Tanus had been embarrassed by losing his rank as Fleet Marine Commandant. He had come so far from stealing the ship on the USS Washington and now he was back on the bottom again. He was not interested in his playful relationship with Salem Todd or her feud with Landi Todd. He just wanted to be alone. He just wanted to be a soldier again.
Tanus graciously accepted the assignment to Darona to protect new and relatively unpopular governor Dr. Maple Coren. Colonel Beamon had served on the colony and had set up a very nice group of marines. Tanus could have a new Dragons Unit and could have an opportunity to restore his reputation. Salem, Landi and the Todd family could stay on Medara and the Gorn could clear his head and focus on his job.
Tanus had never met Maple Coren. He knew she was a bit of black sheet. Maple had always been a bit masculine and often acted very tough. She did not leave Betazed until later in life because the family did not always like her gruff, tom-boy approach. Maple however had become a success here amongst the colonies earning tremendous praise from Dr. Skylight Greene for not taking sides and treating all parties. She received the same praise from Dr. Casey Larle for her support of the Klingons during the occupation.
When Acalyn Azoone stepped down as Governor of Darona, Maple was the logical replacement. She was tough enough to handle the criticism from the large Tellarite population brought to the colonies by Nicole Branson. She was also tough enough to handle the threats of assassination that would be associated with having a Betazoid in the role.
Tanus was pleased to meet her. He had never met a Betazoid with as tough of an approach as Maple. Most Betazoids were soft, calm and even introverted in their nature. Maple was tough, brash and dominant. Tanus had not met a woman like this since Samantha Warren in what seemed like ages ago as a mercenary guard in the Tholian Prison Camp.
Tanus and Maple were soon inseparable. He was there to protect her from the protesting Tellarites and to escort her to Camelot and the Olive Branch offices. He was by her side all the time. She told him about being mistreated by Illyan because she was not Coren enough or being mistreated by Alexander because she was not Betazoid enough. Tanus told her stories about being sanctioned by Admiral Koolah for his behavior. He was told he needed to be more Starfleet if he was ever going to be successful.
Tanus and Maple were on the Observatory awaiting a shuttle back to Darona when Lt. Commander Powers informed them that there would be a delay because of the testing associated with the Tug Drop. They would have to spend the night. Unfortunately, with all the ambassadorial interest in the Tug Drop, there would not be a pair of quarters for them. They would be required to share quarters.
Tanus looked at the Antican, "It is fine. For security reasons, I would need to stay with Governor Coren anyway."
Tanus went into the quarters. He plumped the pillows on the couch and then offered the bed to the Governor. She smiled and headed into the back room. Tanus informed the Governor that he was going to have a sonic shower. He disappeared into the lavatory portion of the quarters.
Tanus came out to a big surprise. Maple was kneeling on the couch.
Tanus gasped, "Your honor?"
"I have learned this is the side of a woman you prefer.", Maple offered, slowly lowering her undergarments.
Tanus knew what his association with Salem, with Teena, with Samantha and with others had done to his career. He was supposed to be at Darona to rebuild his reputation as the Special Forces Commanding Officer and not to get into a huge political mess by having sex with the Governor.
He should have done the right thing. He should have stepped outside and stood guard, but would you? Who would?
Posted by:
Major Tanus of Gorn
Governor's Inner Guard Commanding Officer
Darona
Beta Zeta Sector
