Waking, I find a message on my communicator.
Reading it I nudge T'lana. "Wake up T'Lana. We have been call to a meeting with the Tril High Counsel. T'Lana knew I had to figure out what to say so we showered and ate breakfast in relative silence. The transport there took no time al all, but I sat here wishing it did and I had more time to organise my thoughts. The counsel called the meeting to order and it was my turn to speak.I looked over to T'Lana and back to the Admiral. Then stood to start my statement.
Ministers, we all know why we are here. I have learned from the Admiral here that the officer involved is out of surgery and recovering. Local authorities have the other individual involved in custody.
I won't waste any of your time. Though Star Fleet was the injured party in this incident. Star Fleet may have ultimately been at fault. The Admiral stands his face red. "I object". I turn to face him. I knew you would. Bringing six ships of tired officers to rest and use our facilities. It looks more like an invasion than simple shore leave.
Both the ambassador to Vulcan and myself had to diffuse and altercation with your officers at the coffee shop just yesterday.
Star Fleet, with all your technology and training should be held to a higher standard.
Returning to face the counsel, Ministers if I may, convey a message from the president. I do sincerely apologize that this event ever took place. The people of Trill are highly valued and appreciated. Steps will be taken to prevent this from happening again.
It is those corrections I speak about now, I ask the counsel to implement and enforce a new policy that all Star Fleet personnel receive Social training in Trill Laws, Customs, and manners before ever setting foot on Trill again.
The six ships currently in orbit at this present time must leave and not return to Trill for duration of one solar year. Further a strict policy of no more of two ships allowed in orbit from any off world delegation to be inforced immediately.
The Admiral addresses the ministers " Obviously the president has chosen the wrong ambassador to represent earth in this issue. I turned to him, "Really, look at yourself standing here all indignant angry and red faced. You are a living breathing example of what never should be allowed to fester on this or any planet.
Looking at the Vulcan Representative, I am sure our Vulcan friends will agree that such corrective measures are not only logical but also necessary.
Silently, T'Rel nods in agreement.
The Admiral sits down now feeling embarrassed by his reaction. He knew in his heart I was right. He said, "Ministers, I apologize for my outburst".
I smiled at the Admiral, Easing up on him I ask how long has it been since you had a vacation. And I whispered so only he can hear, "and had a girlfriend". Without a hesitation he stifles a chuckle and smiles. All right I see your point, As I walk away I spoke aloud, I hear Risa is pretty this time of year. The counsel starts to chuckle. Clearing my throught to continue the head minister interrupts me and held up his hand.
Obviously, Admiral, Your president has chosen well in assigning Mr. Patton here as your ambassador. I wonder, Ambassador Patton why you an off worlder and privateer would chose such a position. Well ,I thought, The opening has just been handed to me on a silver platter. I glanced over at T'Lana. "I did say no secrets" in her mind. Though she was frightened she nodded.
Ministers, I have been blessed with the acceptance and love of a planet and a people, I never thought I'd ever experience. And I am soon to be ferther blessed with this wonderful woman here, Gesturing to T'Lana, to be my wife. Also, in a few months be blessed with a child. The news both delights and startles everyone in the room. Even the Admiral was shocked.
One minister spoke up" Humans and Trill are incompatible. You can't have children. I stood there, close my eyes and took a deep breath. Pulling out my chair. I place my foot in the seat and lift my pants leg. The whole room went silent.
Sirs and Madams, though I look Human, I am also Trill. My grandmother left your world several generations ago and found a home and love with a human male on earth. She was one of those who were shunned because they were born with the resessive gene that causes no spots or abilities. I believe your history files called them:"The Lost Trill". I am a Trill / Human Hybrid. Trill and its people are my home now. I am not a genetic throwback as my Grand mother was branded.
Wiping a tear from my face, I didn't even know myself. Looking back at the Admiral, Not even the Federation did. Only recently, did my spots begin to show. My mother kept the secret till her death and I received some letters and documents in her personal affects. I stand here, exposed, hoping I still have the love and acceptance of my Trill Brothers and sisters.
I lost my first wife and child during the war. My hand shaking with emotion, I clinch my fist. And I went insane for a time. The doctors here on Trill and StarFleet have been helping me. T'Rel here has been using his mind meld abilities to help restore the calm and order I had before her death. For a long time, I walked around with a hole in my heart and my soul shattered. Living as little more than as a machine than a man. Unable to feel. And unwilling to ever risk love again till I came here.
We two races, Trill and Human are capable of a love and compassion that defies all description and that is what I feel needs to be protected here. T'Lana has shown me what Trill Love is all about and I was astonished. Never have I ever felt such joy and contentment.
I humbly ask that you not shun me as you did my grandmother. And allow me to stay here to live, to learn, to love and to serve both worlds to the best of my abilities. I pull out my chair and sit down with my face in my hands. There was dead silence in the room. T'Lana was crying. She wanted to come to my aid but knew she couldn't till the ministers left the room. His voice filled with emotion, the high minister spoke, "We will adjourn to consider both your request and petition. This meeting is adjourned for one hour.
After the counsel left, the admiral was the first to speak. Robert. I am truly sorry. I guess I never really understood how bad it got. You may be Trill, but you showed more humanity and bravery here, than I have seen in a long time. Star Fleet will of course withdraw any objection. I really do wish you both happiness.
With tears running down my face, I didn't dare to face him. "I just hope I haven't ruined it all. I finally found a place where I belong. A home where I, at last, feel the love I so desperately needed. When the Admiral left the room it was just T'Rel , T'Lana and me. T'Lana was at my side in an instant. Comforting me as much as she could. I looked over at T'Rel. If this goes bad, I want you to know that I value your friendship and thank you for all your help.
Here in this empty room, for the first time ever T'Rel Smiled and said
"Clearly, You Do Not Need My Help anymore". Then that smile vanished and he stood and left. T'Lana sat in my lap staring in my eyes. Her mind a whirl of emotions. All she could say was No matter what happens, I love you. I kissed her passionately saying I love you too.
The hour was going to pass soon enough so I excused myself to wash my face and clean up. T'Lana stood out in the hallway like a soldier garding the door. I came back out and said I need a drink. Me to she said. So we went down stairs to the comesary to get some lunch. Sitting at the table togather we begin to eat. I looked up and saw everybody staring at us. I say, well I guess the word is already spreading.
They all smiled but no one dared say anything. One lone child dared to act. She simply walked over to our table and placed a small flower on the table and smiled at me. Without a word she turned and walked away. T'Lana began to cry again. She reached out across the table to hold my hand. That was a Trill custom for acceptance and love. I started to cry to and just said out loud Thank You.
After that, the room went back to business like nothing happened. I put the flower in a buttonhole of my robe and wipe my face again. It feels good to be home. Totally unafraid of showing my love, as we stood to leave I lean down and kissed you passionately.
Stealing myself for the counsel's decision I sit outside in the ministries gardens meditating. T'Lana knew I needed this and just sat quietly watching me. I poked open one eye and said your staring. Startled You giggled and smiled. Looking down at your watch you stood and said, Its time to go back in. I took a deep breath and stood. Our walk to the counsel room was hand in hand. No words needed be said. As we entered I let go of T'Lana's hand and she took her place. The Admiral smiled and went back to something he had on an information pad. The counsel filed in and took their seats.
None of them showed any emotion. I suddenly had a sinking feeling in my heart.
The counsel called the meeting to order. And we all stood. As I started to sit the minister called me forward. Then he called T'Lana up to stand beside me. Unashamed I reached out my hand for hers. As the minister started to speak. We are both delighted and startled at the revilations that have come forward in this room today. And we are reminded of the costs of actions taken in the past.
The policy of shunning was abolished many years ago. I..we all here accept and welcome our lost Trill that has come home. May our love and Joy be your love and joy for all time. We are concerned with the issue of your sanity. We appreciate your candor and openness and feel that this and all other medical issues you two have be monitored. T'Rell stood. Ministers if I may, Ambassador Patton has completed a lengthy series of mind meld therapy. His control and strength of character shown here today and at other times demonstrates he is in no further need of my services. I can attest that he is very sane and the love these two shares far outweigh anything further I can do.
Agreed, However socially this is new territory for us and if he maintains his therapy and monitoring, the counsel has absolutely no objections to your marriage to T'Lana here and to you staying and building a home and family, here on Trill.
As to the issue of yesterday's violence, Ambassador Patton is correct and we agree with the exception that banning the six ships would set a bad precedence. They will leave for 6 months. After that, they can take their turn two at a time, and return. Does the Admiral have any objections?
The Admiral stood" Star Fleet withdraws its previous objection and has no further objections at all. Then this meeting of the Trill High Counsel is adjurned. I turn to you and you leaped into my arms. I spin you around and kiss you in front of everybody. I gently set you down and compose myself.. Sorry sirs.. The Counsel leader just smiled and said, Nothing to be sorry about, Nothing at all.
With that said they stood and filed out. Our day done, I was exausted. All I want to do is go home and rest with my lovely wife.
The Admiral walks over and hands me the pad he was working on. It had data on Risa on it. I stroll through and smile. Yes, That is the place. The ladies there are…..T'Lana listening just grinned. I turned the pad off and handed it back to the Admiral. You just need to go there and see for your self. Laughing out loud he turns and walks away.
T'Lana speaks in my mind, "Nice save there Mr." "Just how many times have you been to Risa?"
I can'nt get what I get here, at Risa. Lets go home..