The conference began in earnest eagerness the next morning. Tired from the quiet affair the night before, Kirk yawned from the moment he entered and continued to do so discreetly until the recess around noontime. From what he heard, the terms had remained the same and noting changed. However, a name perked his interested and woke him up. The Thyrians were willing to join the Federation and conceded to many of their demands, but the one they truly wanted was the location and incarceration of one Jason Lattimer.

"What interest is he to you?" Admiral Cartwright asked. "This was not part of the original planning."

"A prisoner of ours," a Thyrian selectman replied. "His family escaped prison several years ago. Our customs demand that the sins of the fathers be punished by the sons."

"Why now and not when this escape happened? If these people sought refuge, our laws protect them, especially if they were born outside your domain."

The Thyrian man smiled weakly. "Oh? I was not aware. How would this work then?"

Cartwright went into a lengthy explanation about Federation laws. Since it was the ruling across the board that determined the final decision, there was no way to comply with the request. They would have to review the process in which the events happened from both sides, allow the person to speak for themselves at a trial, listen to the other side and review the evidence. Then, an eleven-member board (consisting of several members of the Federation, three of which had to be Thyrian in this case) would decide the verdict. Majority must rule.

Kirk listened to this with little interest, although he stored the name in his memory for later. It was interesting that this was now part of the negotiations. On the other hand, he had no time for Federation games and shuffling. The Thyrians were keen on nabbing this person. Now, he had to do everything in his power to find out why. It was too suspicious and quite out of the ordinary.

In this case, Alyssa was right. There was reason to believe that this was no peace treaty. The Thyrians truly had an ulterior motive in their dealings.

Eventually, Kirk spoke up after Cartwright finished his speech. "What parent's crime is so severe that one needs to be sent back to their home planet?"

"What business it is, it is ours," was the answer.

"Can I inquire into the nature of the crime?"

The same response was given. Kirk was frustrated, fixing his face so that he was diplomatically stoic. He cast his gaze to Cartwright, who tried to do the same as Kirk. He was none too pleased about the responses as well. Cartwright folded his hands and reminded the Thyrians in so many words that they needed to make concessions as well and that demands did not sit well with the Federation.

This was accepted by their guests. Lunch was called immediately afterward. Kirk took the opportunity to excuse himself for the afternoon since he was no longer required. After reviewing the schedule from the ever-present Riley, he decided that enough was enough anyway. His presence wasn't going to add anything to their advantage and the Thyrians were making him nervous. He had the option to take refuge with Alyssa, but did not think it wise with Riley eying him warily and following him back to his office.

"Would you need me to have your meal sent up to you, Sir?" Riley questioned as they entered.

"Not yet." Kirk was not ready for food yet. He had other thoughts. "Are you sure you went through the Federation library, Riley?"

"Sir?" Riley was baffled.

"For information on Thyria. Are you sure you went through the whole archive?"

"Of course, Admiral. I even had the staff search their databases and find the material."

"I see. Did you return everything?"

"Yes, Sir. Do you need me to borrow them again?"

"That won't be necessary. Thank you."

Kirk dismissed Riley and sat down to write his reports, relieved to hear that his theft was not noticed. The more he pressed the matter in his thoughts, the more he held that things weren't not making sense. Another superpower planet, isolating its people, strict laws and demanding delegates…it seemed like a normal day in Federation parleying. At the same time, something nagged at the admiral. Ever since Alyssa mentioned it, he had been distrustful of the Thyrians. The only way he could link them to some sort of nefarious scheme was to find the same person they had been searching for.

Jason Lattimer.

This person would surely have the answers. Also, at least they finally have a name that most likely was linked to Hugh Lattimer. It was a good start. Kirk wasn't sure if Alyssa knew yet or not, but was certain she or her subordinates recorded the name. The way she monitored the sessions were discreet and careful. She would not have missed a detail like that.

Alyssa…

Thoughts went back to dinner the night before. After explaining to McCoy some of that special night (earning him an eye roll and a snort from the doctor), the food was served. Magda had always been a great cook and proved it again. The talks at that table were animated and quite enjoyable. Ali was the star, he saw, and quite the attention grabber. Both Alyssa and McCoy were correct in saying that she was intelligent and could see everything at all angles.

That alone was most annoying and exciting to see all at once. Kirk had been scared to attach himself to the family once more. However, seeing his own daughter name off figures from the top of her head, analyze in several approaches and conclude perfectly had been a source of pride. More than once, Kirk had to hide his unprofessional smirk and coughed a few times to hide it. McCoy noticed it and had to elbow the admiral to get him to cease.

After the meal, Alyssa walked Kirk and McCoy to the main entranceway downstairs. She chatted inanely in the meantime, refusing to develop the conversation about the Thyrians and about her health. Otherwise, she was as normal as she could be, albeit more tired than usual. In the end, she hugged McCoy goodbye and kissed him on the cheek and waved at Kirk. The doctor had the good sense to leave immediately, thinking his friend would do the same. Once he rounded a corner though, the admiral turned to the security officer.

The two sought a little privacy. Alyssa motioned to a corner that no camera touched. Kirk followed, allowing the shadows to hide them. They embraced each other, drawn closer together until Alyssa's head rest on Kirk's shoulder comfortably. He buried his face in her black and white hair, allowing her scent to envelope him. It had been too long, oh so long…

"You know, we shouldn't be doing this," Alyssa mentioned as she lifted her head.

Kirk kissed her as a response. She returned it, using his neck as leverage to pull him where their facial skin made more than lip contact. Before they both knew it, they were catching the other tug at clothes and soon stopped. When they separated, their hands lingered, fingers brushing the others' with trepidation. No, the relationship was not over, but they were as shy about it as ever. It felt like it never had been broken and that they took a long vacation.

"You best get going," the admiral suggested. "Ali will wonder."

"So will Magda," she admitted.

"That nosy still?" Kirk was amused.

"Worse," Alyssa replied. "She think it'll be our ruin."

"I did not know I was someone's ruin."

"We also supposedly fell from grace, whatever that is."

"I think I like it then."

Alyssa smiled. "So do I, Jim. So do I."

Waking from his silly daydream as someone cleared their throat, Kirk noticed that Riley was standing before his desk. His features seemed worried, but he was calm in the unknown crises nonetheless. The admiral knew that look, standing up to face his aide. Something was seriously wrong.

"Security reports an attack on the Thyrian delegates," Riley announced. "An assailant tried stabbing one of them."

The admiral instinct kicked in, immediately believing this to be farce. It wasn't real, he told himself, but had to push aside the notion that it was a dream. "Any wounded?"

"The leader sustained superficial scratches," Riley reported. "The rest have been quarantined in their quarters. Captain Elma has stationed men in and out of their rooms instead of them using the Thyrians' own people. The man in question was killed by the Thyrians."

Kirk grabbed his jacket. "Stay here."

Riley was about to argue and soon found himself locked in the office from the outside as Kirk rushed out. The admiral did not care. His first stop would be the scene of the crime and then Sickbay. If Starfleet's security did not check the place out or even interrogate the any witnesses first, then he would. The attacker was dead, but someone surely would have information about him.

It did not take long to find the site, down a floor and yards from the kitchens. Already, it was secured and onlookers were chased away and discouraged to watch. Alyssa was not there, but several of her men were. A few of them drew the scene on their tablets or took samples from the floor and walls. The place was covered in Thyrian blue blood and human red. There was no doubt that this was a confrontation from an Earth humanoid. Kirk recognized the smell anywhere.

He pulled aside one man. "What happened?" he barked.

The lieutenant shook, but answered. "The Thyrians were walking to the cafeteria for lunch, Admiral," he explained. "Out of the blue, one of us went to attack them."

"What do you mean, one of you?"

"It was Commander Gomez, Sir. He was the security detail for this hallway. He was chosen by Captain Elma since he was senior in the sector. He also had some knowledge of the Thyrian customs. They were comfortable with him being stationed there."

"Was there any indication that he was bias?"

"No, Sir. It was strange though. It was like he suddenly snapped. He took out his knife and just…I don't know. He went crazy. He was irrational and screaming curses to ghosts. Nobody could stop him. He stabbed Lieutenants Jenkins and Fender when they tried holding him back. The Thyrians were faster though. When Gomez went for them and he scratched their leader, they killed him instantly."

"Did he indicate that he was angry in any way?"

"No, Admiral. Gomez was excited about the conference. He wanted to be a part of history. He felt that reaching new planets and making peace was for the best."

"Any drinking? Smoking?"

"None, Admiral. I can reassure you of that. Captain Elma keeps a tight leash on all of us unless it's shore leave. I remember that we had lunch before coming here. That was it."

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Kirk released the officer. "Carry on."

Strange and stranger. The admiral proceeded to Sickbay below and was blocked by several men upon entry. They weren't the regular security teams and wore the typical signs of being office members.

"I'm sorry, Admiral Kirk," one said quickly, cornering him disrespectfully in the lift. "Orders from Admiral Cartwright. Nobody is to come in or out without his express permission."

Kirk was flabbergasted, enough that he did not reprimand the offender. He had never been denied access to an area before. Silently, he took these orders and took the lift back up to his office to at least apologize to Riley. There was nothing he could do. Nobody would dare to contradict what Cartwright stated and bluff their way through it. The game was on though. If he could corner the admiral and reverse the order for him, then he might have a chance to solve this mystery.

It does not seem right for a random security officer to fly off the handle, especially one of Alyssa's. Kirk had seen her in action and was aware of how strict she was in choosing her people and how they act under her command. Now, this painted her in the worst light. It was a savage tragedy that twisted into a serious plot. Kirk needed to find out more.

~00~

After ejecting that electric shock from Alyssa, it didn't take long for Kirk to go to his room to contact Lori. She would have been in her office the time he was calling and probably would have been insanely busy working. However, he did not care. Synprilox was much more important than her inane duties. It was now a matter of life and death and what he can do to stop the madness before it escalated further.

Lori did not answer for some minutes and kept pressing the button that told Kirk that she was not to be disturbed. He sighed. It was aggravating to have to redial the coordinates of her location and to get a hold of her in her office through many operators. Eventually, he told the last one to keep the signal until Lori decided to connect. Once a half hour passed like this, she finally answered. Her smile hid every little lie.

"Jim! What do you have?" The question seemed so coldly formal for one supposedly happy to hear from him.

Kirk held his tongue against all of his anger and anguish. He urged himself to confess his developing feelings for Alyssa, but he held back, stating the facts as he saw it. "Serious violence against Starfleet officers. Revolt and revolution openly discussed. Chancellor Synprilox dismissing the problems and sweeping them under a rug."

Lori laughed like it was all a joke. "Jim, Jim, Jim…I thought you knew. You were the captain who initiated contact. You would have seen this mess. Then again, I imagined that you researched Synprilox's latest problems. I seemed to have underestimated you."

"What do you mean?" Kirk was easily upset by the last statement. He thought he had seen everything.

"Do you not see what is underneath the riches and masked balls of Synprilox?" she asked him. "Do you not feel that its chancellor is trying to conserve her life as long as she can and prevent her people from using any material to kill her? Everything the Federation begged for, she conceded. Her Freedom Riders are no better. They too agreed to the terms and conditions and did not read the whole document. But they like their advantages and riches too much. That's why they've done nothing to combine the two passion together – common people and greater good.

"They're all greedy, Jim. Chancellor Synprilox will especially do anything to get her way, especially after a saving grace such as yourself swooped in and rescued her for enjoying her predecessor's material goods. She's done a great job of hiding her disappointment, Jim, but she's a politician teetering on a dying world that's slowly draining of people. One day, maybe now or maybe a hundred years from now, Synprilox will collapse under its own weight. War is on the horizon."

"I actually term it civil war fueled by external forces, Lori. You make it sound like they are more players than Synprilox. Like there's another world out there that has a personal vendetta against them."

"There could be. Centuries ago, there was a planet, name unknown. It's a secretive place, hence its mythological circumstances. Our sensors have picked them up faintly. They're five lightyears away from Synprilox, in the Zulu Quadrant. According to legend, their weapons are superior and their anger is bountiful."

"I was not aware that Synprilox was being attacked. I was not informed of this at the briefing before my departure."

"I'm surprised nobody mentioned it to you, especially Commander Elma. Yes, Synprilox is undergoing a series of radiation attacks that break through their life support bubble. We theorize it is this mysterious planet, but I doubt it. Whoever is it though, they're pretty damned good. They've almost reached the capital and no Federation ship can locate its source. Half of Synprilox has been decimated and its refugees are crowding the cities."

Kirk almost lost his breath, he was that taken by surprise. Lori was supposed to inform him of all issues with Synprilox if she knew. All he was aware of was an inspection tour to ensure all points had been followed. He was not supposed to be preventing war. Now, he realized with a sinking heart that there was a chance that an attack would occur. What then? Would he have to have Scotty beam him up and they run for it? Or would he have to fight for his life and take anyone he could with him? Was there even a procedure for evacuation?

He faced Lori squarely, swallowing a lump in his throat. "And you now want me to not only watch out for an officer's actions, but also to prevent a war?"

Lori only smiled, folding her hands tightly. "I'll leave this up to you, Jim. I am relying on you to do the right thing for Starfleet and the Federation. Ciana out."

She cut the communication abruptly, leaving him conflicted. Kirk honestly did not know what to do. He sat there staring at the black screen, wishing that Lori would return and tell him the truth for once. She did not confirm or deny anything and only divulged information he should have received. She only added fuel to a fire. Only this time, he was the one who was going to be cooked if he did not watch his step.

Orders were orders though. This was officially still a five-month inspection tour. Now though, he had to rethink his strategy and without Lori. According to the Prime Directive, he would not do anything to advance a civilization and interfere with their social and political affairs if they bordered on the former point. In this case, Kirk was more than willing to take as many people to another location and/or to have war declared on the aggressor. It depended on the Federation.

He wracked his brain for a clear plan that would preclude any Federation decision until a meeting was called for further action. Priority would be to the millions of civilians anchored to Synprilox. Then, it would be Starfleet officers, of which he counted one hundred and fifty so far. With an ironic twist of his lips, Kirk thought of Spock. As his old friend had stated many times, the needs of the many always outweighed the needs of the few or the one.

In this case, Kirk's needs never mattered. With so explosive of a setting, he would have to set those aside. The fate of this world's people and the Starfleet officers were now in his hands.