Refugee Part 9
by Kathy P
Marrett sat on the couch with his son, helping Marin as he tried to work through his mathematics assignment. He was proud of his son's intelligence, but like his other father he tended to drift from his current subject if not watched carefully. Years of training had given Larin the self-discipline to concentrate on one task when working professionally, but privately he still tried to do too many things at the once.
Looking up he watched as Larin tore through their quarters trying to perform several chores at once. Smiling to himself he watched as his love trying to decide what to have for dinner with their guests tonight, finish dressing himself and his daughter, and try to tidy up the room all at the same time.
"Larin do you want any help," he asked knowing that his husband would probably refuse all offers of assistance.
The other man was trying to get his hair under control to braid it. Looking up from beneath the black cascade of hair over his face he answered, "No thanks. I have everything under control."
Marin glanced up at his father when he heard him suppress a snicker. Making eye contact they rolled their eyes at their stubborn family member. They both felt an urge to look after the man that meant so much to the both of them.
"I'll get Megwyn, daddy," Marin offered when he saw his papa struggling to confine his long hair into a neat braid.
Nodded to each other they got up from the couch and moved into action.
Marin loved to look after his baby sister and went into her room to grab an outfit for her. He liked to dress her up in her fancier clothes, so it was inevitable that he picked a frilly silver dress from the dresser draw.
Coming back into the main room he took Megwyn from her cradle and started to change her.
Marrett moved behind his husband, grabbing the brush from him and started to arrange his hair.
With a sigh of capitulation, Larin handed Marrett the strand of obsidian beads he wanted to braid into his hair. He tried to hide it, but he was secretly amused at how his husband and son took over for him from time to time. He knew that he tried to do too many things at once. His mind worked so fast and thought of things that he had to do but his body could not catch up.
The door chime rang and Larin called for whoever it was to enter.
Gul'en Tremane and Gul'ena Larinea stepped through the door, taking in the domestic situation going on. Grinning at each other they pitched in with the chores.
Picking up the stray computer padd, Larinea tided up the room. Tremane moved to the relpicator and started to scroll through the selections. Calling out several different choices he tried to settle on the dinner menu with his son. Marrett moved over to join him when he finished braiding Larin's hair to help look through the computer selection.
The two men had to dig pretty deep into the computer which prompted a visit from Odo. The constable demanded to know why they were routing through the station's computers. Marrett explained to the Changeling that they were looking for a suitable dish for dinner.
Odo came over to the terminal to verify, sighing at the interruption to his day. Seeing that no important files had been accessed he left with a warning about going to deep into the computer system.
After the room was ready for the upcoming dinner, Tremane and Larinea moved to the couch, watching as Larin finished getting himself ready.
Picking up Megwyn, Marin moved over to the couch to snuggle up between his grandparents.
Tremane gently took his granddaughter into his arms as Larinea moved Marin onto her lap. Talking to each other about the days events they cuddled together. The three of them laughed as Megwyn blinked her bright blue eyes while intently trying to grab a hold of Tremane �s finger weaving a pattern in front of her face.
Larinea looked up at her son as he set the table. "Larin, relax. Come sit down for a bit. Garak and Julian won't be here for a little while."
Larin shook his head, "I can't. I'm too nervous." He started to protest when Marrett walked over to him, pulling him towards a chair, but decided to go peacefully. He was pulled into his husband's lap as he sat.
"Everything will be fine, Larin," Tremane said confidently.
Marin sat watching the tension drain from his daddy as his father rubbed his back. He didn't know what was going on, but was determined to figure it out. He was a little thrown by the nervousness his daddy showed for usually he was very self assured. Thinking hard he imagined that there must be something big going with his daddies and he just had to watch them extra close.
"I hope so, Tremane, I hope so. It's just that we have been waiting for this moment for so long," Larin said. The young man was glad that his father would be undertaking this particular task. He really didn't think his nerves would take anymore stress. It was difficult enough for him to be in charge of the negotiations.
He was never trained to do this kind of job. His main vocation was the training of youngster in the ancient Hebitian fighting art of Ten'han. Larin usually held a couple of classes a day and privately trained a few advanced pupils on the side. He missed the physical exertion of his job and felt that he was going to go crazy if he didn't get out and exercise soon.
Marrett often teased him about the amount of physical energy he possessed. It was true. Larin had found that if he didn't work out often his energy level would rise to annoying levels. He would fairly quiver with excess energy. Thinking back, Larin remembered that some of those times resulted in some of the most explosive sex with his husband. Marrett would tease that neither one of them were worth anything the next day, but oh how he enjoyed it none the less.
Maybe after the dinner he could talk Marrett into going dancing again. That would take the edge off for now.
He evened out his breathing as his nervousness surged forth once again. Looking at the clock he saw that dinner was drawing ever closer.
******************************
Garak walked down the long corridor beside his husband. His thoughts were on the upcoming dinner with Larin and his family. The tailor was curious about the interest that Larin and his people seemed to have in him. It made him wary but did not truly alarm him as he felt no threat coming from them.
Julian was talking excitedly about the day they had spent in the holodeck. His husband had enjoyed himself, and was still worked up from the spy program they had played. The doctor had never lost his fascination with spying and even though he had his suspicions about Garak's past profession, had stopped trying to drag information from him about his past. Julian has told him that he was content with whatever Elim felt comfortable telling him and that he didn't wish to pry for more details.
The older man appreciated his mate's willingness to let his past go. Once again he marveled at the luck that let him obtain this wonderful man as his mate.
Coming up to the Hebitian's door they rang the chime. When the door slid open they walked into the room.
They were greeted with the sight of Larin sitting in his husband's lap, and two children being snuggled by two older Hebitians.
Larin jumped up and walked over to them. The handsome young Hebitian was dressed in his usual black and silver and his hair, hanging down his back, was braided with black beads.
"Garak, Julian," he said to them warmly, "Thank you for coming. Let me introduce you to my family."
They moved over to where the others were sitting. For a moment Garak thought he recognized the older Hebitian man, but dismissed the notion when he could not put a name to his face.
Motioning to the small boy Larin said, "This is my son, Marin."
Marin rose off the older woman's lap and came to stand next to his father. "Hello," he said. "I'm five," he announced proudly.
Garak smiled down at the young boy. "That's good to know Marin. You seem like a very intelligent young man."
Marin smiled brightly at him. "Thank you. I like to learn lots of new things," his face scrunched up as he thought of something, "But I don't like math too much but father says I have to know it. Do you like math?"
Garak was utterly charmed by the boy. He had missed being around the inquisitive children of his people. Even though he'd never mentioned it to Julian he loved children immensely. The last Cardassian children he had been around were the war orphans on Bajor. It took all of his formative will power not to take all of them back to the station with him. Once again, flashes of his golden dream children came to mind.
"Math, hmm, now that is a difficult question Marin. I guess you can say that I tolerate math, but your father is right. You do need to know it."
Marin gave a little sigh. "I guess so, but I don't have to like it."
Garak laughed. "No you don't."
Larin caressed his son's cheek and smiled down at him. "You'll get use to it little one. I'll tell you a secret. I don't like it all that much either," he said in a secretive whisper, flashing a wink at Marrett.
Marin giggled and hugged his daddy's leg. Twirling around he walked over and jumped into Marrett's lap, giving him a hug as well. "I'll learn it for father though."
Moving toward his other child, Larin picked up the baby and held her in his arms. Stepping over to them he smiled gently and introduced his daughter. "This is our daughter Megwyn."
He offered the baby to Garak and the tailor took her carefully into his arms. He looked down into the bright blue eyes that stared at him calmly. His longing for children of his own surged forth once again.
He turned towards Julian to let him see the baby. He watched as Julian's face took on a tender expression as the doctor reached forth to brush his fingers across her soft cheek.
"She's lovely, Larin," Julian said quietly. Seeing the look of happiness on Garak's face the doctor wondered if he would want to have children. "How old is she?"
Marin spoke up immediately. "She's four months old. Daddy carried her in his belly for nine months. He was really big!" He held his arms about in front of him making a circle to show them how big. "He carried me too, but I don't remember. I was just a baby."
Garak and Julian looked at the Hebitian with surprise. "You carried both of your children?" Julian asked curiously. He had heard that some races had the medical technology that allowed men to carry babies to term but he had yet to see the technology.
Larin grinned proudly. "Yes I did. Our people have had the medical knowledge for almost one-hundred years now," he explained. "We thought of using a surrogate when we decided it was time for children, but I wanted to carry them myself."
"That's wonderful," Julian exclaimed. "Do you think that you can give me information on how the pregnancy is achieved?"
"No problem, Julian. I'll let Mirell know that you are interested. She is the one who performed the procedure in the first place." He noted the looks Julian and Garak where exchanging. "You know, this procedure can be used on many different species, it is not exclusive to just us."
Julian blushed and looked down at the floor, his thoughts spinning as he thought of the possibilities. He couldn't wait to get Garak alone to talk about it.
Turning back to the older couple Larin introduced them. "These are my parents, Gul'ena Larinea and Gul'en Tremane Darheel."
Garak handed Megwyn back to Larin and nodded toward the couple. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," he said politely. He couldn't shake the feeling that he should know the Gul'en from somewhere.
"The pleasure is all ours, Elim," Larinea said. She watched the other man closely, cataloguing his responses.
Surprised at the use of his first name Garak nodded hesitantly. Usually the first name in Cardassian society was reserved for close friends. Apparently this too was different on Hebitia.
Breaking the moment Larin turned to Julian, "I think you'll like what we chose for supper Julian. It's a traditional Hebitian dish that Tremane and Marrett found deep in the replicator
sub-routine. There must of been a Hebitian on board when the station was being built," he said with a laugh.
"Sounds interesting, Larin. I guess if I can get you to try lasagne I can try one of your dishes," Julian replied chuckling.
"Well if everyone is ready..." Larin said as he motioned toward the dining table.
Everyone took their place at the long table as Tremane and Marrett ordered up their food.
Megwyn was security tucked into a cradle by Larinea and Marin sat in a chair by Larin looking around at the richly decorated table. There was a beautiful center piece of flowers and candles that held his interest. He kept reaching out to stroke a flower petal once and a while, being very careful with it after Larin warned him to be gentle.
Marrett opened a chilled bottle of wine and poured everyone a glass table. "I think you'll like this wine. It's a sparkling white that we like to brew up at home," he said as he slipped into his chair by Marin.
Julian took a small sip and was pleasantly surprised at it's light taste. "It's wonderful," he told Marrett.
Tremane raised his glass into the air. "I would like to propose a toast."
The rest of them raised their glasses, waiting while Larin quickly poured some juice for Marin to toast with.
"Heler palis, heler geran. Stanis bael, stanis ferran."
Garak froze as an imagine flashed into his mind.
///A loving face looked down at him with a smile. A soft touch brushed hair out of his eyes. He returned the grin then turned his face back to watch the dancers highlighted in the flickering fire light.///
Shaking his head slightly he banished the image, repeated the toast, and took a sip of the wine.
Julian hadn't noticed his husband's momentary distraction. "What does it mean, Tremane?" he asked curiously.
"Live happy, live long. Stay true, stay free. It's an old Hebitian saying," Tremane explained. He had noticed the vague look in Garak's eye when he said the old chant.
"Interesting," Julian replied. "I would love to learn more about you culture if I can. You've probably heard this many times by now, but you are so different from Cardassians. It's quite fascinating."
Larin smiled at the doctor as he started to put food on his son's plate. "Feel free to ask us any questions Julian. We love to brag about ourselves," he said with a wink. Turning back to his son he continued to put a green vegetable on his plate, ignoring the groan of protest.
Conversation was momentarily halted as the food was past around.
Julian took a serving of the pastry filled dish that was the main course. It seemed to be stuffed with vegetables and a tuber like vegetable similar to a potato. It smelled delicious so he took a big portion. "Mmm..this looks great," he told his hosts.
"I hope you like it, Julian," Larin replied.
Julian passed the dish to Garak and started to pile some vegetables on his plate.
Garak started to put some of the pastry dish on his plate when a familiar smell hit him, bringing forth another memory.
///A kind man in black and silver sat next to him trying to cox him into eating. He crossed his arms preparing to be stubborn when a familiar form entered his sight. His plate was taken away and another placed in front of him. One of his favorite pastry dishes was on it and he started to enthusiastically dig in.
"You know your going to spoil him," the man said, laughing.
A soft sigh float in the air behind him. "I know, I just can't stand to see him go hungry. Stubborn boy," said a sweet voice. "I'll make him do some extra mathematics assignments tonight as payment."
More laughter from the man. "You're a cruel, cruel woman."///
"Garak. Elim," Julian said, concerned at his husbands unresponsiveness. Garak sat frozen in his seat, a spoonful of food hovering in the air above his plate.
Giving himself a shake the tailor snapped out of it. "Yes, Julian?"
"Are you feeling ok? You didn't seem to be with us for a moment."
Garak noted the concerned looks of the people around him. His head still felt a little foggy and he tried to push the vision out of his mind. "I'm fine, Julian. I was just thinking that's all."
Julian noticed Tremane and Larinea trading veiled looks. He suddenly felt that they might know what was going on with Garak.
Garak finished putting the food on his plate and passed the dish on. Taking a bite he closed his eyes in pleasure at the taste of the food. It was delicious.
"This is really good. You say this is a traditional dish?" Garak queried. "If only all of Cardassian cuisine was equal to this."
"I had a feeling you would like it, Garak," Tremane said. "Marrett and I had to dig pretty deep into the computer system to find it. Personally I find Hebitian cuisine much more palatable that Cardassian. Who in their right mind would want to eat taspar egg?"
Everyone chuckled as Julian shuddered at the thought. Garak had made him taspar eggs once and it didn't sit well in his human digestive track. He had been sick for hours.
"I have to agree. Your food is much better. No comparison really," Julian said eagerly. He ate some more of the food thinking over Larin's offer to inform him of his culture. "Garak has told me a little about you society and how it runs. He explain about Gul'ens and Gul'en Reil. I guess my first question would be why don't you have a Gul'en Riel right now?"
A sudden silence descended over the table, the Hebitians exchanging sorrowful looks.
Julian quickly said, "I'm sorry if this is a sensitive topic. You don't have to answer."
Tremane waved a weary hand in front of him, trying to reassure the human. "No, Julian, it's alright. The loss of our leader is a hard topic for us."
Larinea placed a comforting hand on her husband's shoulder. Tremane reached up and covered her hand with his, taking solace in her touch. "Around thirty years ago our Gul'ena Riel was murdered," he said shortly.
Julian regretted bringing the topic up. "I'm very sorry, Tremane. This must be very difficult for you."
"It is a painful subject, Julian. Even though it was long ago it still affects us deeply. I was her main advisor and we were very close."
"What happened?" Garak asked softly.
"Around ten years before she was killed, the Gul'ena Riel had come under the suspicion of the Cardassian government for being sympathetic to the Bajoran cause and it was suspected that she was donating resources to help Bajoran prisoners escape Cardassian prisons. A certain element of the Cardassian government decided to investigate her but found no proof. After that they kept a closer eye on us. Rumor started to circulate as time went by saying that we were harboring Bajoran prisoners in Hebitia. It must of been the final straw for one day she was found dead in her bedroom. Poisoned," he drew a hand across his face at the memory. "We were never able to prove who killed her, but we are certain it was on the orders of the head of Cardassian intelligence. She had no heir available and I was the next in the line of succussion so I assumed power."
Garak looked at Tremane thoughtfully. "What intelligence organization do you think it was? Thirty years ago the prominent one was the Obsidian Order."
"We are not positive of it's identification," Tremane said smoothly, trying to avoid the question.
Sensing his evasion Garak added it to another piece of their mystery. In all his time with the Obsidian Order he had never once heard of the execution of a Hebitian leader of state. It puzzled him that he didn't know more about the Hebitians. After all, they were the sort of people that the Order would keep under suspicion just being the way they were.
Larin started up some small talk with Julian, trying to ease the tension in the room. Garak answered the occasional question asked him, but his mind was still concentrating on the information given by Tremane.
Once again he wished that he had more contacts left in the Order. Most of them had dried up after his father Enabran Tain, former head of the Obsidian Order, had died in a Dominion war prison. He made a mental note to contact Mila, his father's old housekeeper, to find out what she knew about the Hebitians. Mila had a lot of in-depth knowledge on some of the Order's older investigations. Maybe she would be able to get some information for him.
Their dinner was momentarily interrupted when Kali comm'd Larin to ask them if they wanted to head to Quark's later for some dancing. She told him that they had reserved the room off of Quark's for their group, and the Hebitians from the Daerle were set on celebrating their survival.
Larin happily agreed to come.
After a moments thought, Garak asked if he and Julian could come along as well. He was having a good time with these Hebitians and wanted to study them some more.
Marin begged to come as well, throwing his father a pathetic look when Larin hesitated. When Larin agreed that Marin could come, for a little while anyway, he let out loose a whoop of joy.
Everyone laughed at the excited boy, and turned to the task of finishing off their dinners.
They agreed to meet at Quark's in an hour and headed off to get ready for the night's entertainment.
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