Elim Gerak, the newly elected Chief Councilman, stood at the bottom level of the large meeting chamber. Most of the chairs had been replaced to their original locations. The once ornate trio of doors leading to the hall had been completely removed. The bodies and the blood had been removed and cleaned. With the exception of a few missing tables and chairs, the unknowing wouldn't even suspect a bloody massacre had occured in that very room the day before. The oranate, circular room was mostly full with representatives of the various districts within the Cardassian Union. Ringing the upper ring of the room were several armed, cardassian guards. Standing with Gerak were several of his aides. They stood across from the Federation peace delegation. Admiral Picard stood in front of Doctor Leslie McIntyre, Ambassador Arianna Liss, Ambassador Solek and Admiral Alan Callis.
Behind them, seated in two chair along the bottom ring of seats, sat the widow and daughter of Ross Tegril, successfully rescued by the Manta Ray from the Dominion battleship. The other rescued families sat in the ring of seats near the top. They were all dressed in gray, the ceremonial color of mourning for Cardassian culture. Regretfully, for all reasons of patriotism and family protection, their fallen husbands and wifes would forever be branded as traitors. Tegril's death, however, warranted him at least a minimal amount of dignity. The surviving family members of each household had hoped to thank the Warlord commander personally, but he was unable to attend due to pressing issues stemming from the battle.
Gerak offered Admiral Picard a tight, warm handshake and a tired smile. "Admiral, it would seem that, once again, we are indebted to the Federation for saving us from ourselves. This is becoming a rather unfortunate habit for us."
"I'm just grateful it's all over. Now we can put all this behind us and move forward." Picard replied with a smile.
"I wish I was as confident as you, Admiral," Gerak admitted finally. "I'm afraid recent events have proven we're still a people looking to find our way." It was a difficult admission for Gerak and it showed on his face. He hid his disgrace well, but not well enough. Ages ago, cardassians were known throughout the galaxy for their art and architecture. Those were the days he remembered fondly, though mostly through the eyes of a young boy. The Cardassia he was entirely too familiar with included militaristic behavior, the Obsidian Order visiting the homes of dissenters in the middle of the night, galactic expansion at any cost and war with anyone who interfered. Most recently, they were nothing more than puppets for the powerful who promised to share their influence. After his exile, the last thing he wanted to do was set foot on Cardassia again, yet the return of his patriotism was inevitable. Now, he was virtually forced into a political position he didn't want.
"Perhaps we can help you find your way," Picard offered thoughtfully.
Gerak shook his head and smiled. This would be his first decision as head of the new Detapa Council. "No, Admiral, though I appreciate the offer. I think we're going to have to learn to walk on our own before we can walk with others." His expression became remorseful. "I'm truly sorry you endured so much for no reason, Admiral... and your colleagues."
Picard did his best to hide his disappointment. After all, it was a logical conclusion to draw from the events that transpired over the past two days. "I understand, Gerak. However, due to our presence, the hidden Dominion threat was exposed and removed from Cardassia. To me, that was a very good reason for coming."
Gerak smiled. "Quite true, Admiral," he admitted. "And... rest assured... you have a true ally in the Cardassian Union. I promise that. We won't forget the sacrifices you've made, both now and before. And now," he motioned to the crowd present, "ALL of Cardassia is grateful." With that, the entire assemblage stood and applauded.
Once the applause died down, Picard concluded. "Then, on behalf of the Federation, we are grateful for the alliance we reinforced today and look forward to the day when we can be more." The assemblage applauded once again.
Gerak shook Picard's hand once more. "As far as it is in my power, I will encourage that day to come soon, Admiral." He then shook the hands of each of the delegates, thanking them for their willingness and apologizing for their treatment.
With applause still ringing through the room, Admiral Picard tapped his comm badge. "Picard to Warlord... five to beam up."