Asani.” Asani was redder now. “You think I cannot handle myself. You think that I need protection. You believe you are my white knight that needs to come in and save me…”

“It is because I love you,” shouted Asani. His eyes appeared watery. His mouth appeared to be trembling. He took a heavy sigh. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Faye’s eyes were gigantic. Her mouth hung wide open. For a long moment, she said nothing. Then her lips slowly formed into a smile, and she leaned forward and kissed his lips. She then rubbed his nose. “Asani. I love you too.” She placed her forehead against his. Asani hugged her again. Another long kiss. Then she gave him the same stare, but Asani could tell this face was much happier. “You have to trust me.”

Asani gave a heavy sigh. “I know…but there is so much that is scaring me.”

Faye gave him a blank stare. Her eyes narrowed. “What is it that is scaring you? We know their strengths and it is nothing compared to Starfleet. They are years from forming any weaponry that would be considered a threat.” Asani jaw was tensed. Worry lines appeared on his forehead. “Is it ‘death’?” Asani knew the nickname they gave the mineral that these people mined. He looked at Faye. His eyes wide. “You told me you did not care about that damn rock. That it was impossible to get to a stable state. Nothing more than fueling outdated warp drives or creating heat.”

“I know that is what I told you,” said Asani. He looked away then quickly looked back. He saw her eyes narrowed. The left eyebrow was higher. “Byers and I did not find anything out of the ordinary. I mean…we knew it was a mineral of extraordinary potential, but nothing like we have seen before.” She looked at him sideways. Asani could tell that Faye knew he was not telling the entire truth. “Until yesterday, when we found…” Her eyes grew twice their size. Asani looked down not wanting to continue. He then looked at her and sighed. “The excess energy was off the charts…it was massive. Of course, our experiment was a small model but…”

“You lied to me?” Her eyes told Asani that she was hurt. “You have to stop trying to protect me.”

“I know!” Asani yelled. He closed his eyes and gave a heavy sigh. “I know. That is why I am telling you now, but this damn mineral is scaring me.”

“Why is it so different than anything else we have found?”

“It’s power is unstoppable.”

Faye’s eyes widen. “But…it is unstable. There is no way to refine it. No way to build weapons with this as the source.” Asani again looked away. “Asani? What is wrong?”

He placed his forehead against hers and hugged her tighter. He then sighed knowing he had to tell her. He looked directly at her and saw that smile he so loved. “I found a way to stabilize it. The method is crude, but with work it will make this mineral the most powerful weapon ever created.” Faye’s beautiful eyes grew twice their size. Her mouth hung wide open once again. “The power it can produce is…godlike. I have never seen anything like it.” Asani gave Faye a tender smile. “That is why, Ensign Byers and I have decided to destroy all our records, erase all mention of these findings and never speak of it again.”

His eyes slowly opened and found Harry’s smiling face. Harry began to shake with excitement at seeing Asani fully awake. Soon Thomas was right next to Harry with the same smile. Asani could tell he was laying in the one bed that his ship had in Sickbay.

“Asani!” said an overexcited Harry. “It is so wonderful to see you awake. How do you feel?”

“You had us worried, Asani!” said Thomas as he placed his hands together and looked up as if giving thanks to the heavens. “You were out for two days.”

“I am feeling stronger now that I see you two,” whispered Asani. The two holograms beamed. “I take it…my reckless plan worked.”

“We beamed you aboard just before you burned up in the engine flames,” said Thomas while shaking his head. “I never been so thankful in all my life.”

Harry gave three big nods. “We were not able to get a target lock on you until you were two point four seconds from bursting into flames.”

“I just don’t even want to think about it,” said Thomas still shaking his head. “I can feel my eyes wishing they had tear ducts so I can show you how happy I am you are alive.”

Asani gave them a smile. His eyes appeared to be watering which surprised himself. “I am glad to see you two as well.” He then noticed his shoulder was hurting and his head was pounding. He began to rub his head. “What is my status?”

“Alive, but damaged,” replied Thomas.

“Your shoulder was badly burned,” answered Harry. “You had some very nasty cuts on your head and neck area. Plus, three broken ribs and internal bleeding.” Harry’s eyes widen and slowly shook his head. “You will fully recover, but it will take some time.”

“Nothing that you two doctors have not done before,” said Asani as he rubbed his shoulder.

“Damn it, Asani! We’re not doctors. We’re holograms.” Both holograms said at the same time.

“We hate having to play doctor all the time. You think because you load our programs with medical subroutines that we can fix any aliment that happens to you,” said a flustered Harry. “I feel we are not going to be able to safe you next time.”

Asani gave them a tiny smile and then shrugged. “Well, maybe, I need to stop being so reckless.”

“I would agree with that,” said a familiar voice from the corner of the room. Asani saw Harry frown and then mumble something while rolling his eyes. He now knew who was in the room with him.

Asani slowly turned and saw Jajot leaning against the wall of Sickbay, seeming to enjoy the show. “I am surprised to see you aboard our ship.”

“Ask her what she would have done if we didn’t allow her to board our ship,” said Harry while giving Jajot a sneer. Jajot gave Asani a sly smile.

“She did say some very crude things, Asani,” admitted Thomas.

“Yes, she did!” agreed Harry while staring at Jajot. His eyes narrowed. His lips pursed. He then turned to Asani. “She said that if we did not let her beam aboard, ‘she would fire photon torpedoes up our asses.’” Asani gave a small smile. Harry then turned towards Jajot and leaned forward and began talking in a mocking tone, “Which I don’t believe is technically possible since we are holograms, so your threat does not scare me.” Harry then turned back to Asani. “She is the devil, Asani.”

Jajot walked over and leaned against Asani’s bed. Her face was inches from Asani’s. Her wonderful scent was intoxicating, which brought a sly smile to Asani’s face. She still wore the tight leather body suit that Harry thought was too revealing. “Fun crew you have here.” Asani shrugged. So…did you find out everything you wanted?”

“I take it, Harry and Thomas told you everything that happened?”

Jajot looked at the two holograms with a crooked smile. Thomas smiled back, but Harry rolled his eyes and frowned. “After a little bit of prodding, I got them to explain.” She looked back to Asani. “So, this Ensign Byers is a traitor and is the reason why your secret is out.”

Asani looked down and frowned. He could feel his temperature rising. “And the reason why Faye and the rest of my away team is gone.” Asani closed his eyes and gave out a deep sigh. “I don’t know why he would betray everybody that gave him everything.”

Jajot shrugged her thin shoulders. “I have seen it numerous times. Anytime there is the ability to gain more power, the weakest of any species goes crawling after it.” Jajot gave Asani a wink. “Only the strongest resist. That is why I love you, Asani.” She gave him a small, tender kiss. Asani saw Harry roll his eyes. Jajot then leaned up against the Sickbay wall and gave Harry a wink and a smile. Harry eyes narrowed once again, and his lips began to purse.

“So, what is our next step?” whispered Asani as he sat up from the bed. He began rubbing his shoulder.

“Ask her,” said Harry in a mocking tone while nodding towards Jajot. “She seems to think she is in command.”

Asani turned to Jajot with his brow furrowed. A slight smile appeared on his lips.

Jajot returned the same smile. “When we tracked your ship quickly leaving Cardassian space, we tried to contact you.” Jajot gave a quick glance to the two holograms. “When Harry and David here…”

“It is Thomas,” Harry said in a mocking tone. Thomas turned and gave Harry a fist bump

“When these two,” Jajot continued, “kept giving excuses on why you were not available, I persuaded them to lower shields so I can find out for myself what happened.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Now, my ship is clocked and leading us to our next destination.”

“Ask her where we are heading?” said Thomas in a nervous tone.

Jajot slightly shook her head. “I am taking us where I believe we will be safe.”

“Remus!” yelled Harry. “Remus in Romulan space! It is either too hot or too cold there, but she says it has been upgraded, whatever that means.”

Asani eyes widen as he stared at Jajot. “Why do you think we will be safe there?”

“Many things are happening as we speak, Asani,” said Jajot. “You have to trust me.”

“She is the devil, Asani!” yelled Harry. Asani quickly turned and looked at Harry with his eyes narrowed. “You can never trust the devil!” Thomas quickly nodded his head.

Asani slightly shook his head and raised his hand to Harry while looking at Jajot. “Wouldn’t we be safer somewhere in Federation space?”

Jajot stood up and sighed deeply. “Right now, I need you to come with me so that you can meet with everyone that I know we can trust.”

“And who is it that you trust?” asked Harry in a derisive tone. “Satan!” Thomas gave a confirming nod while Asani rolled his eyes.

Jajot gave Harry a quick grin then looked at Asani. “You are famous person now, Asani. There are many coming to meet you…plus wanting to keep you safe.”

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Asani shifted in his bed and then winced in pain. “Keep me safe? Who is coming?”

“Hakeev who you already met, other important Romulans, a few Vulcans, a couple of Klingons, two very fun Ferengis, and some individuals…from the Federation.”

Asani eyes were wide, and his mouth hung open. “Who from Starfleet is coming to Remus?”

“Let’s just say…it is classified,” Jajot answered. Asani eyes narrowed. Harry lips were pursing. “I promise Asani. They are all coming to help you. We all want to know what you know and where we go from here.”

“What are they hoping to obtain from Asani?” asked Thomas with a shrug.

“We are all hoping Asani has the information we need to stop us all from…descending into chaos.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed. His lips frowned. “You’re talking about war? War between who?”

Jajot’s thin lips gave a slight smile. Her eyes glisten. “Everybody.”

A medium size Romulan ship decloaked as Remus came into view. Communications with authorities were completed and the Romulan Warbird headed towards the surface with an interesting ship tailing. Both ships landed at a large government facility where military force was fully on display. The two ships looked like cockroaches compared to the enormous green tinted metal structure with many smaller buildings surrounding it. Romulans dressed in different uniforms walked the grounds, while small vessels patrolled above. Large flags displaying the Romulan symbol of “the eagle” were everywhere along with gigantic statues representing Romulan ancestry. The greenery that was found at different locations of the facility did add little beauty to what many non-Romulans thought was an enormous eye sore. To Romulans, this large structure represented power.

Harry and Thomas helped Asani to his feet as pain still radiated throughout his body. He was given another hypospray injection and the affects were almost immediate. He placed his hands on each of their shoulders and gave them a smile.

“With everything going on, I never had a chance to say thanks for saving my life again.”

“I believe that was number seventeen,” said Thomas jokingly with a small smile of his own.

Harry’s eyes narrowed and his lips frowned. “No, that was number sixteen.”

“No, buddy. That was seventeen,” responded Thomas. “Sixteen was when we tossed him from the ship because of radiation spewing through the ship.”

“No, I remember because number ten was the angry female Ferengi and eleven was the drunk Vulcans that were trying to ‘meld with his mind’”

They did not realize that Asani had already started walking towards the exit of his ship with Jajot by his side.

Thomas was shaking his head. “No, those were eleven and twelve. Ten was the angry Tribble salesman and nine was when he slipped in the shower.”

“You are counting that? He was in no danger.”

“He hit his head. He also was not sleeping because of working on this ship and…”

“Hey!”

Both turned and saw Asani smiling. He saw out of the corner of his eyes, Jajot rolling her eyes. Asani then pointed as his eyes and ears. The two holograms nodded in unison. Asani then walked off the ship with Jajot leading the way.

When outside their vessel, they met up with Jajot’s two first officers who greeted Asani with a nod.

“This is Lieutenants Lenseek and Kare. They are my next in command on my ship. My left and right hand.” Jajot turned and saw a patrol of Romulans heading their way with an important looking individual leading the way. Jajot turned and eyed Asani. “No matter what, you do not leave mine, Lenseek’s or Kare’s sight.” Her pointed finger was inches from his nose. “I mean it Asani. Do not leave our sight.”

Asani eyes narrowed as he gave her a side glance. “I thought I was supposed to be safe here.”

“Trust me, Asani.” Her face told Asani everything. “You will need our protection.” She immediately turned and bowed her head at the approaching individual with his large patrol. When the individual arrived and nodded in return, Jajot raised her head. “Senator Jetos. It is an honor to meet with you once again.”

“Spare me the pleasantries, Jajot,” the Senator replied in a tone showing his anger. “Why is it that you have brought a wanted human into Romulan space?”

“I bring him because he needs our protection…”

“Our protection!?” The Senator rolled his eyes and scoffed. “Let his human friends worry about him. Romulans are not in business of protecting ex-Federation murders.”

Asani’s eyes grew twice their size.

“Senator, please. He has vital information, and we can show that he had no role in what they are saying he did.” Jajot knew Asani would try to say something, so she held up her hand to Asani. “Has everyone arrived?”

“Your audience awaits, Subcommander Jajot.” He stood to the side and put out his hand to let her pass. As she passed, he quickly stood in front of Asani. His height towered over him. Jajot stopped and turned. “To you Mr. Nasos, I want to say one thing.” He held his chin high. “Remus is no sanctuary. If we find any evidence of the crimes, they say you have done, I will not hesitate to turn you over to the Cardassians. Are we clear?”

Asani glanced at Jajot, who slightly shook her head. Asani then nodded to Senator Jetos. His face showing no emotion. The Senator’s eyes narrowed, and his lips pursed. He then turned and looked at Jajot with a crooked smile. He then nodded and began walking towards the way he came. Jajot gave Asani a smile and a shrug and then they all followed the Senator. His patrol followed close behind.

Senator Jetos led them into large room where a giant table was found on a high stage at the front with seats behind it. Large spotlights illuminated the entire table, making it difficult to see beyond the borders of the table. Throughout the rest of the room, was seating that led upward, where many visitors could watch the proceedings. Asani could tell there were many unfilled seats, but shadows of individuals were found seated. He could not see their faces which he knew was the point of the bright lights.

The Senator led Asani to a chair where he sat, quickly followed by Jajot beside him. Asani saw the Senator’s face and knew he was not expecting Jajot to be seated next to him. Her two counterparts sat on the opposite side of Asani. The Senator nodded towards Jajot and proceeded to walk around the table while eyeing each of the members at the table. He then looked to his patrol who were standing at the entrance of the room. For a few moments, he did not say a word then with a quick grin, he turned and addressed the audience of the room.

“We welcome all our distinguished guests to our most glorious home, next to Romulus, of course, Remus. We have asked you to come as friends to discuss the important matters that happen recently which have affected us all.” His smile was gigantic as he spread his arms wide. “Your words here will be heard, but only to those that are found in this room. Our great alliances have been most helpful in times of need, and we hope at this time of peril, they will help us all.” He then turned and eyed Jajot. His lips had a hard time producing a smile. Asani could tell he was not pleased she was sitting next to him. He then looked at Asani. “Now…let us come to what many humans like to say, ‘the rhinoceros in the room’.”

Asani heard Harry though his earpiece, “I thought it was an elephant.” Thomas quickly shushed him.

The Senator clicked a button on the table and holograms showing many different pictures and videos appeared above them. All of them were of Asani. “Our most prized guest sits at the front of this room to…,” the Senator’s lips pursed, and his shoulders shrugged, “prove his innocence to us all. Many photos and videos have surfaced recently that will make that quite difficult.” Asani gave Jajot a quick glance. She calmly nodded towards Asani. “As all of you can see, there is much evidence above that show our…friend engaging in acts that many would find criminal. From attacking unarmed Cardassians, to even firing weapons aboard a Cardassian cruiser creating much damage. He is even seen infiltrating a Cardassian facility where he was arrested.” The Senator then stopped and held his chin high. The spotlight showed every detail of his thin face and pointed nose. His lips curled and his eyes danced around the room. “The most grievous of these crimes is the destruction of Xiexath moon,” Asani quickly looked at Jajot with his eyes twice their size, “which will send the people of this planet into utter turmoil.” Jajot placed her hand on Asani’s and lightly squeezed. “Many lives will be lost, and it is foreseen that the Xiezios will have to leave their home.” He turned and looked upon Asani with his chin held high. “For that reason, we have asked all of you to come so that you may hear this…human’s plea.” His tone had become deep as Asani could tell he was enjoying his time in the spotlight.

Another Romulan appeared from behind the spotlights and walked upon the stage. “Senator Jetos,” the Senator quickly turned and caught the eye of Colonel Hakeev, “your explanation of the matters at hand is precise…but with certain looked over details.” The Senator nodded towards Hakeev. “First, you forgot to tell the source of the mountain of evidence that…frames our friend here. It comes from the Cardassian homeworld. The same species who we know are working with the Xiezios people to take over worlds, destroy any ships that they encounter, and are wanting to create war for their profit.” He looked at Asani and nodded. “Lieutenant Nasos has been nothing but honest in telling us what has occurred, and I believe now would be the perfect opportunity for him to answer…certain questions that I believe would be helpful in clearing his name of these alleged crimes.”

Asani nodded and sighed heavily. Harry joked about beaming him out of there. Asani gave a quick smile. “I may take you up on that,” he whispered.

“Lieutenant Nasos…,” began Senator Jetos.

“Senator?!” Jajot stood quickly. The Senator’s eyes narrowed. “I believe it would be best for me to question Asa…Lieutenant Nasos.” The Senator’s lips pursed. Hakeev grinned. “I believe he would be more…forthcoming if someone he knew asked the questions.”

“As you wish, Subcommander Jajot.” The Senator’s jaw tighten as he took a seat at the end of the large table.

Jajot took her position on the other side of the table, where her audience had full view. She looked towards the audience. Asani wondered why she was not looking at him. He thought maybe it was so the audience did not believe he was being led. “Lieutenant Nasos? Where have you been for the last fifty-two hours of standard space time?” She raised her chin as she waited for his answer.

“I have been…recovering in Sickbay on my ship.” He did not want to mention his two stowaways. Hard to explain the two hologram assistants.

“And why have you been recovering?”

“I received injuries…when trying to escape a Cardassian Command ship.” The Senator rolled his eyes.

“And where was this ship located?”

“The demilitarized zone. Two billion miles from Dorvan V.”

“And why were you there?”

Asani gave another heavy sigh. “The Cardassians and…friends were giving me a demonstration of their new gained power.”

Jajot began to walk around the table while continuing to look at the audience. “And how did they demonstrate this power?”

“They destroyed a Federation B-Class vessel. The call sign of this ship was ‘Odessey V’.” Voices and whispers were heard from the audience.

“Which has been confirmed by Federation reports.” She then looked down and began drumming her fingers. “Why did they wish to show you a demonstration of their power?”

“They hoped I might join…their team.”

She gave him a quick glance. “What was your response?”

He held up his middle finger. Hakeev grinned. The Senator rolled his eyes. He heard laughs in the audience.

Jajot grinned. “Just to make sure for all those not familiar with human customs, does that mean you told them you were not interested?”

“It meant that I told them, ‘To go to hell’.”

Jajot slightly shook her head. “How did they reward you with this response?”

“They strapped me to a table in a dark cold cell.”

“And what happened next?”

“I escaped.”

The Senator stood. “You escaped a Cardassian Command ship?” His smile was gigantic. “How may I ask did you perform such an incredible task? Not one of us in this room could have done this?”

“I did have…help,” said Asani. His lips frowned. His brow furrowed.

“Who helped you?” said the Senator with a smirk. “The Federation, Klingons or maybe…the Ferengi in a clocked ship? There are no reports of any battles in the demilitarized zone except the battle of which you just spoke.”

“My ship and…my crew,” responded Asani. He saw Jajot slightly shake her head.

“Your ship?” The Senator gave a small grin. “That piece of garbage that sits in our docking station which appears to be barley holding together? That is the ship that blasted through the Cardassian’s shields and beamed you out of there? How many are in your crew?”

“There are two and it did not happen...”

“Just what I thought. There is no way you could have escaped.” The Senator began to walk around the table, enjoying his time in the spotlight again. “There must be more to this story that you are not wanting to tell us.” He stopped and looked at Asani. His jaw clinched and his eyes narrowed. “I believe you are working for them. I believe they had you place and denotate the bomb as they have stated. You are an ally of this new alliance that the Cardassians and Xiezios have created…”

Asani stood up quickly. “That is a damn lie, Senator!”

“Then tell us the truth, Mr. Nasos!” His chin was held high. His eyes narrowed. Asani saw Jajot nod. Hakeev gave him a smile.

Asani smiled. “I was able to escape my cell by distracting the guard and then I fought my way to the engine room. There I was able to contact my crew and they were able to beam me out because of the high radiation.”

The Senator eyes grew twice their size and then they narrowed. “All vessels have small traces of radiation in the engine room. There is no way that there would be enough to disrupt the shielding of a Cardassian Command ship. Your story is a fantasy. A made-up tale in hopes that we might believe your innocence.”

“The strongest point of radiation on any ship is where the plasma is ignited, creating propulsion and the excess gas is pushed out into space.” Asani’s eyes narrowed. “It is at this spot that my crew was able to beam me off the Cardassian Command Ship.”

“That is impossible!” yelled the Senator. “You would have burned into ashes! There is no way you could have reached that position. No ship allows crewmembers to simply walk into burning plasma.”

“That is why I jumped…and was beamed out before I was vaporized by burning plasma.”

The Senator’s mouth dropped. Voices and whispers were heard in the audience behind the spotlights. Jajot and Hakeev grinned. Harry and Thomas were heard shouting in his earpiece.

“That story is…unbelievable,” said the Senator with his eyes still twice their size.

“I have proof that it is true.”

Another stunned look. “What proof do you have?”

“I have recordings of my interactions and escape from the Cardassian vessel.”

“Recordings?”

“Yes. I record…everything.”

“So, you see Senator,” responded Jajot. “Lieutenant Nasos could have not detonated the bomb on the moon of Xiexath as they have stated. Him and his crew were flying towards Federation space when my ship intercepted his. Knowing of the events that just occurred and hearing the reports on all channels, I felt it best to bring him here so that he may tell us his story.”

“He may have not detonated the bomb,” said a voice from the audience. Asani had heard the voice before. Footsteps were heard as someone was making his way to the stage. As the person became visible, Asani eyes grew twice their size. He slowly sat in his seat. Harry and Thomas were shouting. Asani quickly glanced at Jajot, and she gave him a smile. His eyes returned to that of this new individual. He wore the insignia of a Federation Admiral. His uniform was pristine and the red and gold colors were vibrant. His hair and beard were perfect. This Admiral breathed power.

“Admiral Riker of the Federation,” said the Senator. “You wish to say something.”

Admiral Riker nodded. His eyes never left those of Asani’s. His jaw was clinched, and his brow was furrowed. Asani could feel his heart pounding through his chest. “He may have not detonated the bomb…but he did build it.”

Uh oh,” said both the holograms at the same time.