Myriad Universes 02_ Echoes and Refractions - Keith R. A. DeCandido [81]
Ra-ghoratreii nodded toward Azetbur. “Honorable councillor, at least on that point, we are in agreement. So I beg you, tell me…what must be done to preserve both of our people’s futures?”
Chang shook his head. “How naive have we all become? Can you not see the hopelessness of these desires? We are wasting our time here. I have lent my ear to the people of Qo’noS. They do not desire peace. They wish to die on their feet, fighting to the last. Hath not a Klingon passions? Prick us, do we not bleed? Wrong us…shall we not revenge?” He clenched his fist, and it shook with the repressed anger of a billion dishonored souls.
Thelin’s heart sank as he assessed his role in the events that had brought them to this juncture. You’re opening Pandora’s box. David’s words, now seeming so poignantly true, echoed through the Andorian’s mind. As it happened, Thelin had known little of Earth mythology until his visit with Arne Darvin five years before had motivated him to do some research. But it was all too clear now. Starfleet was his beloved-his Pandora-and like a cursed son of Iapetus he had allowed her to release such enduring evils into the universe. Only one thing remained…and that was hope.
A hope that could be realized only through sacrifice.
Thelin rose to his feet. “The solution seems clear to me.” All those present turned their attention toward the Andorian and his suddenly confident demeanor.
Thelin looked to each member of the Klingon delegation in turn. “Unquestionably, the Klingon people will not accept a peaceable accord unless honor can be satisfied. What you require is a pariah-a man who will accept full responsibility for the dishonorable acts against the Klingon Empire, and who will face the consequences.”
Ra-ghoratreii raised a hand to silence him. “Thelin! Sit down. You don’t realize what you’re saying.”
The Andorian looked down at the president, his antennae standing rigidly at attention. “On the contrary, Mr. President, I realize exactly what I am saying.” And his voice firmly conveyed that realization-the wisdom of a man who, for the first time, fully comprehended his purpose in life. “Tell me, Chancellor Gorkon, would my extradition provide sufficient reconciliation to appease your people, so that they might accept a peaceful resolution?”
Gorkon blinked at him, pausing to consider in-depth the ramifications of this proposal. He looked over at his daughter, who raised her eyebrows with intrigue, and he nodded slowly. “I think, were we to properly frame this act as reparation for an honor debt, it might.” He looked over to Chang, who remained silent but appeared mollified. “Indeed, it might. But you must be aware,” he continued, returning his focus to Thelin, “your extradition presupposes your guilt. Of course, you have the right to a trial, where you will be found guilty and summarily executed.”
“I understand,” Thelin said. “But if this is the only way to stop an imminent apocalypse, is it not a small price to pay?”
Ra-ghoratreii held up his hand, becoming exasperated that this matter was proceeding so rapidly beyond his control. “Thelin…the Federation does not simply turn over Starfleet admirals for trial in foreign courts, especially in the wake of a military victory. If you do this, we will disavow any support for your actions.”
Thelin faced him with immutable confidence. “What I do here today, I do of my own free will as an individual.” And for the first time, he thought, I will know my purpose. I will be the catalyst for reconciliation. I will become whole.
The president stood and faced the Andorian, stepping in close to him and lowering his voice to a whisper. “Thelin…we don’t yet know what other options may reveal themselves. If you do this, there’s no turning back.”
Thelin smiled. “Mr. President, we