"Rekelen, walk with me." Gul Dal ordered the girl standing in front of him. Turning, he headed down the street towards the transporter station.
Sixteen year old Rekelen Dal, quickly, fell into step beside her father. "What's going on?" She asked.
Gul Dal slowed his pace. "Captain Paris is returning today." Was his reply.
Rekelen frowned. "I thought you said that the talks would break down before reaching this point." She was a smart girl with a head for politics.
"I was...wrong." Gul Dal admitted, reluctantly. "Captain Paris was more of a challenge than I thought. The Federation was wise in sending him."
"Now what?" Rekelen stepped into the transport station and gave the transport operator a small smile. She went to school with three of his seven children.
Gul Dal stopped in front of the transporter pad and eyed it in disdain. "Now, we wait for Captain Paris to arrive for the next...stage...of the talks."
Rekelen knew that there had to be more to it or her father wouldn't have called her away from her studies. "He's coming today, then?" She asked, focusing her attention on the platform.
"Yes, he and his son are arriving today." Gul Dal glanced at his eldest child. "You will befriend the boy while his father is here, he may be of use later on."
"He's bringing his son to peace talks?" Rekelen found this odd but most humans and their behaviors were odd to her. She, distractedly, reached up and brushed a strand of auburn hair away from her blue/grey eyes.
Gul Dal returned his eyes to the platform. "It would seem that Captain Paris has many friends within the Federation and Starfleet. He is bringing the boy because he has been...kicked...out of school. He seems to think that this trip will...set...him straight."
Rekelen snorted and crossed her arms over her chest. "So he's bringing the boy along as punishment? That outta go over real well."
"I had no choice but to allow it. The Obsidian Order has plans for the Captain." Gul Dal informed Rekelen. He usually spoke freely to his first born since she would someday take his place within the Obsidian Order.
"So I get stuck with a human boy for...weeks...months, how long?" Rekelen felt a headache coming on.
Gul Dal frowned. "I don't know. The talks will be grueling and long. I wouldn't be surprised if they lasted months."
Rekelen sighed but nodded in acceptance. This was her duty as Gul Dal's first born. "Very well, Father. I will do as I am told."
"Cardassia thanks you." Gul Dal said, dryly. He knew he could count on Rekelen, she was a loyal and devoted daughter. He reached over and brushed his fingers over her cheek, wishing he could see some part of his deceased wife in her face. "Your mother would be so proud of you, Rekelen." He whispered then let his hand drop back to his side.
"You think so?" Rekelen asked, doubtfully. "She never wanted me to get involved with the military." She recalled, fondly.
Gul Dal turned and placed his hands on the girls shoulders. "Your mother would be proud." He stressed. "Never doubt that." He gave her a fond look before schooling his features. "You'll make a find Legate someday, Rekelen. Never let anyone tell you otherwise." He turned when he heard the hum of the transporter.
Rekelen wanted to say something else but was interrupted by the transporter. A blank, uninterested, mask slid over her face as she watched two figures materialize on the platform.