"Beau Devoir" Business Park - Office Unit 13

Paris, France

As the meeting droned on Malcolm Reed found himself dividing his attention between the gathering of 'directors' on one screen and the intel ticker scrolling by on the other. These virtual conferences were a rarity but he'd always found them a little distasteful. While he couldn't bring himself to make any claim to innocence, that didn't stop him from feeling some mild discomfort with those whom he shared a chair on the board. Still, with each of them overseeing various cells that could easily end up working in opposition to one another, some measure of administration was a regrettable necessity.

With Henderson still on the subject of the Tellarite Isolationists, Reed treated himself to a little woolgathering. That situation hadn't any impact on his concerns at the moment so he could afford the distraction.

He would never in a million years have imagined he'd spend his twilight years like this. In fact, had anyone even suggested such a thing, he'd have certainly been tempted to respond with violence. But Harris had played him masterfully, he had to admit. Allowing him the latitude that he had following the Klingon incident, Reed had naturally submitted his full loyalty entirely to Starfleet. Something Harris had consistently failed to elicit from him. It had been a simple matter then to subvert that loyalty to the Section.

Terra Prime had presented itself as the perfect vehicle, of course. Though Reed was sure something else would have come along eventually for Harris to snare him with. The lure of an alternative, profoundly effective, vehicle with which to respond to that threat had been irresistible. He had to admit further that he'd taken remarkable pleasure it putting them down. The affront both to humanity's standing on the galactic stage as well as to, far more importantly to him at the time, two people he considered more dear to him than family…

It still made him a little uncomfortable but he couldn't quite bring himself to repent of the first kill order he'd ever issued.

The first of many, it pained him to acknowledge. And following that it had only required one or two similar situations dropped in his lap before Harris had him firmly in the fold again. It wasn't too very long before Reed found himself as invested in the Section as he'd ever been with Starfleet. And after that…well, who else could he trust to take Harris' place on the board? He was almost ashamed to recall how he'd practically jumped at the opportunity when it had been presented it to him.

Reed suddenly realized Caruthers had taken over and returned at least part of his attention to the discussion. Some of it impacted his concerns and he already had something in mind to present on that front.

"…our contacts in the Earth news media as well. The corruption charges governor Smithers is facing and the mass murder over in Beijing are dominating the headlines at the moment. I'm a little concerned that our influence over media focus may fade before Vigilant is able to make contact again."

Obviously Caruthers was angling back toward Reed's sphere of influence. Probably hoping to minimize the embarrassment the subversion of his agent on Mars had caused him. He would have warned the man to rotate that assignment if he thought the twit would take anyone else's advice.

"Yes, of course." Reed broke in. "And we need Vigilant entirely out of the spotlight for the foreseeable future. I'm won't object again to the entire bloody mess but I will remind us all that it's certainly a public relations nightmare for Starfleet, if the media gets around to it. Never mind that it's sowed quite a bit of dissention in the ranks already. And I'm sure Smith can expound on the diplomatic shambles he's weathered in the last week."

"I agree that the entire situation is a powder keg, but that discussion has become pointless." Smith responded. "And besides, if the Romulan threat escalates as expected, that'll provide all the distraction any of us could require. Quite a hell of a lot more than I'd like, in fact."

"Yes, so let's stay on topic." Demanded Caruthers. "Sooner or later the media's going to have nothing better to tantalize the public with than questions concerning Starfleet's administrative decisions. They're already having a field day with suggestions concerning the Daedalus and 'imperialistic tendencies'. This will tie in nicely to cast further doubt on the entire organization. Precisely what we do not need at this time."

"What we need is something else for them to distract themselves with, naturally." Reed suggested. "Something that, compared to the ranking aboard the Vigilant, and especially T'Pril Tucker's celebrity status, is simply more…titillating."

Whitmore chimed in at that, with a snort. "Well, I'm surprised to hear you say that, Reed. Not your usual style."

Reed frowned. "Think what you will, Jake. I'm not partial to the antics the rest of you take such pleasure in but I'll do whatever is necessary here." He turned the attention back to Caruthers. "Now as I understand it you require some manner of justification for further intelligence intervention on Mars, is that right? If only to lay hands on that dodgy agent of yours."

Caruthers was visibly discomfited at that but jumped at the apparent support Reed had just offered him. "Well, we're looking at a real possibility of local agitators organizing…"

"Yes, of course." Reed interrupted. "So you'll benefit just as much from a blow up in your area. Now as I understand it, there's a nice little embassy there with a woefully lacking security setup. Which, if I'm not mistaken, has also developed a bit of leak recently. Now, some of the activists giving you such a bother have expressed…well, rather an aggressive bent. Correct?"

Caruthers considered for a moment. "Yes, that's certainly doable. And I imagine that will cause exactly the kind of public outrage we could both capitalize on here. That leak will require a pretty big plug, though."

"Certainly. And so a little nudge in the right…" Reed interrupted again, intending to press forward with his proposal.

Until he suddenly realized just what was scrolling by on the intel screen. He turned his attention fully there for a moment, tapping the link to call up the video display associated with it.

"Oh, bloody hell."

After a moment Whitmore was curious enough to demand an explanation. "Yes, what is it, Reed?"

With a grimace Reed tapped the console before him, copying the live subspace news feed to the other members. Local HME news reporter Tricia Delphi's voice carried forward from there.

"…prompting Torus City law enforcement to dispatch a riot control team to the area before order could be restored. Locals inform us that tensions in that sector had risen significantly following the shooting death of community activist Imari Tashi last week and that the violent altercation between the two groups came as little surprise to them. Currently seven arrests have been reported with charges ranging from injurious assault to inciting riot, a serious charge on Alpha Centauri. Though the identities of those detained have yet be released, sources within the Peacekeepers Department suggest at least two high level members of the Centauran Purity Movement are among them.

As both Charles Tucker and Lady T'Pol were apparently removed from the area by security operatives of their clan, neither were present when arrests were made. However, Torus City officials are already demanding they be turned over for questioning concerning their role in the incident.

Witnesses however corroborate initial reports, hailing both as having acted to subdue several of the rioters prior to local peacekeepers arriving on the scene. Mr. Tucker is further credited personally with a heroic attempt to protect the Xindi-primate who was the group's original target. The bonded couple apparently suffered minor injuries during the incident and representatives for the Tucker clan continue to insist they are unavailable for interview as a result.

No word yet on whether warrants will be issued to force the matter but the clan's ongoing attempts to gain representation on the Elder Council are sure to suffer in light of this latest incident. One can only speculate on the impact of the collision between growing xenophobic elements and the influential Vulcan clan of Torus City, especially in light of the celebrated couple's prior exploitation by Earth's Terra Prime movement decades ago.

As the situation develops HME News will continue to investigate and keep you informed. Tricia Delphi, reporting live from Torus City on Alpha Centauri. Back to you, Brian."

"Thank you, Tricia. We'll look forward to further…"

Malcolm Reed tapped the link, closing it. His headache had just gotten a hell of a lot worse. He began massaging his temple as silence descended on the group for a long moment.

"Son of a bitch." He groaned at last.

**********

The Tucker Compound

Torus City, Alpha Centauri

T'Pol gazed down on the sleeping human on the couch before her. Undoubtedly he continued to be the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to her and the absolute bane of her existence. She had cause to wonder yet again if every Vulcan felt this way about their bondmate. Considering the anomalous nature of the bond and the deep intimacy that it insisted upon, she was almost convinced it must be a universal truth. Surely all Vulcans everywhere must likewise vacillate wildly between the desire to passionately embrace and viciously throttle their mates at any given moment. But as Vulcan discipline required that such a thing never be spoken of, she could only speculate.

She didn't bother suppressing the sigh that this thought elicited from her. Having already forced the private security detail to render her unconscious with her utterly humiliating violent rampage, there didn't seem much point in behaving with strictest propriety in front of them now.

As the remaining two security officers milled around behind her, T'Pol wondered for a moment precisely how best to explain this incident to her children.

"Yes, little T'mel. Your father was indeed involved in a violent brawl. But he was acting quite honorably in the defense of an innocent victim of assault by... What? Was your father under the influence of alcohol? Yes, unfortunately he was. But I am sure he has a logical explanation for that. And as it happens it aided in mitigating the injuries he suffered in the process of…What was that? Can you expect such illogical behavior from your mate in the future? No, you need not be concerned. Your parents have taken care in choosing a mate for you who is unlikely to yell loudly and disappear for hours on end, drinking alcoholic beverages until he feels compelled to intervene in violent riots…"

T'Pol allowed one hand to massage her forehead. She believed she might be developing a headache. Hopefully that was merely a byproduct of her bondmate's current state and not a result of stress.

Regardless, she seriously needed to meditate.

"Lady T'Pol."

T'Pol dropped her hand and turned to the security officer. "Yes, Storan?"

"I regret the necessity of disturbing you now, Elder, but there is situation which I believe you would prefer to be aware of."

T'Pol suppressed her disagreement with the title, reminding herself yet again that clan leaders had been addressed in that manner for many thousands of years. Even those still young enough to reproduce, thank you very much. She would have to ask her adun again how he had convinced the entire clan to refer to him as "sir".

But for now…"Very well, Storan."

"At the 'Harmony' tavern, during the…incident, there was another human present. We have identified him as Troy Smith, an employee of the Tucker Engineering Company. He was apparently able to avoid the attentions of the mob as well as to leave the area before peacekeepers arrived. However, during our short interview with the Xindi-primate, a man named Regum Dorna, it has come to our attention…"

T'Pol raised one hand. "Excuse me, Storan. Did you say 'Xindi-primate'?"

"Yes, Lady T'Pol."

She stared at nothing a moment, obviously internalizing the fact, until Storan was forced to inquire. "You were unaware the person that Mr. Tucker acted to protect was Xindi?"

"I was. However, this explains somewhat my adun's aggressive behavior in his defense."

Storan raised an eyebrow at that. "I do not understand."

T'Pol nodded slightly. Thinking out loud, she explained. "Bear in mind that emotion motivates human behavior more often than not and so it is appropriate to speak of it here. As I am sure you are aware, long ago my mate held an illogical and powerful hatred for the Xindi, following the death of his sister in their attack on Earth. Eventually of course, he realized the logic in letting go of that hatred."

Storan nodded. He could see the obvious logic of that.

"However he has recently been confronted with a similar irrationality that he harbored. If he has come to see the logic of letting that go as well then the appearance of this Xindi, as the victim of just such a violent emotional response, would motivate him to intervene aggressively. As a surrogate, through which he would be able to physically wage his own internal struggle."

Storan considered before responding. "I confess, I fail to comprehend."

T'Pol nodded again. "That is understandable. It would require perhaps greater insight into human psychology than you need possess. You may continue with your report."

"Very well. It has come to our attention that Regum Dorna had intended to meet with Troy Smith, to arrange for his transportation off Alpha Centauri on a private vessel. Regum had apparently suffered significant financial difficulties as a result of excessive expenditures while touring the landmarks of the planet. He had advertised the availability of an otherwise unused passenger suite aboard his vessel, in order to reduce the expense of his upcoming departure. Troy Smith was to offer him several hundred credits for the suite in order to leave the system."

"I assume then that your security firm took it upon themselves to investigate the matter."

"We are first and foremost a clan venture, Elder. It seemed appropriate."

"I agree. However, I recommend you submit your findings to the Torus City peacekeepers immediately. We would not wish to reinforce the impression that Stone Shield represents a private intelligence force for the clan. However obvious that might be."

"I understand. We will do so promptly."

"Further, although I am sure you are already aware, Troy Smith has had significant personal contact with my family. Specifically, he served in Starfleet for several years before resigning to join the Company and so has gained the trust of my adun quickly. In addition, I suspect he was instrumental in aiding T'Pril in applying to Starfleet Academy without her father becoming aware of it."

Storan pondered the matter for a moment. "Lady T'Pol, considering these factors Troy Smith's presence during this incident and his apparent attempt to leave the planet circumspectly become all the more suspicious."

"His presence at 'Harmony' should not be considered unusual. It is a favored gathering place for many of the humans we employ. However, the manner of his departure is certainly suspect. To my knowledge, he has not severed his employment with the Company."

"He has not. Further, attempts to contact him via personal communicator have failed. We intend to send two agents to his home and four to the spaceport, as well as access his credit accounts in order to search for unusual transactions."

T'Pol nodded. "I trust that you know your business better than I. Do as you deem most logical. However, I find I am greatly concerned. If he is found, instruct your agents to take whatever steps are necessary to elicit an accounting of his actions. Should they prove unable to do so to their satisfaction, bring him to me. By force, if necessary."

"It will be as you say, Elder."

**********

Fairmont Hotel

San Francisco, California

Harnes depressed the 'end transmission' button on the console and leaned back in his chair. As much as he'd love to pretend his superior was off his gourd he had to admit the situation was such that there was just nothing else for it.

I wonder if I'm witnessing the end of Section 31. He thought. And not for the first time. It seemed every conceivable thing that could possibly happen to undermine their efforts with the Vigilant had very consistently happened over the last two years. It was almost impossible that it was all coincidental. Though he'd never seriously examined the possibility that some sort of God might really exist, he now assumed He must. And that He had apparently taken a fervent interest in playing practical jokes on Harnes and everyone else in his organization.

When the 'incoming transmission' bar lit up on his console and he read the identifier there, that settled it for him. I gotta admit. You're pretty funny, Big Guy.

He tapped the console and waited for the confirmation tone before speaking.

"Troy. You want to explain to me why you're calling in the open like this?"

"Sorry. Can't be helped. I'm at the Torus City Spaceport. All hell's broke loose out here."

"Yeah, I heard. Why aren't you off that planet yet, Troy?" Wait, spaceport? "Wha…are you trying to get a commercial flight?"

"Like I said, can't be helped. I had a nice, private ride lined up. Guess where we were supposed to meet?"

It took a second but Harnes figured it out quickly enough. "You have got to pulling my leg."

"Nope. Saw the whole thing. Barely got out of there with my skin. And avoided the peacekeepers. The Xindi that nearly got himself lynched? That was my ride."

Harnes pinched the bridge of his nose. Ugh.

"Okay, just go ahead and disintegrate yourself now, Troy. You're screwed."

"Tell me something I don't know. Now, how about being a little more productive? I've got Tucker's agents on my ass, you know."

"Well, I'd suggest getting the hell out of the spaceport first off. And I'd call in a safe house for you to rabbit in. But there's a little hitch."

"Hitch? What do you mean hitch? What kind of hitch?"

"Word just came down. You're going in."

"…"

"You heard me."

"I'm not looking forward to fighting an old man, Harnes. And that's exactly how that's going to come down. Never mind he's pretty damned tough for his age. Did you not hear about him fending off a whole crowd of pissed off Centaurans tonight? And T'Pol dropped about a half dozen herself before I could slip out the door, you know."

"He's sixty-six, Troy. My dad's sixty-six. Just duck and cover, you should be fine."

"Well, that's very funny, Harnes. Thank you so much. So I can expect full honors at my funeral? A nice flag for my mom to hang on the wall?"

"Sorry, Troy. In all seriousness, I'd trade places with you if I could. But the order's clear. Straight from the limey's mouth."

"Okay. Okay, fine. Look, you just make sure the back door's open if I need it. I'll do my best to limp out of this one alive."

"Alright, enough whining. Get to it. Back door's open but you do what you have to do. The Tuckers are in this now so we need them all the way in, got it?"

"Understood. I'll call you when the bleeding stops."

**********

Troy ended the transmission and removed the scrambler from the public console. Since there wasn't much point in hiding it any more, he simply pocketed it.

Exiting the booth he spotted the two Vulcans seated across the terminal, still waiting and watching. Again, no point in hiding, so he looked right at them rather than through the reflection on the booth window. They didn't bother being any more sly than he once it was clear they'd been made. They stood up and headed straight for him right away.

He was admittedly surprised to find their movement had distracted him from the two coming up behind them until they were at his shoulders.

"Mr. Smith, if you would come with us." Said the one on the left. "Lady T'Pol requests your presence at the compound."

"No problem. I don't suppose I could get one of you boys to fetch my car from the lot?"

"It has been taken care of." Said the tall one on the right. "We have an aircar waiting outside. Also, there are several questions we would ask of you."

"Yes, I imagine there are. But I'd rather wait and speak with the Tuckers personally, if you don't mind."

"As you prefer. However, it will be required that we conduct a thorough search of your person when we reach the transport. If you will comply it will not be necessary to render you unconscious."

"Understood. Lead the way."