Chapter 20: Deception:
Author's Note: This is last chapter of this story... sadly. Hope you enjoyed the ride! I don't own romulans or Star Trek.
Cubius walked in, "Sir, a federation vessel is sending a distress call. And they're in our territory being chased by a ferengi vessel."
"I know, Cubius." Zorek replied.
"Do we answer, sir?"
"I don't trust the damn federation but we can't just let those greedy little ferengi bastards to just waltz right into our territory!" Zorek yelled.
"So what do we do?"
"We get rid of the ferengi but we only help the federation as little as possible and then we force them out. No taking in injured, no helping repairs, and no talking to them unless absolutely necessary."
"Yes, sir."
"Are you okay to work, Cubius? You look like a train wreck."
"I rather work. I can't stand thinking about- just let me do my duties please sir."
"Okay, but know you are free to leave your duties at any time."
"Thank you, sir."
"Sorya, fire up the weapons. It's time to kick ferengi butt!"
"Yes, sir!" Sorya said obediently.
"Jal-" Zorek began but then looked sad, "I mean Volren take us within attacking range."
"Yes, sir." Volren said taking them closer to the ferengi vessel.
"Fire!"
Sorya began firing the weapons at them.
"They're firing back, sir!"
"Shields up! Evasive maneuvers!"
The ferengi ship continued to fire at the T'murr ruthlessly. Zorek kept barking orders at his crew managing to stay one step of the ferengi. Until, a hit managed to penatrate the hull. The explosion knocked Kelaar down and severely injured him. Zorek gasped in horror.
"No!" He shouted before running to Kelaar.
Zorek was very relieved to discover Kelaar was alive.
"Can you call Tenya up here?!" Zorek asked.
"No, sir. I can't reach her." Cubius said.
"Then call the federation vessel. Maybe they will help us."
"Okay."
Zorek found himself face to face with Captain Picard. Zorek immediately recognized him because of all the stories he heard, but he had no time to judge him. He had to help Kelaar no matter the cost.
"Sir, one of my officers have been injured and we can't reach our medical team. You have to help him please." Zorek begged.
"We will get your comrade to Sick Bay and we'll help him don't worry."
The screen went blank.
"Sorya, go with Kelaar. If this turns out to be some sort of trap, you know what to do."
"Of course, sir." Sorya replied.
She was beamed away with Kelaar to the federation vessel. Some officers helped her take Kelaar to Sick Bay where Dr. Crusher immediately went to help.
Meanwhile, on the T'murr, Zorek took over the weapons systems and fired at the ferengi vessels and managed to destroy them.
"Yes!" Zorek said smiling at his triumph.
On the Enterprise, they helped Kelaar get better. He immediately went to call Zorek on his communicator.
"Kelaar, is that you?" Zorek asked glad to hear his friend's voice.
"Yes, sir. They have very good doctors, sir. Sorya and I will be ready to return to the ship shortly."
"I'll be glad to have you back, commander."
Kelaar returned to the ship with Sorya.
Zorek smiled widely, "Kelaar, I'm so glad you're better!"
"Good to see you in good health too, sir!" Kelaar replied.
"Um sir, we have trouble." Cubius said.
"What kind of trouble?"
"A ship of ours is firing up weapons against the federation vessel."
"Damn it!" Zorek said slamming his fist down, "Sorya, disable their weapons. We owe the federation after what they've done for Kelaar."
"Are you sure, sir? You know the price for treachery is high."
"I know, Sorya and I alone will accept full responsibility."
"Okay, sir."
Sorya fired precisely at the weapons system of the vessel and managed to disable the weapons in only three shots.
"Uh sir, we're being hailed... by Tomalak." Cubius said.
"Answer the hail."
"Zorek, what is the meaning of this?!" Tomalak asked outraged.
"I alone was responsible for attacking your vessel. I accept full responsibility and punishment for my actions."
"You are hereby banned from the Romulan Star Empire. Your ship is revoked. Your rank is revoked."
"First, I lose a few men and now I lose my ship, my home?!"
"You know the price for treason."
Zorek glared at Tomalak, "Yes, sir. I understand."
The screen went blank.
"Sir, what are you going to do?" Sorya asked.
"Kelaar will be in charge of the ship in my absence." Zorek said barely managing to keep his voice even, "Contact the federation vessel. Hopefully they'll take me before Tomalak decides to imprison or kill me."
"Y- yes sir."
Captain Picard appeared on the screen.
"I have been kicked off my ship and out of my home for defending you. I humbly ask of you a favor to take me abroad your ship." Zorek said.
"Granted." Picard replied.
Zorek looked a bit surprised when he was willingly beamed onto a federation vessel. If he wasn't torn up inside after all that happened, he would have smiled. He faced Captain Picard not at all sure what to expect.
Author's Note: The end. Review please.