Subject: Grail: "Last Look Back"-`Sentencing'

<<Stardate: 47307.17- 14:00>>

<<Brig>>

The huge Bolian, Norden, preceeded Epic Terrakian into the Brig.

Of the three cells, only one was lit, a field of shimmering force barely

visible if not for the distortion it created.

Lt. Jhari Ryes came to full attention upon Epics entry. She seemed

to be highly agitated and a profound guilt rose in her at his

appearance. It was a strange reaction. `What had been going on since

this sabotuers capture?'

Epic knew all Starfleet knew about Jarel Deschaine. It was rich in

detail, Jarels file, but the details were inconsequential to Epic. If

the details were considered of every crewmember on this ship, they would

all be in prison. Most, anyway. And, in fact, they all were accused,

tried, and convicted. And their sentence:

Get thee hence to the Delta Quadrant and die.

And for his crimes, Jarel Deschaine would suffer the same fate.

"Drop the field.", Epic spoke quietly, his eyes locked onto the

other mans deep blue eyes. Jarel Deschaine stood and faced him.

Without argument, Jhari Ryes deactivated the containment field. It

dissipated in a shower of energy.

"You are both dismissed.", Epic said, his hands folded behind his

back.

The hulking Bolian protested. "Sir. According to Starfleet

regulations...."

Epic favored the large blue man with a gaze that would accept no

argument. Norden turned to go, then stopped. He extended his hand phaser

to Epic. Epic took the weapon. Norden nodded and allowed Jhari to

precede him through the exit. She looked back at Jarel as if she might

speak, but Norden eclipsed her and his oppressive size urged her out. In

seconds, Jarel and Epic were alone.

"I know why you did what you did."

Jarel said nothing. Epics comment did not require a response. And,

it seemed to Jarel that the man was not yet finished. Epic set the

phaser on the nearby desk.

"If I were in your position, I would have done the same thing. I'm

not going to prosecute you, Deschaine. I'm not going to punish you for

being a good man. You're going to learn as you share the Delta Quadrant

Death Sentence that the rest of us have earned, that we are not going to

perpetuate the mistakes of the society that created us. We are going to

live and die by the strength and faith of our hearts. And not the

ridiculous rules of a hypocritical organization that is too cowardly and

too small to control us."

Epic stepped past Deschaine, into the mans cell. Jarels eyes never

left the Betazoids.

"However, we will still maintain order. And structure. Because it

is the only way we will be able to even have a chance to survive our

future challenges. It's us against everything, Deschaine."

Epic put his hand on the mans shoulder and urged him out of the

cell. They walked side-by-side.

"I want you to get some sleep in a real bed in quarters that I have

already prepared for you. I want you to replicate suitable attire for

the position I want you to fill. You will be a Technical Specialist,

assistant to Lt. Eve Mallory. I am reinstating your Starfleet rank of

Lt. [jg]. And the project you will be assigned to is the reclamation of

Angeline Deschaine."

Jarel simply stood there, shaking.

"You are not a prisoner or a fugitive anymore, Deschaine. You're

one of us, for good or ill.

"May God save you.