Dark Matters_ Shadow of Heaven (Book 3) - Christie Golden [22]
"But why?"-The voice was plaintive, frightened. Clearly, at least one member of the council believed what Telek was saying. "Wouldn't Lhiau destroy himself as well?"
"Not at all," said Telek. His face shone as if lit with an inner light. Righteous anger sat upon his features. "You see, the Shepherds live in the rifts between the universes. It is as if they are playing a game. When this is done, the playing board will be cleared, ready for a new game. I cannot do anything to stop my fellow Romulans from contributing to their certain doom by using the dark-matter cloaks, but the ship Voyager may be able to help delay the destruction long enough for the good Shepherds to stop their renegade comrade. This, my friends, is why you must let Captain Janeway go. We need to embark as soon as possible to-"
"My compliments, Dr. R'Mor," interrupted Eriih, a sardonic smile twisting the slash in his face which served as a mouth. "Captain Janeway did not tell us you were so accomplished a storyteller."
Telek gaped. For a moment, Janeway's world swirled in a mist of red and gray, fury and shock warring for her consciousness. They did not believe Telek!
"Your tales will no doubt help your time awaiting trial to pass quickly." Eriih gestured, and at once two guards stepped up toward Telek.
"No!" Janeway wondered who had yelled so loudly, and men realized it was she herself. She moved without thinking, and cried wordlessly as the forcefield surrounding her chair sent a shock throughout her system. "Didn't you hear him?"
"What Dr. R'Mor says is true," said Tuvok. "I have mind-melded with him and read his thoughts. He cannot lie in such a contact."
"But he can lie verbally to us. And you can too," said Eriih.
"Vulcans do not lie," Tuvok replied calmly.
At that, Eriih threw back his head and laughed. "I will say this for you Federation representatives, you do have quite vivid imaginations. My time was not wasted today. I was well entertained, and you have given us Telek R'Mor as well."
"No."
The voice was as quiet, as assured, as Janeway's had been frantic. She looked around, to see who was daring to utter such a defiance.
Ulaahn stepped forward. He held a weapon pointed directly at Eriih. "You will release them both," he said in that same calm tone.
Eriih stared at his old friend. "You cannot mean that you believe this tale? Ulaahn, we are not children, to be bought off with a story!"
"You have not seen what I have seen," said Ulaahn. "1 have been aboard their vessel. I have seen how they utilize this Shepherd technology. And," his voice cracked slightly, "I have been in the clutches of this dreadful dark matter. It has driven me to murder, Eriih. I have seen too much, I know too much, to believe that they would concoct so elaborate a lie just to free their captain."
He looked over at Janeway. "You," he said to the guard standing behind her. "Shut down the forcefield."
The guard did not move. "Do it!" cried Ulaahn. "I have killed two hundred and eighty-three people already. I will not hesitate to kill one more to do what I believe is right!"
Now the guard did move. He pressed a button on the wall and the hazy yellow-green forcefield disappeared. Janeway rose, surprised her legs would hold her.
Ulaahn threw something in her direction. Her hands came up automatically to catch her comm badge and phaser. As she affixed the badge above her left breast, she demanded, "Ensign Riley. He comes too."
"Do it!" Again the security guard touched the buttons on the wall, and Ensign Riley materialized in the room. He quickly moved to stand beside his captain, Tuvok, and Telek R'Mor.
"You will pay for this disruption of our legal system, Ulaahn," warned Eriih. He was furious, but there was nothing he could do.
"I certainly shall," answered Ulaahn, "with rejoicing in my heart