Anyone who escapes the constraints of their own world and ventures out into the stars, will discover two things. Firstly, that the universe is not infinite and secondly, that they are not it's sole inhabitants. The way that any particular race handles this fact, largely depends on their cultural, political and or, their spiritual beliefs. Some respond aggressively, others with suspicion and others with curiosity to discover more. Some civilisations manifest all of the above; humanity being the most compelling example.

The bridge of the USS Redemption was quiet. The ship sat in geosynchronous orbit of the planet Kimayle, waiting for a Federation Special Ambassador to conclude sensitive talks with the planetary governing body.

Suddenly, the bridge entrance doors slid open and Jean Luc Picard stepped out of the turbolift. Still in full formal dress uniform, his very presence commanded attention. The entire bridge crew were well aware of this extraordinary man's exploits. For a moment, no one spoke until Redemption's Vulcan captain broke the silence.

"Welcome aboard, Admiral." His voice was an emotionless monotone and his face expressionless. In other words, thought Picard to himself, a typical Vulcan. "Is your mission on Kimayle complete, sir?"

"Yes it is, Captain Sartok," said Picard. "You may break orbit when ready."

"Very well, Admiral," Sartok turned towards the helm station. "Mr Keswick, lay in course for Earth, warp six."

"Course laid in, Captain."

"Engage."

Smiling nostalgically, Picard looked across the bridge to the huge viewscreen and watched as the ship's warp field formed and space distorted around them. In seconds, they would be clear across the system and heading to Earth. For him, it would appear to be the last time. Due to his advancing years and the fact that he felt so tired recently, Picard had decided to stop planet hopping and go home. It was a considered decision and something he felt good about. However, standing here today, watching another captain take a vessel to warp, he definitely had pangs of regret.

How many times had he stood on the bridge of the Enterprise and spoken those words? How many journeys had he initiated? How many encounters with other races had he made possible? How many adventures had he embarked upon?

It didn't seem that long ago. Yet, in reality he hadn't been a Captain for nearly twenty years. Shortly after his promotion to Admiral, he had become a Special Ambassador and therefore had no ship of his own.

"Captain," said Picard. "If you need me for anything, I'll be in my quarters."

"Very well, Admiral."

Picard paused at the bridge doors and turned back to look at Sartok.

"Oh, and Captain," he said, with a smile. "Thank you for the ride home."

It would be two days before they would reach Earth and for Picard, these largely consisted of completing reports for the Federation.

Early on the second day, the com panel in his quarters bleeped, just as the ship dropped out of warp. There was no way they could have arrived yet and years of experience automatically caused him to conclude that something was wrong.

"This is Picard."

"Admiral," said Sartok. "Would you join me in Transporter Room 4, please?"

"Certainly," replied Picard. "Is there a problem, Captain? I noticed that we've dropped out of warp."

"No problem, Admiral," said Sartok. "It's easier if you come to the Transporter Room."

"Very well."

Picard found Sartok's evasiveness annoying. Why couldn't he just explain? Several minutes later, still muttering about Vulcan reserve, Picard entered Transporter Room 4 to be stopped dead in his tracks. There on the Transporter pad stood a very familiar face.

"Hello, Jean Luc."

"Vash?"

There she stood, older but just as bold and brash as when he first met her on Risa.

Sartok cleared his throat. "Apologies Admiral. Professor Vash insisted on surprising you."

"Professor?" Picard noticed that she seemed to have difficultly walking and held out his hand to help her off the pad. The moment she was level with him, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

She drew her head back and looked into his eyes.

"Bring back any memories Jean Luc? how are you?" He noticed her examining his face. "Still handsome."

Sartok cleared his throat again. "If you will excuse me, Admiral, Professor. I'm needed on the bridge."

"Yes, Captain," said Picard, a little self-consciously. "Please, carry on."

Sartok left and they both burst out laughing.

"He seems a little uptight, even for a Vulcan," said Vash.

"I've given up trying to hold anything but official conversation," said Picard. They left the Transporter Room and headed for Six Port Side, the Redemption's equivalent to the Enterprise's TenForward.

Once they were sat down with a drink, Picard's demeanor became more serious.

"So, you're a professor," he said.

"And you're retiring," she retorted, and they both laughed again. "Oh, Jean Luc, it's so good to see you again. I was at a dreary conference on Rigel 4 and realised that the ship that took me there had left me behind. It's Captain was obviously very embarrassed to have left without one of the Daystrom Institute's finest and, to be fair, he did offer to come back for me."

"But?"

"But then I heard that you were aboard the Redemption and sent a subspace message to Sartok. Who was very accommodating."

Picard was puzzled. Was this almost elegant lady the same person who had almost got him killed twice? The same woman who outcheated a Ferengi?

"Help me out here, Vash," he said. "Unless something extraordinary has happened in the spacetime continuum, I'm struggling to see you as a Daystrom Professor who attends dreary conferences. There's no danger in it."

She smiled at this but then looked uncharacteristically serious.

"I love it that you see me as the adventurer but we all get older. Travelling with Q knocked a lot of that out of me." She moved uncomfortably in her seat. "And I have a problem with my hip that no doctor has been able to fix. They've regenerated muscle tissue, restored bone density and done all sorts of other things but the discomfort, which they say is imaginary, remains. Anyway, it's far easier to attend a few conferences and do a little research. So that's what I do these days. Boring really."

"I see," said Picard, sensing that something didn't quite seem right but didn't say anything. "So are you a fully fledged Professor or is the title honorary."

Vash smiled, mischievously. "I've never been able to fool you, Jean Luc."

"So?"

"Ok, so I'm not a real professor but how else was I going to get an Intrepid Class starship to meet my shuttlepod?" Vash leant towards him and planted another kiss on his cheek. "I only did it to see you again."

Picard wasn't buying it but remained silent. He knew from past experience that whatever she was in to, it was better not to be involved.

The rest of the journey to Earth was very pleasant. It was spent in each others company, they ate together, shared a holodeck program and, surprisingly for Picard, they slept together.

As the Redemption entered Earth orbit, he felt sorry that the journey hadn't been longer. Vash's presence reminded him so much of his time on the Enterprise.

They Transported down to San Francisco together and Vash began making her excuses.

"Well, Jean Luc," she began. "I've really enjoyed seeing you again. I hope the vineyard works out for you." She kissed him and was about to walk away.

"Vash," said Picard. "What are you planning to do next?"

"I need to report back to the institute and then in two days I'm off to join a dig on Aldeberon 3. Why?"

"Why don't you come with me?" The question was out before he had really thought about it.

She stopped and looked at him. "Jean Luc, you're not going anywhere except home."

"It doesn't have to be for good," he said. "Let me show you La Barré. My family home."

"I appreciate the offer," she said, taking his hand. "But I have work to do. Sorry." Giving him one more kiss on the cheek, she stood on the public Transporter pad. "Daystrom Institute, Tokyo. I really enjoyed our time. See you around Jean Luc Picard. Energise."

Solemnly, Picard watched her dematerialise. He stood and stared at the empty pad for a moment then turned and walked towards the entrance to Federation Headquarters.