The Plan to Request Asylum "
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58204.26 1530

"Coffee, Jamaican blend double strong double sweet," Teilani ordered from the replicator. She had been to the science lab checking on the cloning process. It was a slow and delicate process and Teilani had made it her own personal project.

Taking her mug from the replicator she sat herself down on the couch in her office. She placed her long legs on the on the arm rest. The warmth of the mug comforted her hands and she carefully took a sip.

She was thinking about her two patients in sickbay. Lt Silvio seems to be doing o.k. only a few more days and he was fit to return to his duties. Mason on the other hand was a different story although the bruises and lacerations were healed he still was in a coma. She wondered what would happen to him once they got to Rura Penthe.

After all he had saved her and Patia's life. It wouldn't be fair if he had to pay for his crimes, and besides, at the moment he was not in any condition to be handed over to the Klingon wardens there.

Teilani got up; place her mug on the desk and left sickbay to see Patia. They needed to talk about Mason.

Having reached the counselor office Teilani used the door chime.

"Enter," Patia called, her voice weary. The box from her mother rested, unopened, at her feet. She had reached the point where she thought she would call it a day and take it back to her quarters to open it when the chimed sounded.

Hello Patia, do I come at a bad time? You look awfully tired.

"Hello, Teilani, no, you didn't come at a bad time. I have been here since 0600, so a long day is all," Patia smiled wanly. "Have a seat; you might need to throw a few cushions out of the way. There have been a few people here today and I haven't righted them since the last person."

Teilani walked towards the seating area and made herself comfortable on the couch. She placed some colorful pillows to the side and stuffed a purple one behind her back. She tucked one foot underneath her.

Patia paused at the replicator on her way to the seating area. "Coffee, Jamaican blend double strong double sweet and a raspberry iced tea with two fresh raspberries." She picked up the mug and glass, one in each hand, and carried them to the couches. She handed one to Teilani, before moving to her chair. She settled in and curled her legs under her. "I am surprised to see you today. Is everything ok?"

Teilani nodded. "Patia, we need to talk about Mason."

Patia nodded, "I know. How is he doing?"

"Well at the moment he is doing fine. All the contusions and bruises have healed but he still remains in a coma. Its like he has shut himself off."

"That is odd, but I can't say I am surprised. When we found him, it was like a blank slate was in front of me. He was out of reach, untouchable. He is stable, though?" Patia questioned.

"Yes, he is stable; he only needs to wake up."

"For whatever reason he was a prisoner, he doesn't belong at Rura Penthe, I don't believe, at least not at this time. When you consider the risk he put himself in to assist us, I believe we owe him the chance to explain himself. The question is, will Captain Hunter?"

"That is what I was coming to see you about. He deserves a second chance, besides if he is going to be transferred to Rura Penthe the way he is now, he will certainly die and as you know I can not allow him to do so.

"I wouldn't expect any less of you," Patia replied. She took a sip of her tea. Her throat constricted slightly.

So I was wondering if you would accompany me to Captain Hunter and ask for asylum on Mason's behalf."

"Of course, when would you like to go?"

"Actually I would like to go now if you don't mind. The sooner we have this settled the better it will be"

"No time like the present, then." Patia sat the glass down on the table next to her chair. She stood up, brushed her hands along her thighs, and strode toward the door.