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“My apologies, Amar.” He frowned, trying to look both angry and unhappy at the same time. “I was embroiled in a…discussion.”

“Oh, dear. I had hoped it would not come to unpleasantness.”

That was Merin Kol, all right. She never liked to ruffle feathers, dreaded giving offense, and yet somehow managed to drive her platform forward just the same. The Changeling thought briefly that it would be a challenge to master that attitude. A hard act to imitate, certainly, especially as Kol was genuine.

Genuine, and like so many, easily gulled.

“I’m afraid there is a great deal of…unpleasantness…these days,” he said, sighing. He rubbed his cheeks, where a cluster of nerves would be if he were truly a Kerovian, as if he were tired.

“You must be exhausted,” she said sympathetically, picking up on the gesture at once. “You have served me well and loyally, Alamys—served Kerovi well. But clearly this is draining you.”

She paused, looking thoughtful. “Perhaps I should recall you. There are others who can continue the discussions you have begun.”

“No,” he said instantly, and for a moment feared he had spoken too quickly. “No, Amar. I’d like to finish what I’ve begun. Some of the negotiations are tricky and a bit delicate. I have formed friendships. We have a better chance of succeeding if I stay and continue on.”

“Very well. I admire your determination. But I confess I have missed your wise counsel, my friend.”

“I hope I continue to give you wise counsel, wherever I am,” he said obsequiously. “Now tell me, how are preparations going for the conference on Vaan?”

“As one might expect. I am looking forward to meeting Admiral Janeway.”

The Changeling frowned. “I have heard she is a fine diplomat, Amar. You must not let her change your mind.”

Kol cocked her head. “I have not yet made a firm decision to secede from the Federation, Alamys. You know that. I will listen with an open mind and an open heart. I have no agenda, no point to prove. All I want is what is best for the people of Kerovi.”

Damn it, he thought. The last time he had talked to her, she had been coming down quite firmly on the side of secession. Without the Federation hovering, he would be able to operate more freely on Kerovi. And he had many—oh, what was that human phrase—“irons in the fire” on that pretty little planet.

“Of course, Amar,” he said soothingly. “I did not intend to imply otherwise. But I am somewhat confused. Do you wish me to cease discussions with these people until you have made up your mind?” It would be dangerous to return to Kerovi until everything was completed here, but it might be more dangerous not to go, if Kol was as undecided as she appeared to be.

“No.” Her voice was firm, and he felt a little spurt of relief. “Continue as you have been doing. You are providing a valuable service. Much as I would like to have you by my side again, I know you’re needed where you are.”

She smiled a bit impishly. “And don’t worry. I like Janeway a great deal, and I am looking forward to meeting her. I might even go so far as to consider her a friend. But the fate of my people is too important to be given away just to stay in a friend’s good graces.”

“As I have said before, you are as wise as you are beautiful, Amar.” He put his hand on his chest and bowed to her.

“And you are a flatterer of the highest level, my old friend.” She winked. “Kol out.”

After the viewscreen went blank, he didn’t immediately shift his shape. He went over the conversation in his mind. Perhaps he’d underestimated this Janeway. Knowing Chakotay as well as he did, he’d come to know Janeway vicariously. And of course, wearing the feathered face of the avian Captain Skhaa, he’d been able to download and read every one of Voyager’s logs, which was when he’d learned the important information about Chakotay.

At last he shook his head and with the gesture resumed the appearance of Commander Andrew Ellis. “Computer, end holographic program A-4.”

He strode down the hall. Chakotay, still stalling for time, was trying to engage Moset