Taking Wing - Michael A. Martin [108]
“The Remans have yet to be included in any such discussions,” Spock pointed out. “Therefore they might be forgiven for doubting your goodwill. And perhaps that of the Federation Council itself.”
Riker felt his own frustration continuing to rise. “We’re trying to include everyone in the power-sharing talks, Mr. Ambassador.”
“That is wise, Captain,” Spock said. “Please allow me to assist you by returning to the Remans. Unless, of course, your intention is to arrest me for having failed to respond more promptly to the council’s diplomatic recall order.”
Riker leaned forward, meeting Spock’s gaze squarely. “Mr. Ambassador, my intention has always been to rescue you. And then to ask you to return the favor by helping me accomplish a damned difficult peace mission. However, your fate isn’t entirely up to me.” His questioning gaze lit upon Akaar.
“Conducting unauthorized interstellar policy on behalf of either the Federation or a Federation member world is a serious offense,” Akaar said. “Especially after the council has issued a formal order of diplomatic recall.”
“Indeed,” Spock said. “However, I have…resisted such orders before without suffering any serious consequences.”
“That was before Shinzon changed everything,” Akaar said. “Certain members of the council are nervous enough to wish to see you in irons, Mr. Ambassador. However loudly Councillor Enaren may sing your praises, both Gleer and zh’Faila continue to characterize your activities as unacceptably dangerous under the current circumstances. Even T’Latrek of Vulcan voted in favor of the recall order.”
“I am not surprised,” Spock said. “Fear exists in abundance on both sides of the Neutral Zone. And fear trumps logic all too often.”
“It’s too bad the council has no way of knowing for certain whether or not you ever actually received the recall order, Mr. Ambassador,” Riker said, allowing a slight smile to tug at his lips.
“A logical assessment, Captain,” Spock said, then turned to face Akaar. “Am I under arrest, Admiral?”
Akaar mirrored Riker’s smile. “I doubt I could trust myself to carry out such an order, Starfleet discipline notwithstanding. I have not forgotten that you and my namesakes saved my life, and that of Eleen who bore me, more than a century ago.”
“Then allow me to return to my Reman negotiating partners now,” Spock said. “Before they overreact to my sudden departure by—”
An almost shrill voice from Riker’s combadge interrupted the ambassador. “Ensign Lavena to Captain Riker.”
Riker tapped the device on his chest. “Go ahead, Ensign.”
“The new sensor nets have just picked up a whole fleet of incoming warships, Captain. Several dozen strong. They’re entering orbit around Romulus. And they’re loaded for bear.”
“More Romulan military vessels?” Riker asked, rising from his chair.
“Yes, sir. But Jaza’s scans say they’re crewed by Remans .”
Chapter Twenty
U.S.S. TITAN
Maybe Spock was right after all, Riker thought as he left his ready room just ahead of Deanna, Akaar, Spock, and Tuvok; he bounded through the doors and toward the center of Titan’s bridge as the others hastened to follow.
Christine Vale—her short hair still somewhat disheveled after the raid on Vikr’l Prison—was already relinquishing the central command chair, moving toward the seat located on its immediate right. But she remained standing, her small frame fairly vibrating with tension.
“Red alert! Shields up!” Riker shouted as he seated himself in the command chair while Deanna took the seat at his immediate left. “Hail the lead ship, Mr. Keru.”
“Shields up. Hailing again, Captain,” said the tactical officer. Unlike Vale, he still wore one of the black stealth suits the away team had been issued for the prison rescue operation. His suit was torn, bloodied, and caked with dust: he had obviously spent as little time as was permissible getting patched up in sickbay