Chapter 8
"What?" Heiss barked as his door signalled for his attention.
"It's nearly time for our final inspection of the conference facilities aboard the Titan, sir," Neyall entered, data pad in hand.
"Oh. Of course. Come in Neyall, have a seat." Heiss pushed himself back from the documents he'd been studying, not that he'd flipped a page in the last hour or so. His mind had instead been running through the events of the last few days, and months, trying to make sense of everything and perhaps spotting a clue he'd somehow missed previously. The whole matter of Kassuq's disappearance for most of last night still bothered him. Was the off-worlder telling the truth? And why would he go through the elaborate scheme of building a device to mask his location and then spend that time in an alehouse? If he really wanted to escape he would've headed off in the earliest transport away from Kyattan. Or was this some insane way of trying to prove his innocence – showing that he had the means to leave them, but chose not to. To do what? Fulfil his contract – and what if that contract was with the terrorists. Not that Heiss had any evidence to support that nagging suspicion.
Sighing he gave Neyall a tired smile. "I'll be glad when this is all over. Perhaps I should think of retiring."
"You, sir?" Neyall gave a small smile. "This place would fall down without you, sir,"
"Ah, humouring an old veteran are you?" Heiss chuckled. "Truth is, I feel like I'm chasing my own tail here. If it weren't for that starship showing up when they did, I'm not sure we'd have any kind of peace conference to look forward to. Perhaps there is something to be said for Fate's blessings."
Neyall nodded mutely. As far as experience had taught her, Fate was not to be trusted. Ever. One should rather focus on making one's own destiny.
"Was there something in particular before we go?" Heiss asked, seeing his second still focused on her data pad.
"Yes, sir. A communication from the starship arrived a few moments ago."
"I didn't receive any notification," Heiss frowned.
"No, sir. It was a personal call for Kassuq. It was the diplomatic officer again, asking to meet with him in private onboard the vessel. Unlike the previous requests, this time he consented."
"What's changed?" Heiss pounced on the fact.
"Not sure sir. Perhaps she finally wore him down with her perseverance."
"Neyall, you and I both know better than that. Kassuq is stone cold on the inside – I don't think any female, no matter how charming, can persuade that man to do something he doesn't want to."
"That's what I thought as well sir. Problem is, he's scheduled to go with us on the visit this afternoon, and he's confirmed his meeting with her for afterwards."
Heiss grunted as he considered his options. He could refuse to let Kassuq join them, but then he would have to offer a convincing excuse to the starship. And from his encounters with the diplomatic officer – he knew she'd spot his lie a mile away – damned empathic alien.
Or he could allow Kassuq to go with, but how under the blessed moons was he going to keep an ear on what they discussed. One thing was sure, he didn't trust Kassuq further than he could throw him, and his arm wasn't what it used to be.
"Well, we can't stop him. But plant a nano-bug on him, at least we can listen in as they reminisce."
"And hope the Titan's technology doesn't spot it," Neyall agreed. Their decision unknowingly played right into the hands of the anxious conspirators, also eager to make sure Kassuq didn't slip information of their scheme to the Federation ship.
Deanna smoothed the slight frown from her forehead before she entered the transporter room to greet the Kyattan inspection group. Tom had surprised her by accepting her invitation to chat, and she wondered what had suddenly brought on his change of heart.
Christine and Ranul Keru were already waiting, discussing some last minute arrangements before their guests arrived.
Taking a deep breath, Deanna focused on the task at hand – she could ask Tom later.
Heiss, Neyall, Tom and two other security officials arrived a few moments later, and Deanna scanned the group, sensing a heightened emotional state in general, although it was nearly lost amidst the usual impression she'd come to recognise as the Kyattan norm. She focused on Tom, using the similarity of the 'feel' between him and Will to strengthen her touch. She ran into a mental brick wall though, sensing nothing but tight control from him. Smiling, she stepped forward to greet the group.
Ranul and Christine were comparing their checklist with the Kyattan security delegation's when Deanna though she heard someone calling her name.
She glanced around, surprised to find no-one signalling for her attention. The whole group was focused on the data being projected on the observation lounge's computer display.
Deanna. The voice was a bit clearer now, more focused, and in her mind. The feel was familiar, and she automatically reached out to Will, only to find him pre-occupied with some technical detail to do with the warp-drive diagnostic they were currently running.
Could it be Tom?
She turned to look at him, only to find him staring intently at the viewer.
Don't look at me!
Deanna's gaze flew back to the view screen, although she had lost track of the discussion around her. It was definitely Tom, and she sensed a combination of relief and anxiety from him now.
Lost ... my touch. He breathed a mental sigh of relief. After she'd literally blocked him since their disastrous meeting on Betazed, he'd been afraid she wouldn't even acknowledge him. Please…
Troi frowned, struggling to follow his message. Her link with Will had grown so much in the past few years, becoming stronger and clearer with time. Trying to hear Tom was difficult, his sending weak and out of practice. Shutting out as much of the external input as possible, she reached out to him, only to be interrupted by someone addressing her vocally.
"Well, that takes care of all my concerns. My thanks again to you and your ship, Commander," Heiss bowed, addressing Troi.
"It is our pleasure to assist, Marrell." Deanna clenched her fists as she was forced to break contact with Thom. The meeting quickly wound down after that, and Troi had to resign herself to the fact that she'd have to wait until the others had left, and hope Tom kept his 'appointment' with her so she could find out more.
But life had other plans, and as they made preparations to finish off Heiss's communication device emitted an urgent signal for attention.
Deanna was unable to hear what was being said, but Heiss's face took on a very intense look. "My apologies counsellor, but it seems we have to make haste down to the planet. We may just have had a breakthrough with regards to the terrorist attacks in the city."
The Kyattan security delegation rose, Tom striding forward to speak with Heiss.
"Sir, if possible I'd like to remain onboard a while longer. I have a previous appointment with Counsellor Troi." Tom kept his voice neutral, belying the flash of panic as he realized his chance to derail the plans for tomorrow's attack was slipping away.
"A private matter I assume?" Heiss waited for Kassuq's nod before continuing. "I'm afraid the matter down on the planet is more urgent, and I require your presence there.
"Yes, sir," Tom nodded. There was no way he could legitimately require to stay behind without drawing undue attention. Tom returned to his chair to retrieve the data pads he'd brought along.
As they made their way down to the transporter room, Troi was drawn into a conversation with Christine and Neyall, effectively preventing her from seeking out the link with Tom again.
Later, was all he was able to send before the beams took effect.
"Commander Troi," her combadge signalled as Troi reluctantly pulled her thoughts back to the present.
"Troi here," she replied.
"Lt Hutchinson here, ma'am." Troi recognized the voice of one of the Titan's security guards who'd been present at the Kyattan meeting. "I'm in the conference room we just used, and I found one of the Kyattan's data pads on a chair here. I was about to return it when I saw your name on the display, as if it's addressed to you."
"On my way," Deanna turned on her heel and rushed back to the room she'd so recently left.
Lt Hutchinson was waiting for her, the data pad in her hand. "I came back in to download the additional notes from the meeting, and found this." She held out the data pad to Troi.
Deanna took it, wondering whether this was Thomas' doing, part of his desperate attempt to contact her. Accessing the pad's information, she found a text file with a short message:
Need help. Troi's eyebrows raised in surprise; how deep in trouble was Tom to risk approaching her, or anyone, for help.. Kyattan terrorists - sabotage conference – using me to smuggle something aboard.
Why tell me this way Troi wondered before her eyes found the explanation in his next sentence.
Monitoring every move, every word. No-
The message ended abruptly, leaving Troi with more questions than answers.
Deanna joined Vale and Keru as they met with the captain after the Kyattan's abrupt departure.
"Everything is in place for the start of the conference tomorrow." Christine reported. "Marrell Heiss had a few reservations about one or two seating arrangements, but that was about the worst of it." A smile crept over her face. It felt good to be involved in something as constructive as a peace conference, and she genuinely liked the Kyattans.
"They've also requested to have some of their own data recording equipment to be brought aboard. I've assured them that the Titan is able to record every word and image, but they felt strongly about assuming that responsibility for themselves." Keru continued
"I don't blame them," Riker smiled. "We're providing a safe place for the conference to take place, succeeding where their security staff failed. It might just be a point of pride, but let's concede it anyway." He turned to face his wife who appeared preoccupied with her thoughts.
"Counsellor?" He had actually been surprised to see her arrive with Christine and Ranul, having expected her to be meeting with Tom at this stage. A part of him was glad that his twin had once again lived up to his expectations and avoided the meeting.
"Tom had some rather disturbing news regarding the conference." She replied.
"Really?" Christine raised an eyebrow in Ranul's direction, receiving a shrug that indicated he knew nothing about the matter either. "Neither Marrell Heiss nor any of his staff gave such indication."
"I don't think they're aware of it, and for some reason Thomas won't, or can't, tell them."
"Enough with the riddles counsellor, spill it." Riker also leaned forward, dread forming in the pit of his stomach.
"During our meeting this morning Tom contacted me through our mental link." Troi paused, looking at her audience to see if they required more explanation with regards to the non-verbal link she shared with her husband, and per implication with Tom. Riker's frown in particular spoke eloquently of his feelings towards Tom' choice of communication.
"He had no other choice, as he's convinced a group of terrorists are monitoring his every word and move." Troi handed over the data pad she'd brought with, handing it to Riker who quickly scanned it before handing it across to Vale. "He tried to tell me more in this message, but he ran out of time. Somehow they're forcing him to work for them, to bring something onboard that could end the conference before it'd even started."
A tense few moments of silence followed as everyone digested these facts.
"And you trust him?" Riker tried not to let his own opinion colour his voice.
"Yes." Troi nodded. "It took great effort for him to contact me that way, and I felt his desperation, his fear." Troi focused her dark eyes on her husband, its depths filled with a mixture of compassion and sorrow.
Riker studied her, his blue eyes meeting hers as he considered the situation. He trusted his wife's opinion more than most so-called solid facts, but that didn't mean that he had to like it.
Christine distrusted Tom, but if he was anything like her captain in strength and cunning, and he was desperate….it did not bode well at all.
"Did he give no other clue as to what he is being forced to do? It's a bit hard to plan for every eventuality when you have no details." Keru spoke up, uncomfortable with the subject at hand.
"Only that it was something he was expected to bring onboard tomorrow."
"On his person?" Keru asked. "Although; he is placed highly enough to facilitate someone else coming onboard. Perhaps even a courier of some sort." He answered his own question.
"That could mean anything from a concealed weapon to components for an explosive device," Christine sighed, angrily glaring at the table top.
"Is there a chance that this is all a ruse? If you'll excuse me for saying so, sir, he doesn't appear to be the most trustworthy person around. Even considering the counsellor's faith in him." Ranul Keru hoped he wasn't stepping on too many toes with that statement. From his research, and his experience concerning Thomas, this was one shady character indeed.
"No, Thomas believed that the conference truly was under threat."
"That might be what he believes counsellor, but how are we to know that whoever has a hold on him is telling him the truth?" Christine nodded, seeing Keru's point.
"We don't. But we can't afford to take the chance either. Best we can do is inform Kyattan security-"
"No." Troi interrupted her captain. "If Thomas knew who could be trusted, he would've informed the appropriate people of this new plot."
"You're dealing with supposition here counsellor, not fact," Riker pointed out icily.
That's enough for me where lives are concerned. Even his. She replied as coldly before continuing out loud. "Yes, sir, I have considered that. But we don't know who or how many Kyattans are involved, or in what regard. Perhaps there are hostages being held, innocents threatened." Troi shrugged.
"Which leaves us where?" Christine asked when the counsellor finished.
"On our own." Riker stated flatly, decidedly unhappy with the current state of matters. "We can either cancel the onboard conference – for whatever reason we prefer to state – or continue and hope we can foil whatever scheme the terrorists have hatched."
"Can we afford to take that risk?" Keru asked, referring to the latter option.
"Can we afford not to?" Christine answered. "Cancelling this conference will set the Kyattan peace process back significantly. Perhaps even providing the terrorists time to completely overthrow the government and push the planet into chaos."
The conversation paused as everyone considered the implications of both options.
"You've got to get more information from Tom." Riker said after taking a deep breath. "There are simply too many unknowns at this stage for us to make a decision either way."
"Agreed." Vale added, Keru nodding in the background.
"I'll try, but I can't guarantee that Tom will be allowed to return to the Titan. I may have to beam down." Deanna spoke, feeling her husband's resentment of the idea, and simultaneous recognition that it might be the only way to clarify the situation.
"Whatever it takes, counsellor," Riker's eyes were icy.
"I'm sorry esteemed counsellor, but Kassuq is unavailable at this stage," the friendly but unhelpful security officer responded to her latest query.
Ever since the discussion in the captain's ready room she'd unsuccessfully been trying to get hold of Tom to arrange a meeting. It was early evening already, and time was running out – without more information or proof either way, the following day's peace conference was truly threatened.
"I could take a message if you wish," the security officer offered.
"No thank you, it's with regards to a personal family matter," Troi replied, her diplomatic smile firmly in place. "I'll try again later." She signed off, pursing her lips in frustration.
A brief message from Heiss to the starship a few hours ago had mentioned little else other than the fact that they had apprehended a suspected terrorist. A person who they hoped would reveal his fellow conspirators and help put an end to the threats and attacks. Troi could only assume that Tom was with Heiss and Neyall, hopefully close to finding an answer of some sort.
"What about Kassuq – what's his role in all of this?" Heiss glared at Vess across the table separating them in the interrogation room. A Kyattan personal rights observer sat quietly to one side, making an occasional note on her data pad. Her mandate was to ensure that Vess was not abused in any sense.
"The off-worlder?" Vess's lip curled in derision. "Why would we involve someone like him? He doesn't even belong here, and we don't need him. The Kyattan Equality Movement can, and will, achieve its goals without any off-world interference. In fact, we don't need any off-worlders, ever."
"How? I need details Vess!"
"Of what? Our goals – I'd be happy to provide you with our information brochures," Vess replied with a self-satisfied smirk.
Heiss glared at Vess, wishing he could wring the truth out of him. Even his admission regarding Kassuq's involvement was one of the admittedly few Vess had made so far. Nothing Vess had said so far did anything to help to clarify matters in any way; and whether any admissions could be trusted, Heiss wasn't too sure either. But denying Kassuq's involvement did have a ring of truth to it – the KEM's did pride themselves on Kyattan accomplishments and progress, and nowhere in their past activities had Heiss been able to find traces of involvement of off-worlders. Even the freighters who had been attacked by the KEM's had carried mixed crews of Kyattan origin and allies of nearby star systems.
When the message had come through that Vess had been apprehended, his hope had soared. But the past few hours with the recalcitrant suspect had provided him with nothing. In the old days, he may have had more success with wrestling a confession out through drugs or physical 'encouragement' – but these days the personal rights groups prevented any such interrogations. In fact, since a few years ago it had become mandatory for such an observer to be present at most interviews, although Heiss felt it ended up protecting the suspect's rights more than the seekers after justice.
Realizing that this was getting him nowhere, Heiss bit down on his fury and walked out of the interrogation room. When he'd closed door behind him he swore quietly for a few seconds as he fought to control his frustration. It didn't seem to help very much though, and Heiss took a deep breath before entering the adjoining room. Neyall and Kassuq were there, having observed the interrogation through a one-way window looking into the room where Hess slouched nonchalantly in a chair.
"I swear if I didn't need any information from him I'd challenge him to Assra right there and then – Kyattan rights observer be damned." Heiss sneered.
Neyall gave a humourless smile, her own hands itching to get a piece of Vess and his smug attitude. Kassuq nodded quietly, whether in agreement with the statement or the sentiment was unclear. Tom's hope had flickered briefly when he'd heard that it was Vess who had been apprehended. Perhaps they could unmask the terrorists without resorting to his desperate ploy to seek help from the Titan. But those same hopes had dwindled as time passed and no breakthrough was forthcoming.
"We'll give Vess some time to relax before we start again." Glancing at the chronometer displayed above the window, Heiss stood up straighter, unwilling to admit defeat.
"The KEM members feel very strongly about off-worlders," Kassuq mused, his thoughts returning to the path his investigation had taken before the banquet fiasco.
"Yes. It's been one of their propaganda points for a while; but whether that's just an image they want to portray to the 'loyal' Kyattans, we're not sure." Neyall responded.
Obviously. Otherwise you would've trusted me, Tom thought. "If it's true, it could explain why the attacks on the freighters were so severe compared to that planet side. The freighters' crews were mixed – comprising of Kyattans and other 'off-worlders'. Maybe they somehow felt that those Kyattan lives weren't worth sparing."
"Could be. Which does not bode well for tomorrow's conference." Heiss took a deep breath, as if bracing himself. "Let's go upstairs and run through our plan for tomorrow. Besides, I have to report to the Prorr on our progress…or lack of it."
"Any chance he'll cancel tomorrow's conference? Or at least postpone it?" Neyall asked the question that was burning in Tom's mind.
"Maybe, but I doubt it. If he doesn't, it's our job to see nothing happens to disrupt it." Heiss stated.
Easier said than done, Tom thought, grimacing inwardly.
It was just before midnight when Tom finally left the security offices. Heiss had finally admitted defeat with regards to Vess' questioning, and sent his troops home for a brief respite before tomorrow's conference. They would be up again early, going over all the arrangements and making sure they hadn't missed anything.
"Can I give you a lift home?" A voice issued from a ground car that had pulled up next to him.
"No thanks, I'd prefer to walk," Tom recognized one of the junior security officers named Farr.
"No, really, I insist," the hass reached as if to scratch the back of his neck, but instead tapped it in a significant way as he gave Tom a very pointed smile.
"If you put it that way, how can I refuse," Tom replied, his polite tone of voice belying the ironic truth behind it. He slid into the offered front seat, uncomfortably aware of a second Kyattan in the back. No doubt an extra set of eyes or hands should Tom become uncooperative.
"Come now, we thought you'd appreciate some kindness from your friends." Farr sealed the door and the vehicle pulled away.
Tom wondered if he should be worried that they hadn't rendered him unconscious, or at least blindfolded him. Did they care so little if their identities became known to him? Or was he just not expected to live long enough to identify them. Either thought was deeply troubling.
The next moment his body twitched as a shock prod discharge coursed through him.
"What the hell was that for!" he breathed hard through clenched teeth. The shock was extremely unpleasant, but not enough to render him unconscious.
"Nothing personal, just to ensure you weren't carrying any unwanted bugs." Farr shrugged, "Or if you were, they're fried now."
They drove in silence, surprisingly enough in the direction of his apartment, and pulled up at the street entrance a few minutes later.
"Well, there you go. Have a good evening," the driver smiled, or at least his lips were curled and his teeth exposed.
Tom frowned, not willing to believe that they would simply drive him here and set him free. He wasn't about to ask any questions though, and stepped out of the vehicle, only to turn around as he heard his name being called.
"Thomas? Thomas Kyleson? Is that you?" A female voice called out in cheerful astonishment. A Kyattan woman waved at him from a few meters away.
He didn't recognize her, but she did call him by one of the names he'd been using ever since his escape to the Beta quadrant.
"You don't remember me, do you? I'm surprised at that; I definitely remember you…and our last night together on Mikon," her voice dropped suggestively as drew nearer.
"I suggest you invite the lady up for a drink Kassuq," the driver of the vehicle spoke through the still open passenger door. His tone of voice inferred that it was anything but a suggestion, and Tom's suspicions regarding the female rose another level. The driver caught his eye and again tapped the back of his neck, confirming Thomas' suspicions.
"Ah, now I remember. You'll excuse my lapse in memory – my thoughts are a bit preoccupied with work at this stage." Tom answered smoothly, forcing a polite smile.
"Well, I still go by the name of Rushya, and I'd love to get reacquainted again. I just took an apartment in this building, our freighter is in for a 3 month overhaul and I'll be on-planet for a while setting up some trade connections. Why don't you join me for a drink and we'll catch up on old times, and new ones." The woman smiled in a charming way as she hooked her arm through Tom's unresisting one.
"Why don't we," still smiling, he led her into the apartment building.
The driver of the ground vehicle watched them enter the building before closing the door. His job for this part of the operation was now complete – it was up to the female who'd introduced herself as Rushya to carry on now.
"That wasn't too difficult," the Kyattan who'd been seated behind Kassuq spoke up.
"Be grateful it was this easy – from what I saw at the banquet, he's one mean fighter." Farr replied. "Now let's just hope we can pull this off." Preferably he would've liked to see Kassuq locked in a deep cellar somewhere until it was time to leave for the starship tomorrow, but they couldn't afford to block the off-worlder's tracking device and arouse suspicion so close to the conference. Silence fell again as the car pulled away – they had their own preparations to take care of before the off-worlder was released tomorrow.
