Nine
USS Aegis, In orbit of planet M'Belit, Stardate 59518.9, Ready Room
"Come." Theus said when he heard the chime at his door.
Captain Fenton entered looking his normal, professional self. After the discussions aboard Envoy had ended, he recommended they both take time to put together a proposal before submitting it to Ambassador Sk'Ront. Theus was thankful for the suggestion, as it gave him the much-needed time to prepare himself for this conversation.
"Thank you for coming to see me Captain." Theus said and offered him a seat from his desk.
"It's no problem at all." He said. "Besides, you still owe me an explanation."
"That I do." Theus stood and went to his replicator to bring back drinks and offered one to Fenton before asking, "What do you know about the Message in a Bottle incident?"
"It sounds familiar, but I'm not able to place it."
"Not surprising, sir. It happened over thirteen years ago on stardate five-one-four-six-two."
"Wait, you're talking about that EMH program that was transmitted to Starfleet Command from Voyager to let us know that she was in the Delta Quadrant." Fenton said.
"I am." He nodded.
Turning from Fenton, Theus tapped some commands into his desk terminal and several holographic screens appeared between them. They scrolled information, all of it marked classified.
"What is this?"
"There was much more to the story than the official cables released." He said. "That program wasn't relayed via a civilian frontier explorer vessel, it came through on the Prometheus when she still had an NX designation."
"Commandeered by Romulans?...The entire crew executed…my god. They covered it all up." He said shaking his head. "How did they-"
"It's a long story sir, but we were successful in retaking the ship. From the hostages we captured, we learned that there was a slight shake-up on the bridge. While most believed that the ship was intended as a prize for the Star Navy to dissect, in actuality a Tal-Shiar operative intended to deliver it to their organization."
"And this has just been declassified?"
"Oh no sir," Theus said, "this is still very much classified. Although the Prometheus class is in full production and no longer an experimental ship, Starfleet does not want it to become common knowledge that one of our most advanced and experimental escorts was almost lost."
"Then why are you telling me any of this? How did you even get clearance?"
He input some commands and the screen changed to a set of official orders from Starfleet Intelligence.
"In the battle to take back the Prometheus, two Defiant and one Akira class starships were dispatched to engage two D'deridex warbirds."
"That much fire power was needed?"
"Not for the Romulans. We both know an Akira can take on three of that class of warbird if need be. But the multi-vector assault mode of the Prometheus meant that they were facing upward of five ships. Possibly seven when you consider how powerful those sections are."
"And how does SI come into play?"
"Right as the Romulans were retreating, the shields on the Prometheus had to lower in order to beam aboard personnel to secure the ship. We learned from the prisoners, that there were three unaccounted for crew-members that were with them when they took over."
"Beamed away in the confusion?"
"That was our working theory. An extensive internal investigation showed the three missing crewmen to be Romulan spies. They had infiltrated and even worked on some of the components in the construction of the ship. It was how they were able to operate it, when only the actual crew of the ship was taught."
"What became of them?"
That question caused Theus to lower his eyes and he said, "They were dealt with."
"And what exactly does that mean?" Fenton asked, not even hiding the accusation.
Theus steeled his features before answering, "It means that they were tracked, hunted down, and dealt with. This ensured that they could not use their expertise to exploit any knowledge they gained while in control of a stolen Starfleet asset."
"So that's it? In one silent, dark operation they were all dealt with?"
"Of course not." He said. "It took time. The first operative was found within a months-time. The second, took the better half of a year. The third took almost three full years, but we eventually found him."
"Where?"
"Initially we focused on the Romulan homeworld. It wasn't until we broadened our parameters that we discovered he was the son of an officer that had fallen in battle under the command of Admiral V'Ren."
"He was on M'Belit?!" Fenton asked sounding shocked.
"He was sir." Theus said. "In 2378, Starfleet put together a small task-force. It was comprised of officers with savant level talents in ground force engagement, spatial navigation, and theoretical engineering sciences. We were trained to be quick, silent, intelligent, and when need be deadly."
"We?"
"Yes. I was apart of that team, sir. So was Specialist Baresio, and Admiral N'Pau knows all of this."
"She placed you in charge of the negotiations because of something you did. That your team did."
"Correct again sir."
Theus let out a deep breath. He knew during their previous meeting that he had been thinking about this, but didn't want to admit that it was currently influencing his decision. Perhaps that was why he was so short with Contreras.
"Captain, ten years ago, my team and I were ordered to bring in a Romulan spy. It was clear that SI Command did not care what it took, they just didn't want any remaining loose ends. We didn't actively seek to interfere with this planet, or its politics. But we did."
"What did you do?"
M'Belit, Two kilometers outside of the Romulan Stronghold, 2378
"At least have the courage to look at me before you present me for execution!" GyVanta spat.
"You're being a bit dramatic." Theus said.
"Is she though?" Baresio asked.
"…I guess not."
Laq said, "Eyes sharp, we need to stick to the plan."
"Unless you two wanna go off half-cocked again." Fisher said.
"Being proactive is a good thing." Baresio shot back.
"You're condemning my people." GyVanta pleaded. "We've endured centuries of pain under the Romulans and you're ensuring it lasts centuries more!"
Laq turned to her and said, "That's enough. This exchange is happening, and we're collecting that bounty. You don't need to be conscious for it to take place."
She went silent and they all waited. Theus performed another passive scan of the compound. After he and Baresio had taken out GyVanta's escorts and captured her, they also stripped the guards of their equipment. As had been surmised earlier, their suits did indeed mask life signs in a way that Starfleet had not yet figured out.
They were currently outside of the Romulan complex that was a hub of activity. While the building itself was an obvious military design, careful attention had been paid to aesthetics. For all the hard angles and reinforced metal that protected the walls, there was just as much manicured landscaping. Theus decided this was due to how long they had been on the planet, and the Romulans love of grandiose displays of opulence.
They were an imperial people if nothing. And Laq had decided to use that to the team's advantage. Under the cover of night, they had made their way to just outside the main entrance and set up a camouflaged position. The sentry patrolled at regular intervals, but complacency had lulled them into a false sense of security. No M'Belite would dare try to attack them directly, and as such, scanners performed most of the work.
"Someone's coming." Fisher said.
They all tensed, but soon heard the distinct buzzing sound of an insect not native to this world, a signaling device that notified them of Sitix's return.
"Report." Laq said.
"So far so good."
Fisher said, "That's a given, seeing as how they didn't shoot you on sight."
Sitix nodded. "Trust me, I was the first to notice. At any rate, I got their attention. Right now, the genetic sample we took from GyVanta is being verified. I don't suppose it will take long, but I still told them we wouldn't be back for five hours…why'd I do that again?"
Baresio answered, "It's a negotiation tactic. We're making them sweat a bit."
"I could tell that." Sitix said. "But I'm asking why? We don't actually want the reward."
Theus took over and explained, "It's for several reasons. For the Romulans to actually believe we stand apart from the Federation as private opportunists, we need to give the appearance of being shady. They will expect for us to try to renegotiate the bounty, in addition to coming up with a list of things we want to tack on. This will lead to a back and forth with some colorful threats which will ultimately come full circle back to the original agreed upon terms."
"Oh." Sitix said, while Laq and Baresio stared at Theus after he finished explaining.
"What?"
Baresio said, "I…thought we gave that window so that they would think we were prepping her for transport."
"So did I." Laq said. "When did you become so analytical? For people I mean?"
Theus shrugged.
Laq continued, "Where ever it comes from, it's served us well. You, Baresio, and Sitix will make the transfer. I want you to take lead on the talks. Once the target is acquired, we will initiate secondary objectives if; and only if, the target is secured. Are we clear?"
They all nodded. Several hours later Sitix led Theus and Baresio to the entrance of the Romulan compound. The guards were tense; however, it was obvious their party had been expected. After following the sentry to a small antechamber and waiting a few more minutes, a Romulan Commander entered with two armed assistants in tow.
"You are the bounty hunters?" He asked.
Theus could have sworn it sounded more like an accusation. The Commander was young and held a smug if not condescending look on his face. He didn't linger on it, and instead stood with and exaggerated excitement before clapping his together.
"Commander T'Kon I presume?" Theus said.
"You presume correctly."
"Indeed I do. May I say what a delight it is to be working with you this fine-"
"Enough!" T'Kon snapped. "Where is the fugitive?"
Baresio said, "Hey now, I think we're getting ahead of ourselves."
"You will be silent!" He snarled. "If there is one thing that disgusts me more than a spineless Vulcan, it is half-breed filth not worthy to be in my presence."
Theus saw Baresio tense and made a slight gesture for him not to take the bait.
Sitix said, "Now that's just plain rude."
"I will not repeat myself!" T'Kon said and his assistants stepped forward with their hands on the holsters of their disruptors.
It took everything in him for Theus not to roll his eyes. The intelligence dossiers on T'Kon were surprisingly detailed, and after studying them, all of his responses were completely in line with the psychological profile work ups done on him. He had only risen to such a high rank because of the noble house he was born into.
After his father's death, Admiral V'Ren had kept him close and sent him on missions. One that included the failed attempt to capture the Prometheus. Despite the failure, T'Kon was a competent technologist. It was surmised that this is why he was allowed to retain some level of authority without facing any form of charges. Yet he no longer commanded a warbird for his empire. A change in his position that no doubt left him bitter. Theus tucked this information away for later, as he had negotiating to do.
"She is someplace safe." Theus said. "For now. You know, we didn't realize that she was so important to the Empire, to you. If we did, we would've asked for a lot more than just one hundred bricks of gold-pressed latinum. I'd say she's worth at least ten times as much."
A hand gesture from T'Kon was all that was needed for his assistants to draw their weapons and take aim.
"You will bring her to me at once. Or die where you stand!" T'Kon spat.
Baresio crossed his arms and said, "That would be most illogical."
Behind him, Sitix stifled a laugh and walked slightly ahead of her group.
"Alright boys, how's about you two quit measuring your ear points and let the fairer sex talk."
With a hand on her hip, she sauntered bravely to stand before the assistant to T'Kon's right and with a pointed finger, started to push down on the emitter of his disruptor while saying, "You can put it away now. We've left explicit instructions to some associates of ours that if we don't return within a specified time, GyVanta goes free."
She walked over to the left and did the same.
"And just as a way to screw you over, we'll send her along with some nice tech we've…acquired from our business transactions. Tech we all know you don't want her or her little resistance to have."
At her last words, Theus noticed T'Kon shift uncomfortable. Sitix continued and walked to stand directly in front of him. She brought her free hand up to his cheek, chartreuse with anger as she caressed it lightly.
"So we can continue on wasting each other's time, or we can go someplace and talk to one another. Someplace, less formal."
T'Kon took in a sharp breath and let it out slowly. "What do you want?" He asked deliberately.
"I just told you-"
He stepped back from her touch and said, "The bounty was for one hundred bricks. That was what we agreed to when you contacted us."
Baresio said, "We're not unreasonable people, Commander. But we're also not in the business of giving away profit or squandering opportunity. Maybe you should take my friend up on negotiating in a more relaxed setting."
Sitix smiled broadly and started to bat her eyes, but T'Kon didn't even flinch.
"Oh, I see. Well I'm sure 'half-breed' filth isn't your type, so it looks like it falls to my other friend here."
"Wait, what?!" Theus shouted.
T'Kon raised an eyebrow at Theus and then turned from them. While walking toward the exit, he said over his shoulder, "My assistants will show you to a guest suite. Feel free to make use of all the amenities available. You will be joining me in my private quarters in a few hours for evening meal and it would do some good for you to take a proper bath."
USS Aegis
"One moment," Fenton said interrupting, "Theus, if this part of the story is about to become risqué then you can feel free to skip ahead." He finished with a small smirk.
"If only it was something that simple, sir." Theus answered. "I wasn't entirely looking forward to dinner, however-"
Bridge to Captain Eridos
"Go ahead, zhNon."
Sir, the leaders of the districts have beamed aboard the Envoy. Commander Ooccae has signaled that they are in the dining hall along with a few crew members and are stiff at best.
"Tell the transporter room to prep for Captain Fenton's and my departure. Eridos out."
"It seems you have gift for timing." Fenton said while standing.
Theus smiled and headed to his door. As soon as it opened, he saw Baresio on the other side about to push the visitor notification.
"Captain!" He said, sounding slightly startled.
"Yes Specialist, this is my ready room." Theus said.
"Of course sir," he said, "I just wanted to know if you had a moment to speak."
"Can it wait? Captain Fenton and I were just about to transport over to meet with the district leaders."
"I see. In that case sir I can accompany you with a security detail and we can talk then."
"Talk about what?" Theus asked. He heard the slight edge in his voice and thought that Fenton had as well.
"I'll see you on board Eridos. Specialist." He said with a nod and left them for the turbo lift.
Seeing the moment as odd, and inappropriate to be speaking in a doorway, Theus gestured for Baresio to enter. He did not offer him a seat however, nor did he move from the spot once the hatch had shut.
"What is it, Baresio? We're all really busy at the moment."
His face tensed for a moment, but he said, "Well for one Captain, that. Why so formal?"
Theus rolled his eyes. "Fine, what is it Keln? You just asked me for a moment, and suddenly you have to talk."
"We can go to-"
"No." Theus said abruptly. "We can't. I didn't request any MACO support because this is a diplomatic issue and ship's security falls to Lieutenant Goritan. Clear your assignments through Major Bullock."
"Eri?"
"We're both still very much on duty, Specialist. Now we've been talking for almost a minute and you still haven't said anything. What do you want?"
"Are…are you mad at me about something?"
"What? You can't be serious!" He huffed. "With all that is going on, and the stress it has placed on the entire command staff, you honestly believe any change in my mood has to do with you personally?"
"You tell me, sir!" He shouted back. "You're not the only one dealing with a lot right now. And while I don't expect you to coddle me, ever since we left Doctor Matts' office, something has been different."
"You're seeing things that aren't there." Theus said and turned from him.
Baresio blocked his path with an arm and said, "Am I? Because several of your crewman have noticed and three of your officers asked me directly."
Theus folded his arms. "Okay then, you're right. I am pissed at you."
"Finally." Baresio said. He squared Theus to him and placed his hands on both his shoulders. "It may only be temporary, but you're my Captain now. If I have failed you or this crew, if my actions have been less than what is expected of a Starfleet Officer-"
Theus moved Baresio's hands off him and said, "No. This has nothing to do with your performance or your actions down on the planet. I know that has been building for some time and…this is about us."
"Us?
"Yes us, or more precisely me. Why didn't you tell me about your syndrome?"
"We've already been through this." He said shaking his head in incomprehension.
"You told me why you kept the physical symptoms to yourself. That I can understand. But you didn't tell me about the synaptic overload you cause with those you meld with."
"How could I? They're one in the same because I couldn't bring up one without explaining the other."
"And if I experienced a mental overload like that? Then what?"
"Is that what? Oh Eri, I…I…"
Baresio raised his arms but stopped short. He looked to Theus, who reluctantly nodded, and embraced him with his arms still folded.
"I would never do anything to hurt you. Never do anything that would put you in danger." He said and started to rock slowly.
Theus had calmed a bit, but it hadn't changed anything.
"Keln, we've known one another for a very long time. I believe you'd never do anything like that intentionally." He stopped their motion and pulled away from him. "But it doesn't change what you did."
"I don't…I don't understand." Was all Baresio could manage.
"No matter your intentions, no matter how many safety precautions you took, you still exposed me to a potentially life changing and in fact life threatening situation just by melding with you. All those times we were together, when we were vulnerable and supposedly as honest as we could be with one another, you were lying."
"Theus, there was no danger! From the first time we melded, I always knew."
"No you assumed. And from that assumption, you place my health at risk." He started to pace. "But that's not what angers me, it's that you didn't even give me a chance to make my own decision."
Baresio was silent.
"I can say with absolute certainty that had I know, the only thing that would've been different is that I probably would have been intimate with you more. And not out of pity or some misplaced obligation, but because I would've know that you enjoyed our time together just as much as I did. That for you to go to such lengths, it was more than just physical. To make matters worse, I know for a fact without you saying another word, that if you couldn't be honest with me, then you certainly weren't honest with the others you melded with."
"Wait, don't act as if you know-"
"You're right." Theus said and put up his hands. "That was low, and I'm sorry. It's none of my business."
They were both silent for what seemed like hours
Baresio finally said, "I-I don't know what you want from me. What to say or do."
"You don't have to say anything, what's done is done."
"I hope that doesn't apply to the damage I've done to us."
"There is no 'us'." Theus said.
"There is. You said it yourself, we've known one another for a very long time. Hell we've been friends from the moment we met, sometimes more. But always friends, always on good terms. I'm sorry that I jeopardized that."
Theus swallowed a lump in his throat and said, "Keln-"
zhNon to Captain Eridos
Theus steeled himself and touched his comm badge, "I know what you're going to say Commander. I'll be breaking protocol, but standby for site to site transport directly to the district leaders. Energize."
"Duty always calls." Baresio said.
"Indeed. Return to duty Specialist." The transporter sequence had already started, and before Baresio fell away Theus said lowly, "Never the end."