Section 31_ Rogue - Andy Mangels [28]
“You mean… he was there to make sure the Romulans gain control of Chiaros IV.”
Tabor nodded slowly. “As you’ve no doubt surmised, I’ve decided to make sure that his mission succeeds. Especially if that mission has cost him his life.”
If Cortin died trying to trade the Geminus Gulf for that list of Romulan spies, Tabor thought, then I’ll be damned if I’m going to let his death be in vain. There’s too much history between us for that.
“I may need your aid in this matter, especially if something has happened to the Slayton and its crew. And beyond that… I would like to call upon you from time to time to help Section 31 in defending the Federation.”
Tabor felt Hawk’s apprehension and fascination grappling like opposing storm fronts. There’s trepidation there, yes, and confusion, Tabor thought. But the lad does indeed love a good adventure.
“Are you asking me to leave the Enterprise?” Hawk said.
“Not necessarily. This is the Federation’s flagship, after all. Section 31 could certainly use some alert eyes and ears here.”
Hawk’s crystal-blue eyes were wide as he considered everything Tabor had just said. Tabor could feel that he had punched all the right buttons for the young officer; now, the lieutenant just had to make the right decisions.
“I’m not sure about this, Ambassador. Covert operations, spying…” Hawk trailed off.
“Sounds like something out of one of your mother’s books,” Tabor said, almost lightheartedly. “There are many instances in history where selfless people have had to stand alone or work in secret for the benefit of all.” He let his words hang in the air for a moment. Tabor could sense that it was time to ease up and disengage. Gently, he said, “I understand, Sean. Really, I do. And I appreciate the gravity with which you are approaching my offer. It speaks highly of your personal ethics.”
He paused, then added, “But I would ask you to keep our conversation confidential, even from your partner. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the very safety of the Federation depends upon Section 31’s continued secrecy. And I’m trusting you with an enormous secret.” Tabor stood, and offered his hand to the young man.
“I understand, sir,” Hawk said, standing as well. He gripped the ambassador’s hand firmly and shook it. “I just need some time to think.” Probing gently, Tabor noted with relief that Hawk had made no plans as yet to inform his superiors of this meeting.
“Certainly. But I hope you can decide soon. I believe that something may have gone terribly wrong in the Chiaros system. We could discover things there that we didn’t anticipate. And such surprises could jeopardize not only the bureau’s Chiarosan mission, but also the Federation’s vital interests elsewhere. If you truly care about the Federation’s security as much as I think you do… well, I hope we’ll be talking again soon.”
Aubin Tabor turned and walked away, his eyes and nose taking in the lovely sights and smells of the arboretum, while his mind drank in the thoughts of a very conflicted Lieutenant Hawk.
As the bridge turbolift doors hissed open, Captain Picard saw Commander Will Riker stand abruptly from the captain’s chair, tugging at his tunic. With Admiral Batanides at his side, the scowling Picard strode toward the center of the bridge, looking at the viewscreen.
“Is that what I think it is, Number One?”
“Yes, sir. It’s wreckage from the Slayton. It seems to be scattered throughout this region of space. It might have been spread out by radiation pressure, or maybe by a spatial distortion wave of some sort.”
Data, already at his post, looked down at the computer panels upon which information scrolled. “These specific pieces are hull plating from the starboard side. Scans show a distinct pattern of disruptor weaponry. The type is indeterminate. I am attempting a more complete