The Last Time We First Met - Part Sixteen
by: Denise Underwood
c. 2001
Once more in amongst the press of the party, she snagged a glass of
champagne from a passing waiter, draining the glass. Taking a few steadying
breaths, she calmed her thoughts.
"Minister MacAlpine," a cool measured voice interjected into her troubled
reflection.
Triona turned to acknowledged the Romulan that had come to stand behind
her. "Legate Trayvan," she said, nodding at the tall, heavyset Romulan
male. "Your family? They're well, I hope."
Trayvan made a little bow before replying, "They are well, Minister. My
eldest daughter just entered the diplomatic service."
"Your family does you credit, Legate. I found the time I spent on Romulas
with them most illuminating."
"I hope we can expect another visit at some point in the future, Minister.
Perhaps with your own child?"
Triona smiled, seeming not at all surprised that the Romulan intelligence
officer knew of the impending arrival of Lucia. "It would be my very great
honour, Legate."
The Romulan took a glass of champagne from a passing server, and offered it
to Triona. "Perhaps we could share a meal during your sojourn here on
Earth," he asked as she accepted the glass of sparkling liquid with a nod
of thanks.
She sipped from her glass before replying, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
"I would welcome it, Legate Trayvan." She tilted her head in a little
gesture of acceptance.
He looked over her head, his own eyes holding a thoughtful gaze. "But, I
have taken enough of your time. Your escort is looking for you." He nodded
at a space behind her.
She turned at the direction of his glance, seeing Picard heading towards
her, a purposeful measure to his stride. "So it would seem," she said
softly. Turning her attention once more to the Romulan Legate, she said,
"Have your aide call my office, Trayvan, about lunch."
"I look forward to it, Triona," he said, bowing over her and giving one
more look at the approaching Picard before turning away.
Triona squared her shoulders as she turned to meet Captain Picard. She
looked at him quizzically as he came to a stop in front of her, once more
sipping at her glass of champagne.
Uncomfortable at her silence, he finally spoke. "You left so abruptly."
"There was nothing to say," she said, shrugging, not helping him.
"Wasn't there?" He looked over at where Legate Trayvan was speaking to the
Andorian Ambassador. "And him?" he asked, half accusing.
"There's nothing to say," she repeated coolly, her eyes daring him to press
her further.
"I don't agree, Minister," he replied sharply.
"That's of no concern to me, Captain," she answered just as sharply in
return. "No!" she waved him to silence. This was getting out of hand. She
was old enough to know better, she chided herself. "Jean-Luc, we talked
about this, you and I. I told you there might be times when you'd feel
torn, even betrayed by my duty to my people." She shook her head sadly.
"Admittedly, I never expected it to happen this soon. But maybe it's for
the best," she said quietly. Placing her palm against his chest, she
sighed. ""I'm sorry, Jean-Luc, I truly am."
Picard put his hand over hers. "I am too, Triona. Just tell me that what
you do isn't a danger to the Federation."
"Of course not!" She stepped closer, looking up at him. "You must believe
that I would never do anything like that. In the end, you have to choose
whether or not you can trust me."
He nodded slowly. "You're right -- it is up to me."
"Do you think you need to speak to Guinan again?" she asked half in jest.
Picard had a lopsided smile on his face. "No, I think I can figure this one
out for myself."
"I'm glad to hear it," she told him, returning his smile. "Now, I see that
we have two choices."
"Oh?"
"We can let this ruin our evening, or you can ask me to dance."
"I think I'd like the second choice, Minister MacAlpine."
"I'm glad, because that's my preference as well. I want to make the most of
this time, Captain Picard."
Picard offered her his hand. "I'm afraid I have new orders. The Enterprise
leaves tomorrow at 0600 hours."
"But I thought...." She squeezed his hand. "Admiral Dean's payback for my
lack of cooperation? Never mind," she said quickly, not wanting to put him
in an awkward position. He looked at her gratefully. "Then time's a
wasting, Captain. Shall we?" She indicated the dance floor with her free hand.
"It would be my pleasure," he said, raising her hand to his lips and
kissing it gallantly before taking her in his arms and swirling her onto
the dance floor.
************
The rest of the evening was a whirl of music and laughter. Triona made a
point of ignoring both Romulans and Starfleet admirals. She simply
concentrated on moving to the music and enjoying the company of Jean-Luc.
But soon, it was time for good-byes.
Captain Picard briefly spoke to the Enterprise from the rose garden of the
Keep. Finished, he joined Triona where she sat on a bench by an ornamental
fountain. She was glad of the wrap she'd snagged from the house. It was
spring and nights were chilly here in the mountains of Montana.
"Everything all right?" she queried.
"Fine," he replied. "Commander Riker is getting the final departure
coordinates from Space Dock."
"Then it's time I suppose," she said, not quite willing to let him go.
Taking her hand, he nodded. "I'm afraid so."
"Jean-Luc, are you sure? You have a right to be here for the birth of your
daughter. I could raise a fuss, give you a few more weeks here on Earth.
I'm very good causing a stir." She grinned unrepentantly. "It's been a long
time since I've started an incident."
Picard, laughing at the almost gleeful ring in her voice, said, "I'm quite
sure." His expression turned serious. "I've thought a great deal on this,
Triona. I think it's best for you, and the baby, to be a part of one
consistent family. It's not that I don't want to be a part of her life, but
I think it should wait till she's older and can understand."
Triona nodded her understanding. He was right; Lucia would have enough to
deal with the rather odd family that she belonged to. But she didn't want
him to be cut off from his child either.
"Anytime you want to see her, Jean-Luc -- I mean that. And no one outside
of the family will know of her paternity till you wish it known. I'll send
you pictures every week, so you can watch as she grows, I promise." She
still sounded unsure, despite her reassurances.
"It's best this way," he said with a certainty that that calmed her doubts.
"If you're sure...."
"I am. I know that our child will have a loving mother and an extended
family that will raise her to be secure and confident."
Picard's communicator chirped, telling him that they were ready to beam him
to the ship. Triona walked him out to the lawn, giving him a hug. "If you
ever decide to leave Starfleet, there's always a place for you on Imladris.
If you'd like to run our Space Guard, or the winery, or just sit on the
porch and watch the grass grow...." She smiled up at him. "My planet is
your planet."
"I'll keep that in mind," he promised with a returning smile as she stepped
away. He signaled the ship, raising his hand in farewell.
"Till we meet again."
"Now that we've both finally met for the first time." His eyes sparked with
humor as the transporter shimmered around him, Triona's laughter following
him as she disappeared from view.
Finis
Denise * ithildin@ondragonswing.com* Ith
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