Countermand: Illusions
By Voyager Queen
Before you read this you should really read…
1. Three Sisters: First Encounter
2. Three Sisters: Gathering
3. Around Every Corner
4. Countermand: Loyalties
If you don't… you'll probably be a little confused because this story takes place in an A.U.
* * ??????? * *
Ensign Harry Kim was thrown once again against the bulkhead, for a moment too stunned to move.
This wasn't his week.
It all started when his Marquis friends were thrown in a Cardassain prison. Tom Paris -his best friend- had immediately decided to break them out but things didn't go as flawlessly as he had planned.
Tom Paris Kida and the head of Starfleet, James McAllister had been left behind. Kim and the others had gotten away but only to be captured again when they had reached Bajor.
But Neelix and Kes had saved the day by returning and rescuing the three Starfleeters that had been left behind and once McAllister had been returned to power they had all been released from prison.
Harry Kim had rushed to see his girlfriend and parents while Tom recovered from a phaser wound. Harry's parents were delighted to see him, Libby, his girlfriend had married his old academy roommate. Daniel Byrd.
But as bad as things had been for him he knew they'd been near unbearable for Tom. He'd just finally been allowed by the Doctor to get back to his life and he finds out his three best friends in the Alpha Quadrant had been killed. Kida, Steven Teller, and Susie Crabtree.
This last event is what has brought Harry to his current precarious position… in the back of a small ship with lax inertial dampers, plastered to the bulkhead.
He'd been coming to visit Tom when he'd seen him sneaking out of his apartment building. He knew Tom was up to something so he'd followed him. Tom had bought a small ship and immediately boarded it.
Worried Tom was planning something he'd slipped aboard. The moment the hatch had closed the ship had pulled out throwing Harry across the cargo area and thus beginning the story…
* * The Bandit: On course for the Canta Bell's last known coordinates * *
Tom looked up from the helm controls, he heard another thump from behind him and what sounded like a yelp? Grabbing a phaser he put the ship on auto pilot and headed to the cargo area. He ripped open the hatch and aimed it at the figure on the floor.
"Harry?"
Harry looked up, "Uh, hey, Tom."
Tom rolled his eyes and holstered his phaser, he held out his hand to help Harry up, "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same. Why did you buy this ship, Tom? What are you planning?"
"I'm planning to turn around and take you back to Earth."
"No, if you're going somewhere, if you're looking for Jurat then I'm going with you."
"You'll only slow me down."
"I resent that," Harry said indignatly.
"I'm sorry, Har, but you're just a kid. You can't help me."
"I'm only a year younger than you!"
"I'm an old 24 you're an extremely young 23, trust me I'm a whole lot older than you than a year."
"Tom, please. Whatever you're going to do. Don't do it."
"What I'm doing, Har… it needs to be done."
"You know there's an old Chinese saying…"
"Not more Chinese proverbs."
Harry continued undaunted, "Before setting out for revenge, you first dig two graves."
"This isn't revenge, I'm avenging them."
"Do you think giving it a different label does anything to change the end result? Tom, this can only end badly," Harry sighed and looked at his friend. "I can't stop you from going, Tom. But I am going with you. I won't let you do this alone."
* * Masayo Apartments: San Francisco * *
B'Elanna woke up bathed in sunlight and relished the feeling. It was a luxury starships could never emulate. She smiled and reached her had over to feel Tom. He wasn't there. She shot up and scanned the room.
"Tom!" she cried jumping up from the bed, her sheets wrapped around her. She went through the whole apartment but Tom wasn't there.
Quickly getting dressed she headed to her console. She knew where Tom was. He was the same place she'd be if he'd been murdered. He'd gone to avenge his friends and get himself killed. She only knew of one person who might be able to stop him.
"Mister McAllister? Hi. It's B'Elanna Torres, you might remember me…"
* * The Janeway House * *
Janeway was so glad to be home but she couldn't shake the most recent tragedy in her life. She stared at the framed picture in her hands with tears in her eyes. It was a picture of Kida, Susie Crabtree, Steven Teller and Tom Paris. Susie and Steven were sitting beside each other on a short brick wall, both have their arms crossed and are glaring at each other. Tom and Kida are both laughing as he pulls her into the picture.
She'd been the one taking the picture and she remembered the day vividly. All of them had been so young. She needed to go see Tom. She needed to know how he was faring losing his three best friends. Of course he had Harry Kim and B'Elanna Torres now but she knew they could never fill the void. They weren't substitutes, they held an entirely different place in his heart.
Part of her, even as she watched the familiar clouds separating and the suns yellow rays shining down on her wished they'd never made it home. That they were still living in ignorance, believing they'd all make it back and that nothing would have changed. That it never would.
* * The Bandit * *
"So where are we going first?" Harry asked eagerly.
"I'm taking the Bandit to the Canta Bell's last known coordinates."
"The Bandit?"
Tom smiled slyly, "The name of the ship, Har."
"Ohhh," he said sheepishly. "Of course."
"It is written on the hull."
"Cut it out already, I wasn't paying attention to the ship I was busy following you," he paused for a moment. "So what do you expect to find?"
"I don't expect anything."
"Of course not. So where are the coordinates?"
"Somewhere between Bajor and Cardassia. It's clear space. Nothing around for a couple of light years each way."
"Why do you think the Canta Bell was there? Were they going to Cardassia?"
"No, I don't think so. Knowing Kida the way I'd do, I thing the first thing she would do is try to find sources and witnesses. It could have been a meeting place."
"A set up," Harry realized.
Tom nodded, "Right, when we get there we can scan for ion trails."
"Starfleet already did that."
"Starfleet doesn't know all the tricks that I do," Tom said with a ghost of a smile.
* * The McAllister Mansion * *
McAllister leaned back in his chair. It didn't surprise him… the communiqué he just received from Ms. Torres about his grandson. He'd been running off on his own all his life and for the first time James McAllister wasn't going to try and stop him.
All Tom's young life people have been trying to control him and tell him what to do. And all his life Tom had been fighting them, doing whatever he felt was right.
That wouldn't change now. He could order Tom brought back but it would be futile. His grandson was the perfect Starfleet officer and he knew all the tricks. He'd do what he wanted regardless. And he'd come back on his own.
This time, he'd let him come back on his own. Tom's lovely girlfriend, however seemed to disagree. Currently she was heading to see a couple of friends of hers about borrowing a ship.
* * ??????? * *
B'Elanna tapped her fingers impatiently on the console. When she'd set out to find Tom, this hadn't been part of the plan.
She was supposed to be in charge, not… not Neelix.
"Now, B'Elanna, I'm quite sure about this, there isn't anything you can do to make my ship any faster, she is very stubborn."
B'Elanna rolled her eyes, "There is something I can do! If you'd only let me do it!"
"B'Elanna, Neelix," said a small voice firmly. "Whatever you decide, decide. We haven't the time to sit around and debate this any longer. Tom is out there somewhere, getting farther away each moment and we need to find him."
B'Elanna and Neelix stopped frozen for a moment before Neelix spoke, "Uh, go ahead and make the ship faster."
B'Elanna nodded vaguely, feeling foolish, "Uh, yea. Right."
At least one good thing had come out of this… Kes.
* * The Bandit * *
Tom swung his chair to the other side of the console. "I want you to sent out a tacheon pulse…"
"Tacheon!?" Harry echoed.
"Dump the radiation plasma," he called back exasperated. "It will create a slight ripple in time and we may be able to pick up an ion trail."
Harry nodded and quickly did as he was told. He knew Tom knew things that no other known person knew. He had the training of a Section 31 agent and that of a cat burglar. His knowledge and ways usually fell outside Starfleet's book of proper procedure but the way Tom could pull things off and acquire results put him beyond reprimand.
He was hoping Tom's knowledge and skills would keep them alive now.
"I've got the trail," Tom called with a smile, turning to Harry he declared, "We're going to get him, Harry and I'm going to make him pay."
Tom's tone startled Harry. The young Lieutenant was not a violent person but that tone made Harry believe he wished to tear that Cardassian limb from limb and enjoy doing it and Harry was starting to worry Tom actually considered this an option.
"Whoever was flying this ship was they were on course for Valstany."
"Never heard of it."
"It's a small trade planet near Bajor. Mostly smugglers."
"Smugglers? In the Federation?"
"Right outside of it's borders, actually. Convenient location."
Harry finally cracked a smile, "I'll bet," he quipped.
Tom laughed and stood up, "I've laid in a course."
"Where are you going?"
"To replicate us something to wear. We need to blend in."
"Me?" Harry asked under his breath. "Blend in with smugglers?"
* * Neelix's ship * *
A witness.
That was her problem. If she were to strangle Neelix Kes could testify against her.
"You aren't listening, Lieutenant," Neelix said patiently. "I know my ship. I said you could try and speed it up. That was two hours ago and you've made no progress."
"It's been 72 minutes," B'Elanna growled. "I need more time."
"Time, is something I can't provide. We don't want the trail to get cold, now do we?"
As much as she wanted to grab him by the whiskers and toss him out an airlock, he had a point.
Sighing she looked up in defeat, "You're right, Neelix. Let's just leave and try to make as much ground as possible."
"A wise decision," he said holding out his hand to help her up.
Uncharacteristically, she accepted the proffered hand and smiled back, "Thanks, Neelix."
In the doorway, Kes smiled.
* * Valstany * *
Valstany was a cloudy gray planet and less than inviting. Harry got shivers just looking at it.
"And we're going down there?" he asked sardonically.
Tom smiled, "Scared, Harry?" he asked taking the ship down through the atmosphere.
Harry glowered at him, "I am not scared. I simply don't believe we'll accomplish anything. You'll never be able to locate anyone down there and you don't even know who to look for. It's unlikely Jurat came himself."
Tom nodded, "That's true but if you'd looked at the sensors you'd know there is only one habitable continent on this planet and only one small city on that continent. Not to mention I've already isolated the only Cardassian lifesigns in the city. Shockingly enough he is in a little bar called Kolmar's Tavern, a place I'm quite familiar with."
Harry stared at him blankly, "I should have known you would have a plan."
Tom looked at him with a raised eyebrow, reminiscent of Tuvok, "Who said anything about a plan?"
Tom went to a console and transported both himself and Harry outside the ship.
Harry groaned as they materialized on the outskirts of the city. It was worse than he'd imagined. Much worse. The streets were simply brown dust and the buildings old gray and rusted red. The people wore cloaks and you could only see the faces of a handful of them, none of which were the same race. Walking ahead Tom lead them to the ricketiest building of them all and pushed through the shutter doors.
Harry thought the tavern had an atmosphere similar to Sandrines but the crowd was a far cry from the jaunty gang he'd come to know. Thugs, lowlifes and smugglers were the first words that came to mind when he saw the patrons.
Only moments after they'd entered and headed to the bar Tom tapped Harry's arm and whispered, "Looks like trouble."
Sure enough one particularly brawny alien jumped form his chair and pressed a much smaller man against the wall, he pulled back his arm and Tom braced for a brawl.
'Brawny' brought his fist full force, bracing for it to connect with the mans skull but someone place themselves between them.
Grabbing his fist the newcomer stopped the blow and tightened their grip around the large man's fist. Brawny pulled his fist away in pain.
"No fighting in my bar."
Harry stared at the scene in disbelief. She was beautiful. About 5'9 and trim with blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. She had stopped the mans fist with no trouble and was probably as strong as a Klingon. Harry couldn't place her race. Aside from very tall pointed ears she looked human.
"I told you no more fighting Skech."
"I'm sorry Kolmar…" the man studdered.
"Out!" she demanded. Her voice ringing through the small bar. Harry froze. Her voice could put even B'Elanna's most ferocious war cry to shame.
Turning to Tom, he saw his best friend was smiling. Tom stepped forward.
"You aren't going to talk to her, are you?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Come on," he smiled. "It's fine."
"Vera!" Tom called.
The young girl whirled around instantly, "Tom!" she cried back and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck.
Harry sighed. Of course he would know her.
"What are you doing here?! Last I heard you were missing in action."
"I'm back," Tom said simply. "And I need some help."
"Oh no you don't! I'm not going to rat my costumers out to you again! And don't even flash that gorgeous smile because it won't work."
"V, it's a Cardassian."
"Oh, well what do you need to know, then?"
Vera had no problems with ratting on Cardassians.
"I detected Cardassian lifesigns in here not five minutes ago, did you see him?"
Vera crossed her arms and stared at him challengingly. "Yea, I saw him. What did he do?"
"Where did he go?" Tom asked quickly.
"I answered your question, you answer mine. What did he do?"
"He may have been involved with the deaths of three Starfleet officers… Kida's one of them, V"
Vera blanched, "I thought her death was only a rumor… I never thought…"
"It's true. Where did he go?"
Vera shrugged, "I don't know. He left here's all I know."
Tom stared her down, "Will you help me find him? You have connections."
"Help you? Help you get yourself killed, you mean?" she spat. "No thank you, I've already done that."
"It wasn't your fault." Tom told her passionately and Harry wondered what they were talking about. "Please, V. I need your help."
Vera sighed and took off her cloak. Underneath she had on a black jump suit with a phaser in a holster around her waist. "Fine, I'll help you. But I'm coming."
"I can take care of myself," Tom protested.
"Good, so can I. We'll make good partners."
Harry cleared his throat and Vera looked up quickly, seeing him for the first time. She glared at him. "I see you already have a partner," Vera said sweetly. Harry smiled.
Her expression went serious, "Now you've got two," she said briskly. Pushing past them she called, "Follow me, I know where he is."
Tom ran his hand through his hair before following her out and Harry was close behind.
Harry couldn't help but notice the way Vera walked. The way her hips swayed with both a sense of floating and that she was a warrior off to battle. Her blond hair would bounce giving color to it's dull gray background. And that jumpsuit…
"What are you looking at?" Harry finally asked sensing Tom's eyes on him.
"Not the same thing you're looking at," he quipped quoting their old lines.
Harry smiled sheepishly, "You caught me,"
"Pick up the pace, boys," Vera shouted over her shoulder, "You're slowing me down."
* * Neelix's Ship * *
Kes watched with a smile as Neelix and B'Elanna worked together, she and Tom were always trying to get the two to get along but she could understand why the two usually clashed. B'Elanna was all business and well Neelix… Neelix was Neelix. Tom had clashed with Neelix and B'Elanna in the beginning as well, but unlike Neelix he had overcome that and become everyone's friend.
Honestly Kes didn't think that would happen between Tom and Neelix. Tom in the beginning had, had a slight crush on her, that, paired with Neelix's jealousy and overactive imagination made trouble inevitable. One night stranded on a deadly planet together and against all odds they had become close friends.
She supposed with those two,, both jovial, friendly people that it wasn't that unlikely.
Smiling again she turned away from Neelix and B'Elanna with a smile.
They were fighting again.
Some things would never change.
* * Valstany * *
Tom and Harry hurried after Vera. She was making her way to an old beat up Inn ironically called 'The Lions Den'. On the door there was a list of species not allowed. Humans were at the top.
"I suppose you'll have to wait here," Vera said. "If there is a snake in there, I'll bring him out."
"I don't think you should go alone," Tom protested.
Vera smiled and slowly turned around. Her feminine features melted away leaving the scaly visage of a Cardassian. Jurat to be precise.
"You know I can take care of my self, Tom. I am a shapeshifter after all," Vera said with an oily smile that wasn't hers. Turning on her heel she barged into the Inn. Without another word.
Tom turned to Harry and smiled. His eyes were wide open, as was his mouth. "She's a shapeshifter?" he croaked.
"Of course. She's Bromian. All Bromians are shapeshifters."
"Right," he said shakily. "I should have known."
* * Lion's Den Inn * *
"Jurat!" a young Cardassian cried as Vera pushed through the doors. "What?... What are you doing here?"
"Was your mission successful," she rasped in a Cardassians gravely voice.
The young man nodded vigorously, "Yes, the Canta Bell has been destroyed."
Vera tried hard not to smile. She'd hit right on the money.
"Good, now we need to return to Cardassia, immediately."
"But sir! You were convicted of treason! You've been exiled!"
Hmmm, so Jurat has been exiled from his own homeworld. It was one less place he could be, anyway.
"I've arranged to have myself smuggled in. There is business I need to attend to there and you have to come with me."
The young Cardassian looked uneasy. So Vera thought Cardassian-like.
"Now!" she roared and had the man scrambling for the door in an instant.
The moment he sprang out of the door Tom moved form his hiding place and zapped him unconscious. Vera was already back to her own form, her special jumpsuit reverted back to it's original size by the time the Inn's doors clinked shut.
"Did you find anything out?" Tom asked as he and Harry lifted the Cardassian up.
"Nope. He wouldn't say anything. He said the Inn wasn't a secure area," Vera lied.
Tom nodded, "Well what do you say we get him to a secure location?"
Vera nodded, "I know just the place. Come with me."
Vera led them down a hidden stairwell, by the back door. Tom and Harry lowered the CArdassian to the cold floor.
The Cardassian began to stir and blearily opened his eyes. "Where have you brought me?" he rasped. "Where's is Jurat?"
"Funny," Tom said. "That's what I was going to ask you."
"I don't know where he went!" he cried incredulously. "He was right behind me."
Vera stepped forward, wisps of bangs falling over her right eye, "Jurat was never here." In an instant she transformed back into the scaly alien.
Fleetingly Tom wondered how Vera had known about Jurat but didn't dwell on it.
The Cardassian gasped and Tom placed his phaser to his chest. "Where is Jurat?"
"He'll kill me if I tell."
"And I'll kill you if you don't."
The Cardassian looked for an escape. Seeing none he moved his eyes to the floor. "Last I heard, Jurat was hiding in plain sight. He's on Mars."
With an evil smile Vera unholstered her blaster. "Thank you ever so much," she said sweetly, an instant before pulling the trigger.
Tom and Harry turned to Vera in disbelief. The Cardassian had been shot in the head. He lay lifeless at their feet surrounded by a growing pool of blood.
"Vera!" Tom cried as Vera backed up the steps her gun now aimed towards them. "This is my mission now, boys," she smiled.
"What are you talking about?" Harry cried.
"Technically the Canta Bell was in Bromian space when it was destroyed. The Amnesty Council has sent me to bring Jurat back to my homeworld for trial. I'm afraid that you two don't fit in to my plans."
With that she slammed the door shut leaving Harry and Tom alone in the dank cellar. Well, the Cardassian was with them, albeit he was dead.
"What was that?!" Harry exclaimed.
Tom sighed and began to tamper with the lock on the door. "Well, Vera isn't actually a bar keep."
"What the hell is she, then?"
"A spy," Tom said casually just as the door slide open.
"A spy! And you knew! Why didn't you tell me?"
"Look, Kida and I were once put on special assignment with her. We were sworn to never reveal her identity. Since you're a Starfleet officer and Vera is on a counter assignment I'm telling you so we can get Jurat before she does."
"Maybe we should just let Vera find Jurat, if he really was in Bromian space…"
"No, Harry. We will bring him to justice. I don't care whose space the hit took place in. It was my friends that were killed."
Tom and Harry both headed out the door, "Let's just go back! B'Elanna's waiting for you to come home!" Harry whined.
"I'll go home once I find Jurat," his lips curving into a smile he added, "and Vera."
To be continued…
Well? What did you think? I kind of added in some spoilers for a story I haven't written yet. Kida and Tom's mission with Vera is in the story I'll be starting soon "The Flawless". I'm going to finish Countermand before I start it but I've already got a pretty good idea for the plot.
By Voyager Queen
Before you read this you should really read…
1. Three Sisters: First Encounter
2. Three Sisters: Gathering
3. Around Every Corner
4. Countermand: Loyalties
If you don't… you'll probably be a little confused because this story takes place in an A.U.
* * ??????? * *
Ensign Harry Kim was thrown once again against the bulkhead, for a moment too stunned to move.
This wasn't his week.
It all started when his Marquis friends were thrown in a Cardassain prison. Tom Paris -his best friend- had immediately decided to break them out but things didn't go as flawlessly as he had planned.
Tom Paris Kida and the head of Starfleet, James McAllister had been left behind. Kim and the others had gotten away but only to be captured again when they had reached Bajor.
But Neelix and Kes had saved the day by returning and rescuing the three Starfleeters that had been left behind and once McAllister had been returned to power they had all been released from prison.
Harry Kim had rushed to see his girlfriend and parents while Tom recovered from a phaser wound. Harry's parents were delighted to see him, Libby, his girlfriend had married his old academy roommate. Daniel Byrd.
But as bad as things had been for him he knew they'd been near unbearable for Tom. He'd just finally been allowed by the Doctor to get back to his life and he finds out his three best friends in the Alpha Quadrant had been killed. Kida, Steven Teller, and Susie Crabtree.
This last event is what has brought Harry to his current precarious position… in the back of a small ship with lax inertial dampers, plastered to the bulkhead.
He'd been coming to visit Tom when he'd seen him sneaking out of his apartment building. He knew Tom was up to something so he'd followed him. Tom had bought a small ship and immediately boarded it.
Worried Tom was planning something he'd slipped aboard. The moment the hatch had closed the ship had pulled out throwing Harry across the cargo area and thus beginning the story…
* * The Bandit: On course for the Canta Bell's last known coordinates * *
Tom looked up from the helm controls, he heard another thump from behind him and what sounded like a yelp? Grabbing a phaser he put the ship on auto pilot and headed to the cargo area. He ripped open the hatch and aimed it at the figure on the floor.
"Harry?"
Harry looked up, "Uh, hey, Tom."
Tom rolled his eyes and holstered his phaser, he held out his hand to help Harry up, "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same. Why did you buy this ship, Tom? What are you planning?"
"I'm planning to turn around and take you back to Earth."
"No, if you're going somewhere, if you're looking for Jurat then I'm going with you."
"You'll only slow me down."
"I resent that," Harry said indignatly.
"I'm sorry, Har, but you're just a kid. You can't help me."
"I'm only a year younger than you!"
"I'm an old 24 you're an extremely young 23, trust me I'm a whole lot older than you than a year."
"Tom, please. Whatever you're going to do. Don't do it."
"What I'm doing, Har… it needs to be done."
"You know there's an old Chinese saying…"
"Not more Chinese proverbs."
Harry continued undaunted, "Before setting out for revenge, you first dig two graves."
"This isn't revenge, I'm avenging them."
"Do you think giving it a different label does anything to change the end result? Tom, this can only end badly," Harry sighed and looked at his friend. "I can't stop you from going, Tom. But I am going with you. I won't let you do this alone."
* * Masayo Apartments: San Francisco * *
B'Elanna woke up bathed in sunlight and relished the feeling. It was a luxury starships could never emulate. She smiled and reached her had over to feel Tom. He wasn't there. She shot up and scanned the room.
"Tom!" she cried jumping up from the bed, her sheets wrapped around her. She went through the whole apartment but Tom wasn't there.
Quickly getting dressed she headed to her console. She knew where Tom was. He was the same place she'd be if he'd been murdered. He'd gone to avenge his friends and get himself killed. She only knew of one person who might be able to stop him.
"Mister McAllister? Hi. It's B'Elanna Torres, you might remember me…"
* * The Janeway House * *
Janeway was so glad to be home but she couldn't shake the most recent tragedy in her life. She stared at the framed picture in her hands with tears in her eyes. It was a picture of Kida, Susie Crabtree, Steven Teller and Tom Paris. Susie and Steven were sitting beside each other on a short brick wall, both have their arms crossed and are glaring at each other. Tom and Kida are both laughing as he pulls her into the picture.
She'd been the one taking the picture and she remembered the day vividly. All of them had been so young. She needed to go see Tom. She needed to know how he was faring losing his three best friends. Of course he had Harry Kim and B'Elanna Torres now but she knew they could never fill the void. They weren't substitutes, they held an entirely different place in his heart.
Part of her, even as she watched the familiar clouds separating and the suns yellow rays shining down on her wished they'd never made it home. That they were still living in ignorance, believing they'd all make it back and that nothing would have changed. That it never would.
* * The Bandit * *
"So where are we going first?" Harry asked eagerly.
"I'm taking the Bandit to the Canta Bell's last known coordinates."
"The Bandit?"
Tom smiled slyly, "The name of the ship, Har."
"Ohhh," he said sheepishly. "Of course."
"It is written on the hull."
"Cut it out already, I wasn't paying attention to the ship I was busy following you," he paused for a moment. "So what do you expect to find?"
"I don't expect anything."
"Of course not. So where are the coordinates?"
"Somewhere between Bajor and Cardassia. It's clear space. Nothing around for a couple of light years each way."
"Why do you think the Canta Bell was there? Were they going to Cardassia?"
"No, I don't think so. Knowing Kida the way I'd do, I thing the first thing she would do is try to find sources and witnesses. It could have been a meeting place."
"A set up," Harry realized.
Tom nodded, "Right, when we get there we can scan for ion trails."
"Starfleet already did that."
"Starfleet doesn't know all the tricks that I do," Tom said with a ghost of a smile.
* * The McAllister Mansion * *
McAllister leaned back in his chair. It didn't surprise him… the communiqué he just received from Ms. Torres about his grandson. He'd been running off on his own all his life and for the first time James McAllister wasn't going to try and stop him.
All Tom's young life people have been trying to control him and tell him what to do. And all his life Tom had been fighting them, doing whatever he felt was right.
That wouldn't change now. He could order Tom brought back but it would be futile. His grandson was the perfect Starfleet officer and he knew all the tricks. He'd do what he wanted regardless. And he'd come back on his own.
This time, he'd let him come back on his own. Tom's lovely girlfriend, however seemed to disagree. Currently she was heading to see a couple of friends of hers about borrowing a ship.
* * ??????? * *
B'Elanna tapped her fingers impatiently on the console. When she'd set out to find Tom, this hadn't been part of the plan.
She was supposed to be in charge, not… not Neelix.
"Now, B'Elanna, I'm quite sure about this, there isn't anything you can do to make my ship any faster, she is very stubborn."
B'Elanna rolled her eyes, "There is something I can do! If you'd only let me do it!"
"B'Elanna, Neelix," said a small voice firmly. "Whatever you decide, decide. We haven't the time to sit around and debate this any longer. Tom is out there somewhere, getting farther away each moment and we need to find him."
B'Elanna and Neelix stopped frozen for a moment before Neelix spoke, "Uh, go ahead and make the ship faster."
B'Elanna nodded vaguely, feeling foolish, "Uh, yea. Right."
At least one good thing had come out of this… Kes.
* * The Bandit * *
Tom swung his chair to the other side of the console. "I want you to sent out a tacheon pulse…"
"Tacheon!?" Harry echoed.
"Dump the radiation plasma," he called back exasperated. "It will create a slight ripple in time and we may be able to pick up an ion trail."
Harry nodded and quickly did as he was told. He knew Tom knew things that no other known person knew. He had the training of a Section 31 agent and that of a cat burglar. His knowledge and ways usually fell outside Starfleet's book of proper procedure but the way Tom could pull things off and acquire results put him beyond reprimand.
He was hoping Tom's knowledge and skills would keep them alive now.
"I've got the trail," Tom called with a smile, turning to Harry he declared, "We're going to get him, Harry and I'm going to make him pay."
Tom's tone startled Harry. The young Lieutenant was not a violent person but that tone made Harry believe he wished to tear that Cardassian limb from limb and enjoy doing it and Harry was starting to worry Tom actually considered this an option.
"Whoever was flying this ship was they were on course for Valstany."
"Never heard of it."
"It's a small trade planet near Bajor. Mostly smugglers."
"Smugglers? In the Federation?"
"Right outside of it's borders, actually. Convenient location."
Harry finally cracked a smile, "I'll bet," he quipped.
Tom laughed and stood up, "I've laid in a course."
"Where are you going?"
"To replicate us something to wear. We need to blend in."
"Me?" Harry asked under his breath. "Blend in with smugglers?"
* * Neelix's ship * *
A witness.
That was her problem. If she were to strangle Neelix Kes could testify against her.
"You aren't listening, Lieutenant," Neelix said patiently. "I know my ship. I said you could try and speed it up. That was two hours ago and you've made no progress."
"It's been 72 minutes," B'Elanna growled. "I need more time."
"Time, is something I can't provide. We don't want the trail to get cold, now do we?"
As much as she wanted to grab him by the whiskers and toss him out an airlock, he had a point.
Sighing she looked up in defeat, "You're right, Neelix. Let's just leave and try to make as much ground as possible."
"A wise decision," he said holding out his hand to help her up.
Uncharacteristically, she accepted the proffered hand and smiled back, "Thanks, Neelix."
In the doorway, Kes smiled.
* * Valstany * *
Valstany was a cloudy gray planet and less than inviting. Harry got shivers just looking at it.
"And we're going down there?" he asked sardonically.
Tom smiled, "Scared, Harry?" he asked taking the ship down through the atmosphere.
Harry glowered at him, "I am not scared. I simply don't believe we'll accomplish anything. You'll never be able to locate anyone down there and you don't even know who to look for. It's unlikely Jurat came himself."
Tom nodded, "That's true but if you'd looked at the sensors you'd know there is only one habitable continent on this planet and only one small city on that continent. Not to mention I've already isolated the only Cardassian lifesigns in the city. Shockingly enough he is in a little bar called Kolmar's Tavern, a place I'm quite familiar with."
Harry stared at him blankly, "I should have known you would have a plan."
Tom looked at him with a raised eyebrow, reminiscent of Tuvok, "Who said anything about a plan?"
Tom went to a console and transported both himself and Harry outside the ship.
Harry groaned as they materialized on the outskirts of the city. It was worse than he'd imagined. Much worse. The streets were simply brown dust and the buildings old gray and rusted red. The people wore cloaks and you could only see the faces of a handful of them, none of which were the same race. Walking ahead Tom lead them to the ricketiest building of them all and pushed through the shutter doors.
Harry thought the tavern had an atmosphere similar to Sandrines but the crowd was a far cry from the jaunty gang he'd come to know. Thugs, lowlifes and smugglers were the first words that came to mind when he saw the patrons.
Only moments after they'd entered and headed to the bar Tom tapped Harry's arm and whispered, "Looks like trouble."
Sure enough one particularly brawny alien jumped form his chair and pressed a much smaller man against the wall, he pulled back his arm and Tom braced for a brawl.
'Brawny' brought his fist full force, bracing for it to connect with the mans skull but someone place themselves between them.
Grabbing his fist the newcomer stopped the blow and tightened their grip around the large man's fist. Brawny pulled his fist away in pain.
"No fighting in my bar."
Harry stared at the scene in disbelief. She was beautiful. About 5'9 and trim with blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. She had stopped the mans fist with no trouble and was probably as strong as a Klingon. Harry couldn't place her race. Aside from very tall pointed ears she looked human.
"I told you no more fighting Skech."
"I'm sorry Kolmar…" the man studdered.
"Out!" she demanded. Her voice ringing through the small bar. Harry froze. Her voice could put even B'Elanna's most ferocious war cry to shame.
Turning to Tom, he saw his best friend was smiling. Tom stepped forward.
"You aren't going to talk to her, are you?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Come on," he smiled. "It's fine."
"Vera!" Tom called.
The young girl whirled around instantly, "Tom!" she cried back and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck.
Harry sighed. Of course he would know her.
"What are you doing here?! Last I heard you were missing in action."
"I'm back," Tom said simply. "And I need some help."
"Oh no you don't! I'm not going to rat my costumers out to you again! And don't even flash that gorgeous smile because it won't work."
"V, it's a Cardassian."
"Oh, well what do you need to know, then?"
Vera had no problems with ratting on Cardassians.
"I detected Cardassian lifesigns in here not five minutes ago, did you see him?"
Vera crossed her arms and stared at him challengingly. "Yea, I saw him. What did he do?"
"Where did he go?" Tom asked quickly.
"I answered your question, you answer mine. What did he do?"
"He may have been involved with the deaths of three Starfleet officers… Kida's one of them, V"
Vera blanched, "I thought her death was only a rumor… I never thought…"
"It's true. Where did he go?"
Vera shrugged, "I don't know. He left here's all I know."
Tom stared her down, "Will you help me find him? You have connections."
"Help you? Help you get yourself killed, you mean?" she spat. "No thank you, I've already done that."
"It wasn't your fault." Tom told her passionately and Harry wondered what they were talking about. "Please, V. I need your help."
Vera sighed and took off her cloak. Underneath she had on a black jump suit with a phaser in a holster around her waist. "Fine, I'll help you. But I'm coming."
"I can take care of myself," Tom protested.
"Good, so can I. We'll make good partners."
Harry cleared his throat and Vera looked up quickly, seeing him for the first time. She glared at him. "I see you already have a partner," Vera said sweetly. Harry smiled.
Her expression went serious, "Now you've got two," she said briskly. Pushing past them she called, "Follow me, I know where he is."
Tom ran his hand through his hair before following her out and Harry was close behind.
Harry couldn't help but notice the way Vera walked. The way her hips swayed with both a sense of floating and that she was a warrior off to battle. Her blond hair would bounce giving color to it's dull gray background. And that jumpsuit…
"What are you looking at?" Harry finally asked sensing Tom's eyes on him.
"Not the same thing you're looking at," he quipped quoting their old lines.
Harry smiled sheepishly, "You caught me,"
"Pick up the pace, boys," Vera shouted over her shoulder, "You're slowing me down."
* * Neelix's Ship * *
Kes watched with a smile as Neelix and B'Elanna worked together, she and Tom were always trying to get the two to get along but she could understand why the two usually clashed. B'Elanna was all business and well Neelix… Neelix was Neelix. Tom had clashed with Neelix and B'Elanna in the beginning as well, but unlike Neelix he had overcome that and become everyone's friend.
Honestly Kes didn't think that would happen between Tom and Neelix. Tom in the beginning had, had a slight crush on her, that, paired with Neelix's jealousy and overactive imagination made trouble inevitable. One night stranded on a deadly planet together and against all odds they had become close friends.
She supposed with those two,, both jovial, friendly people that it wasn't that unlikely.
Smiling again she turned away from Neelix and B'Elanna with a smile.
They were fighting again.
Some things would never change.
* * Valstany * *
Tom and Harry hurried after Vera. She was making her way to an old beat up Inn ironically called 'The Lions Den'. On the door there was a list of species not allowed. Humans were at the top.
"I suppose you'll have to wait here," Vera said. "If there is a snake in there, I'll bring him out."
"I don't think you should go alone," Tom protested.
Vera smiled and slowly turned around. Her feminine features melted away leaving the scaly visage of a Cardassian. Jurat to be precise.
"You know I can take care of my self, Tom. I am a shapeshifter after all," Vera said with an oily smile that wasn't hers. Turning on her heel she barged into the Inn. Without another word.
Tom turned to Harry and smiled. His eyes were wide open, as was his mouth. "She's a shapeshifter?" he croaked.
"Of course. She's Bromian. All Bromians are shapeshifters."
"Right," he said shakily. "I should have known."
* * Lion's Den Inn * *
"Jurat!" a young Cardassian cried as Vera pushed through the doors. "What?... What are you doing here?"
"Was your mission successful," she rasped in a Cardassians gravely voice.
The young man nodded vigorously, "Yes, the Canta Bell has been destroyed."
Vera tried hard not to smile. She'd hit right on the money.
"Good, now we need to return to Cardassia, immediately."
"But sir! You were convicted of treason! You've been exiled!"
Hmmm, so Jurat has been exiled from his own homeworld. It was one less place he could be, anyway.
"I've arranged to have myself smuggled in. There is business I need to attend to there and you have to come with me."
The young Cardassian looked uneasy. So Vera thought Cardassian-like.
"Now!" she roared and had the man scrambling for the door in an instant.
The moment he sprang out of the door Tom moved form his hiding place and zapped him unconscious. Vera was already back to her own form, her special jumpsuit reverted back to it's original size by the time the Inn's doors clinked shut.
"Did you find anything out?" Tom asked as he and Harry lifted the Cardassian up.
"Nope. He wouldn't say anything. He said the Inn wasn't a secure area," Vera lied.
Tom nodded, "Well what do you say we get him to a secure location?"
Vera nodded, "I know just the place. Come with me."
Vera led them down a hidden stairwell, by the back door. Tom and Harry lowered the CArdassian to the cold floor.
The Cardassian began to stir and blearily opened his eyes. "Where have you brought me?" he rasped. "Where's is Jurat?"
"Funny," Tom said. "That's what I was going to ask you."
"I don't know where he went!" he cried incredulously. "He was right behind me."
Vera stepped forward, wisps of bangs falling over her right eye, "Jurat was never here." In an instant she transformed back into the scaly alien.
Fleetingly Tom wondered how Vera had known about Jurat but didn't dwell on it.
The Cardassian gasped and Tom placed his phaser to his chest. "Where is Jurat?"
"He'll kill me if I tell."
"And I'll kill you if you don't."
The Cardassian looked for an escape. Seeing none he moved his eyes to the floor. "Last I heard, Jurat was hiding in plain sight. He's on Mars."
With an evil smile Vera unholstered her blaster. "Thank you ever so much," she said sweetly, an instant before pulling the trigger.
Tom and Harry turned to Vera in disbelief. The Cardassian had been shot in the head. He lay lifeless at their feet surrounded by a growing pool of blood.
"Vera!" Tom cried as Vera backed up the steps her gun now aimed towards them. "This is my mission now, boys," she smiled.
"What are you talking about?" Harry cried.
"Technically the Canta Bell was in Bromian space when it was destroyed. The Amnesty Council has sent me to bring Jurat back to my homeworld for trial. I'm afraid that you two don't fit in to my plans."
With that she slammed the door shut leaving Harry and Tom alone in the dank cellar. Well, the Cardassian was with them, albeit he was dead.
"What was that?!" Harry exclaimed.
Tom sighed and began to tamper with the lock on the door. "Well, Vera isn't actually a bar keep."
"What the hell is she, then?"
"A spy," Tom said casually just as the door slide open.
"A spy! And you knew! Why didn't you tell me?"
"Look, Kida and I were once put on special assignment with her. We were sworn to never reveal her identity. Since you're a Starfleet officer and Vera is on a counter assignment I'm telling you so we can get Jurat before she does."
"Maybe we should just let Vera find Jurat, if he really was in Bromian space…"
"No, Harry. We will bring him to justice. I don't care whose space the hit took place in. It was my friends that were killed."
Tom and Harry both headed out the door, "Let's just go back! B'Elanna's waiting for you to come home!" Harry whined.
"I'll go home once I find Jurat," his lips curving into a smile he added, "and Vera."
To be continued…
Well? What did you think? I kind of added in some spoilers for a story I haven't written yet. Kida and Tom's mission with Vera is in the story I'll be starting soon "The Flawless". I'm going to finish Countermand before I start it but I've already got a pretty good idea for the plot.