When All Q Breaks Loose

Chapter Forty Four: You're Wrong

Picard couldn't help but yawn as he sat on the floor. It wasn't that he hadn't been offered something to sit on. Worf had poked his head in long enough to see if his superior officer wanted a chair. It was more out of a stubborn sense of pride, if he was being honest. But the fact that it was getting late, the light was low due to the candles, and Deanna had somehow managed to find a device to play quiet music didn't help.

The unfortunate thing was that the atmosphere seemed to have the same effect on their detainee. James was having a hard time keeping his eyes open as well, though the counselor didn't seem to have the same problem. "Why don't we call it a night," Troi suggested when she realized that both men were about ready to drop into slumber. They'd only gotten through the most basic parts of the story so far, and she thought there was a lot more to it than desperation, as had already been suggested. However, it was getting late and everyone needed their rest. It had been a long day, after all.

The slight sound of snoring came from the other room. It took Deanna a moment to realize it came from Worf. She stifled a smile as she stood from her seat and turned off the music. "Perhaps it would be best to pick this up in the morning," she reiterated.

With a bit of a start, Picard opened his eyes. "What was that? Oh, yes. Quite right, counselor," he rushed, realizing he'd actually dozed off in the last few minutes. A bit slowly, he regained his feet. "We should pick things up in the morning." He gave a brief nod to Trio before exiting the room. The sound of Worf's snores quickly ended as the captain nudged him on his way out.

But before the Klingon could go in and see what was going on, Heathcliff entered the outer room. "I believe everyone is retiring for the evening," he informed Worf. "If you wish to do the same, I will secure the prisoner."

Deanna couldn't help but peer into the outer room at the butler's words. James had fallen asleep and she found no reason to suspect he was pretending. "Do you really think that necessary? He's clearly not a flight danger at the moment."

The butler entered the inner room, glancing briefly at the man in question. "It is not for me to decide," he informed her. He didn't need to add that he'd had orders, not from Fred, but his father, to detain the man with whatever force he felt necessary. And while this James person wasn't in any immediate danger of trying to flee, he wouldn't put it past him to take the earliest opportunity when he woke up.

Seeing as there wasn't much she could say on the matter, Deanna nodded. "Of course. We need make sure we're able to get to the bottom of this." She stepped aside to allow Heathcliff access to the man inside. She was only mildly surprised to see Worf following the butler, albeit a bit more slowly than usual. He did look tired, after all, and she contributed it to that.

"Allow me to assist you," the Klingon offered as Heathcliff expertly lifted the unconscious man over one shoulder, showing strength the Klingon would not have expected to see in such an older individual. "Then again, it does not appear that you need my help. However, I still wish to accompany you to wherever you are taking him."

Heathcliff nodded by way of answer as he turned towards the door. He didn't feel the need to say anything else as he gave a brief nod to Trio as well, before leaving the room. Worf followed after him, making sure to open the door so he could exit without difficulty.

Deanna let out a sigh as she moved to blow out the candles. It wouldn't do to burn the place down by leaving them burning unattended. That taken care of, she headed to her room for the night.

...............................

By the time Wasabi had calmed sufficiently down, Honey couldn't help but comment on the late hour. She stifled a yawn as she moved so her companion could regain his feet. "If I didn't know any better," she commented, "I wouldn't be surprised if everyone else had decided to go to bed." She checked her watch, realizing it was closer to midnight. "Maybe we should do the same."