Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [123]
“Besides, you dont have to keep doing this, Reed said, spreading his hands before him. “I know firsthand how this kind of clandestine work can take over your life if you let it. Maybe youve already accomplished enough here. Maybe its time you thought about coming in from the cold, so to speak.
Coming in from the cold, Trip thought, mesmerized for a moment by that tantalizing thought. Rising from the dead. The notion had occurred to him many times since his Romulan sojourn had begun. But circumstances had always conspired to make the goal of coming home seem as unreachable as the Andromeda Galaxy.
“I must concur with Lieutenant Reed, TPol said, her dark eyes taking on an almost pleading cast that Trip had seen only rarely; the last time was when Doctor Phlox had worked frantically, though without success, to save the life of their dying baby.
“Others could take over for you, she continued. “I ask you again to let ustake you home . TPol gestured toward the crest of a nearby hill, where the trio had carefully set down Shuttlepod Two among piles of gray boulders and short stands of blue-green scrub vegetation.
Home, Trip thought, not entirely certain he fully recognized the concept anymore.
“Im certain Captain Archer could use your help more than ever now, Reed said. “What with all the trouble between the Klingons and the Draylaxians weve been hearing about.
“Yeah, I picked up some intel about the Klingon thing just before I left Romulus, Trip said, stroking his cheek as he mulled his friends words over. “I was hoping to find proof that the Romulans were really the ones behind that little problem as well. No such luck.
He paused as he realized that he had just reinforced the very argument his friends were trying to make, though they were probably as dismayed as he was that the Coalition seemed to be facing imminent war on two fronts rather than on just one.
Tucker came to a firm decision then, arriving there with a certitude that surprised him. “I appreciate what youre trying to do, both of you. But my business here isnt anywhere near finished yet. I have to stay. Hell, I havent even found out for sure what happened to Terix yet.
TPol raised an eyebrow, clearly incredulous. “Commander, Terix is an enemy who will doubtless try to kill you again the first time he gets the chance. He would surely compromise you, which in Romulan space would effectively be the same thing as executing you.
“Hes an enemy, thats true enough, Trip said, nodding. “But hes an enemy I was in the midst of serving with on a mission that was at least as important to the security of the Coalition as it was to the Romulan military. Which sort of makes Terix a comrade, as weird as I know that sounds.
“Ive never been in the habit of leaving anyone behind, TPol. And Im sure as hell not gonna start now.
“But even if you do manage to find Terix still alive, Reed said, raising his voice, “youll probably have to kill him straightaway, just to maintain your cover. You say you cant leave a comrade behind, which I assume comes out of your sense of duty. But can you kill him when your duty demands it?
Trip didnt want to think about that at the moment. “Theres still the threat of the Romulan stardrive to consider, Malcolm.
“But the Klingons Malcolm said.
Trip interrupted him, determined to protect his resolve against any further assault. “The captain can handle the Klingons, if you guys are both behind him.
TPol and Reed exchanged silent and uncomfortable looks.
“You guys are both behind him, right? Trip asked. “He must have sent you here before he knew about the Klingon-Draylax thing.
Reed paused to cough into his fist. “Not exactly. We sort ofcame on our own. Without telling the captain.
Jesus! Trip thought. Why am I not surprised?
Shaking his head, he said, “Well, youve just given me another good reason not to go back with you. I wouldnt want to be standing anywhere near ground zero when you report to him.
TPol raised an eyebrow. “Ground zero?
“Wherever the captain happens to be when he sees