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"It's a way of ascertaining whether what you are telling is the truth."

A smile twisted Chakotay's full lips. "So, I see the Alilann have their own version of the Ordeal." Nonetheless, he complied. He had no intention of lying to these people. The metal was warm on his hand as he placed it down. The woman sitting directly across from him activated something; he couldn't see what, but immediately his hand began to tingle. It was not an unpleasant sensation.

The Implementer sobered. "I don't know how much Shamraa Ezbai has told you. I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't told you anything. We have a spy planted in almost every Culilann village. The one located in the village which imprisoned you-"

Chakotay couldn't help it. "They didn't imprison me, and the village's name is Sumar-ka." Even as he spoke in defense of the Culilann, Chakotay wondered who this spy could be. Soliss? He seemed sympathetic enough toward the Alilann at times. Winnif? She had appeared reconciled to the loss of her infant to the so-called Crafters, but what if it was because she knew that the infant would be rescued by the Alilann? Trima? Yurula? Ramma, the weaver? Or someone else?

The Implementer glowered at him, then continued. "Sumar-ka, then, if you will have it so. The spy in Sumar-ka is quite frankly a bit of a triumph for our side."

"I didn't know the Culilann and the Alilann were in conflict," said Chakotay.

"We're not, but there are most definitely two sides, Commander. Surely you cannot have failed to notice that. This person was planted deep, at a young age. We do not even know the spy's gender; that is highly classified information. This person sent us a message shortly after dawn." He nodded curtly, and one of the young men standing at attention beside the dark viewscreen tapped in a command.

In its own way, the communique was almost as primitive as the Culilann. There was no face, no voice, only white words scrolling across a gray screen. Chakotay saw an English translation alongside the strange letters of the Alilann language. They were fast translators, these people. Doubtless, this was to protect the spy's identity.

Our Culil was found dead several days ago, a clear mark of a directed energy weapon on his chest.

Chakotay inhaled swiftly. Matroci, murdered?

Fortunately, or unfortunately, whoever committed the atrocity was clever enough to cover his tracks. The Culil's domicile was filled with the smoke from the Sacred Plant, which was directly responsible for his death; the energy weapon was obviously set to only stun. No one in the village has noticed, though I think this alien Paris might suspect something.

Chakotay had his problems with the impetuous ensign, but he knew one thing for certain. If Voyager's pilot and medical assistant had seen the mark of which the spy spoke, he'd know precisely what it meant.

Either that, or he or his companion Chakotay is the killer.

Chakotay's grief and horror at Matroci's murder became something more personal as every head in the room turned to regard him. He started to speak, but the Implementer waved him to silence. There was more to the message.

Chakotay disappeared the night of Matroci's murder, which makes me very suspicious. They could be the ones killing the Culils, wandering from village to village, place to place. They had the weapons, though I think it odd that Chakotay and Tom would have been able to find where I had hidden them, used them, and then returned them.

You must let me know if Chakotay was Recovered or if he fled on his own. And if the former, then why did you not take Tom Paris.? I am in danger now. Please advise.

They are only Culilann, but they are not beasts to be slaughtered so. Matroci was a voice of calm reason in this village, and his death is a setback for everything save an increase in hostilities. Was this authorized? I repeat, was this authorized? If not, and if Chakotay was indeed Recovered, then, Implementer, you have a rogue on your hands, and no one is safe.

It was signed