Growing the Family...
Posted on Tue Nov 23rd, 2021 @ 3:59pm by Captain George Charles [Reece] & Gregor [Tonelly] & Captain Gary Taylor & Staff Sergeant Leilani Charles {Kelea-Salik}
Mission:
Season 5: Episode 3: CAPETOWN
Location: USS Elysium, Executive Officer's office
Timeline: MD -01/ 1230 hours
1537 words - 3.1 OF Standard Post Measure
George, Leilani and Gregor had already duscussed the subject of adopting young Hendor. At first, Gregor had been a bit apprehensive. He had just led his people to freedom from the tyranny of Green and his horrendous government. The Federation Council had approved their asylum and citizenship status, and had found a small, uninhabited world that the Outkasts could call their own. A transport was enroute to meet up with the Elysium now, filled with everything they would need to start fresh.
So, this in mind, Gregor was concerned about splitting his people up, right before they started to truly create themselves and actually live, instead of simply surviving. However, upon seeing just how well the Betazoid couple were treating the boy, and how happy he seemed, the Outkast leader finally agreed to proceed.
So, the trio now found themselves waiting in the ante office of Commander Taylor's office. They had an appointment to speak with the ship's executive officer about how to proceed, legally, in the adoption process.
Gary was inside he knew Gregor and the Charles were waiting to speak to him. He wasn't sure about what exactly but he hoped he could give them the information they wanted.
Leilani sat nervously holding her husband’s hand, this was going to mean so much to both George, Hendor and herself if she and George could legally adopt Hendor.
George sat next his wife, holding her hand in his. Breath, Imzadi. I'm sure everything will be fine.
Leilani looked towards George and nodded, taking a deep breath to ease her nerves.
Gregor sat opposite the Charles's. He knew that Brother Gary would be able to help set things right for young Hendor. Neither himself, nor Hendor’s cousin were going to fight the process. They only wanted to ensure everything was done properly, to protect Hendor as he leaves his brothers and sisters.
Gary looked over his PaDD, he reread it again and was satisfied, everything was in order. Rising from his chair, he went to the door and opened it, "Charles, Leilani, Gregor please come in. I believe I have everything in order for you."
Leilani nodded, letting go of George’s hand so she could walk into Gary’s office in the manner expected of a Starfleet Officer. Not that she cared about showing her feelings for her husband in front of others. As she reached the available seats she sat down and waited for everyone else to get comfortable.
George and Gregor stood about the same time. However, as they reached the door, Gregor paused to allow George to enter first. George tilted his head in thanks. He entered and moved to sit next to Leilani. Gregor moved in and took the other empty chair.
Gary moved behind his desk and sat down. He looked across at George, Leilani and Gregor. "Thank you all for coming. I believe I have some positive news for you all."
George reached over and took Leilani's hand. He was started to feel very hopeful. "Yes, Sir?"
Leilani’s eyes fixed on Gary, she was now more hopeful than ever that they’d soon have Hendor as their son.
"Yes, I've personally talked with Federation adoption services. I've made them aware of your desire to adopt Hendor as your son. I have told them how well you all interact, how happy he is and what a stable and loving home you George and you Leilani provide for him." Gary paused as he saw the anticipation on their faces, so he continued. "Therefore they have agreed to allow you to adopt Hendor. The first six months will be monitored to make sure no problems arise but other than that all I can saw is congratulations!"
George wanted to jump up in celebration but, kept it reined in. Time and a place and all that. He did, however lean over and kiss his lovely wife, then hugged her.
Leilani’s smile, and the tears in her eyes said it all as she hugged George back.
Gregor watched, smiling. Ge was very happy for Leilani and George. As they celebrated, he looked over at Gary. "Is there anything I need to do, Brother Gary?"
"Indeed there is my brother. You will continue to visit Hendor and make sure all is well with him and his new family. You will also provide the bridge from his old life to his new one and help him with any difficulties he may have." Gary informed Gregor.
Gregor nodded thoughtfully. "On my honor, this I will do."
Leilani looked towards Gregor. “Gregor, thank you so much for allowing us to adopt Hendor, I promise you he will be loved and cared for.”
Gregor moved over and gently grasped the hands of the happy couple. "Leilani Charles, of that, I never had a doubt, which is why I allowed the adoption to go forward. Today is truly a day of celebration. For, not only have you welcomed young Hendor into your home and lives, but you are now welcomed into all of our lives as members of the Outkasts. When we have settled the world granted us by the Federation, I hope you will all visit often. You will always be welcome in our homes."
“As you will in ours Gregor” Leilani smiled warmly. “I would very much like to show you Earth and Betazed at some point in the future.”
Gary sat in silence and watched as the news sunk in for Charles and Leilani and their reaction was all it should be. Gregor too was happy at the news. A new family had been started and Gary knew it would be a happy one.
George looked at both Gary, then Gregor. "Thank you, both of you. We owe you a debt and anytime, anywhere either of you need anything, call me and I'll be there."
Gregor looked over at Gary and smiled, allowing him the opportunity to speak first.
"You are welcome, all of you. I know you are going to make a wonderful family and I wish you nothing but happiness." Gary answered.
“Thank you Commander” Leilani smiled warmly. “It’s also wonderful to have you back as Executive Officer Sir.”
"Thank you Leilani. It's good to be back." Gary replied honestly.
George felt a rush of excitement rush through him. Looking over at his wife, he said, "Well, I think it's time we go tell Hendor the great news!"
Leilani nodded enthusiastically. “I’d like that!”
"Go, all of you. Spend your first meal as a family telling him the news." Gary encouraged.
George practically jumped up from his seat. "Thank you, Sir!" He was overjoyed and excited. He looked at Gregor and extended his hand.
Gregor stood and took it without hesitation. "We shall talk in a few days. Go, I will not interfere with your family celebration."
“Thank you” Leilani offered Gregor a hug. “but remember you are family too.”
Gregor accepted the hug happily. "Thank you. I will remember."
Then, after the happy couple left Gary's office, leaving Gregor and him alone, the leader of the Outkasts turned and spoke. "It is a very welcome change to have so much happiness shine on my people. Again, it seems that we owe you and the crew of the great vessel Elysium a great debt of thanks, Brother Gary."
"Gregor my brother, this is how life and relationships should be. Loving and supportive and I promise you, my brother, I will always be supportive of you and your fellow Out..." Gary stopped and shook his head, "No, you are Outkasts no longer. You are members of the Federation family now and will be for all eternity."
Gregor was speechless by Gary's words. Pleasantly so. "So...if we are no longer to be known as Outkasts...who are we?"
Gary smiled at Gregor, "Brother Gregor, you and your fellow brothers and sisters are now known as the "Elite."
"The...'Elite'?" Gregor asked, feeling a little confused. "What do you mean?"
"Are you not Gregor? You and your fellows were deemed Outkasts by Green and his government. Now you have been granted asylum and given a planet you can call your own and govern as you see fit." Gary replied.
"Ah, I see your meaning, Brother Gary. Though, I had not yet heard that a world had finally been decided on. Where is it located, so that I may look upon it?"
"I misspoke Gregor a specific has not been decided on as of yet. There are still a handful of worlds the council is studying for your people to settle on." Gary replied to the leader of the Elite.
Gregor nodded, understanding now. "Well, I suppose 'Elite' is a good name for now. However, I think it will need to change to that of our new home, once one is chosen."
"Of course Brother Gregor, I leave it in your capable hands." Gary agreed easily.
Gregor nodded. He then thanked Gary again for his assistance in this matter, and left his office. These Federation personnel were a vast difference to Green and his lapdogs. It was refreshing to see good prevailed over evil in some parts of the universe.
~OFF~