FIVE

"You were arrested because you ran for public office?" asked Malcolm.

"We were subclass citizens," said Farris. "We had no rights. And I was gaining popularity among many of the mainstream population. More people believed in my cause than anyone thought. For a while, it looked like I might even win."

"But you didn't," said T'Pol.

"No," said Farris. "Those in power realized that if one of us could do it, others could. They couldn't allow that. So I was arrested for defying the natural order of our society."

"They had a whole list of charges against me. Solicitation, treason, inciting riots, violation of a dozen civil and criminal codes, anything they could think of. The charges filled nearly twelve pages."

"Just for running for office?" asked Travis.

"For daring to become more than society said I should be," said Farris. "I received the standard one hour trial for my status, and, of course, was found guilty of all charges."

"One hour?" questioned Travis. "How can you present a defense in one hour?"

"I wasn't allowed a defense," said Farris. "That privilege was reserved for 1st class citizens, not an accused sub class citizen who had freely admitted his guilt."

"Earth has a term for that," said Archer. "A kangaroo court. It's no longer tolerated."

"When news of my conviction was released," continued Farris, "there were riots all over the planet. They couldn't risk executing me for my crimes."

"That would have elevated you to the status of martyr," said T'Pol. "And a martyr can never be silenced."

"Exactly," said Farris. "So they devised my prison. They could claim I had been treated fairly and compassionately. But there are varying degrees of the definition of compassion."

"So you've spent 4,000 years locked away just for wanting to be free?" asked Hoshi.

"As I said," said Farris. "Someone who dared to want to be more than what was forcible imposed on him."

"Sounds like you got the short end of the stick," said Archer. "That's a human expression that means you weren't treated fairly and don't deserve what was done to you."

"I feel it necessary to point out, Captain," said T'Pol, "that it is not our place to judge another societies penal systems."

"Maybe not," said Archer, "but I'm not putting a man back into those conditions just because he wanted to be free. At the very least he deserves a fair trial."

"That is not for us to judge," said T'Pol. "I would assume that Mr. Farris would agree that his treatment was allowed under the legal proceedings of his people."

"Being legal doesn't make it fair or right," said Farris.

"I will accept that as confirmation," said T'Pol.

"What would you suggest, Sub-commander?" asked Malcolm.

"Perhaps in the time Mr. Farris has been in space," said T'Pol, "the laws have changed. Or the government may have reconsidered its judgment."

"You're suggesting we take him back?" asked Hoshi.

"It would be the correct thing to do," said T'Pol.

"Good," said Farris. "I want to go back. If things haven't changed, I still need to help change them. Too many of my people are living as virtual slaves."

"Travis," said Archer, "use the trajectory of the asteroid to plot a course back to its original launch position. Engage at best possible speed when you're ready."

"Aye, Sir," said Travis, heading for the bridge.