For The Children

I left a message for T'lana and took Jar'don with me. I had a duty to a friend. Ezri knew what was about to happen and she was doing her best to strengthen me. We shimmered in to the hospitals public pad so we would not set off any alarms. I spoke with the nurse at the reception center and she called the doctor in charge of Telora's medical case.

When he came up, he looked haggard. He was studying some test reports and didn't recognize me at first. Looking up he placed the notes down and said Thank the Gods you didn't get killed in all this. He looked past me for a moment and had that vacant thousand-mile stare in his eyes. He said I have seen more death in two days than I have ever seen in all my years as a doctor. I warmly embraced him offering what comfort I could.

I whispered, many are still living because of your efforts. I'm proud of you. He squeezed me tight and said thank you. Pulling away and trying to bring his emotions under control. He said I need some more coffee. I chuckled and said you look like you need a jug of Romulin Ale. He chuckled and said thanks for that. I guess you are here about Minister Telora. I said yes. The nurse handed him the chart. He checked it.

Well, her internal injuries have been repaired and are healing well. Her broken leg though is another matter. We set the bone. The federation technology doesn't work well on us Trill at times. We are trying to keep it free of infection buy her body has been so battered. The healing has been slow. I asked has she been told about her husband? He said no, but I think she suspects. We left it up to you to handle that.

We did some checking she has no living next of kin. She listed you as close friend so I thought it would be best coming from you. I said, you did right doctor. Can she medically take the shock? The doctor said I think so but I will have a crew out in the hallway just in case. I took a deep breath. Well let's go. The doctor called ahead and his crew was waiting outside her door. I walked in and said hello. Jar'don stayed by the door.

I went to her bedside and linked to her. in my mind she started to shake. I'm so sorry Telora. We found him in the collapsed section of the ministry building. She screamed aloud and in my mind..""Oh Gods No!" I held her tight as she grieved and sobbed into my shoulder. The doctor looked around the edge of the door Jar'don motioned him back, stepped outside and closed the door. I said there is more. No body else on the counsel survived.

It's just us now. She said swear to me you will hunt these bastards down and kill them. I said I swear. Their home world has already been destroyed. I have ships from Trill, Earth, Founders and Bajor hunting down the rest. Still shaking, She asked, Can I see him? Grimacing, I said, its best you don't. He was crushed. Wailing again, she asked what am I going to do now. I linked to her mind again and held her tight. I told her "Lean on those who love you".

So long as I live, you will want for nothing. Ezri kicked me inside. She pulled out a small ball of blue energy out of her heart and said here take this and give it to her. It will help her heal. She gasped as I put my hand to my chest and pulled back with the glowing blue energy ball. I said close your eyes and take a deep breath and then let it all out. As she exhaled I pushed the energy ball through her chest and into her heart.

I said, this would help you heal. I must go for now. When you are strong enough. I will have you and your child transported to my island so you can be safe. I kissed her passionately and said my good byes. Jar'don opened the door and the doctor came inside with his crew and checked on her as I left.

I walked out and put my head and hands on the opposite wall of the hallway. Jar'don put his hand on my shoulder to comfort me. Some reporter took my picture and started to ask me a question. He stopped himself and turned away. I was intrigued by his restraint. I said you there. Your heart has a question. Go ahead and ask it. He said, Minister Telora is in charge of my district. Can you please tell me if she is all right?

I thought about it for a moment, and said, no. She is never going to be all right. She must raise her child without her husband. We found his crushed body yesterday. I can tell you and all the people of Trill, No body here will ever be all right. Husbands without wives. Wives with no husbands. Children with no parents roaming the street so frightened and shell shocked by the bombardment and fires that they scurry away every time we offer to help them.

No, my little reporter friend. None of us will ever be all right again. I turned away and walked down the hall leaving all the reporters in stunned silence.

Jar'don chimed in to my mind link as we walked to the transporter pad. He said, well said my son. Very well said. I'm very proud of the leader you have become.

I chimed back I find it hard to be proud of anything anymore. Back out in the main entryway. I saw a female federation officer holding in her arms an injured child and several other injured and dirty children had followed her to the hospital.

She was humming a song and it was soothing their troubled minds. A large group of nurses were trying to sneak up on the children to sedate them. I waved them off. The officer was on the ship that was destroyed. She said I had just beamed down when the raiders struck the ship. Their shields were down for beaming and did not stand a chance. I knelt down. And whispered, Please ask the children if they are hungry. She did so and they all said yes. I smiled and said, please go with the nurses here. They will feed you and find clean clothes for you to ware. The other nurses took the hint and began humming nursery rimes.

One by one, the children left with each nurse to the cafeteria. The last one the officer handed over to the nurse and I kissed her on her forehead. This young officer said something so profound that it stayed with me. She said all things need love. And she was right. I never got her name. She walked over to me and gently embraced me and rested her head on my shoulder. The reporters took pictures and that one was front-page news. I asked the reporter to put her saying under the photo "All Things Need Love"

We beamed away back home. When we got back T'lana was waiting for me.

Hi, sweetheart missed you so much. Holding in my arms our son and rocking him back to sleep. How was your day?

I went to my office and went back on the emergency broadcast Network. My Brothers and sisters, I feel the weight of sorrow from all of Trill. At Times I feel my heart breaking. Then the gods send me little reminders of what is important. Today a young Federation woman reminded me of something. We are a people of love. The only way to get our holocaust children to come to us is to show them our love.

For many that love came in the form of Nursery rimes being hummed to them by their parents, as they went to sleep. So we must reinforce the love they know and sing to them. Our children are our hope for the future. We are their link with the past. How can they know love less they see it. It's up to us. So if you find one sing to them. Then they will know you are safe and loving.

I know all this may sound strange, but many are scared with the memories of watching their parent's bodies burn up in the fires. We all know what we must do, so I ask you to please try. Thank you.

I went and got some coffee and walked outside to the upper garden and kicked off my shoes. I said, I like the feel of the grass. It's still all green and alive. I stared out at the ocean for a long time. Honey I love you so much. I had a hard day you remember we found Telora's husband late yesterday. Well today I had to tell his wife he is not coming home. T'lana holds me close and cries, I am so sorry. I love you too.

Honey, we must rebuild. We have family and friends that count on us. Please call our construction crew. You know, the same ones that helped build our house and did the hook ups for the escape pods we converted to homes.

I will need them to handle the replacement of Polly's and Kira's home plus three more.

I pull out my communicator Jar'an to Jake come in. How goes the repair. Jake answered, The center Nacelle pylon is still non functional. I said, seal the decks and cut the power couplings. Jettison the Nacelle Come by and pick up two Terridine power generators and the spare Ion cannon. Mount the cannon where the Nacelle was and hook up to the generators. Bleed start up power from the warp engines. We are going hunting. Jake said Good.

Jake said its going to take a while. Trank is out of surgery but he won't be working for a while. Oh shit Trank. With all that's going on down here, I forgot. I will meet him at the hospital. Jake said, he is not there. He is on the hospital ship Deck 12, section 28, and row 5. He is listed in good condition. I said thanks buddy. I chimed into Mira's mind link.

Mira, can you come out here and meet me on the patio? Chiming out to T'lana Honey, please come out to the patio. I have some bad news for Mira and I need you. T'lana chimed back, on my way. We were out seated at the patio table sipping on coffee. When Mira came out. Sorry, Had to settle down Sev'ran. I asked, Oh any trouble? Mira said no just a reoccurring nightmare. It will go away with time and patience. I said, Mira please sit down.

She got immediately nervous and asked What happened. Did Shelly do anything wrong? I smiled and put my hand on her shoulder. I told her, No, Shelly is doing just fine. You are doing a good job in training her. No, I must tell you my ship was attacked while at DS9.

Trank got hurt pretty bad. Mira started to shake. I said relax its been fixed. He is up on the hospital ship. He took some bad burns on his right arm and leg. As soon as they release him he will of course come here and I know you will take good care of him. For now though just know that he is ok and tomorrow we will go up there and look in on him. Mira was really shaken T'lana was chimed into her link talking to her holding her and rocking her as she greived and worried for the man she loved.

I said oh the hell with this you are going now. T'lana, stay here with the kids. Shelly is not fully trained and Sev'ran can be a hand full.

Honey, don't forget, we need to take care of our people before we can go after these animals for attacking us. I turned and told Mira, go wash your face and get ready. Not me honey Mira need to see her man. I already have one woman who will rip apart half the galaxy to get to her man. I don't need another.

T'lana smiled, she said, I will stay here with the family, our children need us. The boys are feeling better. Take Mira and go and see here man. Mira ran back out. Kissing T'lana, I said, I will be right back. She said, ok little sister. Take your time. Mira ran over and hugged T'lana and then ran back. I reset my auto transport for the hospital ships settings and we shimmered away.

We walked quickly to Trank's location and found him with little trouble. Mira ran over at blinding speed and hugged her man as best she could, and kissed him passionately.

The doctor walked up. She whispered visiting hours are over except for family. I told her, Miss that man and woman there are family. And as soon as he can be released I'm going to marry them. The doctor then recognized me. High Minister, I'm sorry. I said think nothing of it. It's been a long week. I need to see your captain though. Can you please direct me?

She said she is on the bridge. Take the lift down this hall up 12 decks walk straight out. Bridge is right down the hallway. I said thank you. I need to see my friend before I leave. Then I will be back to pick her up. The doctor said ok. Trank what did you do to my ship? It looks like shit but runs faster than ever. He smiled, I guess you know about Mira and me. Just as soon as you get cut loose from this vacation spot. I have another for you to go to. You two are getting married on my island. In my garden and I wont take no for an answer. Mira hugged me. And said thank you.

You two stay here. Mira no straying off anywhere. Just stay with Trank. She said yes sir. I will be right back. I followed the doctor's directions and walked out on the bridge. Captain Crusher I presume? She turned around and smiled. Robert. It's good to see you. I hugged her respectfully. She said let's go in my ready room.

I waited till the door closed and then I hugged her more passionately. I'm not Robert anymore. I took my shirt off. I am Trill they call me Jar'an now. She whispered the high minister? I am one and the same. She lightly touched the spots. Wow! You didn't have these before when we...It's ok. My Trill DNA didn't become active until I started having physical relations with the 100% trill woman I married. Yes, Smiling, I'm married now. A lovley wife and four children.

Putting my shirt back on I asked, Did you marry old baldly yet. Crusher whirled around. I said don't look so surprised. Everybody knows you two are in love with each other. I have seen so much death destroy so many families. Neither one of you two are guaranteed the next beat of your hearts. Tell him. Kiss him like you kissed me and that icy heart will melt.

How long are you going to stay here. Crusher said one more week. She is a brand new ship. I'm just a temporary captain.

After we get back, its back to the Enterprise. I, as Jar'an High Minister of Trill, offer you my private island gardens to get married to that stubborn old man. Checking my watch, I need to get back. I have some bed time stories to tell and a lovely wife to play with. Crusher giggled. I never would have thought you would ever be a husband or a father.

Holding her hand I said, You women have a way of capturing a man's heart and filling it with so much joy he doesn't even care that he is hooked. I can look into your eyes and just say his name and watch then light up with love. I will see you again. Besides, we still have Riza.

Giggeling, Crusher said it was just a week. Smiling at the door, I said, Yes it was, But what a week. Its been really good seeing you again. I must go and get my nanny. She is with her fiancée. Call me. I want you two hitched and soon. I left and went back down and collected Mira. We shimmered back on the patio. T'lana was waiting with some Iced Tea.

I said Oh thank you. T'lana asked, Mira how is your husband to be? Would you both like something to eat? Gods yes. Mira come, please have a seat.

I said Shelly, you have been doing a good job and I really appreciate it. Mira, Don't you have a teaching certificate? Yes sir, First grade through Eight grade. Well sometime in the future we are going to need to build a schoolhouse and start educating our children. Sevran, and all they children come running out and using their mind links and say we are hungry and we love you all. Laughing, I bent down. Hi kids. Love you. Sev'ran You can mind talk? Hugs and kisses each one. Ezri did you teach him? Ezri chimed in to my link..Yes daddy..He's nice we play.. but sad allot... His Mind hurts.. Bad dreams..

Children remember we all love you, Sev'ran we are all a family and we want you to know you can talk to us about anything. All the children chimed in like mommy said. Sev'ran do you know what the link is? He said Mommy was starting to show me. Daddy had to work. He gone allot. Can I link with you for a moment? Yes sir. Thank you son. Now this wont hurt. I placed my hands on the sides of his little head. I shook. I couldn't talk I eased myself out and said thank you son. Hey kids.

Let's sit nicely and eat our food slowly. You don't want a tummy ache. Still shaking I said Mira you and Shelly, please watch the children for a moment please. They both said sure. I had a little difficulty standing and then it hit me. I ran into the house to the bathroom and threw up. T'lana told the kids Daddy ate too fast his tummy is upset.

She went in after me to check up on me. She found me on my hands and knees throwing up again.

She held me as I sobbed with greif. He ah, he-he had to climb out from under his mother. He-he watched her die.. Trapped in the debris. He.. Saw the bodies burn and melt. The faces melted away to the bone. Sobbing, I cant fix this.. I don't even think T'rel can. I could use him myself. The memories are just too awful. It's sickening..

I'll be all right. You better go back out there before the kids start to worry. I'm going to wash up and I will be back out there. T'lana went back out to the table. Children, lets eat dinner and enjoy the wonderful dinner and our family life. Daddy will be right back and he will eat with us.

I put on a cheery face. See kids. I ate too quick and had a sick tummy. But I am better now. Sitting down, I said lets eat. After dinner we ran and played in the garden. I looked around and couldn't find Sev'ran. I checked the pool and hot tub and then saw him down by the beach staring out at the ocean. T'lana walked up to him.

Hi honey, You can't be down here on the sand by yourself. He pointed out to the ocean and said, something bad is coming. Bad people coming back. T'lana linked to his mind and said show me what you see. It only took a second. T'lana scooped up Sev'ran and ran back up to the garden screaming. Their coming back!-Their coming back!

I hollered Mira, Shelly Grab the kids and take T'lana to the shelter. I pulled out my communicator, Jar'an to Jake Use your long range sensors. They are coming back. He checked. Confirmed A squadron of at least 50. I have that Ion Canon operational. I said good. Take the fighters and go hide behind the moon. Let them pass and then annihilate them.

I will handle things down here. Jar'an to hospital ship. Crusher here. What's wrong Jar'an. Long range sensors have detected a squadron of 50 warships in route. Break orbit and warp away till we call you back. Crusher said Understood. Thanks Jar'an. Good Luck. The ship jumped to warp and was gone.

Jar'an to Jar'don Activate Ion cannons and fire up the Terradine generators. Bring our shield Dome to full power. And activate the shield dome for Capital city. Jar'don said Its not complete yet I said baptism with fire. Do the best you can.

We were ready this time. Trill looked all open and defenseless. They began swooping down into our system. The alarms around the planet sounded. The sky over Capital City shimmered. Then everybody knew something was different. The Grounded saucer sections Phaser banks hummed up to full power.

Out in the ocean The Ion cannons were already up and armed.

Warships began their attack Bombs and phaser hits pounding our shields. The new dome over Capital city was holding. We fired and one by one their ships exploded. It didnt take long for them to figure out it was a trap. Warping in our ships attacked The Elondra's new ion cannon obliterated their command ship.

Bajors fighters suddenly appeared. Seconds later The Enterprise warped in. All of us firing and taking fire The Bajoran command ship was damaged and listing. I ordered Elondra to protect it. She laid down cover fire long enough for them to warp to safety.

Two hours passed but finally the last fighter turned and began a Collision course on the Enterprises Starboard nacelle Jake disintegrated it but some burning chunks of scrap metal still hit the Enterprise.

Meanwile down in the shelter, All the children jumped in our arms, Sev'ran crying and holding me tight. Mommy, don't die again. Please don't leave me. Children and we girls all chimed in. Don't worry children we are going to be ok. Sev'ran crying in my arms. Don't worry children we will be alright, we all will be safe. I promise.

I called Picard. I said, Sorry about that last ship. Looks like we scratched the paint. He said Ha-ha Tell Jake thanks for the assist. Picard out.

I called Jake, You ok up there. We got a little cooked on a couple of hits but it nothing we can't fix. I said, Check long range sensors for any more fighters. He said checking. Nothing, Looks like we got the last of them. I heard the whole crew cheering. I got back on the Emergency Broadcast Network. My Brothers and sisters, We got them! We got them all! All over Trill Cheers rose up. People were celebrating in the street.

I chimed in to T'lana's link. Everybody come out. It's over and this time for good. Jar'don, Keep the shield domes up we have falling debris coming through the atmosphere. Sev'ran crawled up in my arms crying and begging me not to leave him. Baby it is over and we are safe, Mommy isn't going anywhere. Children we are not going anywhere. Jar'el and the girls linked to Sev'ran and told him he is safe and we all love him.

I ran up. Picking up Sev'ran I spun him around. We got them. All the bad guys are gone and it's all because you saw them, that we were ready in time. How far out there can you see. He said out to the dim star that doesn't shine much. I checked my star map on my scanner. I told T'lana, that's almost two sectors out.

Wow, that is wonderful you are a very special and gifted boy. We love you

Sev'ran said Mommy used to play game with me about stars. She could see farther. She told me to keep it a secret. That bad people would use me to do bad things. Crying, I miss mommy so much. I held him tight as he grieved.

Hugging him I said, Sev'ran, Your right about keeping this a secret and we all will. But I want you to know I'm proud of you my son. Very proud. T'lana said, rest now children like daddy said. We are safe and sound. Honey come outside with me, I am worried about Sev'ran. Outside at the patio table. Ok T'lana. I know that look. What is eating at you?

I am worried for our son Sev'ran, I saw into his mind and he is hurting so bad. The things this child saw, it makes me ill. I know. His mind is a mad scramble of memory fragments. I will get T'Rel to look at him and see what if anything he can do. As for the rest. All we can do is the same thing we did with Polly.

Show him he is safe and loved. Imagine it, at his age, even with his damaged mind he can still reach out almost two sectors into space. When he gets to be our age he is going to be a very powerful. We mend his mind now, while we can and we will raise a very powerful leader.