"John and I almost have Admiral Marcus-Brutus Pan'Taar convinced to turn the Tellerite Fleet back. We need to comply with these orders.", Vincent shouted at Nicole.
"Keeping Francine here is foolish. She is just a kid.", Vincent snapped.
"Francine and Brenna are close. It is the first close friend Brenna has ever had. She loves it here. She has no part to play in the politics of Olive or Marcus-Brutus. I don't care. She is staying.", Nicole looked at Vincent.
"You are an idiot, Nicole. We have ended this. You played your cards to get Olive to show her true colors and now you are Governor of Ephyra. Don't fu** this up over some kid.", Vincent grabbed her arm.
"She is not some kid. She is Penny's niece. She is my connection to Penny. You let her die, Vincent.", Nicole started to sob.
The words cut Admiral Viceroy right to the core. He did let Penny die. He did it to protect the colony of Ephyra from Propeya Pan'Taar and the prophecy that the Tellerites will one day return to prominence in the Federation. He then let Nicole manipulate and be manipulated by Olive Pan'Taar to prevent a Tellerite uprising; political or otherwise. Vincent sat at the head of Starfleet in his career. He knew the humans were latecomers to the party and how fragile their position was. The Vulcans, the Romulans, the Klingons and countless others are always looking for a way to put the humans down. Now with the Tellerites making noise once again... There is another chance the humans will be pushed aside again.
Vincent looked at Nicole, "Are you prepared to risk the colony over this child?"
Nicole looked at Vincent, "I am prepared to do what is right for my family and with Colby for your family too. One person cannot fix the universe, but one person can fix their little corner of it. If everyone works on making their little corner of the universe a better place, then all of us working together will make the universe a better place."
Vincent was stunned at the words. They may be the most true words spoken here on Ephyra. Nicole had the gift.
"I will inform Admiral Marcus-Brutus Pan'Taar that Francine Prang'Laar has been granted refugee status here on Ephyra.", Vincent looked at Francine.
Brenna had been listening , crouched against the side door. She came running in, "She can stay!?!"
Nicole looked at Vincent and then at Francine, "She can stay."
Brenna and Francine hugged. Francine walked over to Nicole and put her hand in hers. She looked up at Vincent, "Thank you."
Vincent rubbed her hair, "No child, thank you. We get so wrapped up in the politics that we forget what is important."
Nicole smiled at Vincent. The colony may have lost its way but it is slowly finding its way back. It truly can be a home for all.
Posted by:
Nicole Branson
Governor
Ephyra Colony
King's Fleet
Admiral Vincent Viceroy
Commander in Chief
King's Fleet
