Starbase Four wasn't the biggest space station I'd seen, nor was it the most beautiful; but like its Romulan and Klingon and neutral counterparts across the quadrants, it probably symbolized refuge and respite to the travelers who approached it now. It shone on the monitor screen like a watchfire in the night.
If circumstances had been different, I would have observed Enterprise's docking approach with interest. But circumstances were what they were, and I turned resolutely away from the screen to begin gathering up the few items I would take with me. Uhura had given me a traveling-case to accommodate a change of clothes and the little box of toiletries she'd assembled. When I'd protested that I didn't need any of those things, she'd waved away my objections and replied lightly that that was what friends were for. At the time I'd been annoyed by the remark; but on reflection I had decided that even if we weren't friends, we were no longer truly enemies. I'd left a message expressing my thanks for the gift, but I hadn't heard from her, or indeed from anyone else.
* * *
The packing took all of two minutes. There was nothing to do now but wait for a security detail to escort me off the ship and into the care of Federation officials, who would hand me over to the Romulan authorities as fast as they could.
Once again I went over the final instructions I'd given Adiv and Lem. Our last meeting had been somewhat curtailed, mostly owing to my fear that our conversations, which I was sure were being recorded, were providing too much raw material for the translation matrix. Still, I was confident that we'd addressed all the contingencies. If everything proceeded according to plan I might be able to salvage something from this debacle. Although, I thought ruefully, any medals will have to be awarded posthumously.
As I sat there alone in the quiet room it came to me that I had no idea how to prepare for the kind of death that awaited me on Romulus. To the extent that I'd thought about it at all, I'd supposed that some day death would find me in deep space, would take me in a split second of phaser fire or disruptor blast at the hands of an enemy--an honorable and indeed a likely way for a Romulan warrior to die. No bizarre nightmare or paranoid fantasy could have caused me to envision a prolonged and public execution that would destroy my family's honor and probably lead to political violence or even civil war--
That dark reverie was interrupted by the computer's high-pitched whistling. The monitor flashed "caller waiting" in a peremptory fashion. When I touched the answer key, Kirk's head and shoulders filled the screen.
"Commander, we've arrived at Starbase Four, but we're having a little trouble clearing customs, so to speak. I'm afraid we can't release you or your officers just yet."
"I don't understand. Why are we being held?"
"It seems that we have a bit of a ... situation. A Romulan attaché is on his way to the base, and he'll brief you." He glanced quickly at someone or something offscreen. "The Federation representatives think it would be a good idea for you to talk to your attaché as soon as he arrives. I'll see you on the base. Kirk out."
* * *
The security guards, whose number had mysteriously increased from two to six, hurried me through the corridors of the Enterprise and into the shuttle bay, where a travel capsule stood powered up and ready to take us to the other side of the station. Adiv and Lem were nowhere in sight. During the short trip no one spoke to me, and the guards looked far grimmer than usual. Had the Empire declared war on the Federation? Very possibly it had, for there were more than sufficient grounds for doing so. But even if we were at war, how could that have any bearing on my own fate? And why was I expected to "talk to" the Romulan attaché? Unless I was to be held here indefinitely as a prisoner of war ... but surely Kirk would have told me if that was the case. Nothing seemed to add up.
As soon as we exited the airlocks we were greeted by another detachment of guards. This group wore black and silver uniforms, and their insignia identified them as Federation security.
"I relieve you, Lieutenant," their leader said to a Starfleet guard, who nodded brusquely and led his men back into the airlock. The Federation officer turned to me. "I'm Captain Rydell, ma'am. I'll be escorting you to the diplomatic chambers. Will you come with me, please?"
Humans--evidently they had their own quaint version of courtesy: they always tried to make it sound as if they were giving you a choice.
* * *
I wouldn't have thought it possible that a meeting of so many important-looking officials could have been convened on such short notice at an out-of-the-way starbase. It will take three weeks for a message to reach Starfleet, Tal had said to Kirk. Apparently that had been a slight miscalculation.
The spacious window-walled room was a fitting setting for the array of diplomatic ribbons and military medals assembled around the circular table. Seated on one side were senior Federation officials and diplomats; opposite them were two Starfleet admirals, an assortment of aides-de-camp, and the captain and first officer of the starship Enterprise. The room was ringed with Federation security. No one looked happy.
A young white-haired Deltan stepped forward to meet me. "I am Ra-ghoratrei, minister of external affairs for the United Federation of Planets," he said. He crossed his arms over his breast in the traditional greeting. "Please be seated, Commander Tayva. The Romulan attaché's ship has docked, and he will arrive momentarily. In the meantime, may I offer you a glass of water?" He was already filling one of the stemmed glasses that stood on a carved bronze tray.
I accepted it wordlessly. I'd already decided that silence would serve me best--at least until someone explained what was going on here.
"What is going on here?" Ah, that shrill, aggrieved voice was unmistakable. I didn't need to turn around to know that it was Kaslim Dro who barged blustering through the doors. He had never been able to master either the niceties of diplomatic behavior or the subtleties of the Standard accent. He was a whining, self-centered opportunist who had been clever enough to marry into a politically well-connected house. He held a longstanding grudge against me simply because I and not his waterbrained nephew Stilpa had won command of Eidolon. I would have wagered a year's pay that he was here only because he happened to be near the edge of the Zone, and that the Romulan ambassador to the Federation was grinding her teeth in frustration at having to send a third-rate attaché to carry out a delicate assignment. Whatever that assignment might be ...
"Legate Dro, if you will allow me--" But Ra-ghoratrei's conciliatory speech was drowned out by Dro's shouts.
"I demand that you release the commander and her officers into my custody immediately! The Federation must answer for its sabotage against the Romulan people! The cloaking device that is illegally in your possession must be returned at once, or you will find yourselves at war with the Empire!"
"Legate, please. We are in touch with your ambassador."
That quieted him, but only a little. "The ambassador has instructed me to represent her," he said petulantly.
"Quite so." The minister regarded Dro with faint distaste. "And as her representative, you are entitled to take custody of Centurion Oram Adiv and Antecenturion Milnek Lem, officers of the Romulan Fleet. We will release them to you as soon as the necessary paperwork is completed. Ambassador Tilendi has been advised that Commander Tayva will remain in Federation custody pending the outcome of an official investigation into the ... Enterprise incident." He looked at Kirk and Spock, and his expression of distaste intensified. "Regrettably, we are forced to hold her as a material witness."
"But that's ridiculous!" Dro sounded genuinely offended. "She must return to Romulus now. She can deliver her testimony, if that is really necessary, at a later date. And she needn't be here in person to do that."
Ra-ghoratrei shook his head. "I am sorry, but I cannot grant your request. The Federation wants to ensure that her testimony will be uncorrupted." He fixed his gaze on Dro. "And that she will be available to deliver it."
"I protest this arbitrary refusal to free a Romulan citizen who is being illegally detained! And I suppose you're going to say you're holding the cloaking device as evidence in your so-called investigation?"
I sighed. This had gone far enough. "Minister," I said, deliberately keeping my voice low. "Might I be allowed to speak?"
"Commander. Of course." Ra-ghoratrei seemed surprised, as did the rest of the dignitaries. Even Kirk and Spock looked startled.
"I wonder if you would permit me to have a private word with Legate Dro."
"Yes, certainly. You may use the conference room to your right." He pointed towards a door.
"Thank you. Legate?" With bad grace Dro pushed ahead of me into the little anteroom, as if a lowly attaché were entitled to precede a fleet commander.
The door closed softly behind us. "Now, Dro," I said quietly. "Perhaps you will tell me what is happening here, if you know. And I think you do. You cannot be as dim as you appear."
"I only know that Ambassador Tilendi has accepted their pitiful excuse for detaining you." His Romulan accent was no more refined than his Standard. "They told her that Kirk and Spock acted without the knowledge of the Federation--in fact, without the sanction of their own High Command. That someone--perhaps a rogue officer or council member--secretly conceived the mission, and that Kirk and Spock acted on illegal orders."
"Do you believe that?" To my mind, it had the ring of truth. I'd already reached a similar conclusion during my conversation with McCoy.
"I'll tell you what I believe, Commander. I believe that you've struck a shameful bargain with the Federation criminals. I believe that nothing more than your incompetence caused the loss of the cloaking device, and that you're a coward, afraid to pay the price for your stupid mistake!"
In an instant all my control was gone; I slammed him sideways against the wall, pinning his arm behind his back with one hand."You're the one who'll pay the price for slandering my honor, you fat smendl!" I pressed my forearm against his throat hard enough to stop him from talking. Just a little harder and he'll never talk again ... Twisting his flabby arm viciously upward, I hissed into his ear: "The humans have a word for it, you know--I was set up. How else could Starfleet know when and where we would be testing the cloaking devices?" Another wrench of the arm. "If this investigation leads to anything that will uncover the traitors on Romulus, whoever they may be, then Tilendi will welcome it!"
Dro's nose had begun to bleed, and he was emitting a series of hoarse but loud cries for help. I increased the pressure on his throat and was about to crack his head against the wall for good measure when the door flew open. Kirk pulled me away from my victim with some force. Spock caught Dro and then released him, none too gently; his limp bulk slumped to the floor. Through the open door I could see the shocked faces of the diplomats and officers. I shook off Kirk's restraining hold.
Dro lay gasping and coughing at Spock's feet: "She ... she tried to kill me ... murderer ... traitor ..." At least he wasn't shouting any more.
* * *
Eventually order was restored. A security guard led Dro away to the infirmary, and I took my seat at the table. I poured myself another glass of water. No need to stand on ceremony now.
"Well, Commander." Ra-ghoratrei's tone was severe. "I hope we aren't going to have to put you in secure custody. Would you care to tell us what happened in there?"
"The attaché misunderstood the purpose of your investigation, Minister. I was trying to explain the situation to him." I saw Kirk and Spock exchange a look. The Andorian ambassador to the Federation grinned at me; I lowered my eyes modestly.
"If worse comes to worst, we can hold her here on a charge of attempted murder," laughed a Tellarite diplomat. "You know how long those proceedings can take."
"Gentlemen, ladies, this is no joke." Ra-ghoratrei was clearly out of patience. "We are faced with a grave diplomatic and military crisis. The Federation Council has received strongly worded protests from the Romulan Empire, and circumstantial evidence suggests that those protests may not be unjustified." He turned to face the Starfleet representatives, who were looking angry and embarrassed. "Council has directed me to appoint a commission of inquiry whose membership will represent Starfleet, the United Federation of Planets, and the adjacent neutral worlds. It is the decision of Council that this commission is to be chaired by Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan. The commission's mandate will be to investigate the events that culminated in the Enterprise's entry into Romulan space and the activities of its officers and crew during the time the ship remained in Romulan space. The commission will be empowered to subpoena witnesses, take evidence under oath, requisition documents, and retain expert staff."
A buzz of comment went around the table. The minister rapped a stylus against his notebook. "May I have your attention for one moment. At present Sarek is concluding an assignment; the inquiry will begin as soon as he is free to take up his post. Please check your mailboxes for a draft schedule. And now, if you will excuse us, I should like to speak to Commander Tayva in the base administrator's office. My deputy minister will answer any further questions you may have."
* * *
"You have the right to request legal representation, Commander, and I strongly advise you to do so." Ra-ghoratrei handed me a crystal snifter half filled with Saurian brandy. "Without an advocate to counsel you and act for you, no one will be very concerned about protecting your interests if they diverge from those of the Federation. For that matter, there is no guarantee that your interests will invariably coincide with those of your homeworld." He raised his glass in a salute. "Of course, your ambassador will be present at the commission's hearings." He left me to draw my own conclusions from that statement.
"I'll give it some thought, Minister." The brandy was warm, smoky velvet. It had been a long time since I'd tasted anything like it. One could count on the Deltans to supply themselves--and their lucky guests and friends--with all manner of fine things. No doubt the base administrator had received a complimentary bottle when he agreed to relinquish his office to Ra-ghoratrei. The effects of the brandy were enhanced by the minister's proximity to me: Deltan pheromones were a sexual stimulant to every known hominid race. Unfortunately, I had to try to concentrate on the topic at hand. "May I speak frankly?" Though not as frankly as I'd like to ...
"Please do."
"I'm disturbed to hear that Ambassador Sarek has been appointed to chair this inquiry. His conflict of interest should disqualify him immediately."
"True enough. He was not our president's choice. We were surprised when your own ambassador suggested him as a possible candidate. She implied that if we named Sarek as chair, the Romulan government would refrain from taking any overtly belligerent steps--at least until the commission has handed down its findings. And to be equally frank, we were suspicious of her motives. No one knows why your government is acting with such restraint. But Sarek is respected throughout both quadrants for his integrity and his impartiality, so the president agreed. I assure you, the Federation has no desire to go to war with the Empire over this incident."
"Sarek's impartiality will be severely tested when he has to investigate the conduct of his own son, will it not?"
"One would think so. But he is a Vulcan, after all."
* * *
I had no chance to speak to Adiv and Lem before they left for Romulus. Apparently they had boarded a shuttle to Dro's vessel while I was with Ra-ghoratrei. I could only hope that my unexpected detention wouldn't interfere with their part in my plan. I said a silent farewell to them; they were on their own now.
Despite the Federation's concern that my testimony might be corrupted, no one seemed to think that my staying on Enterprise could have that very effect. Perhaps they imagined that corruption occurred only in the Empire, and that no one in Starfleet would make an attempt to suborn me. In any event, I was sent back to the ship, where my black-and-silver guards were replaced by their red-and-black colleagues.
I looked around my quarters. The traveling-case lay on the table where I'd left it. I should probably return it to Uhura ... My mind was drifting aimlessly. The physical encounter with Dro had provided a welcome release of tension, and the brandy had made me drowsy. A few hours ago I had been trying to come to terms with the fact that I would soon be dead. Now it seemed that I would be permitted to live a while longer--who knew for what reason? I lay down on the sofa, promising myself that I would close my eyes for just a few minutes. My last conscious thought was that I ought to have asked Ra-ghoratrei if he could spare another bottle of that brandy.
* * *
Sometime around 2100 I was awakened by a call from Uhura.
"Sorry to bother you, Commander, but we've just had a message from the base. Captain Kirk would like to know if you want to see the Romulan attaché again before we leave. We'll be getting under way in about an hour."
"No, I do not want to see him again. But why are we undocking? Where are we going?" I'd supposed that the inquiry would take place at the starbase.
"The orders were just finalized." She couldn't quite hide her excitement. "Best speed to Sector One." I must have looked blank, for she added: "The Federation Council is sitting there this term, Commander. We're going to Earth."
© 1996, 1999 Kathleen Dailey. All rights reserved.