„We
are finished with the Hawk. If I didn’t know better I would think she
has always been a civilian ship.“ Moira O’Shea took a chair at Tarin’s
ready room desk and stifled a yawn. She had no idea what the time was, but it
had to be well after midnight. “Still at work?” she asked, pointing at the
padd Tarin Veal had been studying.
“Not
quite, I am just taking a few minutes off to look at the latest news from the
PIB.”
“That’s
what I often do at the end of the day. What is it the Federation’s Press and
Information Bureau has to talk about today?”
Tarin
handed her the padd. “The nominees for the presidential elections.”
Moira
took the padd but didn’t look at it. “Okay, I guess that’s something to
get your attention, considering how much Command wants to turn our ship into a
symbol of what Starfleet should all be about.”
“That
has nothing to do with it. I just think that it’s important who is elected,
especially to us in Starfleet. After all, whoever gets elected will set the
direction for Starfleet’s future and by extension our future as well.” Tarin
replied and reached for her cup, only to discover that once again she had
ignored it long enough for her cocoa to get cold.
As
Tarin got up to replicate another cup of her favorite beverage Moira replied
with, “okay, whatever you say.” As the Lieutenant scanned the list PIB had
just published she added: “As it happens I completely agree with you.”
“I
hope everyone does.”
“Yes,
of course. I doubt there is anyone on board who isn’t aware of the political
aspects of our mission, but in a way the same goes for everyone in Starfleet.
Our orders may not come straight from the president, but one way or another,
whatever he decides determines where we go and what we do.” She looked up from
the padd. “So, what do you think about the candidates? Anyone there you want
to see as the next Federation president?”
*****
Dar
Enikal put down the padd and looked around the cabin. Like the robes he wore,
every piece of decoration had been replicated from scans the Malinche's
crew had taken in Morin Vados's haven. Drab brown, tan, and a few splotches of
rust-red here and there. The colors were depressing, but there was so much to
see, so many tiny details to discover in the patterns. For several minutes Dar
studied the geometric designs of a wall hanging, before he discovered why it had
caught his attention in the first place. At first he could make out only one
irregularity in an otherwise perfect geometric design, but the closer he looked,
the more of the small incongruities he discovered. 'Fitting,'
he thought as he reached for the padd, to read more and deepen his understanding
of the man he was to impersonate.
He
withdrew his hand. 'Enough reading for one
day. What does this room tell me about Vados?' The attention to detail was
well hidden, but it was there, beneath the boring surface. 'Is this how he sees himself? An irregularity in a perfect, but dull
pattern?'
If
that was so, perhaps it explained why Vados always had a scantily clad Orion
woman at his side when he negotiated his deals. It made the lifeless geometry of
Vados's garb and decorations stand out even more, bringing them firmly into
anyone's mind. 'Is this his impression of
his former life, this dull monotony?' Was Morin Vados in his own mind the
irregularity that highlighted the rest of the pattern? Dar Enikal had a feeling
it was, but he could not be certain and for a second he wished Counselor Lee had
been assigned to this mission instead of Rishana Hagen.
No,
Rishana was a talented officer and a good friend. Or was she? 'Friends don't keep secrets from friends.' She had asked him to
forget about what had happened at the Argolis, but he found that hard to do,
even after two months. Dar knew that some things were too personal to talk about
with anyone, perhaps even more so when a telepath was dealing with someone who
didn't share that unique perception, but there was more to it than that.
Tarin
was in on it, that much Dar knew, Counselor Lee and Doctor Jascar would have to
know a few things about it, perhaps Moira as well. 'And
I am the odd man out,' Dar thought as he ran his eyes around the room again.
*****
“Personally
I hope Jaresh-Inyo gets re-elected, but if he doesn’t make it T’Jein would
be my favorite.”
Moira
glanced at the PIB’s information on the Vulcan nominee. "From what I read
here she takes the middle-ground on many issues. With the Council as polarized
as it is these days, I doubt she will get many votes.”
As
Tarin only nodded in reply Moira O’Shea started to study the list of names
more closely. “There is little here on the Andorian candidate, Lytrev Koltos.
Do you know anything about him?"
"Not
much, but from what I have heard he is rather popular on Andoria and he
advocates roughly the same ideas as ambassador Montego. A more militaristic,
more aggressive Starfleet, a tighter border, things like that. Why he just
doesn't throw his weight behind Montego I don't know. As far as anyone knows
Montego has a much better chance of winning the elections than Koltos, so an
alliance would make sense."
"You
know, maybe they are already allied,” Moira replied after a few seconds. “If
he knows he can't win the elections he might just as well give Montego's ideas
another voice in the election campaigns, draw some more Andorian support behind
Montego when the final vote comes. This way the Andorian delegation can vote for
Koltos’s ideas and still support Montego."
"That
is some Machiavellian thinking. Don’t take it personal but I would have never
thought you could come up with such a... political idea."
“No
offense taken,” Moira replied with a smile and a wink. “Actually it’s
based more on Earth history than my understanding of politics. Back in the 20th
century large companies would do something similar. They would sell a product
under a prestigious name to target customers with more money and sell the same
product under another name, and for a lower price, through different stores.
That way they could target one product at different market segments without
loosing the prestige of their brand name. It could be just the same here."
"You
know, I am glad I am not a politician."
"Yes,
me too. What do you think about the other candidates?"
Tarin
took a sip of her hot cocoa before she replied. “Drog loves debate even more
than other Tellarites and however polarized the Council may be, most of them
should realize we need a more decisive president at this time, not someone who
appears willing to indulge in a debate for just the sake of the argument.”
Taking
as large a gulp as the temperature of her drink allowed Tarin added: “But that
aside we can always talk politics tomorrow. Why don’t you show me what you
have done to the Hawk and after that we can call it a day.”
“Of
course, Captain.” As the two women headed out of the ready room and to the
main hangar bay, Moira started to fill Tarin in on all the modifications she had
suggested to the Hawk’s interior.
*****
Rishana
carefully lowered herself into one of the two easy chairs in the Hawk's
small wardroom. "These shoes are killing me!" She pulled the stilettos
from her feet and dropped them on the floor. "Whoever had the idea to
revive ancient Earth fashion needs his head examined. Do you believe even one
woman actually wore those things?"
"I
have no idea," Dar replied, "but you should get used to them. We have
no idea if the Talkhans will try to contact Morin Vados, but I am convinced they
will. Once we arrive at Talkha you will have to make do with what we have, that
is, if the plan works at all."
"With
my luck it will," Rishana Hagen remarked as she pulled up her legs and
started to massage her feet and ankles. "At least the dress is comfortable."
Dar
raised an eyebrow at her. "I am glad you like it, I certainly do."
"Chauvinist,"
Rishana shot back, but made no attempt to cover what the red mini dress revealed.
She was fairly certain the Bolian had no interest in women outside his own
species.
"Just
pulling your leg, which, by the way, looks pretty good in green." Commander
Enikal looked straight-faced, but winked at his traveling companion.
Rishana
looked down at her arms and legs and slowly nodded, for now choosing to ignore
Dar's attempt at witticism. "I am getting used to it. Perhaps I should
leave it this way. I bet I would turn quite a few heads if I kept the Orion
look."
Dar
laughed out loud. "I bet you would. Doctor Jascar did a pretty good job and
the green tint to your eyeballs is a nice touch."
Rishana
stretched out her legs, resting them on the second easy chair. "He did
something to change my blood color. Otherwise even a small accidental injury
could be a dead giveaway that I am not an Orion. Naturally it shows in the
arteries running through my eyes."
"But
no genetic masking?"
"No.
It would have taken too long and it would have been pointless anyway. If someone
runs a detailed medical scan on me they would discover my telepathic cortex,
which no amount of genetic masking could hide. But why should anyone do that?"
Dar just nodded half an inch and Rishana continued in a lascivious tone.
"So, how does the great Morin Vados like his Orion mistress?"
Dar
was surprised by the change of voice, but even more by Rishana’s sudden change
in posture. The way she ran her fingertips around her collarbones and down from
there almost made him forget how much hair she had. "That’s some fine
acting. Is your Orion and Bolian as convincing?"
"I
am not sure, what do you think?" Rishana replied in Bolian.
"Very
good." Dar said. "If I didn't know about the injected translator I
would think you really speak my language."
"Thanks.
I practiced a lot the last two days. Subvocalizing is tricky, but I think I got
the hang of it now."
Dar
looked at the computer display. With the non-Starfleet layout it took him a
moment to find the time-index. 'I'd better
get used this soon,' he scolded himself. "It's about time we got moving.
Why don't you put on these lovely shoes again and accompany me to the cockpit."
"Sadist,"
Rishana shot back before she fell into her role and added: "Of course,
darling, whatever makes you happy." ‘I hope this mission is over
before I break a leg in these stupid stilettos.’
*****
Tarin
found Commander Westmore in the Valkyrie’s library. The human sat in a
chair at the central bank of LCARS terminals that allowed him a good view of
both doors. “How is your analysis coming along?” Tarin asked as she settled
into the chair on Westmore’s right.
“Slow.
There is no apparent reason why the Talkhans extended their territorial claims.
They have gained nothing from it, except a claim to stop legitimate merchants in
their vicinity and impound their cargo, but that is bound to backfire sooner or
later.”
“Nothing
else?”
“No,
unless you count three uninhabited systems that have no resources to speak of
and no native lifeforms more advanced than single-cell organisms. I can’t
imagine what interest Talkha would have in them.”
“How
much do we know about these systems?”
“Not
much. Most of our data comes from the initial survey of this sector, about two
hundred years ago. The rest is from long-range scans, a few probe fly-bys, and
some reports from merchant-marine ships passing through the sector. There never
was any reason to look beyond the initial surveys. There is nothing there.”
“I
see. Well if the Talkhans’ motives were easy to figure out we wouldn’t have
a mission.” She glanced at the file Westmore had been studying. “I see you
are looking into the Alekians as well.”
Westmore
leaned back into his seat and rubbed his chin. “Yes. I wanted to know why the
Alekians don’t deal with the privateer situation themselves.”
“And
you discovered that they are in much the same position we are in,” Tarin
offered.
The
commander nodded slightly. “I bet right now they are debating the legality of
the Talkhan territorial claims. Until they come to the conclusion it’s
unjustified they will only try to protect their transports when they come under
attack, not go on the offensive, perhaps even stop all their shipping through
the sector.”
Captain
Veal sighed heavily. “And from what I know about the Alekians it could take
them weeks to decide what to do. Their attention to protocol and legal details
is why it took so long to work out our trade agreement with them and now it
prevents them from taking decisive action.”
“True
and from what I read it’s not just a government thing, but permeates all
levels of their society.” Commander Westmore drummed his fingers on the
console in a short staccato. Circumventing the not only the letter of the law
but the spirit of the law as well had saved his life more than once, but he was
not ready to admit to that.
“I
know a lot about Talkhan military strength and their possible strategic and
tactical objectives, but not much about their history or culture. Perhaps you
could fill me in on some details, Captain?”
*****
Captain
Veal tried to hide her surprise the best she could. Commander Westmore had
always struck her as someone who would never depend on anyone else if he could
help it – especially not when it came to gathering intelligence. In many ways
the man was still an enigma to her, but Tarin had to rely on him and she
couldn’t do that if he lacked fundamental information.
Social
sciences had never been Tarin’s strong point, but her mission briefing had
been thorough enough to provide all the details. “Talkha calls itself a
democratic republic, but their idea of democracy is a bit different from what
you and me are used to. On Talkha many important matters are voted on, but most
people have only one vote, while a few have hundreds or even thousands of votes.
It’s all tied into the history of this planet and the way it was settled.”
“At
the time Talkha was colonized the Federation was still going through its
formative phase. While Earth embraced the ideals of the Federation as much as
any founding member did, it still had its own troubles to deal with. But forgive
me, you must know more about this phase of your homeworld’s history than I do.
“I
still remember my history lessons, yes. Earth had advanced in leaps and bounds,
sending explorers to the far corners of the galaxy, while at home dealing with
the aftermath of the Earth-Romulan war. But not everyone was comfortable with
the changes to our world and our society. A lot of people left Earth at the
time, trying to set up their own society far away from any external influences.
I take it Talkha was settled by people who felt they had more to lose than to
gain in all the upheavals that changed Earth during the late 22nd century?”
“Yes,
but it’s only the beginning of the story. The people who funded the
colonization of Talkha were few but wealthy, so they needed a workforce to make
their colony a reality. They drew most of this workforce from the despairing,
the poor, mostly from North Africa and the Indian subcontinent. These people
were promised a share of the prosperity they thought they could never have on
Earth.”
Westmore
gravely nodded. “Everything was happening so fast it took time for everyone to
reap the benefits of what we had gained by co-founding the Federation and all
the discoveries that were being made. Economic concerns and individual wealth
still had a much larger influence on our society than today.”
Tarin
nodded in understanding. Most Centaurans had embraced the Federation fervently,
but some of her people had been opposed to the idea too, just not as many as on
Earth. “Since its earliest days Talkha has been a society of two classes. The
majority of the Talkhans are descendants of the workforce brought to the planet,
while the planetary government rests firmly in the hands of the colony-founders’
descendants. The former have one vote each, while the latter have a much larger
say in planetary affairs.”
Commander
Westmore searched his memory, then almost imperceptibly shook his head to
himself. “I have seen many different worlds but this mix of democracy and
authoritarian traditions is pretty unique for a human world.”
“It’s
what we have to deal with. On the other hand it may work to our advantage.
Talkha is officially a democracy and many major decisions are voted upon. The
decision to extend their claims on local space should have been up for a
referendum and I want you to check the terms and votes of that referendum, once
we reach Talkha and can gain access to their database.”
“Which
will be in about sixteen hours.”
Tarin
checked the LCARS display. “You are right. Seems I have forgotten the time
once again.” She rose and made a sweeping gesture at the door. “It’s about
time we let the Talkhans know we are here, don’t you think?”
*****
"This
may be a bit of a personal question, so feel free not to answer it, but how
difficult do you find it to impersonate someone you described as the blackest
sheep your world has seen in decades?" Rishana laid in a course as she
waited for the Bolian’s answer.
"Actually,
less difficult the more I learn about him. There is a lot of information in the
mission briefing that was never publicly available at the time of Vados's
disappearance. Not everything is clearly spelled out, but what I read between
the lines casts quite a different light on him."
"Such
as?"
"Such
as his family history, for example. I knew the Vados’s have been businessmen
for several generations, but his father must have been a very domineering person.
Looks like Morin Vados might never have pursued a career in big business if it
hadn't been for his father."
"So
unlike Moira or myself he never managed to free himself from the pressure his
family's expectations put on him?" Six generations of Merchant Marine
tradition, five generations of medical officers and counselors, escaping those
family traditions had been the common ground that had allowed Rishana and Moira
to start their friendship, but it was only one of many reasons Rishana was glad
she had made her own career choices.
"Yes,”
Dar cut off the Betazoid’s train of thought. “He may have actually started
his black-market deals as a sort of rebellion against the overbearing attitude
of his father, using the business talent he undoubtedly had to achieve the
opposite of what everyone expected."
Rishana
activated the warp engines and beyond the Hawk’s windows the stars were
replaced by tiny dots of light streaking by. “We are on course and should pass
close to Talkha in sixty hours, just as planned.”
“Good.”
Dar Enikal said. “Now if you don’t mind a question, how difficult do you
find it to play the part of the Orion vixen?”
Rishana
stretched languidly before turning to the Bolian with half-closed eyes. “At
first I thought it would never work, but I am starting to enjoy it.”
“Why?”
“It’s
difficult to explain, but it feels like... oh I don’t know, mental shore-leave.
Embracing this role I can leave all my duties behind. Don’t get me wrong, I
love my work, but this is so... so different that it’s really
refreshing.”
“Like
getting out of the uniform at the
end of the day, but on a psychological level?”
“Yes,
I try to look at this mission as a very realistic holonovel. That helps, but.”
Rishana suddenly stopped and sharply inhaled.
She
closed her eyes and rested her head on both hands as the vision came upon her,
stronger and more vivid than she had ever experienced before.
*****
A
hand touched a wall. A woman. She leaned against the wall, tried to calm down
her breathing.
Heavy
breathing.
Was
that her?
The
breathing stopped. There was only silence. Nothing to hear.
Around
the corner. Swift. Cautious.
Someone
shouted. She turned. A man. Armed.
A
flash.
Everything
went dark.
*****
“Are
you okay?”
‘How
long have I been out?’
Rishana asked herself as she noticed that Dar was by her side, gently touching
her arm. ‘What was that, was that about me?’ Already the images started
to fade – a man with a gun, heavy breathing. Which one was first? No, it was
no use; the images wouldn’t take hold in her memory.
“Yes,
I am fine, just a little dizzy. Doctor Jascar warned me the treatments he used
to change my blood color could have some side-effects, but it should be over in
a day or two.”
Commander
Enikal slumped back into his seat and clapped his hands slowly and deliberately.
“That is one remarkable piece of improvisation. It sounds quite convincing,
considering that you must have made it up on the fly.”
“What?
Are you calling me a liar?”
“Yes.
I have seen this happen to you at least twice since you returned to duty on the
Alpha shift. It never lasted so long or affected you as strongly, but I have
noticed it. It has something to do with what happened to you at the Argolis.
Don't try to play me for a fool. I know how to add two and two together. But
with you I am not sure anymore what the equation adds up to.”
“Four.”
“Rishana!”
He drew out the name just long enough to make his disapproval known before he
continued in a level tone. “I know you and Tarin have your reasons to keep
this secret, but Tarin once offered to let me in on it should I want to know the
truth. Now it looks like it might affect you any time, including the middle of
our mission, so I think I should know. Since Tarin is not here to tell me the
truth I am asking you.”
The
Betazoid thought about it for several minutes and she was glad Dar gave her the
time she needed. She knew why Tarin had asked her to keep silent about her
visions and it made a lot of sense. On the other hand Dar had raised a good
point. Until now Rishana had thought she had her visions under control, or at
least could control how strong an effect they had on her, but perhaps she had
been dead wrong.
“You
are right,” she carefully started, “there are a few things about me that
have changed since the Argolis. You are also correct that Tarin and I want to
keep this as much a secret as we can.” She paused and rested her arms on her
knees. ‘Wouldn’t it be much easier if I really were an Orion?’ No,
being a telepath had always been part of her and regardless of how many problems
her psychic abilities had created the last two months, it was a part of her she
could not deny, even if she had wanted to.
“There
is no medical explanation for it, but my psychic abilities have changed in a way
I still find hard to control. I thought I could deal with it, at least control
it enough to shut it off when it happened. I have no idea why it hit me so
strongly right now, but I hope it won’t happen again.” She turned her head
to face the Bolian’s scrutinizing gaze. “It’s a very personal matter, but
if you want to hear the full story I will tell you everything.”
*****
Dar
Enikal ran both hands over his head and eyed Rishana for a moment. "I am
sorry. I don't want to intrude on things that are personal and that I may not
understand too well, but..." he sighed and left the sentence unfinished.
Rishana
studied the Bolian's face closely. His scrutiny and irritation were still
apparent, but now they had become mixed with something she could only think of
as helplessness - something she had never before associated with Commander
Enikal. What was it he had said earlier?
"But
you feel left out. You are wondering why I can tell Tarin about it, but not you,
is that it?"
A
nod was Dar's sole reply and Rishana swiveled her chair around and looked out
the Hawk's forward window. "There are only five people who know the truth,"
Rishana slowly started without taking her eyes off the window.
"Tarin
and Catherine found out about it when they searched my personal logs, hoping to
find a clue to what had happened to me during Tarin's birthday party." She
shot a quick glance at the Bolian. "I am glad they did. I should have
talked to one or both of them, but I always hoped I could deal with my problems
on my own."
Before
she could notice how Dar Enikal's eyes narrowed to small slits Rishana had
already turned her attention back to the stars again.
"I
am not sure why Ben and Doctor Jascar remember what happened on the Valkyrie
while we were at the Argolis, but whatever the reason, they know a few things.
Commander Tucker may know a little less than the Doctor, but he knows enough
that he has probably worked out most of it by now. And Moira,... Moira was just
the first person I could talk to when it was all over, even before Tarin decided
it would be best to keep it a secret."
Rishana
turned her head and Commander Enikal saw a sad apologetic expression take hold
of the Betazoid's features. "I am sorry. I never intended any of this to
happen. Please don't think I don't trust you - I really do."
"It's
all right. I never should have forced the issue." He swiveled his chair to
the side and starred out the forward window. For several minutes Rishana Hagen
did the same, but she hardly noticed the small stars streaking by the Hawk.
"I
think you have a right to know," she finally broke the silence. "I
hope it won't, but there is a small chance what happened just now may happen
again during our mission."
When
Commander Enikal didn't immediately reply Rishana gathered her resolve and
softly asked: "You remember my old ‘I knew you would say that’ joke?"
"Of
course. And I always knew it was just a joke."
"In the past it always was, but these days there is a chance it may actually be true."
Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5
Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12
