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By Root 1262 0

went to the admiral’s right ear, which was adorned with an earring. Though it was nowhere near as elaborate as those worn by Kira’s time, Kira knew that it symbolized devotion to the Prophets a way of life that had not become as widespread in this era as in hers. Kira wasn’t completely sure how far back she had gone, but, based on the clothes and weaponry, it had to be over twenty thousand years in the past. Which means, she thought, the first Orb won’t even be found for at least ten thousand years or so. Still, though no Lerrits she saw wore earrings, a few from the peninsula did, as did most of those from Endtree.

And, of course, Kira, though a believer herself, didn’t wear one either, thanks to a decree by a religious authority that did not yet exist.

The admiral’s comment elicited a snort from Torrna. “I doubt that the Prophets were the ones who put those cannons on your ships, Admiral.”

A chuckle spread around the table.

“Be that as it may,” Natlar said before Inna could reply, “I am afraid we have more business with our neighbors in Endtree.”

Inna seemed to shudder. “With all due respect, Prefect” Kira blinked; she had missed Natlar’s assumption of that title ” I’d rather leave any other business to the diplomats and politicans. I was happy to aid you in casting out those Lerrit leeches. Their shipping tariffs were an abomination. But whatever further relationship there is to be between our governments, it is not for me to arrange. I would simply like to return home and await new orders.”

“I, however, would rather you did not return home just yet.” Natlar folded her hands together. “While General Torrna has assembled a fine army, and one that I would pit against any other nation’s in the world, we are still vulnerable at sea. Lerrit does have a navy of their own, after all, and the moment we lose the protection offered by your fleet, they will return and take us back with little difficulty.”

“Perhaps,” Inna said cautiously. Kira knew that tone of voice. The admiral knew that Natlar was absolutely right, but to admit it would mean going along with something she did not want to do.

“I therefore would like to request that Endtree leave a delegation of five ships behind to protect the port.”

Torrna slammed his fist on the table. “Prefect, no!”

“Is something wrong, General?” Natlar asked, her tone never changing from the reasonable calm she’d been using all along.

“We’ve just fought for our independence.”

“With our help,” Inna added with a small smile.

Sparing the admiral a glance, Torrna said, “For which we thank you, Admiral. But if we allow them to stay here, we become as dependent on them as we were on Lerrit! We’d be exchanging one oppressor for another!”

“My people do not ‘oppress,’ General,” Inna said sharply. “The Prophets”

“I’m fully aware of your people’s religious beliefs, Admiral. They don’t change the fact”

“Many worship the Prophets,” Natlar said. “It is not a reason to dismiss Endtree as a potential ally.”

“I still think”

“General, can we adequately defend the port with our current forces?”

Torrna grimaced. “Given a few months, we can assemble a fleet that”

“And until that fleet is assembled?”

Kira winced in sympathy for her friend. She understood all too well the difficulty Torrna was having.

Some things never change, she thought.

Inna was speaking now: “One of my ships is setting out for home with a full report at first light tomorrow. I will include your request, which will be put before the Council.”

Nodding, Natlar said, “Thank you, Admiral. General Torrna will serve as your liaison to me and, should the Council see fit to honor our request, he will continue in that duty.”

Torrna stood up. “What!?”

Before Torrna could argue further, a young girl came in. “Excuse me, but three men are here claiming to represent the Bajora.”

Kira blinked. Just when I thought this couldn’t get more interesting.

Natlar barely hesitated. “Send them in.” To Kira’s ear well used to the nuances of politicians the prefect sounded relieved that her argument with Torrna had been interrupted.

For his