Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [41]
The woman, however, was only unconscious, not dead.
“Cunaehr, Ehrehin repeated, far more weakly this time. Trip rushed to the old mans side.
“Youre going to be all right, Doctor, Trip said as he knelt on the debris-littered floor not far from the spot where hed left Ehrehin. He blanched as he noted that the old man was anything but all right, but he did his best not to display his feelings of shock and fear.
“Im sorry, Cunaehr, Ehrehin said, wincing as he cradled the badly burned right side of his torso. “Im afraid I didnt follow your advice about staying down. I got up to trigger the silent security alarm.
Trip tucked the disruptor into his belt. Very gently, he helped the old man into a more comfortable-looking, half-reclined position up against the leg of one of the lab tables. Ehrehins charred tunic was stained emerald with blood.
“Ill call for the medics, Doctor, Trip said, rising to his feet.
“Theyll never get here in time, Ehrehin said, shaking his head and coughing. Sea-green froth bubbled at his lips. “Promise me something, Cunaehr.
Trip knelt again beside the old man and took his frail hand in a gentle two-handed grip. “Anything.
“Dont let Valdore finish this project.
Tears stung Trips eyes. “Of course.
“And you cant let the Ejhoi Ormiin have it, either.
Trip frowned. The Ejhoi Ormiin was the Romulan dissident group from which Trip had recently helped rescue Ehrehin. Phuong had died on that mission. The Ejhoi Ormiin wanted to prevent Admiral Valdore from indulging in his imperial ambitions by stealing the warp-seven drive project that Ehrehin had undertaken on behalf of the Romulan military.
The only problem with the dissidents plan was that they intended to keep the secrets of the revolutionary new stardrive for themselvespresumably to fulfill their own imperial ambitions. And what those ambitions were was anybodys guess, given that their leader was a murderous Vulcan turncoat known alternatively as Sopek or Chuihv.
“You think the Ejhoi Ormiin had something to do with this? Trip asked.
“Who else? The voice was barely audible.
Trip had to admit that that was a damned fine question, one to which he could provide no easy answer.
The life was beginning to fade from the old mans rheumy eyes. “Cunaehr, he whispered. “Trip.
The old man had made it his habit never to use Trips real name, even though he had discovered it very early in their association.
“Yes, Trip said.
“Everythingeverything is up to you now.
Trip felt Ehrehins hand go slack at that moment. The old mans final breath came a heartbeat later, laced with green bubbles as his lungs emptied for the last time.
A crushing weight of responsibility settled squarely upon Trips shoulders. Whether war or peace came in the next few weeks might well depend on whatever he decided to do, or not to do, next.
Moving with extreme care, Trip lowered Ehrehins body back to the floor from where it leaned limply against the table leg. Tears shrouded the old mans image as he knelt beside him and took his hand for the last time. They had indeed become close, particularly since Ehrehin had saved his life at the Ejhoi Ormiin compound on Rator II, and had helped him find a place in Romulan society after their chaotic escape. The old mans motivations had never been entirely clear to TripEhrehin was certainly no Coalition sympathizer, despite his strong advocacy for peacebut Trips resemblance to the late Cunaehr might have been a factor. As well as Ehrehins respect for Trips talents as an engineer.
After an uncountable interval, Trip released Ehrehins hand. Anger brought him to his feet and he stalked back to the front of the lab, where the surviving assassin still lay unconscious. Reaching down to grasp the lapels on the front of her black jacket, he hauled her up roughly.
“Why did you do this? he shouted into her slack face. “Who do you work for? She made no response, and her body lolled before him like a rag doll. Dark green blood slowly trickled down her lightly ridged forehead, which sported a nasty gash, as well as from her split lower lip.