Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [64]
Denak appeared on the screen, his eyes tinged with green and his skin visibly ashen even across the many light-years that separated them; he clearly had not been sleeping well. “Ive succeeded in getting you a ship, TPol, but it has not been easy. Lets just say that youve exhausted every debt Ive ever owed you.
TPol nodded slowly, acknowledging her old friends implied warning without allowing herself to appear intimidated by it. “Will the ship be capable of getting me into Romulan space?
“It can get you in, but not out, Denak said ominously. “You will need to rendezvous with this vessel using a ship of your own near the periphery of Romulan space. I presume you will not be using Enterprise to do this.
“I feel certain that I will be able to find some kind of craft, TPol said, ignoring Denaks sarcasm as her mind quickly worked the problem of acquiring a small auxiliary craft on short notice.
“The ship I have secured for you can take both you and whatever small craft you arrive in well past the Romulan Star Empires borders. As long as you dont encounter any Romulan patrol vessels along the way, you should be fine.
“Where should I rendezvous with the ship, and when?
“Ive arranged for the vessel to be diverted from its regular course and mission, Denak said. “Neither of which is known to anyone outside the VSharand even then, it is known only to a handful. I am transmitting to you the rendezvous coordinates and timetable, along with a brief profile of the ship. You will have one contact on board, and you will be required to remain confined to whatever sections of the ship she specifies.
TPol stared at him inquisitively. “Why?
“The vessel carriessensitive matériel to which you have not been granted access.
TPol saw a file open in the corner of her screen and was surprised to see that it was the image of a familiar face, even if it was noticeably older than the last time she had seen it. “Ycha? She is my contact?
“We both risk much with this, TPol, Denak said.
“I appreciate the trust you have placed in me, Denak, TPol said.
Denak raised an eyebrow, giving her the look that had made her feel so very uncomfortable during her years as his underling in the VShar. “I wish you would extend me the same courtesy. I know that you are hiding things from me about the true purpose of this mission. But I also sense that you are actingoutside the purview of both Starfleet and the Coalition of Planets. Perhaps even against direct orders.
He paused, leaning slightly closer to his own com unit. “Before you were even born, a wise woman once told me that sometimes it takes those who will travel past the boundarieswithout regard to arbitrary rulesto discover what truly lies beyond the horizon.
TPol had heard her mother express the same sentiments before, and suspected that it was she to whom Denak was referring. She offered him a slight nod of acknowledgment. “Whatever I must do, I have no intention of causing any harm either to the Coalition or its member worlds. I act to preserve life, and to protect our people. You have my word on that.
Denak settled back in his chair again and steepled his hands and fingers underneath his chin. TPol saw that the thumb and forefingers were still missing from his right hand; he had lost them during a mission years ago, and had been unable to receive appropriate medical attention in time to save the nerves that would have allowed them to be regrown successfully.
“While you might not harm the Coalition, TPol, remember that your actions may have consequences for those who have placed their trust in you. You must be prepared for that eventuality. Denak held up his good hand, splitting his fingers into a salute. “Live long and prosper, TPol.
TPol returned the salute as her viewscreen went black.
Denaks words stung her, but she still felt certain that her mission was absolutely necessary, even if it might not be entirely logical. Assuming, of course, that the encounters she had experienced with Trip in her mindscape were not, in fact, hallucinations.
Launch Bay Two seemed unnaturally