It was early summer in La Barre, France. From the first floor bedroom window of his family home, Picard gazed out at the avenues of lush vines, and smiled. Over a year had passed, since he had arrived and rediscovered his childhood birthplace. Almost immediately, his mind had become preoccupied with thoughts that were as warm and comfortable as the armchair next to the old fireplace. Looking out at the fields, he could almost see his father working long hours, tending his beloved vines and with him, Jean Luc's brother, Robert, who had been so intent on maintaining old family values and practices.

Those values had become a bone of contention in the family, when Jean Luc had decided to join Starfleet. His father had struggled with his decision and Jean Luc felt that he never really understood. Also, his achievements and accolades had caused a rift between him and his brother; a rift, that for many years, defied all attempts at resolution.

After the incident with the Borg, his visit home had brought a sort of reconciliation that flourished in subsequent years, albeit cut short by tragedy.

Now, with both his father and brother gone, the care of the Picard estate had become his responsibility.

Unfortunately, the call on his time as a Starfleet Admiral and then later, as an interplanetary Federation Ambassador had meant that most of that responsibility had fallen on Robert's widow, Marie, who still lived in the house. When Robert and their son, Rene had tragically died in a fire, Marie had offered to move out but Picard had insisted that she stay.

After leaving Starfleet, he had purposed to give the vineyard his full attention. His initial enthusiasm had lasted about a year and now, all he could think about was returning to the stars.

He gazed up at the mid morning sky. There was not a cloud and despite being early in the season, it was pleasantly warm. He watched the farm management bots, as they moved slowly up and down the rows of grapes, checking and tending the vines.

He wouldn't really be missed, would he? After all, the whole process was completely automated.

"Jean Luc," shouted Marie, from the foot of the large wooden staircase.

Turning from the window and pulling on a thin jacket, he made his way down to the reception hall where Marie stood scowling up at him.

"You looked annoyed, Marie," said Jean Luc, descending the stairs.

Her expression softened a little.

"I'm not annoyed," she sighed. "I'm concerned, that's all."

"Concerned?"

She reached out and straightened his collar, which he let her do. Since losing both her husband and son, Marie had needed to 'mother' someone. Since returning home, he had become the one she fussed over. This made him feel uncomfortable; for obvious reasons. However, he also found Marie's attention heartwarming.

"I know I've said this too many times," she said, and he knew what was coming. "You are not a young man any more. This trip might be too much for you."

He stiffened a little but then relaxed again. Facing her, he put his hands on her shoulders.

"Listen," he said. "I'm not going to be doing anything dangerous. This is an archaeological expedition, that's all. I'll be working with a good team of dependable and younger people, who, I promise, will carry me about if I get too tired." His last comment brought a smile to her face. "That's better. There really isn't anything to worry about."

She nodded, from her expression, still not convinced but realising that she wouldn't win this argument.

"How long will you be away?"

"At warp five, it'll take us three days to reach Othallia. We should arrive at the ruins of the Triath city at the beginning of that region's summer. Depending on what we find, there is then a two month window to examine the site before their monsoon equivalent weather will make it impossible to continue."

"So, about three months," said Marie.

"Yes," replied Picard. "I'd say that was a fair estimate. The main thing I'm trying to say is, please don't worry. This trip is probably the safest one that I've ever taken. OK?"

Marie nodded and gestured toward the kitchen.

"I've prepared some lunch," she said, leading him toward the door. "Are you hungry?"

The smell of freshly baked bread was the only enticement he needed. Shortly before his death, Marie had finally convinced Robert to get a replicator which, at his insistence, she used sparingly.

In recent months, Jean Luc had noticed that she used it more often but would still prepare some meals the old fashioned way, which included making bread.

They ate in relative silence, then Marie said,"So when do you leave?"

Picard sipped some wine. "In two weeks time. It will take that long to prepare the ship and beam in enough supplies onto the orbital habitat."

"At least you won't be camping out for two months," she said.

Picard shook his head in exaggerated dismay. "No, no. In that respect I agree completely. I am definitely not up to doing that anymore."

Marie passed him some cheese and another piece of bread. Picard could see that she still wasn't convinced.

"So, who else is on the team? Anyone, I'm likely to know?"

Picard thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"No, there's no one I can think of but you may know them by reputation."

"Ok," she said.

"Well, the expedition leader and the man responsible for me being on the team, is Professor Glav, a Castorian. He is most well known for his work on the Revesh civilisation. He has two assistants, Sebi Tar from Devanish 3, who is a micropaleotologist and Lumi Dars, who is an expert on ancient galactic civilisations, also our pilot."

"Dars?" Marie looked thoughtful. "Sounds Betazoid."

Picard smiled. "Because she is, full telepath. So I'd better watch myself."

"Yes, you will," said Marie.

"The other member of the team, I've met but when she was very small. Her speciality is exobiology."

"What race is she?"

"She's human. Doctor Molly OBrien."