Myriad Universes 02_ Echoes and Refractions - Keith R. A. DeCandido [100]
Of course, had the ship been capable of warp three, she’d only have had to stop three times, but since she was stuck at less than warp two, she would have to make dozens of those stops over the months she traversed Cardassian space.
Many times, she was tempted to open the containment unit. But she knew that was impossible. Once the unit was opened, Garak had said, it could not be reused. She had to wait until she was safely on a Federation ship before she opened it.
At least the hauler had a comfortable bunk and a decent commode. As unpleasant as it was to be stuck in a ship for so long, the accommodations were actually of a higher quality than Kira had ever had in her life. I just hope they’re not my last.
Toward the end of one of her enforced stops, the proximity alarm went off at the same time that the comm system said she was being hailed. Sensors indicated a convoy of Ferengi vessels. Dammit, they couldn’t have shown up ten minutes later?
She checked to make sure the holofilter was working, but then answered only on audio, confident in her ability to bluff her way past a DaiMon without the need of holographic tricks. “This is the pleasure vessel Koramar. How can I help you?”
“You can start by broadcasting your face.”
“Who am I talking to?” Kira said snappishly. She only needed to keep him talking for another nine-and-a-half minutes; then she could go to warp, and would be home free.
“I am DaiMon Gig of the attack vessel Security. I am in charge of protecting this convoy, and you will tell me your business and show me your face.”
Kira shook her head. They named the security ship Security. Can’t fault them for description. “My name’s Kella Torcet. I’m trying to get to Bol’rak’s Planet to meet my husband. Unfortunately, the starhopper he gave me leaves a lot to be desired. The warp drive overheats every five days, and it won’t go faster than warp two.”
“That explains your business. I still have not seen your face.”
Letting out a dramatic sigh, Kira activated the holofilter. “All right, all right.” She turned on the viewer, which gave her a view of a weaselly-looking Ferengi with small eyes and a big nose even by their standards. “You happy, you little troll? This trip has been agonizing enough without having to justify my existence to the likes of you.”
A voice sounded from the DaiMon’s right. “Oh, it isn’t the likes of him you have to justify your existence to, Ms. Torcet.”
The image frame widened to show a Cardassian gul standing to the DaiMon’s left. Gig glanced over at the gul with an annoyed expression. Kira suspected that the Cardassian’s presence on the vessel didn’t meet with Gig’s approval.
Maintaining her arch tone, Kira asked, “And you are?” She also started trying to override the computer lockout on the warp drive, in case this gul didn’t give her the remaining nine minutes.
“I’m Gul Ovell, and I’m here to ensure that these citizens of the Cardassian Union are safely brought to their new homes. That includes making sure that privateers don’t try to harm the convoy-as has happened in the past.”
“If you say so. I’m simply waiting for my warp drive to be active, and I’ll be on my way. I couldn’t care less about your convoy.”
“Really?” The gul was holding up a data clip. “Yet, according to these readings, your ship has a sheath that is not standard issue on pleasure craft of that type.”
Kira finally overrode the lockout. “My husband made a number of modifications, I don’t think-”
“Plus there’s that holofilter you’re using.”
That ended that. Kira had no idea when the Cardassians or the Ferengi got the upgrades to their sensors that would allow them to detect