As hard as it is, Mother, face it. I'm a man." I've... tried to accept that. You just don't know how hard it is."He moved to her, placed his hand on ...her shoulder. She almost shuddered, expecting some kind of advance from him. Yet, there was nothing but kindness and understanding in his eyes."Accept me as I am, not according to preconceived societal norms. We'll both be happier."She smiled. "Perhaps you're right. Perhaps I have been trying to mold you into a fourteen year old when I should have. Rape is a capital offense.”“I know full well that it is,” Sir Jean replied, “I will kill him myself if you don’t!”“Sir!” Count Pierre countered, “you will respect the orders of this court, or you will also be thrown in the dungeon! Now, are there any witnesses that can confirm Lady Marguerite’s claim?”“His man Louvel was there, but God knows he will lie to save his own neck. He is just as guilty as Le Gris.”“What of your household servants? Your mother?”“They were not at the estate at the. “Oh I’d have to say things worked out as good as I could’ve hoped for,” Jadzia answered, feeling a flush as she felt Uhura’s eyes on her. “Just a minor loose end to wrap up.”“I’m glad to hear that,” came the dark haired woman’s response.The turbolift came to a stop as the doors opened on the deck where the officer’s galley was located. The Communications Officer started to step out, then paused.“Jadzia, I just went off duty myself and was thinking of having a bite to eat,” she said. “If you’re. ..” Ashley began hesitantly, as she quickly drew her hand away from his wrist, “I, uh ... I wanted to uh,” she said softly, as she tore her eyes away from Pete’s, crossing her arms in front of her chest, in a defensive posture. “I just ... Thank you Pete!” she blurted out quickly, then turned and raced out of the cafeteria, leaving a stunned Pete staring after her in confusion.His uncertain revery was broken suddenly by a rough shove at his back. Pete stumbled, but kept his feet, as he turned,.