Black: "Mr. Anderson, this interview is ended. I would like you to ask your colleagues in the news media to respect my privacy." Black: "Oh ... and in answer to your editorial, I agree. No parent should lose a child. I hope you will now not doubt my sincerity when I tell you that every decision I have made and will make in the future will be to bring about a speedy end to this conflict. Unfortunately I fear that many more sons and daughters, husbands and fathers, will pay the supreme sacrifice before it is ended." Black: "Now if you will excuse me gentlemen I would like a few minutes to compose myself before the evening's situation briefing. Thank you" I take it upon myself to offer the condolences of the people of Santa Rosa to the admiral and his family and I sincerely apologise if my words have caused him any anguish. As I left his office, the admiral had turned to look from his office window, out over San Francisco Bay. In that moment he looked like he was indeed carved out of stone, standing rigidly 'at ease', shoulders back, hands clasped behind him, jaw set, expressionless. Admiral Garrett Black would do well to heed the words of comfort that he, himself has offered. You are not alone. This Dispatches from the Romulan War report was contributed by Kirok of L'Stok at TrekUnited.com. This article is also available as an audio podbook at: http://12daysxmas.thunderdownunder.org/day8.htm
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