"There is a vessel approaching the habitat," announced the computer.

The whole team gathered near the view screen.

"Computer, identify the vessel," said Picard.

"Vessel is an Imperious class Warbird."

Glav shot Picard a concerned look. "It's Romulan?"

"Affirmative." The console bleeped. "Incoming transmission from the vessel."

"This should be interesting," said Glav. "Jean Luc, would you kindly do the honours?"

"Of course. Computer, open a channel."

The image on the screen changed to a view of the Romulan Bridge. In the command position sat a stern looking Romulan female Commander.

"Greetings," she said, and smiled slightly. "I trust that we are not intruding."

Picard returned the smile. "Not at all."

"I am Commander Cenita."

"Jean Luc Picard." Picard's smile remained in place.

Cenita nodded. "I am honoured."

"As am I," replied Picard. "So, Commander Cenita, what can we do for you?"

Cenita shrugged. "You are conducting experiments on Othallia?"

"Archeological investigations," corrected Picard. "The ruins of the Triathian city are astounding don't you think?"

"Archeology isn't really my forte," replied Cenita. "Tell me, Picard. Why does an archaeological expedition need a subspace scanner?"

"I'm afraid we are not operating anything like that."

"I see," said Cenita, leaning forward in her seat. "And you wouldnt know anything about a large subspace disruption? One, I might point out, seemed to originate from your location on the planet surface."

"I see you have been here for a while," said Picard.

"For a while," said Cenita. "All we want is an explanation, if you have one."

Picard had had enough. "Commander Cenita, with all due respect, we don't owe you an explanation for anything. I can tell you that we are conducting an archaeological survey of the ruins, that's all. I would point out that this region of space is outside both our respective territories, so if there's nothing else."

Cenita smiled. "Of course, we were just making sure that you were not in need assistance."

"No, we are all fine, thank you. I am grateful for your concern and I would like to wish you and your crew, a safe journey."

"Thank you," said Cenita. "We will leave you now but if any problems arise, we are in this vicinity for next few days."

Picard grinned even wider. "Very kind, Picard out." They watched the Romulan ship change course and then cloak. "Curious."

"What was that all about?" Molly's question was quite understandable Picard thought to himself.

"I was just thinking the same thing, " said Picard. "Romulans are not archaeologists and don't invest any time or effort in pursuit of the past. Yet, they have obviously been here for sometime."

Glav's expression was serious. "Do you think it has anything to do with what we have discovered?"

Lumi turned back from the view screen. "And what exactly have we discovered? None of us were expected this, so I can't see how the Romulans can know either."

Picard met Glav's eye. "What about our Triathian friend?"

"He's stable at the moment. He was struggling to cope with separation from the void, so I sedated him."

Lumi called up the medical readouts. "His molecular structure has stabilised, finally."

"We need to talk to him," said Sebi. "As soon as possible. We should wake him."

Glav shook his head. "I would advise against it. Niata is very weak. He should be allowed regain consciousness on his own."

"I think we should leave this place," said Molly. "This isn't right. I'm an exobiologist and I didn't sign up for this. I mean, Romulans."

"What about all the others trapped down there?" Lumi's eyes were wide, almost manic. "Glav, you said that you could hear millions of voices in the void. We could potentially release an entire people back into the universe."

"As exciting as this is," said Picard. "We are not set up to receive thousands of refugees. We don't know how Glav was able to get out or how he brought our Triathian friend with him. We should take this to Starfleet and mount a proper retrieval effort."

Glav stared at the screen, then the medical monitor and finally at the team.

"I agree," he said. "Pack everything up, we'll leave straight away."

Over the next two hours, the whole team loaded equipment and personal items onto the Proxima.

Niata showed no signs of regaining consciousness, so Glav transported him direct to the medical chamber on board the ship.

When they were gathered on the bridge, there was a clear sense of relief in the team. Except for Lumi, whose hand stayed almost permanently against her head.

Picard sat in the seat next to her. Before he could speak, she met his eye.

"Yes, Jean Luc, I can still pilot the ship. Thanks for the offer but I'll be fine." She turned Glav. "Habitat is powered down, all external and internal airlock are sealed. Proxima's environmental and life support are optimal. Engines are at hundred percent."

"Clear all moorings," said Glav. "Set a course for Boconn."

"Course set and laid in," said Lumi.

"Half impulse please Lumi," said Glav.

Proxima moved slowly away from the docking tunnel and made a slow turn away from Othallia.

"We are away from the habitat and free to navigate," said Lumi.

"Warp six, engage," said Glav.

Picard watched the Warp field formed and was just about to turn away from the view screen, when something caught his eye. Then a proximity alarm sounded.

"All stop," shouted Picard, just as two Romulan Warbirds de-cloaked in front of them.

"Oh my God," said Molly. "What now?"

Picard looked at Lumi. "Hail the lead ship."

"No need," replied Lumi. "They're hailing us."

"Open the channel," said Glav.

Once again, the viewscreen showed a Romulan Bridge, with one difference. Instead of a stern Romulan Commander, there was a human woman sat in the command chair."

"Hello, Jean Luc," she said, with that all too familiar smile.

"Vash."