T'Lara returned to her office. She had a communiqué on her computer, which she read.

To: Commander T'Lara

From: Admiral Singh, Judge Advocate General

Concerning: Transfer Order

You have been indispensable while serving at Starfleet Command as a defense attorney for courts-martial. Your efforts have ensured the rights of defendants as they proceed through the court system. Because of your exemplary performance, you are being transferred.

Your new position will be as a judge. You will be assigned to the outposts near the Cardassian border, and you will ride circuit. With this new responsibility, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Captain.

The USS Enterprise will be arriving at Earth in one week. They will then take you to your new assignment. Congratulations, and I wish you success.

She checked the date stamp and noticed that it was sent at 0700, two hours before the court decision had come out. She sent a quick reply accepting the promotion and transfer, and then went to her apartment to begin packing.

Simon came by T'Lara's office later in the afternoon with a thank-you note. When he found that T'Lara wasn't in, he left the envelope with her secretary.

The note was on old-fashioned stationery. Somehow, it seemed appropriate for the occasion. It read:

"Commander T'Lara, I would like to thank you for getting me a not-guilty verdict. You saved my career, for which I will be eternally grateful. A friend gave me this medal, and now I am giving it to you. The engraving is of Saint Raymond Nonnatus. He is the patron saint of the unjustly accused. Sincerely, Simon Tarses."

Simon escorted his family to the shuttle station, where they departed for Mars. He then put in a call to Dr. Crusher.

Dr. Crusher appeared on the screen and said, "Crewman Tarses, how are you? It's good to hear from you."

"I'm doing fine, Ma'am. I was cleared of all charges, and I can resume my career in Starfleet."

"That's wonderful! Have you thought about where you would like to serve? You're always welcome back here on the Enterprise."

"I would like that very much," said Simon.

"The Enterprise will be coming to Earth in a few days. I'll talk to Starfleet Medical on your behalf," said Dr. Crusher.

Simon received his orders later that day to resume duty on the Enterprise. When the Enterprise arrived at Earth, Simon beamed up. When he materialized in the transporter room, he was greeted by Dr. Selar. She said, "Welcome back, Crewman Tarses. I have been instructed to meet you here and escort you to Ten-Forward for something called a 'surprise party' in your honor."

Simon grinned and suppressed a chuckle at Dr. Selar's matter-of-fact ignorance that a surprise party is supposed to be a surprise. He said, "Thank you, Ma'am."

They walked into Ten-Forward, and the room was filled with people who jumped out and yelled, "Surprise!"

Simon did his best to look surprised and said, "Thank you."

Guinan came by with a ham sandwich and a chocolate milkshake. Captain Picard said, "Welcome back to the Enterprise, Crewman Tarses."

Dr. Crusher said, "I'm so glad to have you back on my staff."

Simon mingled for a while, and then he saw Worf walking over to him. Simon got nervous. Worf said, "Crewman Tarses. I owe you an apology. I judged you unfairly based on your parentage. My actions were dishonorable, and I regret it."

Simon swallowed and said, "Apology accepted, Sir."

The party began to wind to a close. The only people remaining were Guinan, Dr. Crusher, Captain Picard, and Simon. Captain Picard's comm badge chirped. "O'Brien to Picard."

Picard tapped his badge and said, "Picard here. Go ahead."

"Our passenger is ready to beam up."

"Thank you, O'Brien. I'm on my way."

Picard then tapped his comm badge again to turn it off. He turned to Simon and said, "Crewman Tarses, we will be transporting an officer to her next assignment, and she has requested that you be present when she beams aboard."

Simon said, "Aye, Sir."

Picard and Tarses walked to the transporter room. O'Brien energized, and T'Lara materialized on the transporter pad.

Picard stepped forward and said, "Welcome to the Enterprise, Captain."

Simon looked at T'Lara's collar and noticed that she did, indeed, have four pips there instead of the three that had been there the last time he saw her. He said, "Congratulations on your promotion."

T'Lara thanked him. Picard then said, "I will show you to your quarters."

The week passed uneventfully. Simon only took a day to settle back in to his routine. He worked enthusiastically and was glad to be back. He felt like an enormous weight had been removed from his shoulders because he no longer had to hide his origins.

The Enterprise arrived at the Cardassian border, and it was time for T'Lara to beam down. Simon went to see her off, as did Captain Picard. Picard said, "I wish you success in your assignment, Captain."

T'Lara said, "And I wish you continued success in yours."

Picard sensed that Simon had a personal goodbye to say, so he said, "Mr. O'Brien, may I see you in the hallway for a moment?"

O'Brien nodded, and he and Picard stepped out of the transporter room.

T'Lara reached into her bag and pulled out a pin. It was shaped with a triangle intersecting a circle. She gave it to Simon and said, "This is an IDIC. It stands for Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. It was at one time an award given among my people for contribution to the principle that our differences make us stronger. Your service in Starfleet exemplifies the IDIC principle. I want to give this to you as a reminder to never again be ashamed of your origin."

Simon said, "Thank you."

T'Lara raised her hand and said, "Live long, and prosper."

Simon raised his hand in reply, and he got choked up as he said, "Peace, and long life."

--The End--