The Fall of Iconia

Chapter 19

A/N: My apologies for the delay in this chapter being posted. Circumstances have changed for me as I've started a new job recently. The standard disclaimer still applies. We don't own the franchises included here, and we'd love for you to review.

Chapter 19

Bra'tac and Lwaxana were out for a stroll. The daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, and heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed was not one who gave up easily. Thus, she had come to Deep Space Nine when her husband had returned from his last trip to Betazed. She had pushed for accompanying him when he went out for battle, but he had put his foot down, and refused to allow that, so she spent time developing her telepathic powers. And she studied bantos from the duplicate of Teyla present on the station.

Today, however, the couple was on the promenade. Several shops had opened on the circular level, and they were enjoying visiting them, and each other's company.

"Master Bra'tac!" The voice came from behind them, and the Jaffa recognized it immediately.

He turned, smiling, and took in the red haired man who was hurrying to catch up with them. "Hammond of Texas!" He held out his hand and they shook. On either side of Hammond was a young woman; one blonde, and one brunette. The women were lovely, and some people were bound to make the wrong assumption, but over the years Bra'tac had become a great uncle to the girls. He had met Kayla and Tessa long before they were old enough to understand that the Jaffa was not from their planet. He had met their grandfather some time before that, after having come through the stargate from Chulak.

Kayla, the blonde, was in a Starfleet services uniform, and was an assistant to Dax in the science department. Tessa had taken after her grandfather and become a pilot. She was part of a group that had just earned their wings and were waiting for Enterprise to return so they could take their places on board.

Bra'tac turned to his wife and said, "You've met Hammond of Texas. These are his granddaughters, Kayla and Tessa." To the girls, he said, "This is my wife, Lwaxana."

She greeted the women, then held out her hand to Hammond, who graciously kissed it and told her, "It's good to see you again, Mrs. Bra'tac."

"Oh, call me Lwaxana, General."

They were starting toward Quark's when Tessa's communicator chirped, and she was called away.

The young woman hurried toward the docking ring, where she met up with another newly winged pilot, Rene Picard. She and Rene had become good friends in flight school, although the man was several years younger than her, especially if one factored in the Iconian time jump.

"Hi, Rene," she greeted him.

"Hello, Tessa. Where have you been?"

"I was touring the promenade with my sister and grandfather."

"Very well," he said, sounding much like his uncle, "I have the utmost respect for family, but in the future, if you would let me know you're going to be late, it would be greatly appreciated."

She nodded, and the two set out, jogging around the forty-five hundred meter circumference of the station.

Delta quadrant...

Everyone had finished their drinks so Neelix motioned for the Iconians to follow him. When they had exited the building, Jack told him, "Okay, Neelix. I'd like to know how you know all these things about us."

"I'll tell you, but this isn't the place to talk," he responded. He looked around for a moment, this way and that, then said, "Follow me."

He and Kes set off, while the Iconians stood uncertainly. Neelix looked back at them and said, "Well, come on!"