Spirit Walk_ Enemy of My Enemy (Book 2) - Christie Golden [51]
“Let’s plan on it,” Janeway said. But even as she spoke the words, she knew that the golden moment had fled. She continued heading for Tom, Tuvok, and Montgomery, and as she glanced back over her shoulder, she saw Merin Kol deep in conversation with Ambassador Mnok, one of the strongest proponents of secession. Janeway wondered if she would look back on this moment as a turning point in the negotiations, and not for the good.
But there was nothing to be done. She had made her decision and knew in her heart it was the right one. Conversation between the three men stopped abruptly as all of them saw the expression on her face.
“What happened?” Montgomery demanded.
She motioned to them to follow her and led them away from the others. In a low voice she told them what was going on. Tom and Montgomery stared in growing anger and horror as the tale unfolded. Tuvok, of course, merely raised an eyebrow.
“I’m willing to bet that this is the last communication we’ll have with anyone on Voyager,” Janeway finished grimly. “The impostor would be a fool to let any communications out or in after this point. And we don’t have the luxury of thinking he’s a fool.”
“Agreed,” said Tuvok. “It will be necessary to intercept Voyager, perhaps even to challenge it.”
“I’ll take a ship and challenge him,” Montgomery growled.
“That might be an extreme, final option,” Janeway said, “but this is still a delicate situation. We don’t know who this is, or why he’s impersonating Chakotay. We don’t know where the real Chakotay might be. I think a friendly hello might be better received. Ken, Tuvok—you two and I were specifically requested to be at this conference to help represent Starfleet. We can’t leave without causing a stir.”
Her blue eyes fell upon Tom Paris, who straightened under that appraising gaze.
“But you, Tom, were simply here as my guest. There would be a few questions, but it wouldn’t raise any suspicions if you left.”
“Aye, Admiral.”
“Take the Delta Flyer. She’s fast, maneuverable, and capable of defending herself, but no one on Voyager would deem the return of that vessel a threat. You’ll be my eyes and ears, Tom. I think we can rig a way for you to communicate with us without being detected. As long as you don’t use any of Voyager’s systems, you should be all right. You know you can trust Kaz and Harry, but everyone else should be regarded with suspicion. Who knows—you may end up helping lead a mutiny against this false Captain Chakotay. We’ll get you backup, but it might take some time. For a while, it’s going to be just you. You up for it, Tom?”
“I’ve had six months’ leave, Admiral. I’m more than ready to get back in the saddle.”
She grinned. “That’s exactly what I thought.”
Chapter 15
“WHAT HAPPENED?” asked the Doctor, staring along with Seven of Nine at the suddenly blank computer screen.
“They alerted me that they were sending an unauthorized transmission,” Seven said. “A reasonable assumption would be that they were detected and had to sever communications abruptly.”
“But why would Dr. Kaz and Lieutenant Kim be sending an unauthorized transmission?”
“Speculation on the issue would be futile and a waste of our time,” said Seven, using the cold rationale to cover her own growing sense of apprehension. She turned to face her friend. “I was instructed not to contact the ship, and they especially cautioned me against having any communication with Captain Chakotay.”
“Chakotay? But why would—”
“Doctor,” she said icily, “do not persist in asking me questions to which you must know I do not have the answers. I am as confused as you are. I can only assume there is a dire situation aboard the vessel.”
He looked at her with his dark eyes, full of apprehension and determination. She felt herself soften. She was quite fond of the hologram.
“How can we help them?” he asked.
Seven permitted herself to smile slightly. “That is a question to which I do have the answer. They transmitted a great deal of information,