Gateways 07_ What Lay Beyond - Diane Carey [75]
“Kelmar, I feel compelled to point out that you are one ship, heading into Nenlar space. You’ll be quite vulnerable. And while I would love to trust Ara and Torar, they have misrepresented themselves before.”
“Although Kelmar knew who we were, it was we who chose to reveal our identities first. We did not need to reveal ourselves at all, Captain,” Torar pointed out. “Nor did the Iudka need to risk themselves to come to our aid. The fact that they placed hundreds of Iudka lives in jeopardy in order to save two Nenlar lives was not lost upon us. It will not be lost upon my people, either. We fought to prevent wrongs. We will not continue to harm people who have expressed such a willingness to befriend us.”
“The past is the past.” Janeway was aware that she was gaping at Kelmar. He threw back his head and laughed heartily. “Oh, Captain, hearts will not be changed overnight. I know that. And I’m certain that even Torar and Ara will clash with us from time to time. But that is so insignificant, compared with the riches peace has to offer. I’m willing to risk it. Thank you, Captain. We wish you the best of luck on your own journey home.”
The Nivvika terminated the signal, and Janeway watched the huge Iudka vessel follow the receding ball of fire.
Only one ship now remained. “Hail them,” she told Kim.
The ugly, mottled visage of the Hirogen Alpha filled the screen. Janeway took a deep breath, determined to try one last time.
“Alpha, I would like to take this opportunity to once again urge you to utilize our holographic technology. I know you understand the benefits, and”
“Yes,” said the Alpha, completely unexpectedly. “If you will transport it over, we will welcome it.”
Janeway and Chakotay exchanged pleased glances. “Kim, get on it. Alpha, within a few moments you’ll be in receipt of the technology. May I ask why this sudden change of heart?”
“It was pathetically easy for prey to frame us,” grumbled the Alpha.
“Our reputation may strike fear into the hearts of prey, but it also a liability. I had not realized we were so… predictable. Had it not been for your ability to look more deeply into the situation, I am certain that we would have been killed. I have no wish to die for something I did not do, Captain. Perhaps if we learn to use this holographic technology for our hunts, we will not be so easy a target for others’ hatred.”
She could see it materialize in the far corner of the viewscreen. The Alpha glanced back, then returned his attention to Janeway.
“The transport of your holographic technology was successful,” he said. “We thank you for it.”
“I hope it will prove useful, and that you have many fine hunts with it,” said Janeway.
The Alpha inclined his head. “As I said, we also owe you thanks for coming to our defense when the rest of the caravan would have enjoyed opening fire upon us.”
“We believe in serving justice and in clearing the innocent,” said Janeway. “I’m only sorry that Sinimar Arkathi escaped without having to account for his actions.”
The Alpha shrugged. “It is of no importance to us. We will soon be in our own space. Again, thank you.”
Janeway settled into her chair and watched the Hirogen ship disappear as it leaped into warp. The turbolift door hissed open and Chakotay entered.
“The Lamorians are gone,” he said.
“You sound tired,” she observed.
He smiled slightly. “I am. I enjoy ceremony as much as the next person, but even I would go insane if I had to live in that culture. How did the rest of our farewells go?”
“Fine, I hope. I’d like to believe that the Nenlar and the Iudka are truly about to launch a new era of peace.”
“They all seemed like decent people. Let’s think positively.”
She nodded. “Bridge to engineering. Status?”
“Everything’s back to normal, Captain. Once the gateways had stopped draining our power, it’s as if it had never happened. We’re ready to head back into No Man’s Land.”
Janeway sighed. Their troubles were far from over. They were back where they had started,