Refugee
by Kathy P.
Part 3
Captain Sisko stood talking to Admiral MacDonald in the banquet hall. They were waiting for the arrival of the Hebitian delegation. All twenty members were coming to tonight's dinner.
He was not really paying attention to the Admiral's small talk. Instead he was slowly looking around the hall. He noticed various members of his senior staff standing around.
Kira was with Odo and she still had a faint frown on her face but it was mixed with confusion now. *Good* Sisko thought *the Hebitians are not what she was expecting...Hell I don't think they were what any of us expected!*
He noticed Julian and Garak talking quietly together in a corner. Sisko had objected to Garak's presence but the Admiral had overridden him saying that it was such a small request on the Gul'en part. Sisko was aware of the fact that Odo was watching Garak closely though so he knew that he did not have to worry about any security breaches.
The Admiral, not noticing Sisko's distraction, motioned for Minister Garrett come and join them.
The Minister walked over with another man that was introduced as his aide Heb Kirat. He nodded at Sisko and the Admiral but said nothing.
At that moment the Hebitian delegation arrived. The doors drew open and Gul'en Larin and Marrett stepped in first.
If anything their appearances was more of a exotic than before. Every eye in the room turned to look at them.
Larin was wearing a long black evening coat that was stopped at his waist in front but trailed to the floor in the back. There was a long slit up the back ending at his waist. The front fastened all the way up with silver buttons. He wore the same thigh high boots as before but this time his pants were a silvery gray. His long black hair had been braided. Crystals and hematite beads were woven in to his braid and they sparkled as the light hit them.
His husband was dressed in black and silver as well. He wore a black shirt with a high collar. His pants were the same silvery gray as Larin's.
They were a very striking pair. Marret had his arm around Larin's waist as they walked over to exchange pleasantries with Sisko and the others.
Larin nodded at all of the men. He stole a quick glance around the room and spotted Garak. He smiled a little then turned back. "Good evening gentlemen," he said. "I trust you are all well tonight?"
Admiral MacDonald responded. "We're just fine Gul'en," he said. "I hope your quarters were to your liking?"
Larin smiled with gratitude. "They are wonderful Admiral. It was nice to be able to stretch out again. Even though I am not that tall the beds on the ship were very cramped. Marret wanted to sleep on the floor the whole way here," he said with a laugh.
Marret looked down at his husband. "That's because you wouldn't stay still. You were too busy complaining and trying to get comfortable love. Other than that I had no problem sleeping."
"True," Larin said with a small sniff "I'm just spoiled." He looked at Marret mischievously. "I am guess I am just more delicate than you, more refined, more....." his words were stopped when Marret gently placed two fingers against his lips. Larin smiled and kissed the fingers as Marret lowered them.
"Ahem, yes," Admiral MacDonald said as their attention was once again turned towards him. "I'm glad that the quarters were fine," he turned to look at the rest of the Hebitians who were still milling around the door. "I haven't been introduced to the rest of your delegation."
The senior officers walked over as Marret introduced their companions.
To their surprise their was a young Betazoid man with them who was obviously with an older Hebitian man. The older man was introduced at Nieret Yon'dor the Hebitian's prime historian. He had his arm around the nervous Betazoid and introduced him as his husband Elie Yon'dor. Nieret rubbed his husband's back trying to ease some of his tension. Elie managed a smile for the assembly and was relieved when Thy'la Jalli came over to him.
The introductions continued but Captain Sisko covertly watched as Jalli and Nieret drew Elie over to a corner and started to talk to him softly. He motioned and Larin over to talk to him.
Larin looked at him then turned to follow his stare. "You are wondering about Elie, Captain?" he asked softly.
Sisko looked down at Larin and saw the compassionate look on his face. He raised an eyebrow waiting for Larin to fill him in.
Larin took his arm and moved him away from the introductions that were still going on. He looked over at Elie again and was relieved to see that he was starting to relax under the care of his husband and the priestess.
"As you probably already guessed Captain, Elie is a Betazoid." He looked at Sisko for confirmation of his words. He continued when he nodded. "Elie has an unusually strong empathic gift evan for a Betazoid," Larin explained. He chewed on his lower lip as he tried to decided what details he could talk about. "You have to understand Captain. Elie had been with us for a long time and he is not use to strong emotional impacts like he just received."
"I don't understand Larin," Sisko said puzzled. "I thought that Betazoids were able to block others emotions."
"Usually they are Captain," Larin replied. "But Elie is a different matter. It is not my place to go into his life story," he explained, "but Elie has had some difficult times and he is still healing. When there are strong," Larin casted around for a politely way to say this, "negative is the only word I can think of Captain," he said apologetically, "emotions directed at him it tends to overwhelm his shields and he starts to panic."
Sisko frowned down at Larin. "Are you trying to tell me that Elie is picking up negative thoughts from us?"
Larin chewed on his lip again as he thought of his reply. "Captain, it is unreasonable to expect that there would be no hostile feelings about our presence here. The basic facts are that Cardassians are not thought of as being trust worthy. There is bound to be a lot of negative emotions toward us. We expect this. All we ask for is the chance to show everyone that we are different then the usual Cardassians."
Minister Garrett had walked over to them as Larin was speaking. "We plan on giving you that chance Gul'en," he said with a smile.
Larin started to return his smile when he locked eyes with the Minister's Aide, Heb Kirat who was standing right behind him. The man had a faint sneer on his face as he looked at Larin. For his part Larin drew to his full height as he took in the Bajorans attitude. A fleeting smile flashed across his face as Heb's eyes narrowed slightly.
Sisko was aware of the silence in the room as every Hebitian turned to look at Larin and Heb. He saw Elie draw closer to his husband and grab his hand.
The Minister looked from Larin to Heb not sure what was going on between the two men. "Gul'en, this is my chief aide Heb Kirat. Heb this is Gul'en Larin Darheel."
Sisko noticed that Larin did not extend his hand to be shaken like he did at all the other introductions instead he cast a quick sideways glace at Marret who shook a finger at him as if saying �play nice'.
Larin looked back at Heb. "Chief Aide Heb," was all he said to the man.
"Gul'en," Heb replied stiffly. "If you would excuse me," he said. He walked over to the bar and grabbed a drink.
Larin watched him leave and turned back to Minister Garrett with a shrug. "Pleasant man you have there," he said with an impish smile.
Garrett was clearly confused about what had just happened. "I apologize for Heb's behaviour, he is a good man and is good at his job," he said feeling like he should say something to defend his aide.
Larin pressed his lips together. "I'm sure that he is Minister. He is just not exactly the friendliest man I have ever met." Larin smiled at his husband as Marrett walked over to join him. "I guess I can't charm them all," he said with a grin for Marrett.
Marrett looked down at his love. "Who were you trying to charm now imp?"
Larin pretended to pout. "Oh, just the Minister's aide over there, but I don't think he likes me."
Marrett's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked over at the Aide. "Guess you can't account for taste hmm?" he said as he put his arm around his mate's shoulder. Larin looked up at him and met his eyes. Both men broke into big grins.
Again Sisko had the feeling that the Hebitians were communicating on some level he was not aware of. As far as he knew, Cardassian did not have any telepathic or empathic abilities. He was going to have to ask Julian to question Garak on the possibility.
The dinner was served and Sisko tried to steer Larin to the other side of the main table, away from Garak and Julian, but the Gul'en just flashed him an annoyed look and moved with Marrett to sit beside the couple.
Sisko relaxed as Odo took a chair near them as well so that he could monitor what they were talking about.
He quickly realised there was nothing to worry about as Larin mostly made small talk with all the people around him. He would turn and asked Garak the occasionally question which Garak would answer politely. Sisko had the impression that Larin was feeling Garak out, like he was trying to get a feel for the type of person the tailor was.
Between courses Larin turned to look hopefully at Sisko. "Captain. I've heard a lot about a bar on the station, Quark's I think. Do you think that we could go their after dinner? I hear that there is a wonderful singer preforming tonight."
At the Admiral's nod Sisko replied. "That should not be a problem Larin. In fact I've heard of her as well and I was looking forward to seeing her. We can all go together if you like."
Larin looked at his friends who were all smiling with anticipation for the night out. "That would be great Captain. I think that it would be a lot of fun," he said happily.
Marrett smiled at his excited husband. "Trust you to find a party anywhere love."
Larin did a little dance move in his chair. "You know it! Can't work all the time hmm? Makes Larin a dull boy!"
Marrett laughed at his husband's antics. He looked past him to Garak and Julian. "You will be coming as well I hope?"
Garak looked at Julian who had a hopeful look in his big eyes. "Yes, I do believe we will," he said wryly.
Larin winked at Julian and whispered. "It's the eyes Julian. They can't refuse big sincere eyes. They fall for it every time." He laughed as Marrett swatted him lightly on the arm.
Garak laughed at the men. "Marrett the sad thing is they're right! I think we need to take a self-defence course against this technique of theirs."
With a laugh Marrett put his arm around Larin. "It wouldn't work Garak. They would just think of some other way to get to us."
Larin leaned into his husbands embrace. "You know it lover," he purred.
Mirell, the Hebitians doctor, laughed from the other side of the table where she had been watching the two couples joke around. "All right boys," she tried to say firmly but the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her, "finish your meal," she said and pointed to Larin. "I know for a fact that you haven't eaten anything since this morning. I want to see that plate cleared or you can't go out and play tonight."
Laughing at his friend Larin picked up his fork. "Yes mother," he said sarcastically as he dug into the food on his plate.
Marrett quickly started to eat as well when Mirell's gaze turned on him wanting to avoid any further lecture.
Julian snickered at their reprimand but quickly turned to his own plate when Mirell looked over at him. He happily cleaned off his plate looking forward to tonight's entertainment. He was eager to get to know Larin and Marrett more as he was greatly enjoying their company. It was nice to be able to socialize with people who did not seem to object to his marriage to Garak. It should be a lot of fun tonight, he thought.
**************
Sisko had sent Odo ahead to Quarks to clear out anyone who might cause trouble for the Hebitians. He didn't want any situations to happen on the first night of the Hebitian's visit.
Quark complained bitterly at first but quickly subsided when he found out that more than twice the people would be coming over to his bar if he let Odo clear it of potential security risks. He was mentally adding up how much latinum he could make from tonight's outing. For the first time he was truly glad that he had installed a stage and dance floor in an empty room off the main bar. It sure seemed to be luring the patrons in tonight.
**************
Larin stopped to look around as he entered the bar. He was surprise that the Captain had allowed them to come here. He hadn't failed to notice the Admiral's nod of approval when he asked if they could come.
"Hey Marrett," he said as he pointed out the Dabo tables. "Feeling lucky tonight? Did you bring any money?" He glanced up at his husband who was staking out the bar. He hadn't heard him as he was too busy looking for potential threats. Larin grabbed his arm and dragged him over to one of the tables. "Marrett. Dabo!"
Marrett acknowledged his husbands question. "No, I didn't think we would need any money tonight. Sorry." He made eye contact with Odo and relaxed when he saw the Changeling had thinned the crowd out.
"Ah well," Larin said. "Maybe some other time." He smiled charmingly at one of the Dabo girls and gently declined her offer of a free game.
He felt Sisko coming up behind him and he turned around.
"Gentlemen, if you would come with me, I do believe the performance is going to start soon," Sisko said.
Larin could tell that he was a little upset over them getting ahead of the rest of the party. He gave a mental shrug over his concern. He knew that he and his husband could handle just about any threats to them on the station.
"Lead the way Captain," he said smiling at him to smooth any ruffled feelings. *Yep,* he thought *I can charm with the best of them.* Larin chuckled to himself and followed the captain into a room off the main bar.
There were tables set up all around the dance floor. And the stage was set up with the musician's instruments.
The room was almost completely empty so Larin grabbed a table right beside the dance floor. He noticed the Admiral, Captain Sisko and Minister Garrett taking the table beside them.
Larin craned his neck looking around for Julian and Garak and waved them over when he spotted them coming in the room. They took a table by them with Jadzia and Worf.
Julian and Jadzia where deep in conversation over some topic and Worf was glancing around the room with distaste. Larin found that he liked the Klingon, even though he would never tell him that. *He looks like he would be fun to tease* he though with a little evil chuckle.
Marrett turned to him when he heard his laugh. "Uh oh," he said. "I don't think I like the sound of that laugh."
Larin smiled wickedly at him and leaned over to whisper. "Just think how much fun it would be to tease a certain Klingon."
Marrett threw a quick glance at Worf then looked back at his husband. "I didn't know you had a death wish. Remind me not to be in the room when he loses his temper."
Larin stretched his arms out. "I could take him," he said impishly.
"You know that, and I know that, but an irate Klingon might not know it. Besides I think you should keep your fighting skills a secret for now. It's best if they underestimate you at the moment."
"Your the tactician love. I will follow your lead as always."
Marrett snorted at that statement. "Yeah, right." He laughed at Larin's pouty look and gave him a quick hug.
Larin leaned into the embrace momentarily before looking up impishly at his husband. He gave a mock sigh. "This is the man I give my favours to. Maybe it's time to move on."
Marrett growled and frowned at his husband. "I'll kill anyone who tries to touch you."
With a chuckle Larin said. "Yep your fun to tease too my love. Your so easy to get."
Marrett imitated Larin's mock sigh. "As long as it's me your getting to," he said and reached over and took one of his husbands hands.
Garak had been watching their exchange with a grin. "How long have you two been married?"
"Five long and weary years," Marret said sombrely. He winced as Larin smacked him in the arm. "Oops, I meant wonderful years, wonderful."
Larin laughed and leaned against his husband. He looked at Garak and said softly, "Marret is my Yan'ie."
"Yan'ie? Lifemate?" Garak said with a surprised look on his face. "I've always considered that to be a children's tale. How can you tell you are bonded?" he asked curiously.
"The same way you can tell Garak." Larin said looking over at Julian who was still talking to Jadzia.
Garak looked over at Julian then turned back to Larin. "What makes you think we are bonded?" he said skeptically.
Larin smiled softly and placed a hand on Garak's arm. "Believe me Garak, we all can see that you are bonded to the doctor. This is a blessing you should be honoured with."
Sensing Garak's unease Marrett changed the subject. "Tell me about this performer we are going to be seeing."
Larin turned to Marrett and started to gesture with his hands. "Oh, she's great Marrett. Her name is Tre'ela and she sings ancient Bajoran folk songs. They are so lovely. Hey looks like she is getting ready to start."
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