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Tuvok lifted an eyebrow. He thought otherwise, but refrained from saying so.

"We will contact you when we are ready."

"Ulaahn," said Janeway with surprise as the Kwaisi captain stood at the entrance to her cell. "I thought you were awaiting trial, like myself."

"I have been permitted to remain free until my trial date," Ulaahn explained while the security guard deactivated the forcefield. "I am Kwaisi. I will not attempt to elude justice."

A smile twisted Janeway's lips. "And I might?"

"You have indicated a tremendous desire to rejoin your crew," Ulaahn said. "You are not of our people, you do not have obedience ingrained in you."

And thank God for that, thought Janeway. Obedience was a good thing, up to a point. But every individual had to decide what that point was. And blind obedi-

ence, certainly, was never good. She knew how vital it was that her ship continue gathering up the dark matter. Ulaahn's assessment of her had been correct. She was not going to sit around, languishing in a Kwaisi jail, while innocent people died or went insane.

"Is there a reason for this visit?" she asked mildly.

"I have come to escort you to the council chambers. Your Commander Tuvok has managed to convince the council to reconvene regarding your trial. It seems he feels he has new information that will persuade them to change their minds and set you free." Ulaahn's voice dripped skepticism.

"Let's hope he can," said Janeway, but she felt as skeptical as Ulaahn appeared to be.

'Two to transport," said Ulaahn, and a moment later they stood in the center of the Kwaisi Council chambers.

The room looked slightly better man it had when Janeway had last seen it, several hours ago. Most of the debris had been removed and the dust cleaned up. The fine carpeting that covered the floor still had slash marks, and colorful murals still bore cracks and what looked to Janeway like the Kwaisi equivalent of graffiti on them. Deep gouges marred the table at which the council sat The last time Janeway had been in this place, she had been an honored guest Now, she was a captive of the Kwaisi government, awaiting trial. She was not invited to sit at the table.

Instead, Ulaahn indicated a chair to the right of the central table. When Janeway sat down, a forcefield sprang into place around her with a faint hum. The Kwaisi were clearly not about to take any chances with their prized prisoner.

A few moments later, Tuvok and Telek materialized. Janeway was surprised to see the Romulan, and worried. Telek had been the first target of the Kwaisi. They had decided that he was, directly or indirectly, responsible for the spread of the dark matter in the first place, and that therefore he should be tried for his crimes against the Kwaisi. Janeway had argued with them. For that protest the Kwaisi had taken her, as she was R'Mor's commanding officer, in his stead. She had no doubt but that they would love to get their hands on him as well. What was Tuvok thinking, beaming him down here?

Tuvok caught her gaze. He nodded, slightly, slowly. Janeway recognized that gesture. Tuvok knew something she didn't, and obviously thought it worth the gamble. She settled back in her forcefield-enclosed chair. She had to trust him, and she desperately hoped he was right. The ship could continue on its mission without her, but it could not hope to do so without R'Mor.

"Let me first thank the council for agreeing to hear us out," said Tuvok without preamble. "With your permission, I would like to open a channel to our vessel, so that the crew may witness this revelation as well."

Revelation? A big word. Tuvok did not bandy words about. He always chose the precise term necessary. Janeway was desperately curious as to what this was all about.

"Certainly," said Eriih generously. "We have nothing to hide."

"You may also wish to broadcast what is about to transpire as well," said Tuvok. "Your people should be aware of-"

"You