Vylisa lifted the strap of her suitcase to her shoulder. After checking the room one last time, she carried her things down the stairs to the front hall.
"Are you ready to leave? Kathryn greeted her from the bottom of the stairs.
"I have all my things, but I wouldn't be upset if we could have stayed longer." Vylisa smiled as she set her case beside the door.
"I agree, but don't tell anyone else," Kathryn said in an exaggerated whisper. "I wouldn't want to lose my reputation as an overworked and under-relaxed captain."
"Where's that recording device when I need it?" Chakotay teased, pretending to pat-search his pockets as he joined them.
Kathryn playfully slapped his arm and leaned against him before turning to Vylisa again. "Ignore him. That usually works best."
Enca arrived with his bag, noticing the laughter, he asked, "What did I miss?"
Chakotay clasped his hand over his heart in mock pain. "My captain is advising the ambassador to ignore me. It cuts to the quick."
Kathryn linked her arm through Chakotay's. Grinning up at him, she spoke to Vylisa, "I revise that statement. It's not good to let them know you're ignoring them."
At the burst of laughter that resulted from her statement, Kathryn patted his arm and said, "Come Commander, our chariot awaits."
That afternoon when they arrived at the embassy, Vylisa was astonished by the activity in front of the building. A crowd had gathered to watch a cleaning crew scrub paint from the large, carved mural that covered the wall near the door. Though she couldn't make out the message, she thought the graffiti might be related to Voyager's presence. As her group moved toward the entrance, several guards stepped forward and ordered the crowd to stand back, so that Vylisa and the others could get through the doors.
Chancellor Llireh met them just inside. Despite the dark look of anger and frustration on her face, she greeted them with calm resolve, bowing over her hands. "Welcome back. May the Gifter grant us all a speedy resolution to our current situation. Please come straight to my conference room. Commander Tuvok and Ambassador Neelix are waiting for us there."
Leading the way, the chancellor glanced over her shoulder. "Escort Alocty, your assistant will join us momentarily. He has important information for us as well."
The group strode rapidly through the main lobby and along the hallway. Vylisa was surprised to see that the escort presence had doubled. The atmosphere in the embassy crackled with tension. As she went by, she glanced into the room that housed her cubicle and those belonging to the other apprentices. Instead of working at their desks, the other young women huddled around one of the small tables, talking quietly, their faces pale with worry.
The guards who stood at attention outside the conference room quickly pulled open the doors so that the group didn't have to slow down to enter. Tuvok and Neelix rose from their seats at the U-shaped table. As Llireh gestured for everyone to be seated, the door opened once more and a blue-uniformed escort hurried in. He walked immediately to Enca's side, saluted before handing him a CI tablet.
Enca glanced at the tablet and nodded toward a vacant chair. The guard sat down.
Chancellor Llireh stood at the head of the table. She took a deep breath and said, "We had an incident last night. Vandals left graffiti on the forward mural some time between the third and fourth watch. The message read, 'Aliens are not welcome. Netcket is for Netcket. Be warned – death is nearer than before."
Vylisa was unable to hold back a shocked gasp. Kathryn's and Chakotay's registered the same alarm.
"Chancellor, when did things go from peaceful demonstrations to death threats?" Kathryn questioned.
"There was one earlier piece of graffiti, painted on the Rosnets' back fence. The person who found it didn't inform me of its violent nature." Llireh wiped the perspiration from her brow. "I apologize, Captain. The apprentice came forward this morning after the latest message was found. I don't think she understood the severity at the time."
"Why weren't we told about the first graffiti?" Chakotay ground out, his agitation apparent.
"I take full responsibility for that, Commander." Tuvok's calm tone seemed out of place in the tense atmosphere of the room. "After I was informed, I saw no need to disturb your leave."
"Uh, Captain, Commander," Neelix nervously interjected. "I agreed with Mr. Tuvok. Because of what we were told, there didn't seem to be any indication of extra danger."
"Excuse me, gentlemen," Llireh interrupted. "The time of blame has past. Escort Alocty has information for us. I'm sure we will need it, so that we can make an informed decision."
Enca stood and scanned the CI tablet in his hand once more before he spoke. "If you will turn your attention to the screens in the table in front of you, you will find a summary of my assistant's report translated for you there. He has proof that our computer system has been compromised. At first, we thought that there might be a spy in our midst, but that isn't the case. Someone has accessed the files that pertain to our visitors' scheduling and the demonstration permit process."
Enca shook his head as if he couldn't fathom the facts of the report. "The access to the system has been traced to a point two solar seasons back when a Tsrukahlian guest beamed to the embassy. He used the Netcket transporters. Someone tapped into our computer using the transporter buffers. My people have been working all night to figure out how to stop this invasion and who might be responsible for it."
Several people spoke at once, but Enca lifted his hand. "Please, I'll try to answer all your questions, just give me time to confer with my aide. I have some questions of my own."
As Enca moved to the other side of the room with his assistant, Vylisa turned to Captain Janeway who was on her left. "I apologize, Kath-, Captain," she whispered. "I knew about the earlier graffiti, but I was told it was the same harmless rhetoric as the demonstrators. And since we were coming back here the next day, we decided to wait to tell you."
Vylisa felt almost physically sick with discouragement. Would she ever possess the wisdom needed to be a successful ambassador? She almost succumbed to the temptation to pull inward and give up, but she knew she wasn't a coward. Although, the thought of learning a new trade began to sound compelling.
"I do understand," Kathryn interrupted Vylisa's thoughts. "Sometimes we make the best decisions we can based on the facts as we understand them."
Something in Kathryn's tone caused Vylisa to listen to the captain's feelings. Guilt, consternation, and regret whirled about, but the understanding Vylisa found there soothed her. She opened her mouth to respond when Tuvok caught his captain's attention.
"Captain, I believe it would be in our best interest to assist Escort Alocty and his staff in the investigation."
"I agree with Tuvok," Chakotay added. "We should also check our computers to make sure we don't have a similar problem on Voyager since we have used our own transporters since arriving."
After Enca finished consulting with his aid, the discussion of the best way to handle the situation began. An agreement was reached that Tuvok would work closely with the embassy technicians to find and correct the problem. Enca talked about sending his assistant to Voyager to help examine the ship's system for a similar one.
Chancellor Llireh nodded with grim satisfaction. "This is a good start. Now, as I see it, we have two more things to resolve. The first one is to catch the person or persons who did this. Secondly, we must keep our guests safe. For that, I would like to receive everyone's input." She looked directly at Kathryn. "Captain Janeway, do you have something to say or any questions for us?"
Kathryn stood and rolled her shoulders as if to shrug off the tension. "First I want our Netcket friends to know that I'm not going cast blame. You have been above board and always shown your regard for our safety during our visit. I'm concerned about my crew's wellbeing too, but I'm wondering if you all have thought about your own protection." Nodding at the surprised look on the chancellor's face, the captain continued, "These threats could be aimed at those of us from Voyager, but they might include Ambassador Rosnet or Escort Alocty or even you, Chancellor."
She moved to stand behind Chakotay, absentmindedly resting one hand lightly on his shoulder. "As we told you, we are ready to help in any way we can to stop these threats."
Watching the captain, now in working mode after spending several days with her in a relaxed one gave Vylisa a start. Kathryn's emotions were controlled and even with her hand on the commander's shoulder any personal feelings for him were completely suppressed. Chakotay, on the other hand, seemed inclined to grasp some of the pleasure caused by her touch before he pushed that awareness aside.
"One thing I would like to suggest, if Chancellor Llireh and the rest of you don't object, is that everyone from Voyager stay where they are for now. If on the ship, they should stay there. Those of us who are on Netcket should stay here, at least until we can ascertain the safety of the transport system. With Mr. Tuvok working closely with Escort Alocty and his staff, I'm sure that we will solve this quickly."
The captain nodded over her hands. "Thank you allowing me to say my piece, Chancellor."
"The Gifter has indeed blessed us with you as new friends." The chancellor smiled briefly. "I hadn't thought that my people could be in danger. Captain, your people are welcome to stay as long as is needed. I'm sure that we can extend the current lodging arrangements for your crew. Since Ambassador Neelix and Commander Tuvok weren't planning to stay and have no place to sleep, I would like to invite them to stay in my home. My mate will be delighted to meet you both."
After Chakotay leaned close and whispered softly, "Tuvok won't be as thrilled as Neelix is at the new lodging assignment," Vylisa steeled herself to keep from smiling at the genuine delight radiating from Voyager's ambassador and the stifled chagrin from the Vulcan.
Forcing her mind back to the present dilemma, Vylisa realized that the tension that had permeated the room had been quelled. In its place was a pervasive sense of composed resolve. She knew that she wasn't the only one who felt confident that together they could solve the mystery.
Chancellor Llireh spoke directly to the captain. "You are welcome to use my secure communicator to contact your ship, and since this room has been checked for any spying devices, you may use this room as a new command center until we find out who is responsible. I think that it would be best if we kept what we have found a secret. If those involved think that we don't know what they have done, we might be able to find them easier."
As everyone rose to leave, Llireh said, "Ambassador Rosnet and Escort Alocty, I would like to speak to you both in my office."
Vylisa followed the chancellor out of the conference room. She couldn't help but be curious. Weariness from the trip home and concern about the safety of those around her bore down on her shoulder like a physical weight.
Once they arrived at the chancellor's office, Llireh sent her receptionist home early. She explained as she closed the inner office door that she didn't want anyone overhearing their conversation.
"Please sit down." Llireh gestured to the chairs. "After Captain Janeway's comment that all of this could be a possible threat to one of us, I realized that we must work to keep everyone safe." She leaned against the front edge of her desk. "I would like to have guards at your home, Vylisa. They can pose as patients."
Smiling, she commented, "I'm sure that Enca can find a few who are in need of at least basic de-stressing. That way your family will be watched over covertly."
"That's a good idea," Vylisa agreed. She tried to shake the sense of impending calamity, hoping the guards would be able to keep her family safe.
"Madam Chancellor," Enca interjected. "I agree that having some of my men at the Rosnets' home is a good idea. However, I think I should be there as well."
"It won't work," Llireh objected. "Since nearly everyone at the embassy witnessed your arrival with no evidence of illness, you couldn't even pretend to be in need of a healer."
Enca opened his mouth to protest before he closed it and he shook his head, staring down at his hands.
Vylisa wished that she could think of a way for Enca to be one of the secret guards at her home. She told herself she always felt much safer when he was with her, refusing to even think about the others reasons for wanting his company. "I'm sure that we'll be fine," Vylisa said, trying to convince herself that she believed it.
"No," Enca exclaimed, his tone determined. "I know I need to be there."
"There is only one way I can think of to accomplish that," Llireh answered. "You, Enca will have to pretend to be promised to Vylisa. We have time to post your intent on the list. The announcement will be broadcast this evening. No one will be suspicious of a promised couple staying in the same house, especially since you just came back after four days absence. A great deal can happen between two people in that time."
Vylisa heard Enca's startled intake of breath as she also gasped in shock. She glanced quickly in his direction, unsure of his reaction. For the briefest of moments, she glimpsed an expression she didn't understand before he erased it from his face. She stood and hurried to the window, staring out into the small garden.
Behind her, Enca spoke, "I'm willing to pose as Vylisa's promised one."
Turning from the view, Vylisa said, "I can't lie to my family. Besides, my mother would feel that something was wrong. Being promised is too sacred for me to pretend, even to protect myself." Even as she spoke, she began to worry about her family's safety. How could she ensure that they or the captain or commander wouldn't be harmed? Why did she feel the need to have Enca close by? Her task wasn't accomplished, so she wasn't free to be promised to anyone.
"Please sit down again, my dear." Compassion warmed the chancellor's invitation. "I do understand your stand, Vylisa, but I feel strongly that Enca should stay at your home. There must be a way. Let's ask the Gifter for help."
As the three of them closed their eyes, a peaceful stillness filled the room. Vylisa lifted a prayer, but her mind was divided between two desires. She wanted to keep her family and her charges safe, but she finally admitted to herself she wanted to bond with Enca. The fact that she hadn't accomplished the mission the Gifter set forth shamed her. Vylisa heaved a sigh, knowing the only solution to the problem might rob her of a future she'd just begun to imagine. Her family and those the Gifter had brought into her life were more important than any plans she might have wished for. Forcing all of her emotions deep into her mind, she made her decision and waited for the others to finish praying.
"Vylisa?" As Llireh opened her eyes, the chancellor searched her aid's face. "Have you received guidance?"
For a moment, Vylisa hesitated before she answered, "Yes, Madam Chancellor, I believe I have."
Vylisa twisted her hands together as the others waited in the silence that hung heavy in the room. Lifting one last wordless plea to the Gifter, she cleared her fear-clogged throat. "May I have a word with Escort Alocty, alone?"
The corners of the chancellor's mouth lifted slightly, but she said nothing before nodding and walking out of the room.
When Vylisa heard the door close, she turned toward Enca. "This is awkward for both of us. I do understand and appreciate what you're willing to do for my family." She held up her hand when he started to speak. "Let me finish. You may feel differently once you hear what I have to say."
Vylisa swallowed the lump in her throat. "As I said before, I can't do as the chancellor suggests, but I do have a possible solution. Enca, I want to ask you to be my bond mate. However, before you agree my plan, I have to tell you the truth. I haven't fulfilled my mission from the Gifter. I'm not sure that I will ever be able to either. My mate could be disgraced if anyone found out about my failure. Think carefully before you ans- - -."
"Yes, I will be your bond mate," Enca interrupted. He reached for her hands but she pulled away.
"How can you be so quick to say yes?" Her heart hammered at the thought that he would be her promised one. Longing so filled her that she was ready to open her emotional gate to reach out and explore his feelings.
"Listen to me, Vylisa," he said, his tone tender. "I understand that you are willing to sacrifice the fulfilling of your task to protect your family and your charges. I want to help you."
His words stopped her. Enca was willing to give up his freedom to help her. She felt foolish. He might be attracted to her, but she felt sure he only agreed to be her promised one out of duty. She wouldn't let him be trapped. She would give him a way out.
"We will be promised, but as soon as we find the culprits, I'll release you from your promise if you wish. It would wrong to enter into a loveless bond. Now, if you still agree, I will go get Chancellor Llireh."
The color drained from Enca's face, but he nodded. "I agree."
Not wanting to examine what had just happened, Vylisa went to the door. Llireh stood just outside, a pensive expression on her face.
"We have come to an agreement," Vylisa said as she stood aside to allow the older woman to reenter the room. After she closed the door, Vylisa spoke. "There will be no pretending, I've asked Enca to be my bond mate. He accepted. We will publish our promise on the latest list."
Chancellor Llireh nodded as she glanced at Enca's wrist. "If you are certain about this, we need your image for publishing, but first you need a bracelet."
"I didn't think of that," Vylisa said, chagrined. "How can we find the one at this late hour?"
"I have a friend who is a jeweler and her shop is close by. I'll contact her. She will send over a selection for you to choose from. What color stones shall I tell her to bring?"
"Blue, please," Vylisa answered without hesitation. She wanted his bracelet to have stones the color of his eyes. The conviction of her feelings mounted with each step she took. Only the shame of her unfulfilled task and the uncertainty of Enca's affections marred her joy. Maybe she would find a way to win his heart so that hers wouldn't be broken. As her chest tightened with the mere thought of having to release him, she wondered if she possessed the strength to keep that promise. Vylisa sat still for several minutes, unconscious of things going on around her after Llireh announced that the jeweler would be there shortly and left to guide the merchant back to the office.
Her face warmed when Vylisa came to her senses and found Enca watching her. "I'm sorry, but this is a lot to take in."
"Yes, I understand." He leaned close, opening his mouth to speak when the chancellor returned with another woman pulling a large case behind her.
Llireh left the room after making introductions. Her friend, Kmi Neesa, specialized in promise jewelry. The heavy, rolling case likely held an assortment of bracelets. As much as she wanted to stay and see the bangles, she knew the importance of privacy at a time like this.
Neesa opened the case and worked a lever that turned it into a display table. "I bought most of my blue stone work and including a few special pieces I've just finished." She took the cover off the first tray.
Almost immediately Vylisa saw the one she wanted. The traditional shape and woven tri-color braid were exquisite, but it was the color of stones grabbed her attention. The large, polished lapicites mirrored the exact shade of Enca's blue eyes. Tiny copper-gold stones intertwined with the metals and dangled with the larger gems. She couldn't have designed a more perfect promise bracelet.
"That one," she whispered reverently.
The jeweler lifted piece from the tray and handed it to Vylisa. The gems twinkled as the sunlight from the window hit them. "A wonderful choice, it is a custom, one-of-a-kind bracelet."
"This is the one," Vylisa repeated simply, as she examined it closely, marveling at its beauty.
Neesa nodded and began to refold her case. Except for the faint clicking noises made by the case's mechanism, silence enfolded them. With the final snap, the jeweler bowed. "May the Gifter bless your bonding."
Looking up, Vylisa responded, "I need to pay you, Madam Neesa."
"We can settle the matter later. The chancellor told me you wanted to publish your promise in time for this evening's list."
"Thank you for your assistance."
The jeweler nodded again and left the room.
Staring at the sparkling bracelet in her hands, Vylisa couldn't help but wish that they were going through the ritual for the right reasons. Her heart belonged to him but she wasn't sure about his. She glanced up at Enca, tears of uncertainty stinging the back of her throat. "Would you accept this as a token of our promise?"
"I'm honored to accept." He held out his left hand, watching as she clasped the bracelet around his wrist.
Vylisa took his hand in hers and brought it to her lips. "May the Gifter grant us the blessing of a long life together." She felt awkward reciting the traditional petition and going through traditional gestures, but she meant every word and every motion. Releasing Enca's hand, she waited for his response.
His gentle touch as he lifted her hand caused the deeply buried yearning to rush through her body. As he bowed his head over her hand and brought it first to his forehead, next to his lips, and then to his chest over his heart, Vylisa allowed herself to react as if they were in love. She eased her fingers from his grasp and lifted his chin to kiss him. Before Vylisa had time to dip her head, the door to the office swung open.
"Madam Neesa told me you found the right bracelet." The chancellor said, oblivious to what she had just interrupted. "Let's get your image. The listing deadline is near."
By the time that the image and accompanying listing was sent for publishing, Vylisa wanted to crawl into hiding. All the well-wishes of her co-workers and the shock that radiated from both Kathryn and Chakotay wrenched at her conscience. She hadn't found the time to inform her parents either, so they would probably hear the news from friends or neighbors.
"Use this, Vylisa," Enca whispered as he handed her a small communicator. "You still have time to tell your parents."
Relief washed away some of the guilt. Her parents would be surprised, but at least they would hear the news from her.
"You'll have privacy there." Enca pointed to a small alcove to the side of the lobby. "I'll keep people away until you are finished."
"Thank you," Vylisa choked out. Her gratitude toward him welled up in her heart as she prayed silently. *Gracious Gifter, could he, please, still be mine once this ordeal is over?*
Turning her back toward the rest of the room, Vylisa touched the keypad and waited for one of her parents to answer while fortifying the walls in her mind.
"You're back,' Naroenes exclaimed. "I'll inform Nwad. Will the captain and commander be joining us again?"
"Yes, they will." Vylisa hesitated. How much should she explain to her parents?
"Is something wrong, dear?" her mother asked.
"No, Ahma, I'm fine." She forced a smile. "Is Ahpa close by?"
"Yes, we're in the office working on some last minute admissions." She smiled softly. "But don't worry; we still have plenty of room for our guests."
"I have something to tell you both."
"Of course," Naroenes responded and switched to full video while motioning for her mate to join her in front of the screen.
"Welcome back, Firebird." Torret grinned as he spoke. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
"Yes, thank you, Ahpa." Vylisa took a fortifying breath before she spoke. "Enca Alocty and I are promised to each other. It will be published this evening. I wanted you to know before you heard about it from elsewhere."
Shocked and confused, neither of her parents spoke for several seconds.
"B-b-but…" her mother finally sputtered, "it is too soon. What about your task?"
"Please trust me," Vylisa pleaded. "We couldn't wait."
"Vylisa, are you saying that you. . ?" Disappointment tinged her father's voice.
It only took an instant for Vylisa to understand what he was asking. "Oh no! No, Ahpa, I'm not . . . We haven't . . ." Her face warmed with embarrassment.
She watched relief wash over both of her parents' faces. "I know that this is all very unusual, but I have to ask if you could please ask Nwad to prepare a room for Enca as well."
"We will be happy to have him stay with us." As her mother's smile wavered, her father wrapped his arm around Naroenes' shoulder.
"Firebird, I do hope that you will explain your sudden decision." He continued before Vylisa could speak, "However, we do trust you and will pray for you in the mean time."
Vylisa breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, I will see you both soon." Ending the call, she turned back to find that Enca was still guarding her privacy. Moving to his side, Vylisa touched his arm. "Thank you for thinking about this." She handed him the communicator without looking up.
"Is everything all right?" He put his hand on her back.
She leaned into the warmth of his touch. "They were shocked. At first they thought that I. . . that you. . . that we were. . ." She couldn't finish. The embarrassment she felt prodded her to move away from him.
Enca glanced around quickly and finding no one close by, he reached out and pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry that the circumstances aren't perfect," he said against her temple.
Afraid of her own response to his words and to his embrace, Vylisa kept her body stiff and her mind closed. "We must trust the Gifter to make it right." Her statement sounded false to her own ears. "I think we should find the captain and commander. Dinner will be ready soon at home and we must not be late." She moved out of his arms and walked back toward the conference room. That was when the thought hit her. What about his parents? Shouldn't she inform them? Or would he not want her to talk to them since theirs wasn't a normal promise commitment. Vylisa turned back and said, "I should talk to your parents too, shouldn't I?"
"Traditionally . . ," he faltered, as if he didn't know how to express himself.
"We should be as traditional as possible given the circumstances," she interrupted gently. "I'm sorry that I didn't think of it sooner."
"No, you don't understand," Enca said as he shook his head. "My parents won't be upset if they don't hear from us before they see the listing."
"Maybe not, but they should know first hand," Vylisa disagreed. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the nearest empty office. "We need a communicator with a full-sized viewer for this."