Chapter 2 - An Illusion of Friendship

This ship is far better than I imagined." Professor Philips said as he and Wesley strolled leisurely down the corridor. The Professor's cloak swished as he walked, with his hands clasped behind his back. A habit he had picked up from his old friend Jack Crusher. When Philips gave a sideways glance at Wesley, he saw Jack; in the boy's expressions, eyes and even in the way he stood. Despite the fact Wesley had barely known his father, Philips couldn't deny how much Wesley resembled his father, which ultimately made Philips presence there that much harder.

"You've never seen the inside of the Enterprise before?!" Wesley asked turning to face his 'Uncle' with a shocked expression. He wasn't actually Wesley's real uncle, but he was his father's closest friend and Wesley had known him since he was a kid. So he was the closest Wesley had to an Uncle.

"I may have helped design the Warp Core for this ship, but no I haven't actually seen the inside of the Enterprise before." Philips said amused. Wesley had just shown him Ten Forward, the Holodeck, Sickbay, and he was truly amazed at how big the ship was.

Wesley chuckled in response; "So where to next the Bridge or Engineering, or do you need to go check on the vaccines?" Wesley asked enthusiastically as they reached the turbolift.

Philips smiled; "Engineering" He replied and watched Wesley step onto the turbolift. It was truly good to see Wesley again. He hadn't seen Wesley since before he and his mother came aboard the Enterprise, and he was proud of the man Wesley was becoming. It seemed Starfleet had been good for him. However, then Philips remembered the real reason he was on board the Enterprise, and frowned. He had to stay focused.

"Uncle Charlie?" Wesley asked concerned as he turned back around and saw Philips had stopped and was frowning. He watched as Philips shook his head and smiled as he followed Wesley onto the turbolift. As it descended to Engineering, Wesley glanced at Philips a few times, wondering if there was something bothering him. Although, all thoughts of concern disappeared as Wesley and the Professor got off the turbolift into Engineering, and were met by Geordi and Data.

"Professor Philips!" Geordi exclaimed as he rushed over and shook the man's hand; "It truly is an honour to finally meet the Engineer who designed the Enterprise's Warp Core."

"Thank you…." Philips replied pausing as he didn't know the man's name

"Geordi Le Forge" Geordi replied grinning and Philips politely nodded

"And this is Data" Wesley said stepping forward gesturing to Data beside Geordi

"Ahh" Philips said more excited as he shook Data's hand, he could feel the coldness of the Android's hand; "So you're the Android that excelled the ranks of Starfleet." Philip paused as he stared the Android up and down. "Your reputation precedes you." He finished admiration in his eyes

"As does yours Professor. Your Starfleet record is impressive." Data said matter of factly

"Mmm." The professor murmured as he held Data's gaze a few moments, and then he broke eye contact and glanced around Engineering. He had only previously seen it via blueprints when he was designing it, and he saw that it was exactly as he had thought it would be. He was relieved as it meant it would be easier for him to do what he was set out to do. Now he just had to gain access to Engineering when no one was around.

How is engine efficiency?" Philips asked leaning over the middle console in the centre of the room, quickly memorising each control.

"97%" Geordi replied proudly as he walked over

"Really?" Philips said raising an eyebrow questioningly before starting to walk away, as if he wasn't very impressed. Knowing full well Le Forge or this Mr Data would stop him

"Could you take a look at the engines? Improve their efficiency?" Data asked curiously as he stepped forward, and Philips couldn't resist a smile. People were so easy manipulated, even Androids, he'd grown to realise that through his years serving Starfleet. When Philips turned back around he had a blank expression; "Perhaps." He said as he strolled past them both pretending to ponder the proposal; "I will need to speak with your Captain and with Beverly regarding my Ambassador duties and replication of the vaccines. But I'm sure I will have some free time." Philips said nodding his head and smiling at them both. "Now if you will excuse us" He said as he walked back into the Turbolift, gesturing for Wesley to follow.

"Bridge" Philips said aloud as the doors swished shut on them. He relaxed slightly, already starting the feel the weight of his façade. He had planned this long before coming aboard, but now he was there he was beginning to have doubts. Finally, when he felt like he was being watched, he turned to see Wesley staring at him with an expression he couldn't read.

"What is it?" Philip asked fearing Wesley almost read his thoughts

Wesley searched his Uncles eyes and expression for any sign that he was hiding something; that something was wrong. But he only saw concern wretched in his face. "Is everything alright Professor?"

Philips smiled reassuringly; "Of course Wesley. It just feels strange to be on board such a fine vessel and know that I somehow played a part in its construction. Reminds me I'm not as young as I used to be." Philips said, his voice barely above a whisper in the last sentence.

Wesley grinned in response, his worries falling away. Next thing Wesley knew, the Turbolift doors swished open onto the bridge. Philips stepped out first, marching down the ramp, confidently, as if he belonged there. Wesley silently followed, unsure whether he should leave or not.

Ambassador" Philips stopped in place at the bottom of the ramp and turned towards the voice. Counsellor Deanna Troi stood up and approached him, he quickly recognised her from his preparation of reading the officer files before boarding. He knew that this Betazoid counsellor was someone he had to watch out for. Philips glided forward and outstretched his hand; "Counsellor Troi I presume?" He said softly, getting close to her, trying to create the illusion of intimacy to distract her, and completely removing all thoughts of his plan from his head. It seemed to work as he returned his smile and handshake.

"Welcome aboard Ambassador" Troi said pleasantly, as she sensed only positive things from him

"Thank you Counsellor." He replied nodding; "This truly is a magnificent ship, Wesley has just been showing me around." Philips said admiring the bridge, especially the consoles. "I have come to see the Captain" Philips said his gaze returning to Troi. She nodded and gestured her arm towards the captain's ready room. Silently thanking her, he turned towards the ready room.

Captain Picard had in front of him, many padds containing updated reports on the situation on Penarus V. It was indeed grim, and he was disappointed they would not reach the planet for another three days, even at high warp. He sighed as he turned towards his computer monitor and brought up the plane council's report on the domestic issues. He had just started reading when there was a chime at his ready room door, he didn't look up merely said; "Come" and carried on reading. However, he did look up when Philips walked in followed by Wesley Crusher, and set his padd down.

"Ambassador. I trust Mr Crusher here has been accommodating in your tour?" He said giving a brief glance at Wesley, showing complete seriousness and professionalism, but really he was trying to size the professor up, trying to understand him.

"Wes certainly has been helpful showing me around," Picard took note of the nickname; "I must say you have a fine ship Captain." Picard's mouth upturned into a small smile at the comment

That she is" Picard paused then stood up; "A drink?" He asked Philips who nodded, walking forward to take a seat, before stopping and turning back to Wesley.

"See you again later Wesley" Philip spoke in an authoritative way, dismissing Wesley. The boy merely nodded in response and left.

"He's so much like Jack." Philips murmured, barely above a whisper but Picard still heard. Before Picard could question him further about Jack, Philips turned to face him; "So I gather you've read the latest report from the Penarons?" Philips said taking the cup of tea and gesturing at the padds. Picard nodded as he sat down, "You gathered the same conclusions I did? We don't have much time." Picard said with a sigh

"We didn't expect the virus to escalate so far. Starfleet tried to make sure the Penarons had it contained for when we arrived, but it seems to have failed." Picard was sure he detected a slight edge to the man's voice. "In three days what will be left for us to save?" He genuinely seemed to be asking Picard, but Picard didn't know how to answer

"From what the council have said, they have quarantined unaffected areas of the population to prevent further outbreak, but there was still a dramatic decline in the population. Especially in the government, they are effectively losing control."

"The riots" Philips nodded dryly in response; "The people are panicking"

"How do you intend to bring peace? It already seem on the brink of war" Picard asked sipping his tea

"Honestly?" Philips said studying the Captain; "I'm not sure. I am not a mediator Captain, I am an Engineer. Starfleet knows I'm the best man for the job when it comes to the vaccines, but when it comes to negotiating peace." Philips sighed; "You would be more suited"

Picard was a little shocked at such a confession. "Perhaps, I have had experience in these type of missions. But I'm sure Starfleet felt you were more fitted, they had to have their reasons for sending you. The Enterprise is here merely to assist in any way possible."

"Commander Riker to Captain Picard" Picard's communicator chirped to life suddenly. Picard tapped it and responded; "Picard here"

"Captain we have just finished storing the vaccines. I thought you would like to alert the Ambassador"

"The Ambassador is presently here Number one" Picard said nodding his head at Philips to speak

"Very good work Commander. I will be along shortly to inspect it myself." Philips said ending the conversation, as he stood up to leave. "Thank you for the tea Captain. I will give you a report on the vaccines by 0800." Philips added as he turned towards the door

"Oh, by the way Ambassador. We have a dinner held this evening in your honour."

Philips stopped in place and turned back to face Picard; "I appreciate that Captain, but that is not necessary. I'd hate to take your officers away from important work for this mission."

Picard waved his hand; "It's no trouble. Besides some of the crew had been interested in getting to know you."

That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Philips thought to himself as he left, knowing if he kept trying to get out of it the Captain would get suspicious. He just had to remain focused on his mission, and not let doubts get in his way of completing it. He had to remember who he was doing this for.