Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, don't make money off 'em.

Notes: This is the last chapter. Kov finds out just how Menos has been coordinating the mental attacks, and must deal with some unresolved issues of his past...and repercussions for the future. The treaty between Betazed and Earth goes as planned. Malcolm and Hoshi also clear the air between them.

Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Rating: T

Ten

Kov kept a mental link open to Jossen, and he was able to detect another presence with him. It was muted, but definitely there. To Kov's surprise, the two minds were entwined so closely that it was difficult to tell where Jossen's mind started and the other one began. As Kov observed, the two swept gently over his defenses, probed for cracks, and sent their thoughts through those holes. The audacity impressed him, as well as the effectiveness.

No mental shielding is completely impermeable, even the ones from the priestess of Mount Seleya. Menos has exploited this fact with ruthless efficiency. Fascinating. Kov followed without using his eyes, but using his empathy. It was a dangerous risk, but these attacks were based on emotion, not logic. So an emotional approach was more...logical.

His mouth quirked up in a dry smile. The Betazoids and the Vulcans were like two sides of the same coin. Little wonder that Menos and Jossen sought Betazoids for their plan. They complemented each other.

And Humans? They were a combination of logic and emotion, and therefore a bigger threat as far as Menos was concerned. Quite ingenious.

You understand , Jossen said, sounding quite relieved.

"Yes," Kov replied aloud. "I do. I must admit it is an audacious plan, Jossen. I am impressed."

"That means a lot to me, Kov, considering it is not easy to impress you." Jossen stepped from behind a stand of trees. Kov's eyes widened in sympathy before he could stop himself.

He is old, Kov thought, with silver hair and lines on his face. Life has not been easy for him. Has he been a fugitive all this time?

"I would not call it 'being a fugitive'. I have been studying and dissecting the teachings of Surak, specifically, the mind arts. Wholly from a medical standpoint."

"Wholly?" He couldn't hide the doubt from his voice.

"To ascertain its effect on other species, such as Betazoids and Humans. They are very much alike physiologically, you know. Can you imagine what would result if they interbred?"

"Genetics is a fickle thing, Jossen, you know that. Humans are not natural telepaths; for all we know, it could dilute the ability."

"True, but what is the Human expression? 'Better safe than sorry'."

"You presuppose a theory that lacks any proof. Therefore, it becomes emotionally-based, and in that case, paranoia does not help your cause."

Surprise flashed across Jossen's face, followed by an expression of fury. Then it melted into the arrogant expression Kov knew well. "Peace, my friend. I did not come here to argue with you. I see that you are as passionate now as you were when we were at the Medical Academy."

"That is part of my personality and my profession. I cannot function any other way."

Jossen smiled slightly as he took in Kov's Vulcan Healer's robes. "It is agreeable to see you again, and as a full Healer this time. Congratulations. I have heard you have secured a place on the Human's ship. Is it on First Minister T'Pau's command?"

"Not exactly. It was an...arrangement made between my father and Minister Soultek."

"Ah. Rather like a covert assignment. You are the last person I would expect to work for the V'Shar, Kov, but I suppose that is the beauty of it. No one suspects it."

He inclined his head, but didn't contradict Jossen's assumption. His skin crawled at the prospect of being manipulated by First Minister T'Pau and Minister Soultek, but, "It was the best of many poor options."

"A pity that ones like us tend to find ourselves in such situations. That is the reason why we must band together, my friend." Jossen raised an eyebrow. "So. You work with Doctor Reed, T'Pol, Archer, Sato, Tucker...it would be a pity to lose that particular advantage. I've mentioned it to Menos, you know, and he agrees. You can be our eyes and ears as well."

Kov suppressed a shiver of revulsion. "Menos. He was V'Shar as well, like T'Pol. Interesting, that he's exploited the Betazoids. I would have thought he would have eliminated them."

"It's illogical to squander resources, Kov. Besides, we need to keep the Humans in check, and it's more efficient to use the local talent than risk your own."

"I see." Kov managed a slight smile. "You believe the Humans to be the greater threat."

Jossen inclined his head, and his eyes took on a faraway look that Kov was familiar, one that indicated mental communication with another. Kov forced himself to wait patiently until Jossen's gaze cleared once more. He felt a definite surge of emotion welling within Jossen; it boiled like a living thing, all blacks and reds and yellow to Kov's Healer's eyes, ready to strike...

Kov raised his own mental shields barely in time to ward off Jossen's attack. The impact still staggered him, and he nearly lost his footing. Suddenly, a shimmer passed across his vision, then he realized the Betazoids had adapted the Vulcan/Betazoid mind-linking technique for their own purposes. Their talents made up what he lacked, and vice-versa.

The sense of invulnerability was seductive, and Kov realized just how easy it could sway him to Menos's side. The realization---the temptation to disregard his Healer's vows---shook him to the core. That drove him to his knees, more painful than Jossen's attack.

Do not allow him to make you doubt your own strength, Young One. You saw the threat and acted accordingly.

He opened his eyes to find T'Pol kneeling at his left and Malcolm on his right. Kov blinked as he tried to clear the fog from his mind. "Del'haia? Forgive me, I---"

T'Pol shook her head, her eyes compassionate. "'The cause was sufficient'. There is nothing to forgive. You now understand the razor's edge I must walk all the time. In that matter---" her mouth twitched with humor, "---it is possible you are stronger than I am."

Kov nodded as he met her gaze. There was a new understanding between them, and perhaps a basis of commonality to build a friendship upon. Granted, they still had differing opinions, but Surak had also said, 'I rejoice in our differences'.

"Jossen?" Kov asked hoarsely. "He is still a friend."

"He's been taken care of," Malcolm said quietly. "It seems that each one of Menos's supporters have some sort of implant, a failsafe, in case of capture."

Kov reeled back, stricken. "I killed him---"

"No. It was his own choice, Kov. You didn't kill him." Malcolm's hand tightened on his shoulder. "You claim he was a friend, but he attempted to sway you, then when you wouldn't turn, to kill you. I doubt that would qualify him as a 'friend'."

He admitted the truth, but it would still take him a long time to accept it.

"It pains me to believe that certain Betazoids would betray our own principles, but I can understand the reason," Minister Lev said. She shook her head and gave both Kov and T'Pol a look of sympathy. "This mind technique you witnessed, Healer Kov, it is a unique blend of disciplines from both of our people. Little wonder it is so effective."

"Now that we are aware of it, we can employ a counter to it, to prevent any more abuse of its power," T'Pol said softly.

Hoshi sat back in her seat. "And Menos?"

Trip shook his head. "Couldn't find hide nor hair of him, Cap'n. I think once he realized we found how he was doing it, he decided to cut back his losses."

"So he's still out there and a threat."

Saphia leaned forward and commented, "But now he's been exposed and everyone on Betazed and Vulcan is aware of his treachery. It will be risky for him to show his face, and if he does, we will be ready for him." She glanced at Minister Lev. "He attempted to derail any friendship between our two peoples, Hoshi. He failed."

Lev smiled and nodded at Hoshi. "As such, I would like you and your crew to stay for formal treaty negotiations. Diplomat Archer, would you and Diplomat Daro do the honors?"

Jon smiled and replied just as formally, "I would. Thank you, Minister Lev."

"Then it's settled." Lev got up from the table. "I will see you tonight, Diplomat Archer." She swept out of the room, with her guard, leaving Hoshi and the others in the conference room.

Hoshi noticed Kov was silent. "You going to be okay?"

He managed a nod and answered, "It will take time to sort out everything in my mind, Captain, but I believe so." Kov looked over at T'Pol. "I am grateful for the assistance that has been offered me."

Hoshi caught T'Pol's expression and said, "Good. Will both of you be returning to Enterprise, then?"

T'Pol shifted in her seat, then looked directly at Hoshi. "I will, but I plan to return this evening for the treaty proceedings. I believe Healer Kov will do the same?" Kov nodded in agreement.

"Very well, see you tonight, then."

T'Pol glanced at Kov, and by some unspoken signal, left the room. Trip raised his eyebrows and commented, "That's a new one. Not unwelcome, of course, but I think T'Pol and Kov might be sorting out their differences."

"It will take some time," Jon said gently, "but it's a start. We all should get ready for the treaty signing tonight."

"Yeah. I heard you're planning quite a party, Saphia," Trip said with a wide grin. "I'm not gonna miss that."

Saphia chuckled and got up from the table. "Then I should start by informing you and Jonathan about what will occur, so there won't be any---" she waggled her eyebrows, "---surprises. Come, gentlemen."

Trip followed so quickly that Jon had to scramble to catch up. He glanced at Saphia, but she cut in before he could open his mouth.

"He is her imzadi," Saphia said softly. "And she, his."

Trip admitted they were a cute couple, but he felt obligated to tell Saphia, "The Cap'n is romantically linked with another man right now, Saphia. Captain Hayes of the Columbia."

Her tone was regretful as she shook her head. "That path will only cause her pain."

"You don't know him---"

"Trip." Saphia turned her serious expression on him. "I know you are loyal to your friends, and this Hayes is your friend, as well as Hoshi...and Malcolm. I'm not asking you to choose between them. All I can tell you is based is what I feel and what my instincts tell me. Keivan would agree with me on this."

He smiled sadly and shook his head. "You're tellin' me not to interfere."

"Yes."

"Dammit, I can't just watch my friends get hurt---"

"I'm asking you as their friend."

Trip took a deep breath and looked at them again. Finally, he said, "Fine, but I'm still gonna keep an eye on them."

"I wouldn't expect any less of you," Saphia gave him a small, sad smile.

"Just me, or was that supposed to be a graceful exit?"

Malcolm chuckled and shook his head. "For Trip, that is a graceful exit. Before we go any further, I must apologize."

Hoshi frowned at the sudden change of subject. "What? Apologize? There's nothing to apologize for."

His blue-gray eyes were the color of water, swirling and stormy. "Menos twisted my respect, my thoughts about you into something wholly inappropriate. If you believe that I should leave the ship, I completely understand. I---"

Suddenly, she understood to what he was referring: back on Enterprise, the night before they had met Saphia. Hoshi raised a hand to his flushed cheek. "No, it wasn't your fault. I don't want you to leave."

"Are you sure?"

She paused, suddenly very aware of how he might interpret her request, but it was the truth. Saphia's words came back to her, "Your imzadi is right in front of your nose and you deny it as much as he does." It wasn't possible; she'd barely known the man for a month, he was her chief medical officer...how was she to know that what she felt just wasn't more mental manipulation?

Plus there was Matt Hayes. but he wasn't here. Malcolm was. She would see him every day and she couldn't avoid him even if she'd wanted to. A part of her didn't want to avoid him.

"Malcolm, I won't deny there's something between us, but I want to make sure it's real and not the result of some crazy mind-control." She smiled to take the sting out of her words. "No matter what, I would like to be your friend, as well as your fellow officer. Will that be acceptable?"

"Friends, then, and let the future take care of itself." He leaned forward and pressed his forehead to hers. "That will be fine."