Double Helix 06_ The First Virtue - Michael Jan Friedman [59]
Earlier, Tuvok had said he was torn between family and Starfleet. Clearly, the traitorous bastard had chosen the former. His life for millions of lives-damned poor logic, in Crusher’s opinion.
The commander was so full of righteous anger, he almost didn’t hear what Tuvok said next. And even when he did, he didn’t have the slightest idea what the Vulcan was talking about.
“Your father is playing you for a fool,” Tuvok told Abbis.
The Thallonian looked at him. “What did you say?”
“Your father is playing you for a fool,” the Vulcan repeated evenly.
Clearly, the words had hit home. Abbis’s face was even ruddier than usual, his eyes screwed up small and tight.
“Explain yourself,” he told Tuvok, “before I punch a hole in your skull and let you watch your brains spill out.”
“We know all about him,” the Vulcan said calmly.
Crusher listened as intently as the Thallonian. What do we know? he wondered. And how the devil do we know it?
“We have discovered that your father, Governor Gerrid Thul, is the one behind the assassinations and the other terrorist incidents,” Tuvok continued. “He is acting through you, his illegitimate son.”
Abbis looked shocked-but he didn’t seem able to deny it. Therefore, the commander figured, it was true.
“We also know his goal,” said the Vulcan. “He wishes to set himself up as Emperor of a new empire, made up of the systems situated between the Thallonian worlds and the Federation.”
The Thallonian exchanged glances with the Indarrhi. The one named Wyl shrugged his shoulders.
“Such a goal,” Tuvok noted, “will be far easier for Thul to accomplish if most sentient life in the sector is eliminated. Hence, a war between the Melacron and the Cordracites, instigated by your father and attributed to terrorist groups on both sides.”
Abbis’s expression was one of respect. “I’m impressed,” he said.
So was Crusher.
“It is an ideal plan,” Tuvok observed, “nearly flawless in its logic. The Kellasian sector will destroy itself, each species thinking the other one responsible, and the Thallonian Emperor will have no idea that it is all your father’s doing.”
Abbis nodded. “Yes,” he said slowly. “It is an ideal plan. And I’m proud to be part of it.”
“However…” the Vulcan added, letting his voice trail off as if he had thought better of revealing something.
“However what?” the Thallonian spat.
“What you do not know,” Tuvok continued unperturbed, “is that Thul is only using you. Once you have done what he wishes you to do, you will no longer be a necessary component of his plan. Indeed, you will be a hindrance-which is why he plans to kill you.”
Abbis’s brow creased in disbelief. “You’re insane,” he breathed.
“Thul is nothing if not logical-and logic clearly indicates that you will be a danger to him,” the Vulcan maintained. “After all, you know too much. You could betray him to the Thallonian Emperor.” He shrugged. “Why would he let someone like that continue to live?
“Because I’m his son,” Abbis told him, trying to affect an air of confidence, even disdain. “I’m his flesh and blood, damn it.” But the tremor in his voice gave him away.
“In addition,” said Tuvok, “your father has dreams of founding a new imperial line. He does not want a bastard for his heir. He craves a son of pure and noble blood. Surely that is why he asked for the hand of the Emperor’s sister in marriage.”
For the briefest of moments, Crusher found himself feeling sorry for the young Thallonian. He had a mercurial face, and it was difficult for him to conceal his emotions.
Then he remembered the weapon in Abbis’s hand, and how he had planned to kill the commander with no more remorse than he might feel squashing a bug. Abruptly, Crusher’s pity evaporated.
“You asked for the truth,” the Vulcan told the Thallonian. “I have given it to you.”
Abbis’s mouth twisted with anger, and for a wild moment Crusher feared the youth might use his weapon after all. But instead, he turned his back on his captives