Ring of Treason
Chapter 11
Interregnum
"Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully;
Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods,
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds;"
Julius Caesar Act II
Soloth was eating breakfast when his communicator chirped. He looked at it annoyed; couldn't a man ever eat in peace? "Soloth here."
"Soloth. This is Commander Toth."
The Rigellian straightened to attention immediately.
"Yes, Commander Toth. I am here."
"Tomorrow at 1100 hours, Admiral Nogura and Captain James T. Kirk will hold a press conference to announce that the Enterprise was selected to test the new Transwarp Drive. The press conference will take place on the front steps of the Star Fleet Science and Technology Building. Romulan High Command wishes you to hire someone to kill James Kirk as he speaks to the press."
The Rigellian's shocked voice came across the communicator. "Kill Kirk? But…but…Commander Toth, that's preposterous! Why? Killing Kirk will completely compromise our ultimate mission of stealing the Transwarp Drive. The plan is already in place. It is not prudent to change plans at this time."
Soloth could hear the frustrated sigh that came across the comm link.
"I agree with you, but my orders come from Romulan High Command and these order come from higher in the chain of command than I. I have tried to argue against this plan, but I have been over ruled."
"But what is the reason behind this radical change in plans?"
"Romulan High Command has decided that killing Kirk will cause catastrophic shock and disruption in Fleet and since an opportunity has just arisen to do this, they want it done. They think that Fleet morale will be compromised enough to give us a better opportunity to steal the drive especially now that the Enterprise is the ship chosen to test it. There will be chaos and confusion within Star Fleet Ships' Officers and especially within Kirk's ship and crew. They have a very high regard for their Captain. Also, if Enterprise is without its Captain, an acting Captain will be chosen and this new Captain will not be the tactical and experienced warrior that Kirk is."
"But Commander, Kirk's crew is highly trained and experienced, and the Vulcan, Spock will be made the new Captain. He is second in command. He is as formidable as Kirk. He would be very detrimental to our plans."
"Command thinks Spock will not be functional if Kirk is killed. Their unique friendship and rapport is something Romulus has experience with. They believe his command ability will be compromised, so another would be chosen. It is not my wish that you undertake this task, Soloth, but those are my orders, therefore you will be sure to carry them out. Is that understood? Command is willing to increase the credits we paid you…50,000 more."
The Rigellian did not agree with the conclusions of Romulan High Command, and he thought that 50,000 credits would not be enough to compensate him for this ill-starred endeavor, but he was too smart to voice these thoughts. "Yes, Commander, I understand. I will contact the mercenary who shot the Intelligence Officer. He, too, will want more credits, Toth. This is a very risky assignment."
"The cost is irrelevant. Apparently, credits for this mission are not an issue with High Command. Tell me, what do you hear about the status of the SIS Officer he shot?"
"My sources tell me he is in a coma and will not recover. He would be dead if not for the fact that he received prompt medical treatment."
"It is to be hoped that his aim is better when he shoots Kirk. Also tell him in addition to his payment from High Command, the price on Kirk's head will also be his."
"Commander, as I have said to you several times, in our type of business there are never any guarantees, especially with a man like Kirk. The man has more lives than a Terran cat, but I will see to it and will do my best."
Another sigh. "I will be forthright with you, Soloth. I do not like this change in plans and furthermore I regret this decision about Kirk; it is not an honorable way for a great warrior to die, especially a warrior of Kirk's status. Would that I could meet him in battle and best him in an honorable fight."
Soloth was quiet, thinking furiously. Toth must have fought hard against this plan if he was voicing these thoughts; he had never been this open with Soloth before. However, he put his thoughts aside for now since he had a pressing need. He said, "Commander, I will need a press pass for the mercenary. I'm sure security will check everyone very carefully, especially since Admiral Nogura will be there."
"I will acquire one and send it to you by messenger."
"I ask this because I must, Commander Toth. If this plan to kill Kirk is not successful, do we proceed with our earlier plan?"
"Yes, the ultimate goal is to acquire the drive. We will go ahead no matter the outcome tomorrow."
"Very well, Commander. Soloth out."
Please review, thank you.