The Children of Vaal (Revised)

Chapter eleven

Shavara now stood beside her father's bedside and shook her head sadly. Despite the fact that the fire-haired doctor said that he was going to recover, he looked worn out and pale. She was now fully recovered from her injuries from the explosion on the surface of her world, but did not want to leave his side. Because he was with her all the time during her recovery, she found it only fitting that she should remain in sickbay with him. The medical personnel readily agreed and let her be, only occasionally stopping by to take overhead readings and to monitor his condition. At last, Makora awoke and smiled at her lovingly.

"My daughter, you look unhappy." He observed weakly.

"You should not have done this to yourself, my father."

"I know. I was worried about you."

"You worry too much, my father. One of these days, you might kill yourself."

"My sweet girl, I have no intention of doing that. Where is Captain Picard? I wish to speak with him."

Dr. Crusher overheard the last part of their conversation.

"I will call him for you." The good doctor tapped her communicator on her chest. "Crusher to Picard."

"Not now, Doctor." Picard replied, his attention divided as the face of Commander Sirol appeared on the main viewing screen. Picard had ordered the shields up and the ship was now at red alert, the crew now at battle stations. They were prepared for anything, now that the Romulans had encroached into Federation territory. So far, the Romulans had not made any hostile moves, but that could change in an instant. "Check your alert status indicator. We are a little busy up here."

Crusher glanced up at the alert status indicator above the entrance to sickbay and realized that they were at red alert. This always made her anxious, especially now that they had a diplomatic tiger by the tail. The alarm did not usually sound in sickbay for the benefit of their patients.

"Sorry, sir. It can wait. The ambassador is awake and wishes to speak with you when you have the time."

"Acknowledged, Doctor. Picard out." He closed the link with Crusher and scowled at the appearance of Commander Sirol on the main viewing screen.

"Captain Picard," Sirol greeted benignly with a sinister smile. "We meet again."

"Sirol, what the hell are you doing in Federation space? Do you wish to start a war?"

"This is a non-aligned world, Captain. You have no jurisdiction here. We do not recognize your claim on this area of space."

Picard glanced at Worf and told him to switch to yellow alert but to maintain battle readiness.

"Whether you recognize it or not, this is Federation territory. I ask you again, Sirol. What are you doing here?"

Sirol knew this day would come. He had been quite amused that the former ensign now turned fugitive wanted to destroy the Pegasus and was more than happy to oblige in her efforts to strike back at Starfleet for the deaths of her people and also found it a great way to get even for their apparent violation of the treaty of Algeron. He and Toreth were also good friends and they were instrumental in helping Shalana with developing a phasing cloak for the shuttle craft called Rainy, so she could return to her home world in victory. They had been friends with the Vaalians for many years, after discovering that they had no love for the Federation. The old adage of "The enemy of our enemy is our friend" rang true in this case. He was also satisfied that the uncloaking of his ship had the desired effect of distracting the humans. As they spoke, Toreth had secretly beamed into Shalana's children's guest quarters, giving them a tool to destroy the Enterprise, thus killing several birds with one stone. The Romulans gave Shalana what she wanted and, in turn, they would rid themselves of the Enterprise and Toreth would have her revenge.

"We have established a relationship with the Vaalians, Captain. Besides, up until recently, the Federation did not...what is the expression...oh, yes...give a rat's ass about them."

"That is not true, Sirol. The Vaalians asked us to stay away from their world and we have honored that request up until now. They asked us to retrieve a Starfleet shuttle craft with Romulan technology, which held one of their people. She is a wanted criminal and we are also here to apprehend her."

"One man's criminal is another man's hero, Captain. I don't believe you will ever find Shalana. On her planet, she is much honored for avenging her god machine."

"She is not honored here, Commander. Leave now or we will open fire."

"We are here at the Vaalians' request as well, Captain. We will not leave until our business with them is concluded. If you fire on us, we will retaliate."

Lieutenant Tola had just entered the bridge with a very worried look on her face.

"They know, Captain." She interrupted softly.

Picard glanced back at her and saw her alarmed expression. He put the link on mute.

"What do they know, Lieutenant?"

"They know about the planet, sir. They want its technology. I read in the commander's mind. This ship is in very grave danger. With your permission, sir, I would like to leave the bridge and stop Shalana's children from planting a conventional bomb, given to them by another Romulan named Toreth in engineering near the warp core."

Picard, although startled, appreciated her telepathic ability.

"By all means, Lieutenant. Worf, please accompany her. Also, make sure Deanna is all right."

They both nodded as they quickly left the bridge. Picard took the connection off mute.

"What was that about, Captain?" Sirol inquired slickly.

"Security just informed me that they have figured out what you are up to, Sirol. You won't get away with it."

"We shall see, Captain. Good day." With that, the screen returned to space view and the Romulan ship re-cloaked.