Section 31_ Rogue - Andy Mangels [123]
Logan, Hawk thought glumly. And four other Academy classmates. Gone forever because the Cardassians breached the warp core on the Barbados.
Hawk put his hand up to his partner’s cheek, and felt a tear there. Ranul had been close to his family, and invoking their memories now must have struck him hard. But Hawk felt pain as well. Logan had been Hawk’s first love, and if their assignments out of the Academy hadn’t forced them apart-or if Logan had gotten his transfer before the destruction of the Barbados-they might still be together. And he never would have met Ranul.
So, perhaps some good has come from the pain? He had never considered it that way.
Ranul sniffed, and turned to look at Hawk. “Didn’t you once tell me that some of your ancestors fought in the Martian Revolution?”
Hawk nodded and smiled. “Native Martians prefer to call it the War for Martian Independence. And yes, I’m descended from some of the freedom fighters. They were New Reformationists-religious pacifists-so they were among the last people to join in the war. A few of them even fought at Gundersdotter’s Dome and helped turn the tide for Martian sovereignty.”
“So, you know what they did,” Ranul said. “They set aside their stated principles in order to achieve a higher goal. Mars gained its independence, even if blood was spilled on both sides.”
“I’m not convinced that Section 31 is always working toward the higher goal though, Ranul.” Hawk looked his lover in the eyes, dark pools on the shadowed face.
“I guess if I were in your situation, I’d ask myself where this organization stands on situations of ethics and morality and honor. And if what you feel about Starfleet and its ideals is compatible with that answer.” Keru looked down, his voice barely louder than a whisper. “I know that I think the Federation made a mistake in the past. And that mistake cost me my family. Do I think that the Federation and Starfleet always make mistakes? No. Do I think Starfleet’s leaders and officers are fallible? You bet I do.”
He paused, and added, “But I’ve never worked under a leader who was acting against what he felt was ethical and honorable.”
Hawk leaned forward, and hugged Ranul tightly again, less sure than ever which way to proceed.
The door opened in front of Hawk, and he stepped inside. The officer standing near the console toward the center of the room stiffened slightly, looking at him. Hawk handed him a padd. “I need to speak with Commander Zweller. Here’s my authorization, from Commander Riker.”
The guard studied the padd’s screen for a moment, then gestured toward one of the recessed detention cells across the room. “He’s over there. Are you going to be long? You want a chair?”
“No. Actually, I’d prefer to talk to Zweller inside, if you don’t mind.”
The guard raised an eyebrow, glanced down at the padd again, and nodded. “Okay. If that’s what you want. I’ll keep an eye out for trouble.”
Hawk approached the detention cell and saw Zweller sitting against one wall, his face blank, his eyes closed, and his posture relaxed, as if he were meditating. The forcefield at the front of the cell sparked for a moment, and Hawk stepped through it. The slight crackle behind him meant that the field was back in place.
“Commander?” he asked quietly.
Without opening his eyes, Zweller responded, gesturing beside him on the bench. “Mr. Hawk. Won’t you sit down? The view from here is astonishing.” His lips moved into a slight smile.
Hawk sat. He was edgy enough because of the discussion he sought, and the spartan accommodations made him even more uncomfortable. “I needed to talk with you a bit more before making my decision,” he said, his voice low.
“I trust you’ve already talked to some of my erstwhile shipmates about me,” Zweller said.
Hawk nodded. Unfortunately, those conversations-none of