Unification - Jeri Taylor [20]
The stale meal was just one more annoyance in a day that was full of them. He had had a terrible fight with his mate, K’kam, and as a result was nursing a painful shoulder. K’kam was strong and agile and possessed of a terrible temper; it was probably a mistake to fight with her. But she made it impossible to avoid. K’Vada growled again as he remembered her obstinate insistence that she leave for an extended tour on a science cruiser bound for the Lambdor system. He was not about to have his mate disappear for such a long time.
He had lost that argument, however, when she dislocated his shoulder. In agony, he agreed to her expedition, and she helped him snap the shoulder back into its socket, but the pain was still intense. And now she would be leaving and he would not have her in his bed again for nearly a year. That is what he would miss; K’kam was as violent in bed as she was in combat, and the experience was incredible.
But by far the worst thing that had happened was his being called by his commanding officer and informed that, by personal order of Gowron, he was to ferry two Starfleet officers to a secret destination. If they failed to return no mention would be made of their deaths; if they came home safely the effort would not be acknowledged. There was no honor in such a mission, and K’Vada resented it deeply.
He had brought his ship alongside the huge starship Enterprise and uncloaked, awaiting the transfer of the two officers. He had no idea who they would be; everything about this mission was veiled in secrecy. He didn’t like secrets. They made his shoulder ache.
“Two to transport directly to the bridge, Captain,” said his first officer. K’Vada nodded and seconds later two men in Starfleet uniforms appeared before him. To his astonishment, one was the captain of the Enterprise, Picard, and from the looks of him the other was the android, Data. Whatever mission this was, it was of supreme importance if it required these two senior officers to enter the Neutral Zone.
“Welcome aboard, Captain Picard. I am Captain K’Vada.”
“Thank you, sir. This is Lieutenant Commander Data.” K’Vada noted that the android was already looking around the bridge, as though assessing its capabilities. He eyed Picard, determined to get some information from him. He assumed his most confronting and challenging tone.
“When ! received my orders, Captain, I was not told where we were going.” He glared at Picard, demanding an answer.
But none was forthcoming. The distinguished Starfleet officer simply looked at him calmly, making no offer of information. K’Vada pushed on.
“But the heading I was just given takes us into the Neutral Zone—and directly to Romulus.”
“That’s right.” Simple confirmation of the obvious. Nothing more. K’Vada’s shoulder throbbed.
“I know my duty, Captain. When I’m given orders, I follow them.” He paused and assumed his most intimidating countenance. “But I do not like secrets. They make my shoulder ache.” He hoped Picard would think the pain in his shoulder represented a wound received in battle. “I want to know why we are on this mission.”
“I’m sorry. It is a confidential matter.” Picard seemed not at all intimidated, or even unsettled. His manner was calm, even polite. He was beginning to irritate K’Vada.
“You’re going after the defector, aren’t you?” K’Vada watched closely to see what impact this state-merit had. He was sure Picard wouldn’t have expected it.
But Picard revealed nothing, his face impassive. “Defector?”
“You think information like that stays a secret? Ambassador Spock has gone to Romulus—and you’re going after him.” K’Vada stared at Picard, daring him to deny the statement.
But Picard’s voice was even as he replied, “Your orders are to take us to a set of coordinates near Romulus, and to bring us back. That is