STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Face of the Enemy"
It was dark and Deanna's eyes were closed tightly and she twitched restlessly, as though she was trying to pull away from something. It looked like she was having a nightmare.
With a sudden, terrified gasp, her eyes snapped wide open.
Deanna sat up on a bed, breathing heavily. Her voice was cracked and dry.
"Computer... lights." she said.
There was no response. The room stayed dark.
"Computer, turn on the lights." she said louder.
Again, nothing happened.
Deanna clutched her head and moaned. She moved off the bed and almost immediately bumped into something. She reacted, surprised; clearly, this was not the room she was familiar with. She found a wall and began to feel her way along it.
Eventually, her hands found a control panel. She tapped several buttons before a light turned on.
Deanna was standing in a set of quarters on a Romulan Warbird. The room was spartan in nature, but the Romulan Imperial Seal was clearly visible on a wall. Deanna was in front of a dresser, staring into a mirror. She runs her hands over her face, her eyebrows, her ears, as her reflection stared back in utter disbelief. She looked like a Romulan.
Deanna hadn't yet recovered from the shock of her transformation. She was groggy and disoriented. She was dressed in the uniform of a Romulan officer, but it was somewhat different from the others. The color was brighter and there was a distinctive insignia on her right shoulder.
Suddenly, the door opened and a Romulan officer, Sub commander N'Vek, entered. Deanna tensed, instantly on her guard as N'Vek moved towards her.
"Good, you're awake." N'Vek said.
"Who... are you?" she asked woozy.
"Please, Counselor, there is little time. The Commander will be calling for you at any moment."
Then he moved quickly and efficiently, and there was an underlying urgency in his voice. He took out a tech device and adjusted it. He tried to bring it near Deanna's face, but she pushed at his arm, keeping the device away from her.
"Where am I?" she asked.
"You are aboard the Imperial Romulan Warbird Khazara. I am Sub-Commander N'Vek."
Deanna was confused, uncertain what to do next.
"Warbird?"
She tried to make sense of this. N'Vek began scanning her with the tech device. Deanna was still disoriented as she tried to make sense of her situation.
"I was at the neuro-psychology seminar on Bokara-Six. The last thing I remember was returning to my quarters. I was..." she started. "...attacked. I felt a...
hypospray?" she said unsure.
"It was necessary. I could not be certain you would come voluntarily."
"My head... is still spinning..."
"There are drugs in your system, but they've nearly dissipated. The disorientation will pass."
"Why have you brought me here?"
"Listen to me carefully." he said. "You are no longer Deanna Troi. You are Major Rakal of the Tal Shiar, the Imperial Intelligence. Commander Toreth will-
"Am I a prisoner?"
"No. There is no time to explain everything. You must listen." he said. "Commander Toreth will want to know your mission. Tell her nothing. Simply instruct her to proceed to the Kaleb sector, course one-oh-two mark four."
"The Kaleb sector..."
"Repeat it... heading one-oh-two mark four."
"Heading... one-oh-two mark four..." she said. "She'll... take orders... from me?"
"You are an officer of the Tal Shiar. She will obey you. But do not push her too far."
Then there was a beep and N'Vek stiffened instantly.
"Sub-Commander N'Vek. We are approaching the loading point. Bring our guest to the Bridge." Deanna said.
N'Vek tapped a com device.
"Yes, Commander. Immediately."
Then he began hurriedly adjusting Deanna's uniform, making certain everything looked correct. He handed her a disruptor.
"Please, we must hurry." he said urgently.
"I'm not going anywhere... tell me what this is about."
"You are a Starfleet officer disguised as a Romulan. Unless you trust me and do exactly as I have said... Toreth will discover you - and you will be killed."
"How do I know I won't be killed anyway?"
He regarded her intently for a moment.
"Your only chance to get off this ship alive is to do as I say." he said. "You are an empath. You would know if I am lying. Am I?"
She studied him carefully for a minute, then acknowledged.
"No."
"Then let us go see the Commander."
N'Vek moved to the door which opened. Deanna stood still for a minute but there was only one possible decision. She followed N'Vek out and they exit.
The Warbird bridge had several N.D. Romulans attending various stations around the perimeter. A single pilot sat at a console in front of the main Viewscreen. The Commander's station was against the back wall. It was not a chair, but a raised platform upon which the Commander stood. It was encircled by a railing to lean on and several command consoles. The entire room was forward of the Commander. Every inch of the Bridge was under her surveillance at all times and nothing went on behind her back.
Commander Toreth was a woman with a regal bearing and the grim look of a soldier who had seen many battles. She stood on her platform, watching the Viewscreen.
Deanna and N'Vek enttered and move toward Toreth's station where they waited. Toreth pointedly ignored them both.
"Orbit established, Commander." Pilot said.
"You may commence loading the cargo. Notify me when the transfer is complete." Toreth said.
"Yes, sir."
She silently surveyed the Bridge for another moment before she turned to notice them. The moment she did, N'Vek spoke up.
"Sir, may I present Major Rakal of the Tal Shiar." N'Vek said.
Toreth fixed her gaze on Deanna. It was a long, scrutinizing moment. She neither saluted nor extended her hand in greeting.
"This is Commander Toreth." he said to Deanna.
Deanna inclined her head slightly.
"Attend to your station." Toreth said to N'Vek.
It was an abrupt but absolute dismissal, issued without ever looking at him. N'Vek withdrawer to a nearby station, trying to keep an eye on Deanna, who was now alone in the lion's den.
"Why are you here without your guards?" Toreth said.
Deanna hesitated, not sure of the right answer.
"Well?"
"The mission is one of utmost secrecy. I could not... risk... bringing guards." Deanna said carefully.
Toreth eyed her sensing uncertainty and weakness, this Intelligence Officer could be pushed.
"And exactly what is the nature of this clandestine assignment?" she asked.
Again, Deanna hesitated.
"I... cannot reveal that." she said.
"Oh? Why not?"
"I am under orders."
Toreth moved toward her, circling, appraising a move intended to intimidate.
"You don't act like a member of the Tal Shiar. How long have you been with Intelligence?" she asked.
"Several months."
A smile curled on Toreth's lips, she was feeling less threatened by this unintimidating officer.
"Ah."
"Commander, the cargo is on board and secured." Pilot said urgently.
Toreth noted the information but her attention remained fixed on Deanna.
"Tell me... is there a reason why the Commander of the ship is being kept ignorant of its cargo?" Toreth asked.
"I don't know what you mean..."
"I've been ordered to take on cargo... but its contents are unknown to me. Does that seem wise?"
Deanna didn't respond.
"I am responsible for the safety of this ship and its crew. How do I know this cargo is safe to transport?"
"I'm sure it is safe. Otherwise it would not have been loaded."
Toreth's eyes sparkled with dark amusement. She began to circle the Bridge, including every member of the crew in her indictment of the Tal Shiar.
"Ah. Because the Tal Shiar is so deeply concerned with the safety and well-being of the military..."
There were a few grim smiles at this from the others.
"I'm sure every person on this Bridge could offer testimony about personal experiences with the Tal Shiar... and I doubt that many would recall those encounters as tender and caring..."
Toreth was gaining strength and confidence. She clearly felt that this Intelligence officer was an insect to be brushed away.
"So you will forgive me, Major, if I am hesitant to accept your assurances that the cargo is no danger to my crew." she said then walked right up to Deanna and stared at her, issuing a challenge. "I intend to open those containers -"
Deanna took a minute to look around the Bridge, heads had turned to see how this Major will react to this confrontation. Her glance brushed over N'Vek, who was struggling not to give anything away. She realized she was dangerously close to losing control of the situation, and must quickly re-establish her authority. She was still weak and groggy, she had no idea what she was doing here, and she knew she was in immense danger. But she'd better find an inner strength. She turned to Toreth, her eyes dark and her tone hard.
"That cargo is the property of the Tal Shiar. You will not touch it." she said.
But Toreth hadn't given up yet.
"By whose authority?" she asked.
"Mine. And if you do not wish to undergo another "personal experience" with the Tal Shiar, I suggest you not question me again."
Toreth stiffened slightly. The insect was stinging back.
"Commander Toreth... you will now proceed on course bearing one-oh-two mark four to the Kaleb sector." Deanna said.
"The Kaleb sector is virtually deserted. Why would we go there?"
Deanna looked Toreth directly in the eye.
"Because those are your orders." she said.
Toreth met Deanna's gaze impassively for a long minute. Finally, she turned to the pilot.
"Pilot, set course. Bearing one-oh-two mark four. Warp six." she said.
"Yes, Commander." Pilot said.
In the b.g., N'Vek relaxed visibly.
"Captain's Log, Stardate 46519.1. We have arrived at Research Station seventy-five to take on a rather unique passenger... one whose homecoming will undoubtedly be difficult." Picard said.
Riker, Beverly and Worf were on the move. Beverly carried a medical tricorder; Riker and Worf aren't look pleased at all.
"The man acted dishonorably. He is a traitor." Worf said.
"He risked his life to get here. It took him two weeks alone in a scout ship." Beverly said.
"That does not excuse his original actions."
"Well, maybe he finally realized he made a mistake."
"It took him twenty years too long." Riker said.
They left the corridor into the Transporter Room.
Riker, Beverly, and Worf entered. An N.D. crewmember was at the console.
"Energize." Riker said to Crewman.
The Crewman worked the console and the figure of Stefan DeSeve materialized on the platform. He was in his late forties, but his face was lined and worn beyond his years.
He wore the unadorned uniform of an enlisted Romulan soldier. The moment he saw Riker, he came stiffly to attention.
Riker reacted to the sight of the uniform; he didn't like seeing DeSeve in it.
"Ensign DeSeve. By order of Starfleet Command, you are hereby placed under arrest for treason." Riker said hard formal.
DeSeve stepped off the platform.
"I... understand." he said.
Beverly moved to him and began scanning him with her tricorder.
"After Doctor Crusher certifies you medically fit, you will be confined to quarters until a formal courts martial can be convened." Riker said.
DeSeve had been prepared for this and he took it stoically.
"And get some civilian clothes. I don't want to see you in that uniform." he continued.
"Yes, sir." DeSeve said. "Commander - I must speak with Captain Picard."
"The Captain is a busy man."
DeSeve moved toward him.
"Please... it's important. Urgent." DeSeve said urgently.
Worf took a step forward and DeSeve fell back, clearly intimidated. Riker waited a minute before answering.
"I'll tell him." he said.
Worf indicated the door and DeSeve reluctantly followed Beverly out.
DeSeve was looking around his quarters with uncertainty, he felt disoriented and alone here. He moved to the replicator.
"Vorcha'ak." he said to the replica.
"There is no listing for Vorcha'ak." computer said.
DeSeve thought for a moment.
"Coffee..." he said slowly.
Then DeSeve picked up the cup and sniffed it. The door chimed.
"Enter."
The doors opened and Picard entered. Through the doors, an N.D. security guard could be seen, stationed outside. DeSeve automatically snapped to attention out of reflex at the sight of a superior.
"Commander!"
"At ease... and it's Captain, actually." Picard said.
DeSeve relaxed only slightly.
"I'm... sorry, sir." he said. "Captains, not Commanders... it's been so long since I've... I'll remember."
Picard considered him for a moment. DeSeve did seem to be a man who was lost and alone, and Picard wasn't unsympathetic. But that was tempered by the knowledge that DeSeve's problems were entirely his own doing.
"You said it was important that I see you." he said.
"Yes... Captain. I have a message. From Ambassador Spock." DeSeve said and Picard reacted to the name. "He said it involves further... "cowboy diplomacy." He said you would understand..."
Picard smiled slightly. After a minute, he indicated a chair and they sat.
"There will be a Corvallen freighter arriving in the Kaleb sector in the next twelve hours. Spock wants you to rendezvous with that ship and take its cargo back to Federation space." he continued.
"What kind of cargo?"
"He said it was..." DeSeve said. "... "important to the future of the Romulans and the Federation."" he said trying to remember the exact words.
Picard studied DeSeve carefully.
"This is why you've returned... to bring this message?" he said.
"Partly."
DeSeve would just as soon leave it at that, but Picard waited for him to continue.
"In order to know whether Spock's message is being delivered accurately... I need to understand the messenger."
This was a difficult moment for DeSeve having to admit to a mistake he made a long time ago.
"I was... ready to come back. Romulus had... lost its appeal."
"And yet you found something very appealing about it at one time."
"The Romulans are very... moral, Captain. They have an absolute certainty about what is right and what is wrong... who is a friend and who is an enemy. They have a strict moral compass which provides them with a clarity of purpose." DeSeve said. "I once found their sense of purpose, their commitment and passion, to be very compelling."
"But not any longer..."
"As I've grown older, I realize that clarity of purpose is a more ambiguous matter than I had thought in my youth."
A long minute as Picard considered this man. He tapped his combadge.
"Mister Riker. Set course for the Kaleb sector. Warp eight." Picard said on com.
"Aye-aye, sir." Riker said.
At the Warbirds cargo bay N'Vek was in a room with several large cargo containers stacked against the wall. An N.D. Romulan Centurion stood at attention nearby.
The doors opened and Deanna entered.
"You may wait outside. Make certain we are not disturbed." Deanna said.
The Centurion bowed his head and left quickly, relieved to be out of her presence. She noted his reaction.
"They're all terrified of me."
"The purpose of the Tal Shiar is to ensure loyalty. To defy them is to invite imprisonment... or death." N'Vek said.
Deanna didn't like the role she's been thrust into.
"It's time you told me what this is all about." she said.
"That is why I called you here." N'Vek said then moved over to one of the cargo containers and began tapping commands into a complex-looking control panel. "This is one of the cargo containers we brought on board earlier."
"What's in it?"
N'Vek tapped a last command into the control panel and the container door slid open.
Inside the Cargo container the body of a Romulan citizen in an official-looking uniform. He is wearing a tech device on his neck.
Deanna reacted, touching his face.
"He's alive... but in stasis. Who is it?" she asked.
"Vice Proconsul M'ret of the Imperial Senate..." he said. "... and his two top aides." he said gesturing to other containers.
Even Deanna had heard of this man.
"M'ret... he's one of the highest ranking members of the Romulan government..."
"His defection will be a profound blow to Romulus..."
"Why is he doing this?"
"M'ret had questioned the repressive activities of the government - and was in danger of being imprisoned. He is willing to take this risk in order to protest Romulan policy and support the dissident movement."
"You are part of Ambassador Spock's underground movement..."
"Yes. If we are able to deliver M'ret safely, Spock is hopeful that we can establish an escape route for the thousands of dissidents who live in fear of their lives." he said. "Now you realize why we are willing to go to such extraordinary lengths - even kidnapping you - to make sure we succeed."
Deanna reflected on this barrage of information.
"You've given me the identity of a Tal Shiar officer... is there a real Major Rakal?" she said.
"There was. She was killed so that you could take her place. Only a member of the Tal Shiar would have the authority to alter a ship's mission."
"But - why me? You could have found a Romulan to play this role..."
"Yes - for this part of the plan. But if anything goes wrong... we will need a Starfleet officer."
"Why?"
"There's no need to go into that unless it becomes necessary."
Deanna was bothered by the withholding of information.
"For your own sake, Counselor - the less you know about the specifics of this plan, the better."
There was a silence while Deanna assessed these strange events and her role in them.
"What is your plan?" she asked.
N'Vek briefly worked the control panel and closed the cargo container, sealing it shut.
"When we reach the Kaleb sector, we will rendezvous with a Corvallen freighter. You will take these containers onto their ship and accompany them back to Starfleet Headquarters."
"The Corvallens are mercenaries... Do they know what's in these containers?"
"No. They were hired simply to take you to Federation space."
"Very well."
It was her acceptance of the lot she had drawn. N'Vek checked the container one last time, making certain it's secure.
"We are due in the Ward Room shortly. The senior officers always dine together." he said.
"I'll go to my quarters. I think it would be best if I stayed away from the Commander."
"No, you will be expected to attend. I'll go ahead... follow me after a few moments. Commander Toreth must not feel that anything is unusual."
The Warbird ward room was a Conference/Officer's Room which was connected by a set of doors to the Bridge. Toreth, N'Vek, and two N.D. Romulan officers were seated at a table. A large meal was spread out before them. The Commander and her officers were friends, and the atmosphere was relaxed.
"... and we had been told that the Klingon outpost was undefended. So when their warships decloaked, they took us completely by surprise..." Toreth said.
The doors opened and Deanna entered. In an instant, the two N.D. officers tensed up, completely on edge. Toreth indicated an open seat and continued her story.
Deanna bowed her head slightly and sat.
"... The Klingons destroyed half my squadron before we could even return fire. But when we did... they were no match for us. I destroyed their flagship myself. I received the Sotarek Citation for my actions that day." she continued. "The Intelligence Officer in charge of the mission was executed." she said pointing.
The words were followed by an uncomfortable silence.
"Major. Welcome to our table." she said.
"Commander." Deanna said.
"I suggest you try the viinerine. It's quite good."
Deanna was suddenly put on the spot. She had no idea which of the various dishes Viinerine actually was but there was no time to try to figure it out. She picked up a dish at random and began spooning some of it onto her plate. Toreth smiled mildly.
"I realize it's nothing compared to what you're accustomed to on Romulus... but you could at least try the viinerine..." she said.
Deanna had picked the wrong dish. She quickly tried to cover her mistake and didn't stop serving as she spoke.
"I've smelled better viinerine on prison ships." she said.
"No doubt."
They all continued to eat in silence for a minute. Deanna wanted to avoid conversations as much as possible, but Toreth wouldn't let her alone.
"Tell me, Major... did you train at the Intelligence Academy or the Imperial War College?" she asked.
"The Academy." Deanna said hoping it was right.
"Ah - then you know Commander Konsab."
"I know of him."
"I assume you studied Military History with him?"
"Yes."
"I was wondering what you felt about his theory on the differences between the military and the Tal Shiar?"
"Which aspects are you referring to?"
Toreth stared at her for a moment.
"Are you sure you attended class regularly, Major? This was one of Konsab's main themes."
Deanna took a bite and chewed, scrambling for time.
"Do you have a point to make, Commander? If so, it has escaped me."
Toreth flared slightly, stung.
"Commander Konsab believes that, in order to function, military officers have to trust each other. Members of the Tal Shiar, on the other hand, trust no one. They expect deception, so they always find it."
"You've made your opinion of the Tal Shiar quite clear, Commander."
"I hope so."
The tension level between them cranked up a notch. Deanna felt she must not back down in order to maintain credibility.
"We ensure the loyalty of the people. Do you believe the Empire would be better off without our protection?"
Deanna had pushed a sore spot.
"Protection? From whom? Was the Empire threatened by the words of an old man, a devoted citizen who merely tried to speak his mind? How did the Tal Shiar protect the Empire by dragging my father from our home in the middle of the night?" Toreth asked.
This was extremely hard for Deanna. She could feel Toreth's intensity and anger, and she sympathized with her. But she couldn't let it show, she had to play her role.
"Clearly, your father was a traitor."
"No. He was just an idealistic old man... and I never saw him again."
"I don't need your devotion, Commander. Just your obedience."
"That is all you have."
A long, silent minute was interrupted by the com.
"Commander. Sensors are picking up an unidentified ship on an intercept course." Pilot said on com.
Toreth's expression hardened. She stood up and left onto the Bridge. Deanna, N'Vek, and the rest followed her out.
Toreth and the others entered the bridge and took their stations. Deanna stood near Toreth.
"What is the configuration?" Toreth asked.
"It appears to be a freighter, Commander." Pilot said.
"Hail them." Deanna said.
Deanna said it as an order, not a request and Toreth didn't like it one bit. Toreth looked sharply at Deanna who stared back unflinchingly.
"Visual." Toreth said.
The Viewscreen filled with the image of an Alien Captain.
"Commander. We are glad to see you. We are prepared to transfer your cargo as agreed..." he said.
As the captain spoke, Deanna's features changed; something was troubling her about this man. Something was wrong here. She quietly moved to N'Vek.
"With whom do you have this "agreement"?" she asked.
"Our arrangements were made with Major Rakal. You may rest assured that your cargo will be taken safely to its destination." he said. "We will transmit coordinates for you to beam it aboard."
"He's lying. They have no intention of keeping their word." Deanna told N'Vek sotto.
N'Vek was shocked.
"Are you certain?" he asked.
Deanna silently nodded. N'Vek looked up at the Alien Captain, then made a difficult decision. Without another word, he moved quickly to a console and tapped a command.
The Bridge crew was shocked. Toreth was furious and moved to N'Vek, grabbing him.
"Why did you destroy that vessel?" Toreth asked.
"I beg forgiveness, Commander, but... Major Takal ordered me to fire." N'Vek said.
Deanna was stunned, but she had to hide it.
Deanna was still in shock over the ship's destruction and N'Vek's accusation. Toreth was furious.
"The Corvallen freighter has been completely destroyed, Commander. There are no survivors." Pilot said.
"I demand an explanation." Toreth said to Deanna.
Deanna said nothing; she moved to the Pilot's station.
"How many were aboard that ship?" she asked.
"Approximately eighteen people, sir." Pilot said off console.
Approximately eighteen people, sir.
The information was devastating; indirectly or not, she was responsible for their deaths, but she couldn't afford to show how she really felt. She wanted to get off the
Bridge, get some time to think, but Toreth won't let up.
"I don't care if there were eighteen or eight-hundred." she said. "On this ship, I give the command to fire, Major. You have no right-"
Deanna angrily touched the Tal Shiar emblem on her shoulder.
"This gives me the right." she said.
"Even you must eventually answer to someone. You will be held accountable."
Deanna had no alternative in this; to keep them both safe, she must defend N'Vek's actions.
"I have been given broad discretionary powers. Sub-Commander N'Vek acted on my authority... the authority of the Tal Shiar. I assure you - this action will not be questioned." she said.
"I will nonetheless make a note in my log that I am not responsible for those eighteen lives... and that I deplore their loss."
"Do what you feel necessary. In the meantime, we must protect ourselves." Deanna said. "Activate the cloaking device." she said to Pilot.
The Pilot looked to Toreth for confirmation; Toreth nodded.
"Cloak is engaged.
Deanna moved to the exit.
"And what are my orders now, Major?
"Hold position - and wait." she said and left.
At the Enterprise Picard, Riker, Data, Worf and Wesley were on the bridge at their stations.
"There is no sign of the freighter, Sir. We are the only ship in the area." Data said.
"Ensign, verify our position." Picard said puzzled.
"We're holding at the coordinates specified by Ensign DeSeve, sir." Wesley said off console.
"Is there anything on long range sensors?" Riker asked.
"Sensors indicate no other ships within three light years." Data said while he worked console.
"Has this all been a hoax?" Riker asked Picard.
"That's one possibility." Picard said. "Mister Worf, bring Ensign DeSeve to my Ready Room."
Picard was at the ready room sitting at his desk as Worf entered with DeSeve. Worf didn't like this guy and stayed as physically intimidating as possible.
"Well, Mister DeSeve. You promised me a freighter with an important cargo. The only thing here is empty space. Do you have an explanation?" he asked.
DeSeve was genuinely surprised.
"I... don't understand..." he started.
"Sir, he has deceived us." Worf said.
"No - I was told the ship would be at these coordinates."
Picard lifted a staying hand toward Worf.
"You said the message came directly from Ambassador Spock?" he said.
"Yes." DeSeve said. "Well... not exactly..."
"What does that mean?"
"Someone else relayed the message to me. But he said Spock spoke directly to him."
Picard stared at him. The story began to lose credibility, and DeSeve realized that.
"I trust the man who spoke to me. He would not have lied." he said.
"Was he Romulan?" Worf asked.
"Yes."
Worf's disdain was palpable.
"He is a member of the underground - a dissident. He risks his life to work with those who want a different future for Romulus." he continued trying to explain.
"Captain, he could be leading us into a trap."
"No, that's not so..."
"It would be risky to set a trap here, so close to Federation space... but the fact remains - there is no freighter." Picard said. "Ensign DeSeve, did your contact tell you anything else that might be helpful?"
There was a long minute.
"The freighter is an old Antaresclass vessel... it has limited range and speed." DeSeve said. "It couldn't have taken on its cargo more than a day ago... which means it has to be within fifteen light years of here."
Picard and Worf stared at him.
"Why didn't you mention this earlier?" Picard asked.
DeSeve hesitated before answering.
"It didn't seem necessary. And on Romulus, you learn not to volunteer information." he said. "It's a hard habit to break."
Picard rose and circled the desk, heading for the door.
"Perhaps now would be a good time to start. Gentlemen, come with me." he said.
They followed him through the doors to the Bridge.
Data, Wesley and Riker were already there. Worf headed for his station. Wesley needed to stay on the bridge today because there wasn't enough free people today. But as usual Wesley gladly agreed without saying anything.
"Mister Data, initiate a phase three search pattern - radius fifteen light years." Picard said.
"Aye, Captain." Data said.
"Ensign DeSeve, I want you to stay right here. In case you recall anything else that might have slipped your mind." Picard said gesturing to a chair on his left.
Chastened, DeSeve took the chair.
At the Warbird cargo bay Deanna paced, agitated. The guard wasn't there. N'Vek entered. He was distressed, too, though not quite for the same reason.
"Our plan has collapsed..." he said.
"Our plan? What about the people on that freighter? Why did you fire?" Deanna asked.
"There was no alternative. You told me they couldn't be trusted. If I let them live... the whole mission would be in jeopardy?"
"Eighteen people lost their lives..."
N'Vek turned on her, drilling into her like a laser. He was frayed and pushed to his limits.
"Don't lecture me, Counselor. A number of people have died in order to carry out this mission. Believe me, those eighteen won't be the last."
"I'm sorry... but I can't dismiss those lives so easily."
N'Vek regarded her stonily.
"Fine. Agonize all you want... but don't let it get in the way of our plan." he said.
She eyed him for a tense moment.
"You don't have a plan anymore." she said.
"You remember I told you if anything went wrong, we would need a Starfleet officer..."
She eyed him warily...
"Yes..."
"There is a Starfleet base on Draken Four. It is two days away maximum warp." he said acknowledging. "That's where we're going."
"In a Romulan ship..."
"Yes. It's your job to order Toreth to proceed into Federation territory."
"We'll never get through the gravitic sensor nets."
"We will... if you provide the correct access codes."
"Do you really think this has a chance of succeeding?"
"If you have another idea, I'll be happy to consider it."
They held a hard look for a moment then she left and he followed.
Deanna and N'Vek were at the ward room with Toreth.
"You will plot a course for the Draken System." Deanna said.
There was a brief, surprised silence.
"You can't be serious." Toreth said.
"Draken Four was the freighter's destination." Deanna said. "I ordered it destroyed because I recognized the Captain - a known Federation spy. Now, we must deliver the cargo ourselves."
"Why must -"
"I do not intend to explain myself to you. Set a course."
"In order to reach Draken we will have to travel through Federation space for nearly twenty hours."
"That is not a problem."
"Contrary to the propaganda your superiors would have us believe, Starfleet is neither weak nor foolish. The chances of us reaching Draken undetected are not good."
"We will be cloaked."
"The cloaking device does not make us completely invulnerable. You would know that if you had spent any time in the field." Toreth said. "The Federation has littered their borders with subspace listening posts and gravitic sensors. They may even have a tachyon detection grid in operation, in which case they will know we're there." she continued. "If we are discovered within Federation territory, it could be interpreted as an act of war."
"The Tal Shiar has obtained access codes for the sensor nets. I will provide them if necessary."
Toreth was very uneasy with this plan.
"That is no guarantee that we will escape detection." she said.
Your cowardice does not befit a Romulan soldier.
Toreth stiffened at the accusation, even N'Vek was surprised. Deanna was playing her role to the hilt.
"People blame the military for the wars we are asked to fight. But I think it is your kind, Major, that will be the death of us all." Toreth said then left.
Deanna and N'Vek followed her out.
Deanna and N'Vek entered the bridge. Toreth was already at her station.
"Plot a course for the Draken System." Toreth said.
"Course plotted, sir." Pilot said working on the console.
"Prepare for warp -"
Suddenly, the lights in the room switched to red, and the alarm klaxons began to sound.
"Commander, sensors are picking up a vessel." Pilot said. "Our cloaking device is still engaged... they have not detected us." he said off console.
Toreth reacted.
"Activate Viewscreen." she said.
The image fell the screen. It was the Enterprise, floating above them like a naval destroyer poised above a submarine, ready for the kill.
Reactions.
The Enterprise was on screen.
"It is the Enterprise, Commander." Pilot said.
Deanna reacted.
"Well, Major... it appears your suspicions about that freighter were correct after all. The Federation has come in search of their spies." Toreth said. "Status." she said to Pilot.
"They are scanning the debris of the freighter. Their shield levels are normal and their weapon systems are not active." Pilot said off console. "They are not prepared for battle, sir."
"Then they were not expecting us to be here. And I see no reason to alter that perception." she said. "The radiation from the debris field could make our cloak detectable if we engage warp engines. Proceed at maneuvering speed -" she said to Pilot.
"One moment, Commander." Deanna said interrupting her.
The sudden appearance of the Enterprise had changed everything. Deanna wanted to keep it nearby until she could figure out a way to contact the ship.
"We should hold our position until the Enterprise has left the area. We cannot risk detection." she said.
"Even if we are detected, they will not be able to track us once we go to warp."
"We haven't established their intentions."
"Their intentions are obvious... and of no concern to us, Major." Toreth said. "Proceed on course, maneuvering engines only. Go to warp when we're clear of the debris field." she said to Pilot.
"Yes, Commander." Plot said. "We will clear the field in twenty-seven minutes." he said off console.
Toreth was now studiously ignoring Deanna. Deanna moved to the doors and shot N'Vek a meaningful glance; he understood the situation, they have to meet.
"You will keep me informed of our progress." Deanna said then left the Bridge." Deanna said imperiously.
"It is not wise to challenge the Tal Shiar, Commander." N'Vek said.
" will not let her tell me how to run my ship." Toreth said.
Picard, Riker, DeSeve and Data were on the bridge at the Aft Science station, looking at a monitor display of space debris.
"The debris is widely scattered, sir. It appears to be the remains of a ship..." Data said. "... My analysis indicates that it was an Antares-class freighter."
Picard glanced at DeSeve.
"That's the ship we were supposed to meet..." DeSeve said.
"Could they have had some sort of malfunction... a reactor core breach?" Picard asked.
"I do not believe so. That would not be consistent with the debris pattern. However, sensors do indicate extremely high levels of residual antiprotons." Data said.
Picard and Riker reacted; they know what this implies.
"Romulan disruptor fire..." Riker started.
"That is correct. And based on the antiproton decay, I would estimate that the incident occurred within the last four-point-three hours." Data said.
"Then... the Romulans could still be in the vicinity." Picard said.
Picard and Riker exchanged a concerned glances.
"Red alert. Shields at maximum." he said.
The red alert lights went off.
"Whatever cargo was on that freighter, the Romulans didn't want it to reach us. Are you sure you don't know what it was?" Picard asked DeSeve.
"No, sir. I swear it." DeSeve said.
"All we seem to have here are questions." Picard said. "Mister Data, continue scanning the area."
At the Warbird Deanna and N'Vek were at Deanna's quarters.
"Somehow, we have to get a message to the Enterprise." Deanna said.
"That's impossible." N'Vek said.
"This is the perfect opportunity. The Enterprise is nearby. If we can communicate with them, they might be able to help us."
"Counselor. This ship is travelling under cloak. All of our electromagnetic emissions are being monitored. If we attempted any communication whatsoever we would be discovered instantly. It could not succeed." he said. "We must continue to Draken Four. That is the safest course."
"Is there anything you can do to the ship or the cloaking device that would let the Enterprise track us?"
"Track us? No - we want to get into Federation territory undetected."
"What we want - is to get the dissidents to safety. Now answer the question. Is there a way?"
"If there were, I wouldn't do it."
Deanna eyed him for a brief moment, and then approached him. There was heat flaring from her.
"Yes, you will." she said.
"Counselor -"
"We're not playing it your way anymore, N'Vek. I've been kidnapped... surgically altered... put in danger... I've gone along with all your plans. Now, you are going to listen to me. You figure out how to let the Enterprise track us, or I will go to Toreth and tell her I've discovered you're a traitor. I'll order you ejected into space. Do you understand me, Sub-Commander?"
There was a tense minute and then N'Vek blinked.
"There is one possibility. In order for a ship to remain undetectable while cloaked, the radiative emissions from the warp engines must be precisely balanced." he said reluctantly. "The ship's Engineer is a sympathizer. He may be able to slightly misalign one of the nullifier cores. It would create a small magnetic disturbance in space whenever we were in motion."
"Good. Do it."
"The effect would occur only intermittently. They might not even detect it." he said still trying to avoid this.
"If that's the best we can do, we have to try it."
"Anything more would register immediately on the Bridge." he said. "Even this slight misalignment might be detected."
Deanna gave him a hard look.
"It's a risk we'll have to take. You're the one who outlined the stakes to me, N'Vek. Are you getting squeamish now, just because things are getting a little more dangerous?" she asked.
He had no answer.
Picard, Riker, Data, and Worf at their stations. Wesley was at conn; DeSeve was in the b.g.
"Captain. Sensors are picking up a polarized magnetic distortion to our port side..." Data said off console.
"Analysis." Picard said.
"The distortion is extremely weak, sir... It appears to be moving, slowly... it -" Data said while he worked the console. (beat; surprised) "It is gone, sir." he said surprised.
"Gone?" Riker said.
"The distortion no longer registers on our instruments."
"Mister Data, could this distortion be caused by a cloaked ship?" Picard asked.
"Unknown. Our understanding of Romulan technology is still limited."
DeSeve had been following the conversation carefully in the b.g.; he moved forward.
"Captain..." he said.
They all turn to look at him.
"Romulan ships use a forced quantum singularity as a power source. If that system is not functioning perfectly or is damaged, even slightly... it might show through the cloak as a magnetic disturbance of some kind..." he said.
Picard was considering the information when something registers on Data's console.
"The distortion has reappeared... bearing three-three-seven mark ten..." he said off console. "It has disappeared again, sir."
"Mister DeSeve, is it your opinion that we're picking up a cloaked Romulan ship?" Picard asked.
"It's a strong possibility, sir."
"Mister Data, continue your scan." Picard said.
"Helm, link navigational control to Mister Data's console. Plot an intercept course toward that distortion." he said to Con.
At the Warbird Deanna was on the Bridge. Toreth, Pilot, and N.D. Romulans at their stations.
During the next, Varek entered and quietly took his station.
"Commander. The Enterprise is underway." Plot said off console.
"Good. What is their course?" Toreth said to Pilot.
"They are heading toward us, sir."
"What?" she said surprised.
"They appear to be on an intercept course."
Deanna realized the trail was working.
"What is the status of our cloaking device? Is there a malfunction of any kind?" Toreth asked Pilot.
N'Vek was clearly worried; this was the moment of truth. If they're going to find out the sabotage, it will be now.
"The cloaking device is functioning correctly, sir. All shipboard emissions are within normal range." Pilot said off console.
"Commander. The Enterprise may simply be engaged in search operations." N'Vek said.
"Perhaps."
Back at the Enterprise bridge,
"Where is it now, Mister Data...?" Picard asked.
"Dead ahead, sir. It is slowing-" Data said. "It has disappeared once again, sir." he said off console. "It may have been coming to a halt."
"Stop engines."
"If it is a Romulan ship, will they hold position until we leave?" Riker asked.
"I don't think so, sir. A Romulan Commander's instinct would be to attack." DeSeve said.
The Warbird atmosphere was tense. Toreth stood impassively on her platform, staring at the Viewscreen. Suddenly, she broke the silence.
"Pilot. Engage maneuvering engines, forward zero-point-one. Take us directly under their hull." Toreth said.
"Yes, Commander." Pilot said.
The engines hummed to life as the Warbird began to move. Deanna reacted, alarmed.
"What are you doing?" Deanna asked.
"It seems the Enterprise may be able to track us even though we're cloaked." Toreth said. "I intend to find out whether they can or cannot." she continued. "N'Vek. Ready attack procedure."
N'Vek was shocked as well but immediately snapped to the task.
"Sir, disruptors are standing by. Ready to disengage cloak." he said off console.
"Commander, we cannot risk an engagement here." Deanna said scrambling.
"Considering the nature of our mission, I would have preferred to avoid it as well. But I see no other alternative." Toreth said.
The viewscreen image of the Enterprise began to grow as the Warbird moved slowly closer.
"What do you intend to do?" Deanna asked.
"We will pass as close as we possibly can. If they do have the ability to track us, they will move to avoid a collision." Toreth said. "And if they do... I will destroy them."
Picard, Riker and Worf were on the bridge at their stations; Data at Ops, Wesley was at conn. The ship was still at red alert.
"Sir, the magnetic distortion has reappeared." Data said off console.
"Bearing and speed?" Picard said.
"It appears to be moving toward us, closing slowly at one-hundred kph... its bearing indicates a possible collision course."
"Time to impact?" Riker said.
"I am unable to make a precise measurement. However, I estimate impact within ninety seconds."
"This doesn't make any sense. Why would they be trying to hit us? And if they were, why not hit us at full speed?" Riker said to Picard.
Picard turned questioningly to DeSeve who looked as confused as everyone else.
"I don't know. The Romulans will sometimes make suicide attacks, but only as a last resort. There's no reason for it here." DeSeve said.
"Time to impact, approximately sixty seconds." Data said.
"We don't have the luxury to speculate." Picard said. "Back us away from that distortion, Ensign. One-half impulse." he said to Wesley.
"Aye-aye, sir." Wesley said.
At the Warbird bridge Toreth stood at her command station. Deanna, N'Vek, Pilot, and N.D.s were in their positions.
"They are moving away, Commander." Pilot said off console.
Toreth smiled grimly.
"Prepare attack sequence." she said.
The Warbird engines hummed as the ship prepares for attack. N'Vek shot Deanna a worried glance.
"All sections report ready for battle, Commander." N'Vek said.
"Disruptors are fully charged." Pilot said.
Deanna watched, her mind racing.
"Disengage cloak on my command. Prepare to fire-" Toreth started but was cut off by Deanna.
"Disregard that order." she said firmly
The entire bridge crew froze. All eyes were on Toreth and her.
"What?" Toreth asked.
"I do not authorize this attack. You will cease battle operations immediately."
"I do not need your authorization to attack, Major. This is my ship."
Deanna was playing her role to the hilt. She had to make this completely convincing. She moved to stand right beside Toreth's command station.
"How typical of the military to resort to brute force when discretion is required." Deanna said.
"The Enterprise has demonstrated that they can track us. They must be destroyed."
"That's correct - they can track us." she said. "And if we attack them - your way - they will return fire. But we will be vulnerable as we cloak and our shields drop. They will destroy us."
Toreth saw the logic of Deanna's argument but couldn't back down now.
"Do you question my ability to command?" Toreth asked.
"You are not fit to command." Deanna said. "Step down."
Toreth remained at her post, unmoving.
"Step down or I will have you removed." Deanna said.
"Do you think anyone here will listen to you?" Toreth asked.
This was the moment, the final struggle for control of the ship. Deanna turned to all the Romulans on the Bridge.
"If any one of you defies the Tal Shiar, you will not bear the punishment alone. Your families... all of them, will be there beside you." she said.
The words hit home. The Romulans exchanged glances.
"I am now Commander of this ship. You will take orders from me and no one else." she continued then looked toward N'Vek. "Remove Commander Toreth from her station. If she resists, shoother." she continued.
N'vek nodded, took out his disruptor, and held it on Toreth.
"Commander... please... step down." he said.
Without a word, Toreth slowly stepped off the command platform. Deanna stepped onto the platform and took her place.
Remove her weapon." Deanna said to N'Vek.
N'Vek moved to Toreth and took away her weapon. The eyes of everyone on the bridge were now on Deanna, the new Commander.
"Now, Commander... watch and learn. In order to defeat your enemy, you must first understand them. The Federation wishes to avoid war at all cost. So I shall offer them a diplomatic solution... get them to lower their shields... and then destroy them." she said.
At the Enterprise bridge,
"Captain, we are being hailed." Worf said.
"On-screen." Picard said.
Deanna appeared on the Viewscreen. Picard stared at her, shocked as he recognized her, but canny enough not to reveal it.
"I am Major Rakal of the Tal Shiar." Deanna said.
"I am Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise." Picard said.
"How can we be of help?"
"A Carvallen freighter was destroyed not far from here... we detected the residual effects of disruptor fire. Can you shed any light on this?"
"A regrettable incident, Captain. The freighter was fired upon by the former Commander of this vessel. I have now taken control, and I assure you there will be no more attacks."
"Still, there was a significant loss of life..."
"Captain... we do not want this incident to be exaggerated. You and I can discuss it calmly... diffuse it before it becomes inflated."
Picard realized Deanna must be asking for cooperation.
"Yes... I agree." he said.
"I will come onto your ship. Please lower your shields and prepare to beam me aboard."
This made sense to Picard, Deanna was asking help to get back on the Enterprise from whatever strange predicament she was in.
"Very well." Picard said. "Mister Worf, lock onto Major Rakal. Transport on my command." he said to com.
"Aye, sir." Worf said.
"Thank you, Captain." Deanna said.
The Viewscreen returned to the starfield.
"What's she doing on that ship?" Riker asked.
"I don't know... but she needs our help to get back. Mister Worf, keep your lock on her no matter what happens." Picard said.
"Yes, Captain." Worf said.
"Lower the shields..."
Back at the Warbird bridge Deanna turned to N'vek.
"They are dropping their shields." N'Vek said.
"Activate forward disruptor array and fire when ready." Deanna said.
"Yes, Major." N'vek said then worked his console. "Firing..."
Three Romulan detonated materialized onto the Enterprise Bridge, still in stasis and in the same positions.
Everyone was confused and everything was happening at once.
"Captain, they have fired on us!" Worf said.
"Shields up... stand by phasers." Picard said.
"Damage report." he said to Worf.
"We sustained a direct hit... but there is negligible damage. The disruptor had almost no power." he said puzzled and off console.
Riker and DeSeve moved to examine the dissidents. DeSeve reacted when he saw who they are.
"This is Proconsul M'ret... and his aides. They are part of the underground movement..." he said.
"They're in stasis..." Riker said. "Medical team to the Bridge." he said on com.
Nobody quite knows what's going on... and there is still one big question left.
"Where's Deanna?" Riker asked Picard.
Back at the Warbird,
"Disruptors were ineffective... the Enterprise was not damaged. They have re-established full shields." Pilot said surprised.
N'Vek knew exactly what happened, but he had to cover it up.
"I am reading a malfunction in our forward disruptor array... the power system has destabilized -" he said off console.
Toreth moved to N'Vek's station and shoved him out of the way. As she checked the console readouts, her look hardened she saw something wasn't right. She turned to N'Vek.
"You are lying to me. The disruptor beam was purposely sabotaged to conceal a transporter beam within it." she said. "Quickly... locate the transport coordinates." she said to Pilot. "What have you done?" she asked N'Vek.
N'Vek didn't answer. There was a tense moment as the Pilot worked the console.
"The transporter beam originated in... our cargo bay. Something was transported from there - to the Enterprise." Pilot said.
Toreth whirled on Deanna.
"So. The mysterious cargo... brought on board by Major Rakal of the Tal Shiar... has now been transported to a Starfleet vessel." she said. "It appears we have two traitors in our midst."
Reactions from Deanna and N'Vek, they've been discovered. The following events happened quickly.
N'Vek reached for his disruptor.
Toreth instinctively reached for her weapon as well but it wasn't there, it was confiscated earlier. N'Vek brought up his weapon, and for an instant it looked as though he'll fire on Toreth, and then, suddenly N'Vek vaporized to reveal the Pilot holding out his disruptor. He looked grimly at Toreth; she clasped his shoulder Deanna.
Toreth had now fully regained command and she reasserted her position on the Bridge. Deanna was being guarded by the Pilot and an N.D. Romulan, each armed with disruptors. Toreth regarded her coolly.
"Well, Major... now that you can no longer take refuge behind the shield of the Tal Shiar... it's time you answered a few questions." she said. "What was in those cargo containers?"
Deanna said nothing.
"Not so sure of yourself now, are you? Well, no matter. We'll soon learn all we need to know." Toreth said. "Then we will execute you." she continued. "Drop shields and cloak the ship. Prepare to go to warp." she said to Pilot.
On the Enterprise main bridge Viewscreen, the Warbird shimmered away.
"Mister Worf - now." Picard said.
Deanna materialized on the Transporter Pad. Geordi is there, waiting for her.
"Counselor - are you all right?" Geordi asked.
"Yes..." Deanna said breathless.
"Let's get you to Sickbay..." Geordi said.
And they headed for the bridge and sickbay.
"Ensign, get us out of here - warp nine." Picard said when he got to the main bridge.
"Aye, sir." Wesley said.
Deanna was at sickbay sitting on a sickbed as Beverly scanned her with a tricorder. Deanna's Romulan features had been removed, but she was still in the Tal Shiar uniform. Picard now stood at the bedside. The three Romulans were in the b.g., out of stasis.
"I think that does it. How does it feel to have your own face back?" Beverly said.
Deanna sat up and ran her hands gingerly across her face and ears.
"Just right. Thank you." Danna said.
Beverly smiled and moved away.
"The men you helped rescue are safe. Proconsul M'ret is deeply grateful for your help." Picard said.
"The thanks should go to N'vek... He sacrificed himself to save them... and me..."
"Thanks to the two of you, the way has been paved for other rescue operations." he said. "You can be sure that N'vek's efforts... and his sacrifice... were not in vain."
She smiled at him, grateful for the words of comfort.