Chapter 1. Old Friends

Kanyou stepped off of the transporter pad of the now familiar ship Tears of Wrath. Jaqualine moved towards him and embraced him quickly. Kanyou could sense the underlying emotion of joy and worry emanating from her. He smiled lightly, "Don't worry, I'm fine. When they decided to scrap the Snark they put be on reserve duty, I didn't resign."

Jaqualine blinked rapidly. She still forgot that being a Starfleet officer did not lessen her brother's mental abilities. She grinned, "You up to coming to the bridge? There's someone there that'd like to say hello."

Kanyou raised an eyebrow, "Oh, really? Sure, let's head up. If I know you you'll have all my stuff arranged already anyway." He stepped out of the room with Jaqualine. He looked around and noticed the ship seemed to be a bit more decorated if such a thing was possible. He filed it away to ask about later. He noted she decided to take the stairs. He raised his brow, she had added the stairs insisting that the turbo lift was pointless when there were only four floors but she still only rarely used the stairs.

His interest at the use of the stairs changed into surprise as he was lifted off his feet at the top. He regained the use of speech quickly and vocalized his surprise, "I thought Starfleet posted you on the Michelle Kwan?"

Adam Lembert grinned at Kanyou as he dropped him back to his feet abruptly. He put just a hint of playful indignation in his voice, "Well! That's a fine how do you do! I resigned my commission right after you left for the Snark. I'm in your sister's service now." He threw an arm over his old friend's shoulder, "Besides, it wasn't the same without you hanging around, even if you were sulky and brooding all the time."

Kanyou shot a scandalized look at Adam, "I thought you said Starfleet was your home?"

"Funny, I remember you saying the same thing way back on Cavalry. We're just a pair of homeless men non?"

"Have it your way then. You still fly this bucket?"

"No. I've moved up in the world. I'm personal assistant to the Ambassador now."

"Great... So be a good assistant and show me where I'm staying."

Adam shot a look at Jaqualine. "Actually, Kanyou, we diverted to pick you up. We were on our way to a conference on Trill. We put most of your stuff in storage. There's room for you in my room if you'd prefer it to bunking with the crew."

Kanyou shot a look at Jaqualine, You did that on purpose you...

Your point is? One of these days...

"All right, Mon petit, your room it is. Care to show me down or does Ambassador Matashi need you?"

"Stuff it boche. Come on."

Kanyou smiled again as he entered the room with Adam. A quick glance around showed that no one had had any doubts about him agreeing to share a room with Adam. Several of his belongings were scattered about the living area. He teased Adam a little, "Overconfident aren't we? Or were you planning on keeping my sculpture and paintings anyway?"

Adam laughed lightly, "Actually, I thought it might feel a little bit more like home with some of your stuff lying around. Although, I did try to pick pieces that fit in. Like, I drew the line at using that bedding set those things from the gamma quadrant gave you. Oh, that's right, sorry, there's only one bedroom. We'll have to get over it."

Kanyou laughed properly, "In Valen's name! I feel like we're back at the academy. Remember sophomore year, that trip we took to Risa?"

"How could I forget? With all the trouble we had on that trip! That was the time we shared a couch in the Betazoid consulate wasn't it?"

"Yeah. I remember how embarrassed the resort staff when they figured out who I was. They somehow managed to come up with a room for us."

Adam smiled a bit remembering. "Yeah. I've got to get back to the bridge though. We've got a conference to prepare for. Jaqualine wants you to join us once you've settled and are presentable for a group of diplomats." Adam kissed Kanyou briefly on the cheek and left the room.

Kanyou sat on the couch wondering why he suddenly felt both slightly giddy and contended. It had to be unexpectedly meeting Adam. It'd been a year since they'd seen each other. Leave it Jaqualine to not leave him time to reflect. She knew better, he needed to hit things running or not all. Still, he wasn't exactly the most experienced diplomat in the world. Must be something either really easy, or difficult enough that the extra mind would be helpful. Well, he was of the Ninth house. Whatever else it meant, Starfleet commander or not, he was a qualified politician. He stood up and quickly located the restroom.