**** This chapter is based on Season 5 Episode 7 & 8 Unification Parts 1 & 2****
A few months later as the Enterprise visits Vulcan for a little while Dezirae beams down on her own accord to visit her friend Sarek and see if he once again needed assistance meditating which is what they ended up doing the whole time she was there because he not only missed it but missed her and her surprising.... quiet.... she never rushed, she never overly worried or at least she never hounded or coddled him because she worried she just let him be the best him he could be even if it was "too Vulcan for her taste" as she would constantly tease not only that but she never lied or kept things from him once she returned to the ship Picard went to visit him and once he returned the Enterprise went in search of his son another of her very few and far between Vulcan friends since she only had 2.... a few days later Dezirae transports to a Klingon vessel with Picard and Data who once again tried to get her to stay "I made a promise Data.... I promised Sarek that I would help bring his son home safely and I will do it with our without your permission!" she tells him he raises an eyebrow at her but says nothing and nods in reply "I'll make you a promise Data.... that I will never leave you side!.... at least while we are on the ship once we get on the planet..... if Spock needs me for any reason I will go to him!" she tells him he nods and replies "I find that agreeable" she smiles at him and he returns her smile with one of his own..... Dezirae stayed at Data's side and acted as though she did not understand Klingon and yet she made sure none of them came anywhere near her.... "Data.... come here" Dezirae says softly as she stands in the opposite corner of the semi-large room they were given for sleeping quarters she reaches out for him and he tilts his head at her but takes her hand and walks over to him "I believe your standing there is making him about as uncomfortable as the "shelf".... unlike us he does not share his quarters with anyone and might not sleep easily with someone standing over him like you were.... I'm not saying he finds your presence uncomfortable and I am sure he's grateful that you looked away but...." Dezirae tells him she pauses then asks "would you mind sitting!?" he nods then sits down she sits sideways in his lap and places her head on his shoulders he tilts his head and reaches his hand up and combs his fingers through her hair "as you pointed out there is only one sleeping area and though I like Jean-Luc I would find it awkward sleeping next to him myself and unless you wish for me to sleep while standing" she says softly "no.... I much prefer this way" he replies she chuckles softly then closes her her eyes and says softly "goodnight Data" he replies "good night Dezirae" .... Dezirae had given Picard the cloak she was wearing to use as a pillow to try and make his "bed" slightly more comfortable and though he was grateful for her attempt the shelf was like sleeping on bare concrete or stone and not comfortable at all she had laid part of her cloak down under him so that it acted like a small thin mattress which helped a little but as she said having Data stand over him like a guard made him uncomfortable and even though she was able to "remove" Data from where he stood Picard was still quite uncomfortable on the slab he was laying on and not because of the added cloak which was quite comfortable.... much to his surprise..... Picard unburied himself from the comfort of her cloak and stood up then walked over to where Data was sitting and subconsciously combing his fingers through Dezirae's hair.... he was going through files within his information banks.... and had Data go through the information with him so that he would have something else to focus on though he did smile when he saw Dezirae asleep on Data's lap though Data did have to wake her once Picard was called to the Bridge.... she did say she wouldn't leave his side and neither Data nor Picard trusted the Klingons when it came to her safety as a matter of fact her being the only women on board made them even more anxious and they did not wish to see what the Klingons would attempt to do to her.... Dezirae stood inbetween Data and Picard at all times while on the Klingon ship and they acted like a protective shield for her keeping the Klingons greedy hands and eyes away from her.... "well, Mister Data? what do you think?" Picard asks after Dezirae helped them put on their Romulan disguises he hands Data a hand mirror and Data looks at himself astonished by what he sees "I would not have thought it possible, sir I am eager to test the success of our efforts it does remain to be seen if the Romulans will accept us Captain, you have seemed unusually pensive since we received the news of Ambassador Sarek's death" Data replies "Sarek and I share a particular bond our lives touched in an unusual way I admit I feel the effects of his death the tenor of this mission has changed, Mister Data, at least it has for me we were sent to confront Spock about his disappearance now, I also have to tell him that his father is dead" Picard says "I do not entirely understand, sir as a Vulcan, Ambassador Spock would simply see death as the logical result of his father's illness" Data replies "it's never quite that simple, not even for a Vulcan certainly not for Spock who is half-human years spent in conflict and now the chance to resolve all of those differences is gone" Picard says "considering the exceptionally long lifespan of Vulcans, it does seem odd that Sarek and Spock did not choose to resolve those differences in the time allowed" Data replies "father and son-- both proud, both stubborn, more alike than either of them were prepared to admit a lifetime spent building emotional barriers they're very difficult to break down and now the time has come, it's too late it's a difficult moment it's a lonely one it's a moment Spock is about to face" Picard says "Data.... do you remember what it was like when Jeremy's mother died!? (Season 3 Episode 5 The Bonding).... how it affected you...." Dezirae asks Data nods "for Spock it would be similar to that but with the emotional weight of the Tasha you knew (Season 1 Episode 22 The Skin of Evil) just in a different way since he was family and not a lover" Dezirae says "I believe I understand" Data replies "death is something no one ever truly understands Data just like life" Dezirae says with a smile Data tilts his head curiously at her.... a few minutes later they walk onto the Bridge and the Klingon Captain laughs when he sees Data and Picard "don't you two look sweet be careful, android some Romulan beauty might take a liking to you" K'vada says as he walks over to then around Data he hisses then continues "lick that paint right off your ears" he walks over to Desiree and asks "what of you my beauty!?! where's your Romulan look!?!" she replies as she knees him in the groin.... hard.... and he bends forward from the impact "right here!" she leans down and slithers into his ear "that wasn't very Klingon of you calling me a "beauty" with a coo in your tone.... and I'm pretty sure I could grant their attention without having to look like them.... after all just look at the way you and your crew have acted since I came aboard.... I don't know about you "Captain" but I'd say you've become soft and I know for certain that Spock would never let HIS father down as you have yours!" he growls then walks over to Picard and asks "you! do you know what the Romulans will do to you if they discover who you are?" Picard replies "I have a good idea we're ready to transport down to the surface" K'vada says as Dezirae takes ahold of Data's hand "just so we understand each other, my orders don't include rescue missions!" Dezirae replies "why would we want to be "rescued" by a Klingon as soft as you!?!.... if we DO need as rescue we'll be sure to contact someone else.... someone harder and more "manly" then you could ever be!" K'vada hisses a growl then he leads them to the transporter room where Picard, Data and Dezirae were beamed off the ship K'vada was disappointed he wished she had remained aboard he found out from his crew that they tried to keep her aboard but were somehow unsuccessful which made him mad and yet curious as to how it was possible....
Once they were on the surface of the planet Dezirae walked a little ways ahead of Picard and Data but made sure she stayed within view she informed Data that since she was not dressed like them that it would be wise that they were not seen together within close proximity and Picard agreed.... Dezirae watched with a amused expression as Data conversed with the waitress who was serving him and Picard a bowl of soup then watches with interest when 2 Romulan officers "steal" them away and follows them somehow knowing that they were in no immediate danger.... Picard and Data were lead to a cavern system where they meet Pardek and Spock "are you being nice to my friends Spock!?!" Dezirae teases playfully as she walks into the cave "I would have said "playing" but you don't play do you!?!" she adds with the same tone "indeed I am just trying to ascertain what they are doing on Romulus" Spock replies "would you believe visiting!?.... we heard the weather was lovely this time of year and that the food was absolutely to die for!" Dezirae says with a smile Spock's eyes sparkle as though he was smiling "what pray tell are you doing here my friend!?" she asks "as you have said the weather is lovely though the food.... could use some improving" Spock replies she chuckles then says "and you're here to help are you!?.... you should have known that Starfleet would take offense to you leaving without their permission or knowledge" Spock raises an eyebrow at her and says "I never would have taken you for a Starfleet officer!" she replies "oh I'm not.... too many rules and egos to match but I have been a "member" of the Enterprise family for quite a few years and have come.... accustomed to many of them" Spock starts to smile then sees the sadness in her own eyes and asks softly "Sarek!? Sarek is dead!?" she nods sadly then replies "though I do believe Jean-Luc would have preferred to give you the news you have always been able to read me a little too well my friend" Spock nod then says "walk with me, Picard" Picard walks over to him and they head deeper into the caverns Dezirae walks over to Data and takes his hand in hers "Data.... I am curious.... I bought this in the market and was wondering if you would like to learn how to play" Dezirae says as she takes a Vulcan lute out of her canvas bag Data looks at it intrigued and she hands it over to him with a smile he takes it gently into his hands "it's "owner" seemed rather eager to get rid of it" she says as she watches Data caress the instrument in his hands with an awed expression in his face "so.... would you like to learn!?" she asks "you know how to play!?!" he asks looking at her "Spock taught me a few cords Sarek taught me the rest I think I have the possible capability to teach what they have taught me" she replies "I would most appreciate it" he replies she leads him over to a corner in the cave and starts to slowly teach him what she was taught and though overeager to learn he followed along knowing quite well that she did not wish to do anything wrong so as not to dishonor a "old friend" and his people.... when Spock and Picard return to where Data, Dezirae and the others are and finds Data exceeding in what Dezirae had taught him as he plays a Vulcan song on the Vulcan lute "she has taught you well that is one of my fathers favorite songs!" Data hears Spock say he looks up at the Vulcan then at Dezirae in surprise then asks with a soft tone of astonishment "that is why you went so slowly!?!" Dezirae replies with a smile "I wanted to make sure I did it right" Spock says "you did indeed.... but where did you find the lute!?!" she replies "in the market.... I checked it for listening devices and the like before bringing it here" Spock says "indeed" Dezirae looks at Picard and says with a smile "I'm starting to believe that is his favorite word.... he says it so often!" Picard replies with a straight face "indeed" she chuckles making him smile.... when Data is ordered to return to the Klingon ship Data tells her that he would feel more secure if she stayed with Spock and Picard and Picard agreed so she once again became "one with the crowd" as Picard and Spock head back onto the streets and inside the very same café Picard and Data were before the "Romulan soldiers" took them and she also stayed within view of both her friends playing the lute like a street performer would and once they leave the bar she follows behind at a safe distance but she stays with Picard when Spock heads with Pardek to the Romulan office "I'm not sure I like this!" Dezirae says softly "I intend to agree Ensign" Picard replies she chuckles with a smile and he smiles then they both hear Spock say from behind them "I do as well.... though I am curious as to why you call her Ensign if she is not a member of Starfleet!?" and they turn to face him as he says "lets head back shall we? there is much to discuss" Picard nods and the three of them head back to the cave and as they walk Dezirae tells Spock of her "many adventures" aboard the Enterprise and answers his inquiry as to why Picard jokingly called her "Ensign".... "so.... what Vulcan feature have you inherited!?" Picard asks Dezirae after Spock shows her to an empty part of the cavern where she would be left alone "I do believe I have acquired their button nose!" she jokes he laughs then says "thank you I needed that" she replies with a smile "you started it Captain" he says with a smile "yes I did!" then he leaves to join Spock in the meeting with the other Romulans who support the unification of the two species that have been enemies for far too long....
Dezirae watches as Data.... who is now back to his normal self..... and Spock work together to break the Romulan Information Net's encryption lock "he intrigues me, this Picard" Spock says to Data "in what manner, sir?" Data asks "remarkably analytical and dispassionate, for a human I understand why my father chose to mind-meld with him there's almost a Vulcan quality to the man" Spock replies "interesting I have not considered that and Captain Picard has been a role model in my quest to be more human" Data says "more human?" Spock asks curiously "yes, Ambassador" Data replies "fascinating you have an efficient intellect, superior physical skills and no emotional impediments there are Vulcans who aspire all their lives to achieve what you've been given by design" Spock says "you are half human" Data recalls "yes" Spock replies "yet you have chosen a Vulcan way of life" Data says "I have" Spock replies "in effect, you have abandoned what I have sought all my life" Data says "I believe I have isolated the 29th cipher access code I shall attempt to access the Proconsul's files" Spock says then he stands up and walks over to the wall console and starts tapping on it's buttons Data walks over to him and asks "Ambassador Spock, may I ask a personal question?" Spock replies "please" Data asks "as you examine your life, do you find you have missed your humanity?" Spock replies "I have no regrets" Data says ".."no regrets" that is a human expression" Spock replies "yes fascinating" then he turns and looks at Dezirae and asks "have you no opinion on the matter!?" Dezirae replies with a smile "no I'm just.... observing if you will though I find Jean-Luc to be very passionate about quite a few things he just believes that while he is preforming his duties he must.... push back that part of himself so he can do his duty without "suffering the consequences".... being overly affected by the actions he has to preform to do such a thing though you are correct he does seem to act quite "Vulcan" at times" Spock hides a smile.... a little while later Dezirae returns to the planet with Spock but stays out of the Romulan office when he goes inside she walks with him in his preferred silence that is until a young Romulan boy walks over to them and disturbs their "precious" silence "Spock, I've been looking for you" the young man says as he runs over to them his eyes lock on Dezirae who walks on Spock's other side "I have been meeting with the Proconsul" Spock replies "does he still speak of reunification?" the boy asks "he speaks of nothing else..... this is my friend Dezirae Dezirae this is D'Tan" Spock introduces "Jolan tru D'Tan" Dezirae says with a nod the boy looked surprised that she knew his language or at least his peoples greeting but nevertheless replies "Jolan tru Dezirae" D'Tan reaches into his pocket and places some small Pyramid shaped dice within Spock's hand as he asks "have you ever seen these?" Spock picks one up and looks at it and says "the syllabic nucleus of the Vulcan language" D'Tan tells him "they were my toys when I was small" Spock asks "your parents wanted you to learn to understand Vulcan?" D'Tan replies "yes, as did their parents before them, to prepare us for the day when we would live again with our Vulcan cousins" Dezirae gently nudges Spock's arm and nods to a Romulan that was walking in their direction Spock turns around as the Romulan informs him "your friends from the Federation have returned they need to see you immediately I've told Pardek he'll meet you at the cave" Spock nods and pats D'Tan on the shoulder "Jolan tru D'Tan it was a honor to meet you" Dezirae says with a small bow "you as well Jolan tru" D'Tan replies somewhat nervously curious as to why someone would consider it an honor to meet him and wondered how someone so strange yet beautiful could be so pleasant Dezirae smiles at him then follows Spock as he walks away