Homecoming - Christie Golden [48]
Extremely interested in Voyager’s new technology.
Hoping she was wrong, she said aloud, “Computer, what is Admiral Kenneth Montgomery’s latest assignment?”
“Admiral Kenneth Montgomery has been assigned to head Project Full Circle,” the computer answered in its crisp female voice.
“And what is the nature of the project?”
“Analyzing the starship Voyager’s futurist and Borg [141] technology for incorporation into Starfleet’s vessels,” the computer replied.
Covington had told her that technology—specs, actual items, and information—was what was being leaked to the Syndicate. She immediately contacted Covington, using the Top Priority code. Brenna Covington’s face appeared on the screen.
“There you are, Agent Webber,” she said. “You’re several hours late reporting in.”
“Never mind that,” said Libby, knowing as she said it that it was a breach of protocol and also knowing that once Covington heard what she had to say, she wouldn’t give a damn either. Quickly Libby repeated what she had heard Harry say about Janeway’s debriefing. Covington sat silently and listened intently, her eyes widening slightly every now and then, but other than that, betraying nothing of what she was feeling.
“Well, well,” she said, after Libby had finished. “We’ve had people on Montgomery, but nobody’s reported that particular incident. I’m very pleased I assigned you to Lieutenant Kim. I told you if you kept your ears open, you’d learn something valuable.”
“Yes, ma’am, you certainly did.” Libby hated to admit it, but her new boss was right.
Covington seemed shaken. “You need to know that we put him on the list only as a precaution, along with Captain Picard. Both of them had had interactions with the Syndicate within the last year. Montgomery didn’t campaign for the position as head of Project Full Circle, and in fact he wasn’t expected to get it. Commander Brian Grady was due to get that promotion; [142] he’s had a lot more experience with that sort of thing than Montgomery has. Strange that he was passed over in favor of Montgomery, don’t you think? We had no idea ...”
Her voice trailed off, then she cleared her throat. “Well. We’ll definitely pursue this further. In the meantime, I have a few other leads for you to follow up on. I’ve arranged for Lieutenant Kim to get invited to the opera tomorrow night. Eight ambassadors, including one who is a known dealer with the Syndicate, will be attending. I’m certain he will invite you to be his guest. I will give you a seating chart. You’ll have a chance to observe the ambassadors during the performance and at the intermission afterward.”
“Harry hates opera. He probably won’t accept the invitation.”
Covington widened her eyes slightly at Libby’s comment. “Then it’s up to. you to see that he does,” she said, her voice still pleasant but with a steely undertone.
“Understood, ma’am,” replied Libby automatically.
Covington’s expression softened slightly. “I know this is unusual for you, Agent Webber, but you’re doing a fine job. We’ll catch the mole, and then whatever happens between you and Lieutenant Kim will stay between the two of you. In the meantime, though, you are serving the Federation, and that has to come before everything.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Libby, a bit more sincerely. “I am aware of that, and I’ll do my best not to let personal matters interfere.”
[143] “I’m certain you’ll continue to serve well and loyally. Covington out.”
Libby wasn’t so sure. She’d always been a good agent. She had a natural gift for ingratiating herself with people, earning their trust and confidence, and also seeming so innocuous that people didn’t really watch what they said around her. But it was different, playing this deception game with Harry, the one person above all others she ought not to be deceiving.
She hoped Covington was right, that they would identify and capture the mole soon. Harry was moving into her heart too quickly. He was no fool, and sooner or later, he’d begin to ask questions.
And she had no idea how she’d answer