Dark Matters_ Shadow of Heaven (Book 3) - Christie Golden [74]
"Lhiau," interrupted Janeway. "And let me guess. You began to suspect that he wasn't what he seemed. That he was not helping your people, he was using them to further his own ends."
Only a slight widening of silver eyes conveyed Jekri's surprise. She nodded her dark head and winced at the pain the movement engendered.
"Don't do that," the Doctor remonstrated. He began to treat her lacerated scalp.
"Correct, Captain. After our last encounter with you, which destroyed thirteen warbirds, I began to suspect that there was something dangerous involved. Lhiau tried to blame Dr. R'Mor, but I wondered. The more I learned, the more obstacles were flung up in my path. Finally, I must have learned too much, or have been close to stumbling upon something. I became a target of the Family of the Blade."
At Janeway's lifted eyebrow, Telek explained, "For-
mally trained assassins. They do not exist, if you understand what I am saying."
"I do," said Janeway, grimly. "Go on."
"I thwarted the assassination attempt by using-" Jekri stopped abruptly. She looked over at Tuvok. "There are people on my planet who believe that reunification with the Vulcan people is desirable. I studied Vulcan meditation techniques from one such woman. That is where I learned the nerve pinch, as well as ways to block my thoughts from being influenced by Lhiau. He could not corrupt me mentally, so he arranged for me to be branded a traitor. I was imprisoned, but thanks to Verrak and some others whom I do not know, I escaped."
Janeway must have looked skeptical, because Telek R'Mor, who had no cause to love Jekri Kaleh, said, "Look well at her, Captain. Look at her body, her face. She has been tortured." He smiled without humor. "I recognize the signs."
Surprised by Telek's words, Janeway again regarded Kaleh. The woman flushed green, but did not look away. Now that Janeway looked, she saw. Telek was right. Granted, she would not put it past the Romulans to torture one of their own to make a lie seem more convincing, but what would be the point? And the last Janeway heard, studying to learn Vulcan mental disciplines-or the ever-useful nerve pinch-would have been enough grounds for a high-ranking Romulan to be interrogated.
"Our Empress was not as fortunate. She is utterly his pawn now. But there are others, who mistrust Lhiau, who were willing to follow where I would lead." Jekri looked at the floor. "Captain Idran was a good friend. The Para'tar was a noble ship." When
she looked up again, her silver eyes almost glowed with intensity. "Their deaths must count for something."
"Your suspicions were right," Janeway said. "Lhiau's purpose isn't to help the Romulans. It's to make you destroy yourselves, and take the whole universe along with you. The more dark matter the Romulans use, the more the balance tips. It's my understanding that we are pretty close to the end right now. We've been trying to harness the dark matter, render it harmless. We've met the other side, the good Shepherds. It seems that they have been guarding the balance that keeps the universes-all of them-intact. Lhiau wants to tip the balance and destroy everything."
Jekri seemed to believe Janeway. "But why? Why destroy everything? Wouldn't he die as well?"
"And if he had the power to do such things," put in Jekri's companion, now sitting up, "why would he try to trick us into doing it for him?"
"All good questions," came a melodious voice that made Janeway's skin.prickle and her heart speed up. A warm, purple glow filled sickbay, faint at first, then growing in intensity until Janeway had to shield her eyes. When at last the glow faded, Janeway knew whom she would see.
Tialin stood, smiling with that heart-calming benevolence. Janeway felt the tension ebb from her body.
"Questions," Tialin continued, "that it is time for me to answer."
CHAPTER 17
"WHO ARE YOU?" KALEH