Crossover - Michael Jan Friedman [3]
As he had done many times before, Sel’den resolved to master the techniques of the Teacher. One day, he vowed silently, he would know such wisdom, such control. He would attain the enlightenment and dignity of the Vulcan way.
“You honor me with your presence,” the Teacher continued, scanning the assemblage. “You show great courage in attempting to bridge the gap between two peoples, who are one in blood. In the weeks and months to come, I shall endeavor to share with you what I have learned about the teachings of Surak and the principles of logic.”
As Sel’den heard the crowd become completely silent, he remembered the first time he had heard the Vulcan speak. And he felt himself once again moved by his teacher’s words.
“We know,” the Vulcan said, “that above all else, Surak was a Teacher. However, though he labored for much of his life to share his wisdom with others, he also remained a student. In fact, Surak once said the best pupil is the one who takes the most care in his teacher’s education.
“This reminds us that since the ancient times, when we were one people, the relationship between student and teacher has been a sacred one. The basis of this relationship is the dialogue that brings both student and teacher closer to enlightenment.”
The Vulcan paused for a moment, to give the assembled Romulans time to consider the weight of his words. But the moment was interrupted by the entrance of a Romulan at the far door.
Sel’den recognized him as Ganos—one of Belan’s people, whom he had seen more than once in the course of their communications. Agitated, Ganos made no effort to control his emotions as he approached Belan.
“Someone here is using a transmitter,” the Romulan reported.
To his credit, Belan retained his control as he faced the assembled Romulans. “We have been betrayed,” he said simply.
No was all Sel’den could think. Then the first Romulan soldiers—disruptors in hand—pushed their way into the room through the door where Ganos had just entered.
For a brief moment the students posted at the door struggled with the incoming soldiers—but the struggle was short and deadly. It ended with Sel’den’s comrades falling in agony to the crackling blue beams of the soldiers’ disruptors.
Without hesitation, Sel’den produced his own concealed hand weapon and made his way across the room, motioning the student next to him to follow. Weaving through the confused crowd, his disruptor pressed against his thigh, Sel’den could only think: The Teacher must be saved, his mission must continue.
If Sel’den could hold off the soldiers, perhaps the Teacher could escape through the back entrance. He spared a moment to dispatch his comrade in the Vulcan’s direction.
Then he continued toward the door, though he could see more soldiers pouring into the room every second. No matter, Sel’den thought. He would do what had to be done to save the Teacher. He started to lift his hand weapon.
“Sel’den—no!” The Teacher’s voice rang out over the soldiers’ commands and the murmurs of confusion.
No other instructions were required. Biting his lip, the student had no choice but to comply.
He dropped his weapon before anyone could see that he had it, and turned to look at his mentor. Beyond the Vulcan, other soldiers were now entering from the back door—the door Sel’den had been guarding.
Watching the chaos that reigned as the soldiers pushed and shoved their way though the assembled Romulans, he knew there would be no escape for the Teacher. Even if Sel’den managed to kill every soldier guarding one of the entrances, the others would overwhelm him and take his master.
The youth’s body and spirit cried out for action. It took every ounce of control he had learned to keep from throwing himself at the soldiers.
At least a fight would give him an honorable death, which was more than he deserved now that he had failed his teacher so completely. And yet, obeying his mentor’s order, he stood his ground.
Sel’den watched the soldiers subdue the few that struggled against them with short, deadly blasts from their