SEVEN

"Now what?" asked Farris.

"Captain," said T'Pol before Archer could answer, "procedure is quite clear. Mr. Farris is serving a lawfully imposed sentence mandated by the legal authority of his society. You cannot interfere with that sentence even though the legal authority does not exist."

"T'Pol," said Archer, "if you're suggesting that I put him back in that asteroid..."

"However," interrupted T'Pol, "Mr. Farris could petition earth on grounds of inhuman and unjust treatment as a political activist."

"I can do that?" asked Farris.

"It would require the senior Earth official present," said T'Pol, "to determine if temporary status for asylum is warranted. The matter would then be sent through appropriate channels to the Diplomatic Corps. They would be required to hold a hearing to see if permanent status for asylum should be granted."

"The senior Earth official present?" questioned Archer.

"In this situation," said T'Pol, "that would be you, Captain. Star Fleet regulations do specifically authorize you to grant temporary asylum in the absence of any senior authority."

"What happens then?" asked Archer.

"You would submit a report to Star Fleet Command who would in turn contact the Diplomatic Corps," said T'Pol. "Normally the individual in question would be transported to some convening authority. The individuals' home government would then be contacted. All evidence would be considered by the convening authority and a determination for permanent asylum would be made."

"T'Pol, it's a dead planet," said Archer. "There is no home government."

"In which case," said T'Pol, "I would imagine there would be very little objection to granting asylum. The convening authority could then declare Mr. Farris' punishment inhumane and unjust and could then legally overturn the decision of the original authority."

"Sounds like a lot of work when there's no one left to dispute it," said Malcolm.

"That may be," said T'Pol. "But it is also the only legal means available."

"Well Mr. Ferris," said Archer, "would you like to officially request asylum on Earth?"

"I think I would," said Farris.

"Hoshi," said Archer heading for his ready room, "get me Admiral Forrest at Star Fleet Command."

"Already on it, sir," responded Hoshi.

"We'll rendezvous with the science ship, Omega, in four days," Archer told Ferris. "From there, it's a six week trip back to Earth and your hearing. Admiral Forrestr tells me in light of no official response from your government, granting asylum is a foregone conclusion. And overturning your sentence should be easy enough."

"What do I do now?" asked Farris. "It's been such a long time since I was around people."

"You do whatever you want," said Archer. "Remember, on Earth everyone has the same rights."

"Thank you for everything, Captain," said Farris. "I never imagined I'd be free of that prison. Dr. Phlox said that away from my artificial environment, my physiology would quickly revert to normal."

"That's good," said Archer. "Now, you can do whatever you want."

"Thank you again," said Farris.

As Archer headed for the bridge he made a mental note to ask T'Pol to join him for dinner. It had been a while since they had enjoyed a meal together.

The End