Who IS Angel Ryder?

[Angel Ryder]

Terra Alpha Tower (formerly AlphaTek Tower)

The mid morning rush of office staff, political reporters and other denizens of the tower had subsided and Angel Ryder had found herself behind the main reception desk. At first it was just to cover the comms while the usual reception girl went to the bathroom, then it turned into a 'I need to change', which then turned into 'I need to go home for the day'. Apparently the Barzan girl was having some issues with her breathers and some other medications she was taking and went between having dry heaving breathing fits and other... issues.

So the an Admiral and a candidate for Congress and thus Speaker of the House was sitting behind a reception desk, with an earpiece in, handling comms and checking security badges.

"Oh Angelica it's all come full circle." she said to herself after an hour of no one realizing just who she was. Which made her come to the realization that while she was known in uniform, out of uniform and in an unfamiliar place, she was just another 'cute' office worker. Even with her ID badge clearly visible 'Ryder-Morris, Angelica' under her headshot of herself in uniform. It was something that her campaign advisor had been worried about, that outside of her name and title, she was an unknown. Which both fascinated and frightened her, was she really that mysterious? As a Section 31 officer she needed the secrecy, but now as part of the rebuilding of Terra Alpha... there was much more at stake.

"Hey is Admiral Ryder in her office? That stupid bitch keeps avoiding our meetings." a man in a suit and dark glasses grumbled.

"No... she isn't. And it isn't nice to call her that." Angel said with a half smirk half smile. "And you are?"

"You don't know who I am? Gah... they are really hiring anyone that can fog a mirror here." he scoffed. "Just tell Admiral Ryder it is imperi..."

"I can't tell her that unless I know your name and if you have a security badge. Otherwise you're just anoth..." Angel started to say.

"Open your eyes woman, my face is on magazines, news feeds and even fucking billboards... you tell her I'm here or i'm having you fired." He snapped back.

"Oh, well in that case... I'll have to ask you to leave." Angel said with a polite smile and looked at him. "For all I know you're a Changling."

"And you're a rude little bitch." He said and slammed his badge on the table and looked at her. "That good enough for you?"

"No, not really." Angel said and unclipped her badge and put it next to his. "Admiral Ryder isn't available and neither am I."

"Who do you think you... oh shit." He winced.

"Mister Tarza... i have told you repeatedly that your arrogance is not going to win me over and you called me a bitch twice." Angel said and looked him dead in the eyes. "I am also not approving your project. I wasn't avoiding our meetings, I was cancelling them because I do not want to work with you."

"That's a horrible mistake." He replied and crossed his arms.

"I don't see it that way. You have no humility, more ego than even my Uncle Tony and less consideration for others than I would care to see in someone who is looking to help redevelop this city." Angel picked up her badge and pinned it back on. "I'm covering for a sick secretary despite being someone who could simply call in another girl. I do whatever it takes. Can you do the same? Toilet backs up, do you get a plunger or do you walk in your own shit while you wait for someone to fix the problem?"

"It's not my job to fix toilets and that doesn't have any bearing on the issue..."

"It's not my job to answer comms and check people in either... and yet... there was a need and I stepped in." Angel said and put her glasses on. "Now, you've been told. Be a good boy and walk away and think about it. I have work to do." she said and turned to another person who walked in who politely handed over a badge and she buzzed them through."

"Thank you." the tall Klingon said as he nodded his head and went through the security gate.

"Klingons are more polite than you were." Angel said and cocked her head. "Now, come back when you learn some manners."

[Erica Cross]

Erica watched the exchange and chuckled as she walked over to the desk and whispered. "I would have broke his fucking nose and made him kiss your open toed pumps."

"I'm running for office... but you're welcome to do that next time he acts like a dick." Angel replied and handed Erica a couple of the small packages that were delivered earlier. "You need to stop buying over the holo-net. You can just buy this in one of my shops and get a discount."

"True... but I'm lazy and I'm also training ten archers for the Olympics." Erica replied and opened one of the small packages. "I must say I am surprised to see you behind that desk. Try'sah still having those vertigo episodes?"

"I imagine so. Poor thing. Why doesn't she go to and get it taken care of?" Angel said as she took a sip of her tea.

"Not everyone grew up with a sickbay a deck away and a doctor playing video games waiting for the next patient to arrive." Erica said as she put on the earrings she got in the package and looked in the reflective surface of the desk. "There's plenty of medical care if you're willing to wait for it. Sometimes people don't want to wait."

"Holodoc?" Angel cocked her head.

"Would you want a holodoc?" Erica deadpanned. "Might be a good thing, getting ground level again. Your father seemed to enjoy it."

"Good point." She hummed and tapped her chin. "So how's Clint doing? Haven't really seen him as much."

"Trying to make Liara Mrs. Cross number 2." Erica said with a smirk. "Do NOT repeat any of this but... I like her better than Selene. I know it makes me a horrible mother but... she's just... nicer. I don't feel like 'and how many men have you killed since breakfast' like I did with Selene." she sighed heavily. "My granddaughter also seems to like her." she sat down and looked at Angel. "How are your kids?"

"They're with their father on the Kitea. He's a good father, but I'm still feeling like the worst wife in the galaxy." Angel sighed heavily and closed her eyes. "He thinks I'm cray for going into politics. 'You don't have to do everything your father did'. And yet... this is the only way that I can see that we can keep things on the track they need to be on. And yet... he's right. I'm following so much in dad's footsteps I may as well be in size 12's. Including torpedoing a marriage."

"I can understand that... but there are things that both of you do well and perhaps a break is needed. You two are good together, but you did make him give up his ship and then you sharing that new ship that you helped design... " Erica winced. "Let him feel like a man for a while, like a Captain. Besides, as sweet as Seraphina is, twins under a year are going to make him realize he needs you more than he realizes."

"Or some cute little thing is going to be mommy better than I could and I'll get a process server showing up at the condo." Angel bit her lower lip. "It's just... a part of me is... almost glad we're living apart. I think... I don't know... I think there may be some lingering resentment about what..." she shook her head. "No, I'm just being a worrier, but I don't have to have a perfect home life to run for Congress, my opponent has more ex-wifes than Jack has kids."

"I know, I have my hair done by one of them." Erica said with a laugh. "She's good, she can keep this mop under control. Let me give you the same advice that I gave Bella and Jon and my son, you don't have to live up to some unattainable 'perfect' standard. I loved my last husband, I even loved Clint's father, and I still feel like a colossal heel for lying to my son for most of his life, but... we're mothers. Sometimes... you have to do what you have to do and hope in the end... things work out."

[James Cross]

James came off the elevator and chuckled lightly as he walked over to Angel and his 'grandmum'. "Hey Gran, Admiral." he waved and smiled. "I can take over, I've got another girl coming in a little while. I really would never expect you to cover a front desk shift. It's like asking Bella to take her old post."

"It's fine, really. It was kind of eye opening. I used to think that if I did run for office, I'd just have to show up and people would know who I was. But apparently I'm not really as well known. Which is a good and bad thing. Of course who would expect a decorated Admiral to be doing reception desk but even so. I've done photo shoots in a bikini... unless people were far too polite."

"Honestly ma'am... I'm surprised how unknown I am around here, when we had the old Compound, people around it knew who I was. Here, I get carded, harassed for being a 'kid' or I deepen my voice a little and they think I'm JT and fuck with me." James chuckled. "What my 'brother' has done... I really don't want to know."

"He's a bit of a prankster off duty. I'm a little shocked at how different he is compared to the James T Kirk that history has told us he was and other holo vids." Angel said with a smirk. "Although I like you way way more."

"I do too." Erica said and gave him a hug. "Oh before I forget again... getting old... tell your sister that she and Jon are coming over to the Olympic Committee banquet at 8 instead of 7, they pushed it back because the representative from Earth has to ah... get an eyeball replacement and he's half blind without it."

"Seriously?" Angel raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah... it's a four hour procedure and he won't be able to really be useful, now he could have sent someone but this IS kind of a big deal for Earth and for us. Our first Olympics since before the Fall of the Federation." Erica said and smiled. "Maybe I'll actually get some gold on the wall after all. Even if it's not mine, but my team's."

"You should have seen Bella with a bow and arrow during some of the Compound attacks, heh utter badass in a pencil skirt." James said proudly. "Speaking of badasses... I need to hire a couple more for security. We need more coverage on 39th and 42nd floors. Know anyone looking for highly paid no brainer work?"

"I might know a few." Erica tapped her chin. "No brainer work?"

"Literally guarding a door and an elevator for 8 hours. We had some... breeches last week and this week... nothing major but if Eli's old team was here, they'd be shot and then we'd have to pay a settlement." James said and rolled his eyes. "And then we'd need to make sure they keep it out of the news... and it's just a huge hassle. And without Malcolm to run spin..."

[Tanya Foster]

"An' who said ye' don't have someone to run spin? Like my big brother was the only fookin' fool who could do that job now?" Tanya said as she walked in with an armload of padds. "What the bloody hell was I doin' goin' to every fookin' media outlet in this cockamamie town in heels for the past four hours? Makin' bloody well sure that none of our growin' pains make the news." she handed off the padds to James and sat on the edge of the desk. "It's like ye've already forgotten I'm here."

"Honestly... I thought you were serious when you said and I quote 'oh fook this fookin' job right up the arse I'm gone!" James replied.

"Yeh... for the day. I tied one on and got a good shag and a sleep and I'm right as rain. If I ever quit ye'll know I quit. Trust me on that one boyo." Tanya chuckled "I'm nae jumpin' ship to help out Malcolm in Scotland, personally I hate the whole bloody thing, a King, pfft... I have a boss. His name is Jon Price. Even if he is a bloody Brit." she said and looked at Angel who was stifling a laugh. "Ye think this is funny now eh?"

"Hilarious. Truly. Tanya, if I threw you an extra few hundred in your credit account and got you a proper pair of heels, not that replicated knock off Choo that you're wearing now, think you can help with my campaign?" Angel inquired.

"Hmm... may be against rules, but fook the rules. Just get me shoes. Because these... rubbish." she pulled off her heels and tossed them into a garbage can five feet away. "I used t'play basketball in high school. I'll even do y'one better, I'll help y'get T'Kir's endorsement, as if you really need me to do that, but ever since you missed her's and Mal's wedding, she's got this snit about your reliability."

"I was kind of fighting a war." Angel replied. "And she gave me like 2 days notice."

"She gave me one." Tanya shrugged her shoulders. "I'll be honest, I thought she and Mal were just FWBs, Malcolm had never had a girlfriend last beyond four dates before either he dumped her or she dumped him. Or I had to cover up a knock down drag out."

[Angel Ryder]

"I would almost bet on T'Kir in a fight between the two. " Angel said with a laugh. "Well my nomination papers are already in, I can always pull out if I change my mind but I think this might be the best option. And... if you can get my face and my formal platform out there..."

"I'm not a miracle worker lass, but I'll see what I can do. Besides, maybe a Ryder running for 3rd in line might give some of the allies that are all wiggy some peace of mind." Tanya replied and smiled. "Well, I've got work ta do... by the way... say hi to your da for me."

"I'm not seeing him." Angel replied.

"You're going to resign from your post and run for office and not consult your old man... riiiiiight. Daddy's lass." Tanya teased.

"Can I shoot her?" Angel giggled lightly and tapped her chin. "Might not be a bad idea, get his... no I'm a grown woman... I don't need my dad's support or approval."

"What if President Ryder comes back and sees you in office as Speaker and not on a ship..." James inquired.

"That it was my choice to make a change." Angel replied.

[T'Kir]

The Next Day --

T'Kir was strolling down the main street of the little hamlet that she and Malcolm had relocated to. Being the Veep of Terra Alpha had a small, emergency clause that if the Presidential Compound was ever compromised that the Vice President was not only encouraged to seek alternate quarters, but also alternate offices at another site that wasn't close to Capitol City. T'Kir may or may not have had that written into the law. She rather enjoyed the Scottish colony more than she actually enjoyed Scotland. The weather was far nicer and she felt like she could actually get some work done. Considering that she was trying to run for a more local office and liked being more 'street level'.

"You do seem to fit in here T'Kir." Angel said as she beamed down next to her. "I got tired of holding my comm."

"Y'do know lass there've been these miracle inventions only around since oh... the 20th century, called an earpiece." T'Kir said in her typical Scottish dry manner. "So ye'really think you can win my seat?"

"I've got some good endorsements and I did pledge to continue some of your popular programs. Other than the sailing thing. Twenty five people on a ship that should have four times that... eh... I'll throw some of my personal money at it." Angel said and shrugged her shoulders. "That was the only pork in your portfolio."

"The lad that runs it is a cutie and I slept with him before I became exclusive to Malcolm." T'Kir said in a manner of fact tone of voice. "About ten years my junior but bloody amazing in the sack. Commitment issues." she scoffed. "Anyway... do what y'like it won't be my district soon. This is going to be my new project." she gestured. "The King himself was formally disappointed in this district and I think it's got charm, so we'll do what we can fix it up."

[Órlaith]

Órlaith hung back. She wore civilian clothes while in the field protecting Angel so she would blend in better and not draw attention to Angel. She had a Navy issued phaser tucked into the waistband of her trousers, and hidden in the small of her back was a newly constructed kliden.

Órlaith was sure only Angel knew of its existence and she tried very hard to keep it that way. It was bad enough she carried the face of Dominus and Bellatrix she didn't need people thinking she's also a 'dasis.

"All's clear," she said softly into her comm which was tied back to an orbital surveillance station watching overhead.

[Angel Ryder]

"Doesn't look THAT horrible, less pot holes in the streets than the west side of Capitol City." Angel replied and looked around. "But I am seeing a distinct lack of children, where's the nearest school?"

"Transport distance, but not walking distance." T'Kir replied. "That's something I want to work on, nothing but old people and vets, which is okay, but families build a community and... look at the real Scotland, birth rates were bloody horrible. Not that Terra Alpha will ever have that issue, but... "

"Hey all three were kinda unplanned." Angel teased. "So how far along are you?"

"I'm... how'd you know?" T'Kir said in shock.

"Just little things, you never smiled that much before and you're not your usual fitted and tailored outfits, like you're compensating for a bump that isn't there yet." Angel said and and shrugged her shoulders. "I do run a dress shop and I see a LOT of pregnant women."

"That y'do." T'Kir chuckled and hugged her. "Just don't spread it... Mal's got a whole thing in the works. An' y'know how pissy he gets."

"My lips are sealed. So... about your endorsement?" Angel smirked and put her hands on her hips.

"Oh alright... ye've got it... still... you're not the mo..."

"I was fighting a war T'Kir, and you gave me two days notice, you know how long it takes me to find a gift and pick out a dress and get a sitter. For the ship, not the kids." Angel replied. "Getting a Browning sniper rifle in wedding white casing takes a day or so to get legally registered."

"I did really like it." T'Kir said with a grin. "Alright... you're forgiven. Still, you were like the only one that was in my corner, wanted you there. When I was still that untrustworthy Tal Shiar assassin you were still giving me trust and a chance. You were kind of one of my only friends."

[Cece Ryder]

Two Months Later --

Cece was dangling from her ankles held onto by Arisu over a balcony, the iljuna the only thing keeping her dress from giving everyone a free peep show.

"Remind me, why am I doing this again?" Cece asked as she looked down at the traffic below her.

"Because you're the only one with retinal scans on file for her apartment since the network crash... and your paranoia installed booby traps on the landing, so unless you want to be Crispy Cece, quit your bitching and get the system unlocked already!" Ari said with a laugh.

"Well Angel did have two assassination attempts and it's election day..." Cece said as she entered in the codes and tried to get her eye to lock onto the sensor plate. "And... done... you can let go now."

"Okay!" Ari said and let go causing Cece to drop to the balcony and give her a dirty look. "You said let go."

"Not drop me!" Cece snapped back and pushed the door open. "Now where is... ah ha!" she found the briefcase under the desk and chuckled as she saw the remnants of the dress Angel was wearing on the table. It always amused her that Angel could literally pull together an outfit from nothing without a replicator in an hour or two. "So Arisu, are you going to take Angel's offer? To be her chief of security?"

"I don't know... it's tempting, but the Order does take up a lot of my time." Arisu said and looked around and then heard something in the bedroom. "Uhm, is anyone supposed to be here?"

"Probably her cat." Cece said as she loaded up the new security protocols into the Condo's system.

"When did she get a cat?" Ari raised an eyebrow.

"Month or so ago, kinda followed her home." Cece shrugged her shoulders and then raised an eyebrow. "Although I've never picked up a mental impression like that." she drew her firearm from her thigh holster and carefully walked over to the bedroom. "Isis? Kitty cat is that you?" she put her finger her lips.

"Shit." was heard muffled.

"Unless she taught kitty cat how to say 'shit'..." Ari whispered.

"Hold it right... there?" Cece threw the door open and pointed her weapon and a shapely woman in long black hair who was naked with what looked like the cat's collar around her neck.

"Oh it's only you." the woman said "Predictable." she almost purred.

"Okay lady who the fuck are you and what are you doing in here?" Arisu had her hand out, looking like she was just in a martial arts pose, but she was holding her cloaked kilden in her hand.

"Isis." the woman said as she pulled on a robe and sat on the bed. "Oh that's right... you never saw me like this. Only with fur and a tail." she chuckled. "At least in this timeline." she said cryptically. "I was hoping that you two would have taken longer to get through the security."

"You did that?" Cece said and scowled. "Bad kitty."

"Mrrow." She laughed. "You can thank me later when you clean out my litter box." she pointed to the bathroom where two armed men were tied up. "I had to drop my disguise to take them out... it takes a little while to change back. But I may as well save you some time, they were sent by a man named Arvol Baugaran which is as made up a name as you can get, but i recognize the gear - they're part of Vinelli's old organization that reformed. They're hired hands, probably hired by either her rival or someone that wants to see her not win the election today."

"Okay okay... hold up one second here. You work for the Supervisors." Arisu said and put her hands on her hips. "Since when do they care about Angel?"

"Since always but more recently because this is a path not yet taken and it's important she had more than one guardian angel." Isis replied and got up from the bed. "Or maybe because you and her are critical to the new paths that the Alliance is on since the Fall of Dominus and we want to ensure you both survive. I do like you Carly... you always gave me such nice massages and you snuck me those yummy treats. Hey when I'm a cat, I'm a cat... sorry about your nylons by the way."

"Your life is so weird." Ari rolled her eyes "Okay i think I'm taking that offer... i have to see this, but... isn't your cover blown now?"

"For you perhaps. I'm still just a little black cat." Isis said as she held up a Servo. "But... since I already did most of the heavy lifting, you'll need to take the bodies out so... you can remember who I am. For now."

"That... would explain why there's always two dirty mugs in the sink, we just thought Angel was getting absent minded like her father." Cece snapped her fingers.

"I do like coffee." Isis grinned and giggled. "It's so seldom i get the real ground thing that she keeps around, for centuries its just been replicated. Kitty doesn't like replicated."

[Angel Ryder]

Meanwhile --

Angel was sitting on the unconscious bulk of a would be assassin who was tied up and she was waiting for the authorities to come and take him in. She had taken him down in about two minutes, despite being twice her size and weight and armed. She was reading over her speech and would randomly nudge he man when he'd groan. "Quiet you, I'm trying to get this right... and you wouldn't be a bench and knocked out if you didn't try to kill me." she posed for a few photos, fairly happy that she had made a dress that gave her freedom of movement and still looked professional and elegant.

"Admiral? You do know we could have just beamed him away." A page said with a chuckle.

"You could have, but then I wouldn't have a place to sit, I'm going to be on six inch heels all night and there are almost no chairs here." Angel gestured to the nearly empty room. "Who's stupid office ergonomics expert came up with this floor plan?"

"Ah there's my Speaker of the House..." Tereska Kellow said as she walked in with a big smile on her face. "I really couldn't believe it... I had to see it for myself, you took down a would be assassin, without breaking a nail."

"I only ever wear fake ones, the real thing get in the way of my typing and sewing." Angel said as she got up and walked over to hug her Grandmother's alternate. "I'm so glad you came. See Teri, this is what you could be giving birth to."

"I need a husband first." Teri chuckled and nudged her. "I'm actually enjoying spending time with your grandchildren. Buscia."

"Don't remind me. I never thought I'd be called that until I was at least in my fifties." Angel laughed and sighed. "Although I still want to call you Buscia-lite... although I am getting increasingly nervous about my impending body change. I mean... my mother was built pretty much like I am now and then..." she gestured to her chest and made a gesture that implied larger breasts. "Like all of a sudden."

"Yeah... I was more than a little surprised at what my future holds too." Teri bit her lip. "I mean... my mother stayed tiny forever. But then... I go from thin and lithe to... voluptuous."

"Kellow Curse Uncle Stefan called it." Angel winced.

"Now that I think about it... I did have an aunt... damn skips generations." Teri groaned. "Well thank goodness we're crafty seamstresses. I have to admit, when I first came here and I was living in the old Compound, Nick gave me a room with your... my... her old sewing machine and a closet full of clothes you two must have made."

"Yeah Buscia gave that to me when I turned 16 and was starting to get really into fashion design as a hobby and potential side minor. Replicators can only do so much and when visiting other planets, sometimes it helps to have hand crafted clothing. And... I find it relaxes and stresses me out at the same time." Angel said as she felt the hem of her dress. "I made this last night as a way to calm my nerves and then wake me up because I was missing pins."

"I hate when that happens." Teri laughed and smiled. "I still can't believe you won... or that you've had assassination attempts."

"Well, I think with all the Dominus lackey's around it was bound to happen and I did make enemies, during the wars we had I lead campaigns that had some high casualties. Some hated me because they thought I was just 'The President's spoiled brat daughter that had no right to be in command.' as if I got where I am because of him. I got my rank up to Commander before we started to work together again, I fought wars, lost limbs..." she pointed to her knees. "I mean a Borg literally blasted my knees off, luckily it was fairly clean and the doctors were able to set up replacement knees and graft my shins back onto them, but... I spent two years in rehab learning to walk, but I still served... worked in the USO, fronted a band, did Intel work, analysis, managed to get myself assigned to a starship again as an Ops Chief with my old drummer in Engineering and worked my way back up. Dad and his name and rep were useful for getting free shuttles and gear when I needed it, but I never asked him to interfere." Angel said and closed her eyes. "Once we go into recess I'm going to visit him, as much as I sort of resent him for leaving, I understand it more... and... I miss him."

"I do too, but you're doing a good thing and I'm sure he'd be proud of you." Teri said. "I know I am."