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At the mention of his mother, Alexander smiled. So did Riker, who had fond memories of the brief time he’d known the woman.

Worf continued. “When I look back on what has happened in the past month, I find that the only action I have taken in that entire time that I truly view with pride was when I was able to stop the Klahb takeover of the Federation embassy. Yet that was the only thing I have done in that time that was not diplomatic in nature. The rest of that time was spent in meetings. I was briefed, I was instructed, I gave instructions, I politicked, I negotiated, I—compromised. While it is true that I have served the greater good of both the Federation and the empire, it is also true that I have had my fill of serving the greater good. As with Kahless, so too is it with me—it is past time that I did something for myself. It is time for me to be selfish.”

Ross walked up to him. Riker didn’t know Ross well enough to predict how he’d react to this, so he braced himself for a chewing-out that only a person with flag rank could dish out.

However, to Riker’s relief, all he said was: “Mr. Worf—I can’t think of anybody I know who deserves a little selfishness more than you. Assuming it’s what you want, you can consider your rank officially reinstated. You’re back on active duty as soon as you give the word—Lieutenant Commander.”

Worf’s eyes widened in that way they did whenever he was excited. “The word, Admiral, is given.”

“Good—as it happens, I know for a fact that there’s a first officer position on the Titan available. It’s yours if you want it.”

Before Riker could say anything, Worf turned to look at Riker. “I would be honored to be your first officer.”

Stricken, Riker shot a look at Vale.

“Is something wrong?” Ross asked.

However, Vale just gave Riker a smile and a quick nod.

“Nothing’s wrong,” Riker said quickly to Ross, then to Worf: “The honor would be mine, Commander.”

And in truth, it would be. Worf had been a bridge officer for two years on the U.S.S. Aldrin and another one on the EnterpriseD before being promoted to security chief, where he remained for seven years. Then he became strategic operations officer on Deep Space 9, during which his duties included supervision of the powerful warship U.S.S. Defiant. He also served as fleet liaison between Starfleet and the Klingon Defense Force throughout most of the war. In many ways, in terms of variety of experience, he was a better candidate for the job than either La Forge or Vale, even with the four-year gap in his service record. More important, Riker and Worf had served together on several missions during their time on the EnterpriseD—and even served as commanding officer and executive officer during a harrowing battle simulation on the ancient U.S.S. Hathaway—and he was one of the few people Riker knew he could completely trust as his second-in-command.

But that doesn’t make it any fairer to Vale. She should’ve had the chance to refuse it before Ross cut me off at the knees.

Admiral Ross departed the bridge to return to the Cerberus and prepare to ferry the Klingon emperor. Alexander returned to Qo’noS to begin his orientation. Worf commented that Giancarlo Wu “will make an excellent teacher.” While he had not received the position yet, Worf wanted Alexander to be ready for when he did. Worf himself was remaining on board, to accompany the Enterprise back to Earth for the first of two wedding ceremonies.

Normally, that thought would lift Riker’s spirits, but his heart was still heavy. Once the Enterprise broke orbit of Qo’noS and began the journey back to Earth, Riker asked Vale if they could speak in private.

The moment they entered the observation lounge, before Riker could say anything, Vale said, “Sir, before you even try to apologize, don’t bother. It’s all right, really. Honestly, if I were you and the ambassador—sorry, Commander Worf—became available, I’d snap him up in a minute.”

“That’s not fair to you, Commander.