Dark Matters_ Shadow of Heaven (Book 3) - Christie Golden [17]
"I'm pleased to be of what assistance I can," said Chakotay, "but I'm no physicist or engineer. Your efforts would be better spent trying to find my ship. I'm certain our crew has made great strides hi my absence, and they have the sphere of the Shepherds as well." He spoke no more of his fears. There was no point It was obvious the Implementer was too confident in the peaceful nature of his people and had seized upon the dark matter as the scapegoat.
"And then we could bring Khala home," said Ezbai.
Chakotay's hand was getting tired. "Can I move my hand now?" he asked.
"Certainly, certainly!" enthused the Implementer. He seemed jolly now. No doubt he thought that the dark-matter explanation would solve everything. "Thank you for indulging us. We know you are telling the truth now. It won't be asked of you anymore. However, there are some things mat puzzle me. You speak of things like the Delta Quadrant. I've never heard that term. And all of the aliens of which you speak are unfamiliar to us."
That troubled Chakotay.slightly. These people did not strike him as insular. "It's a big quadrant, and perhaps you have another term for it," he said. "But surely you know of the Borg, or at least have heard other aliens speak of them."
The Implementer shook his bald head. "Not a word."
"Consider yourselves lucky, then."
"From what you have told us, I promise you, we do." He rose, and everyone else around the table, including Chakotay and Ezbai, emulated him. "We are pleased that you and your companion were not the killers. And it sounds as though you have solved the mystery about why these killings are talcing place at all. Ezbai will see you back to your quarters, and come fetch you in the morning. We'll want you to undergo your medical exam first thing, so that you can join us in helping us find your ship."
Chakotay regarded him for a long moment. He was delighted that he and Tom were no longer under suspicion, but felt certain that things were not as simple as the Implementer made them out to be.
Things were not that simple at all.
"COMMANDER TUVOK," SAID ERIIH, THE HEAD OF THE
Kwaisi Council. "What a surprise." The flat tone in which he uttered the words indicated he was anything but surprised. By this time Tuvok knew the species well enough to be able to recognize annoyance on the angular, mottled face. Deep, sunken eyes glowered at him.
"You must be a species that enjoys wasting time," Eriih continued. "Didn't you say something about having to rush off and save other planets from the dark matter?"
"Indeed we do," said Tuvok, "and we require our captain for that task. She is our commanding officer. This crew has served her loyally for many years. Our ship is more efficient with her at its head, and we will require all the efficiency we can muster."
Eriih sighed heavily through his beak-like nose. He leaned forward, and spoke with what appeared to be genuine compassion. "Commander Tuvok, you must not think us ungrateful. Your ship and your technology saved our planet But because you have saved us, our legal system is still intact as well, and you must respect our way of doing things."
"I do," said Tuvok. "But there is more at stake than you yet realize. I request a gathering of the council, the crews of your defensive vessels, and Captain Janeway. Telek R'Mor and I have information that you need to know. We are certain that once you have this information, you will release our captain and permit us to continue our quest unhindered."
"You are stubborn," said Eriih, with not a little respect. "And intriguing. This goes against protocol, but I would say that the situation warrants