Resistance Is Futile - Pt 11

"But Little One...why so soon?" Lwaxana Troi inquired of her daughter in her usual demanding way. "The ceremony and reception will be thrown together! Barely fitting for a woman of your station. I'll barely have time to change after I arrive!"

"Then the sooner you get started packing, the sooner you'll get here," Deanna replied.

Lwaxana made a disgusted sound. "Mr Homn is already packing. You didn't answer my question."

"No, I didn't." Deanna sighed. "Mother, all I can tell you is that I have a mission to go on shortly and I wish to marry Worf before I go."

The formidable Betazoid woman on the screen grew silent. "A dangerous mission then," she said at last. "One you're afraid will kill you."

"Actually, my safety is guaranteed."

"If it's Starfleet, safety is never guaranteed." It didn't take telepathy or empathy to hear the anger in her mother's voice.

"Mother...please...I'm going to be married...Can't you please be happy?"

"Happy? How can I be happy when you're determined to go off and get yourself killed?"

"I told you..."

"Yes, I know...your safety is 'guaranteed'. We will discuss this further when I arrive."

The screen cleared and showed its usual 'End of Transmission' logo.

"Great," muttered Deanna.

"Do not expect Sirella to be any happier," Worf commented from behind her. "She will be furious not to be able to approve you through the Bre'Nan ritual first."

"No, I don't expect she'll be thrilled." Deanna stood and moved gracefully across the room to sit next to her beloved on the couch. "They really ought to be glad that we're allowing them time to get here - we could be married first thing in the morning."

"Agreed," said the Klingon. "However, I doubt they would see it that way."

"You're right, they wouldn't." Deanna snuggled close to her soon-to-be husband. "Is there any chance that Sirella will cast you out of your Klingon family?"

"There is a possibility," Worf admitted. "However, I believe that when Sirella learns of your mission...your courage to face such a dishonorable challenge with honor...she will approve of our marriage."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Then the House of Martok will be short one Klingon."

Deanna kissed his cheek. "Do you want to finish our plans tonight, or wait till morning?"

Worf sighed contentedly, but was unable to answer as the comm warbled.

"Commander Worf," said Data. "You have an incoming communication from the Blade of Honor. Shall I put it through to Counselor Troi's quarters?"

"Yes, please." Worf rose and went to the console Deanna had just left. He pressed a key, and the matriarch of the House of Martok appeared on the screen. "Lady Sirella, I have been trying to reach you."

"So I have heard. I am on my way to meet your prospective bride. I will be rendezvousing with the Enterprise in 21 hours. Be prepared. Sirella out."

The screen darkened and Worf groaned.

"Just in time for the wedding," Deanna commented. "How convenient."

Worf groaned again. "She will not be happy."

Deanna chuckled. "You said as much earlier. So...about those plans..."

The Klingon turned to her, his face relaxing with a smile. "Later...I have other things in mind for right now..."