Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of its characters, only my OC - Kaitlyn Donovan.
This story is the sequel to All's Fair in Love and War.
Query: What sacrifices must be endured by those that secure our freedom?
Thank you to Just a Crazy-Man, bina W, and IrishBug74, LoyaulteMeLie, Lupinesence, jeangreyten, Belen09, Silver-ShadowSpark, Cap'nFrances, g-love99, guest, badkarma00, and Snowbird for the reviews, and to everyone that is following this story and adding it to their favorites!
Chapter 20 - Be Careful What You Ask For
The Price of Freedom
Chapter 20 - Be Careful What You Ask For
Admiral Maxwell Forrest walked down the corridors of the Vulcan Cruiser from his room to Ambassador Soval's. He pushed the communication panel and waited.
He glanced up and down the quiet corridor and gave a slight nod to a Vulcan crewmember as he passed. It was too quiet on the ship for his liking. His five member team were already in their quarters for the evening, but he'd received a communication from Admiral Stevens that was bothering him.
The door in front of him opened and Ambassador Soval raised an eyebrow in question.
Forrest nodded, "I'm sorry to bother you this late in the evening, but I'd like to talk to you about something that's come up."
Soval indicated with his hand for the Starfleet Admiral to enter. He looked over the man and noticed the distinct worry lines on his forehead. "Something is troubling you?"
They sat down on the couches opposite each other. Soval waited patiently for the Admiral to collect his thoughts.
Maxwell Forrest watched the Vulcan Ambassador carefully, "We've gotten reports that there have been some problems on Vulcan."
"What kind of problems?" Soval questioned, wondering if there had been more disappearances.
Maxwell frowned. It was a risk telling Soval, but he was sure the Vulcan Ambassador wasn't part of the problem - and Major Donovan trusted him. "Evidently our communications between the Earth Embassy on Vulcan and Starfleet Command were compromised."
Ambassador Soval sat back slightly and breathed slowly. He had been worried that something like this could occur, since he knew of Administrator V'Las' distrust of Humans. "By whom?"
"Someone on Vulcan."
"It is unfortunate. You have taken the proper precautions and changed the frequency and encryption codes?" Soval questioned.
Forrest nodded, then frowned slightly, "I didn't think we had any enemies on Vulcan."
Soval tilted his head slightly, "I did not think so either - I would advise caution."
X
Major Kaitlyn Donovan looked out the window as she waited in one of the larger conference rooms in the Earth Embassy. She turned as the conference room door opened, then nodded. "Thank you for coming here to take my statement, Sub Commander Stel." She indicated for him to take a seat as she sat down across from him.
He placed his PADD on the table, "Please state for the record the details of the incident that occurred yesterday."
Kaitlyn carefully relayed the details of what happened before she fell unconscious.
Stel watched her carefully when she finished, "Do you know why you were attacked?"
Kaitlyn clasped her hands together on the table, "If I knew why I was attacked, I would understand why it was a member of the Security Ministry that attacked me. Do you know why he attacked me?"
Stel was slightly taken back that she knew who her attacker was, "He has not given us his reason. We found evidence at his home indicating that he is a member of a dissident group. He will be punished to the full extent of our law." Stel stood up, "Administrator V'Las asked me to convey to you our government's deepest apology for your ordeal."
Kaitlyn nodded, "Please relay my thanks to the Administrator." She watched as Stel made to leave. "Sub Commander, is it possible for me to speak with the suspect?"
"He is a Vulcan citizen, this incident will be taken care of by the Vulcan Security Directorate. We will send you a report on anything we learn from the suspect that pertains to you." Stel stated evenly.
"Thank you." Kaitlyn watched as he left the conference room.
The door on the other side of the room opened and Sgt. Jackson came over to her. Jackson frowned, "I don't think they're going to tell us anything."
Kaitlyn nodded, "I think you're right."
X
Major Kaitlyn Donovan and Sgt. Jackson stood watch as the Vulcan shuttle landed on the grounds of the United Earth Embassy on Vulcan. She watched as Ambassador Soval and Admiral Forrest and the five members of the Admiral's entourage stepped out and walked towards the Embassy.
Admiral Forrest smiled as they stopped before her. "Major Donovan, it's good to see you again. Security is well at hand?" he questioned.
Donovan nodded, "Yes, Admiral." She turned to Ambassador Soval, "Ambassador, we thank you for transporting Admiral Forrest with you from Earth."
Soval raised his eyebrow, "It was logical to transport the Admiral and his entourage instead of taking two ships." He looked over her closely, "It is agreeable to see you again, Major Donovan."
Donovan smiled, "Likewise, Ambassador." She turned to the Admiral's team, "Sgt. Jackson will see you to your rooms and show you to the Mess Hall for dinner." The small group followed Sgt. Jackson inside the Embassy.
Kaitlyn glanced between the two men and noted the undercurrent of hostility usually between them had all but disappeared completely. "If you will follow me, Gentlemen. The evening meal has been prepared and I can debrief you on the details of the Summit." She led them into the Embassy and nodded to the two MACOs that stood guard. She placed her hand on the PADD at the first entry checkpoint and indicated for them to do the same.
Once the fingerprints had been scanned, she walked them to the left and they proceeded to the third floor. They went through another checkpoint, this time a retina scanner. They walked down the corridor.
"The security in place seems sufficient." Ambassador Soval noted.
Donovan glanced at the two men slightly behind her, "It is improving." she said and slid the card in the reader for the door and it opened immediately. She indicated for them to go in.
This was one of the smaller conference rooms that held a circular table for six and had two couches and two chairs near the fireplace. She indicated for them to take a seat at the two place settings.
Admiral Forrest and Ambassador Soval exchanges looks and they both turned their attention to her.
"Aren't you eating with us?" Forrest questioned.
"No, Sir. I will eat later." she informed him.
Forrest watched as she indicated for them to take their seats. He crossed his arms and stepped closer to her, "What did you have for lunch?"
Donovan frowned slightly, "I did not have time for lunch today."
Ambassador Soval nodded when Forrest glanced at him.
"You're eating with us, Major. We're not going to eat in front of you, while you wait for us to finish so that you can debrief us." Forrest stated firmly, because he knew she'd argue.
"Admiral, I cannot. I'm not properly dressed to dine with the Ambassador." she said quietly.
Soval heard and clasped his hands behind his back, "What do you mean?" he questioned.
Donovan glanced between the two men. If she didn't know any better, she'd think they planned this out. "MACO protocol states that dining with foreign dignitaries requires our formal dress uniform, Sirs".
Forrest grinned, "I take it you have your dress uniform ready in your quarters for just such a possibility?" he knew MACOs were always ready for whatever might occur.
"Of course, Admiral." she nodded. She wasn't sure if she was more upset that he knew she had her uniform ready, or for doubting that she did.
Soval nodded, "We will wait for your return, Major." he stated as Forrest informed the steward to set another place setting.
She opened her mouth to protest, and closed it quickly as both men raised their eyebrows at her. She nodded, "Yes, Sir." She quickly left and headed for her quarters to change.
When she returned ten minutes later, she found them sitting on the couches, drinking hot tea.
They stood up and nodded at her change of attire and moved to the table.
She took off her white gloves and put them in her jacket pockets as she took her seat.
The steward brought out the Plomeek soup and placed it before them, then filled their water goblets and left.
Forrest looked at Donovan, "I hope that this is the first course, and not the meal."
"The chef has prepared vegetarian lasagna for the main course, Admiral." she explained as she watched Ambassador Soval taste the soup.
He looked at her, "You had a Vulcan prepare this?"
Kaitlyn Donovan grinned, "No, our chef at the Embassy is very talented and has been fine-tuning this recipe. Is it agreeable?" she questioned him.
"Yes, it is most agreeable." Soval nodded, then continued to eat.
They finished their soup in silence. The bowls were taken away and plates of vegetarian lasagna and an assortment of fresh steamed vegetables were placed before them.
Soval tasted the lasagna and found it pleasing to his senses. "The food is most pleasing this evening, give my regards to the chef."
Donovan nodded. "I will do so, Ambassador." She was slightly taken aback when he continued to converse.
"How has your stay on Vulcan been?" Soval questioned.
She looked between both men and wondered why the Ambassador was breaking the custom of silence during the meal. As if he could read her thoughts, he explained.
"Admiral Forrest has been instructing me in the area of small talk. This is a custom of humans when they eat – correct?" Soval questioned.
Kaitlyn smiled, "Yes, Ambassador." She relished the thought that the Ambassador was learning and partaking in human customs.
He raised an eyebrow, reminding her that she hadn't answered his question.
"I would be willing to explain how enlightening this assignment has been, thus far." she offered.
"How so?" Soval inquired.
"When I arrived a month ago, I was told by the Earth Ambassador that it would be highly unlikely that I would get the information that I was seeking from the Vulcan Security Ministry." she stated.
Forrest sat his glass down, "What is it you wanted to know?"
"I wanted to know the details and security in place in the city and on Vulcan, in general." she explained.
"Ambassador Galen is correct. The details of Vulcan security is considered highly classified." Soval nodded and took a sip of water.
"Yes, when I called the security offices at the Vulcan High Command, I was told my inquiry would be reviewed and I could expect a reply in week." she explained.
"That was to be expected." Soval stated.
Kaitlyn leaned slightly closer, "So, you see why I was surprised when I received a call back in less than 10 minutes and was asked to come immediately to the office for a meeting with the Security Director."
Forrest frowned, "You went?"
Kaitlyn nodded, "Yes. I met with the Security Director and Sub Commander Stel. I was very surprised when Administrator V'Las arrived." She glanced at the Vulcan Ambassador.
Soval straightened at the mention of the Administrator's name, "You have spoken with Administrator V'Las?"
"Yes, twice every week since the first meeting."
Forrest looked at Soval, "I thought Administrator V'Las kept his contact with humans to a minimum?"
Soval nodded, "That has always been the case." He gazed at Donovan and wondered why the Administrator had deviated from his usual stance with this human.
Kaitlyn saw the Ambassador's unasked question as plain as day. "Administrator V'Las said he had read about how I had set up the security protocols before the Enterprise's launching and knew that I had guarded Admiral Forrest and thwarted the plans to assassinate him. He said he was intrigued with my research on Vulcan society and its politics. He is also well versed on my postings and the papers that I have written. I did not realized that I warranted a file by Vulcan Intelligence."
Soval was taken aback that the Administrator had met with her on multiple occasions and had spoken so freely with her. "You know, as well as I, that all intelligence agencies keep files on remarkable individuals." he pointed out.
Forrest looked between the two, "Remarkable individuals?" he inquired.
Soval looked at Forrest and nodded, "Individuals that show innovative thinking, those that have great potential. I did not realize that he had read your file." he admitted. He could think of a few reasons why the Vulcan Administrator would be intrigued with her. She was exceedingly knowledgeable of MACO and Starfleet policies and procedures. "If he read your file, then he knows you went after the weapon supplier of Terra Prime."
Kaitlyn looked up quickly at Soval, "Why would that information be in my file?" she questioned him, her eyes narrowing.
Soval could hear the tension in her voice, "I told you many years ago, there is little we do not know." he reminded her. "I mention this because.. " he stopped. The Vulcan High Command may have placed listening devices in the Earth Embassy - he wouldn't put it past V'Las to do so.
She picked up on his hesitation, "There are no listening devices in the Embassy. It is swept four times a day. There is also a dampening field around the Embassy. No one can beam anything in or out, unless the system is down, and that does not occur." she eased his apprehension.
Forrest was intrigued with the new security protocols, "You have been very busy."
She nodded, "Those are just some of the new security protocols in place." She looked back at Soval, "You were saying?"
Soval let out a slow breath, "Since you have worked as an operative before to gain intelligence, Administrator V'Las might suspect that you are acting in the same capacity now." He watched her carefully, "Were you able to locate the people that went missing?" he inquired, since he had not gotten any updates through his usual channels.
Admiral Maxwell Forrest looked up as the steward came in and took away their plates, then swiftly placed angel food cake slices with fresh strawberries with a dollop of Cool Whip in front of them. "What happen to them?"
Kaitlyn picked up her fork and speared a strawberry slice, "There are a total of fifty-two people that have disappeared in the past two months." she stated and ate the strawberry.
Ambassador Soval set his fork down, "What have you learned through your inquiries?"
"None of their family members or spouses knew they were leaving and it seems like they have just disappeared. The Security Ministry has classified them as 'On Pilgrimage' since there is no sign of foul play. Through my inquiries I have learned that all of the Vulcans that have disappeared are Syrrannites, except the two Humans - but they were here to study the Teachings of Surak and had been in contact with a few of the missing Syrrannites. The new Security Protocols put in place a few months ago has made it very difficult for other Vulcans to speak out about what they know."
"You are taking precautions - not putting yourself in any unnecessary danger, correct?" Admiral Forrest questioned her.
"Unfortunately, I was attacked two days ago. The investigation is still ongoing."
"Attacked where?" Ambassador Soval quietly demanded to know.
"On my way back to the Embassy from lunch." Kaitlyn saw Soval's nostrils flare - a sure sign that he was upset. "I was injured, but now I am fine." she tried to reassure him.
"What has the Security Ministry said about the situation? Have they captured the assailant?" Forrest frowned as he pushed his plate away.
"They have the assailant in custody. I know who he is, he worked at the Security Ministry. We have not been given any further information."
"None?" Forrest's eyebrow rose. He looked at Soval, "Perhaps you could inquire if they have gotten any further information from him."
Ambassador Soval was watching Kaitlyn. It was possible that she knew more than what she was telling them. He nodded to Admiral Forrest, "I will make inquiries."
Forrest had the steward take the plates away and serve more hot tea. They went to sit at the couches.
Kaitlyn turned to the situation at hand and activated the monitor above the fireplace and quickly gave them a brief overview of the Summit that would be held in three days. She clicked off the screen as she finished.
Soval handed her a cup of tea. "You have planned well for the security of those present at the Summit."
Kaitlyn nodded her thanks as she sipped the tea. "I am confident that everything will go smoothly."
Admiral Forrest sighed heavily, he was tired - and now he was even more worried about the situation here on Vulcan. First their communications had been intercepted, and now Kaitlyn had been attacked. He was concerned that all of this tied into the Vulcan High Command, and he got the feeling that Soval thought that too. He frowned slightly, "Have you finished your report for the Vulcan High Command on their security?" he questioned her.
Kaitlyn nodded, "Yes, Admiral. I am presenting my findings to the Vulcan High Command tomorrow morning."
Ambassador Soval felt an uneasiness course through him as he stood up, "You were asked to go over the Vulcan High Command's Security Protocols - by Administrator V'Las?" He had not been informed of this . . . and now he understood why the Administrator had taken an interest in Kaitlyn.
Kaitlyn could see that Soval was not pleased, "Yes, Ambassador. Though I did not think it was a good idea, my services were offered by Starfleet and the MACOs."
Soval clasped his hands behind his back as he contemplated the fact that she knew of the Protocols and vulnerabilities of the Vulcan High Command. He was sure Administrator V'Las would not allow her to keep such valuable information. He needed to meditate on all of the information he had learned this evening. "I would be willing to take you to the Vulcan High Command tomorrow morning since I am going there too."
Kaitlyn smiled, "That would be appreciated, Ambassador."
Soval turned to Maxwell Forrest, "Will you be available to go over more specific details of the Summit schedule tomorrow afternoon at 1400?"
Forrest smiled, "That would be fine. Do you need a ride to your home?" he offered Soval.
Ambassador Soval tilted his head slightly, "That will be unnecessary, but thank you for the offer."
Kaitlyn opened the door and nodded to Sgt. Jackson as he stood his post in the corridor. "Ambassador, Sgt. Jackson will see you safely out of the Embassy."
Soval nodded, "Thank you and have a good evening." he stated, then walked with the MACO down the corridor.
Admiral Forrest glanced at Kaitlyn as she watched the Ambassador leave. "Are you worried?" he questioned.
"I am aware of the impending problems and we are taking precautions." Kaitlyn stated confidently, then gave him a small smile. "Let me show you to your room, Admiral." She took him up one more floor and led him to the fourth door on the right and had the door open. "These are your quarters while you are here at the Embassy. If you need anything, I am two doors down on the other side. Do you require anything else this evening?"
Maxwell Forrest glanced over the front part of the quarters that held the comforts of a living room and noticed that his luggage had already been delivered. "No, I'm fine. Why don't we have breakfast tomorrow before you go to the Vulcan High Command?"
Kaitlyn nodded, "0600 in the Conference room?" she suggested.
Forrest nodded, "See you then." He watched as she turned and headed to her quarters and went in. He looked at his watch and wondered if Ambassador Galen was still awake.
X
Kaitlyn stood in front of her full-length mirror and inspected her formal dress blue uniform she was wearing. She picked up her cover and PADD and headed down to the conference room to have breakfast with Admiral Forrest.
Maxwell Forrest gave her a tired smile as she came in the conference room. Today she was wearing all of her badges and medals on her uniform, "You look even more formal than last night - but I guess you need to if you're presenting your findings to the Vulcan High Command." They sat down at the table and the steward brought over their plates. "Have you learned much about them?" he inquired.
"Not as much as I'd like to know. From what I have observed, most of them are easily swayed by Administrator V'Las." Kaitlyn took a sip of hot tea as she looked over the Admiral. "Did you not sleep well last night?"
"Actually, I was speaking with Ambassador Galen for quite a long time." Maxwell Forrest set his fork down and took a deep breath. "I wish you hadn't had to get in contact with Harris."
Kaitlyn frowned slightly, she hadn't thought the Ambassador would have revealed so much. "I did not have a choice, our communications here had been compromised."
"Fritz could have made that call."
Kaitlyn scoffed, "And have an Earth Ambassador in Harris' pocket? No way."
Maxwell sat back and sighed heavily, "I know - that would be disastrous." He leaned closer, "You're sure you were attacked because of your inquiries into the disappearances of the Vulcans? Are you sure it wasn't because of the Security Protocols?"
"My attacker was trying to find out if I knew where they had disappeared to." She stopped there - she couldn't tell the Admiral what else she'd learned from her attacker because then he'd want to know how she'd learned that information when she'd beaten him unconscious.
He shook his head and downed half of his coffee, "Ambassador Galen and I are in agreement that the Vulcans are not going to allow you to keep the information you have on the Vulcan High Commands' Security Protocols. They will either kidnap you, or wipe your memories, or kill you - none of those theories appeal to us. After you give you report to them today, we do not want you to leave the Embassy."
Kaitlyn watched him carefully and thought quickly, "I understand you and Ambassador Galen's concerns - my MACOs and I came up with the same scenarios. We are taking precautions to ensure my safety. Admiral, please know that my first priority is the security of the Embassy and the Summit - but my MACOs and I have an obligation to find the Humans and rescue them."
Galen and Forrest both knew she wasn't going to just sit back at the Embassy and do nothing. "You will have security with you if you leave the Embassy, others will know where you are going?" he asked for reassurance from her.
"You have my word, Admiral." she promised.
X
Major Donovan walked with Ambassador Soval out of the Earth Embassy, as he had come in the Embassy a few minutes ago to collect her. They walked on the holographic sidewalk over the holographic fountain pools of water on both sides - if they had been real, she'd say that Earth was being pretentious and wasteful on this desert planet. She sighed softly to herself as a slight breeze wafted around them.
Ambassador Soval glanced at the woman beside him, he wondered if she realized just how much danger she was in. "Is there anything I should know?"
Kaitlyn frowned slightly, "Did you learn anything else about my attacker?"
Soval stopped and waited for her attention to go to him. "Yes, Lieutenant T'Sar was part of the Vulcan Security Ministry, with an exemplary career until this incident. In the report that Sub Command Stel filed, they found many items around his home that leads them to believe T'Sar was a Syrrannite."
"What do you think about the report?" she questioned him.
Soval took a deep breath, "Syrrannites are pacifists - I do not believe they would use violence to get to you."
"T'Sar was not a Syrrannite. He was trying to find out from me if I knew where the Syrrannites were hiding." Kaitlyn explained as she looked around the area to make sure they were still alone.
Soval watched her, "You obviously did not tell Sub Commander Stel that piece of information - why?"
"I wanted to see what they'd come up with. Besides, if I told them that piece of information, they'd know that I can read minds too - that would send them into a panic." she pointed out.
"Did you learn anything from T'Sar?"
Kaitlyn nodded, "He was sent by Major Talok to find out what I knew. Major Talok was there when I collapsed." She closed her eyes tightly and tried to remember what he'd been thinking when she'd sunk to the ground. Her eyes snapped open, "Andorians - he'd been thinking about his unit's preparations to fight the Andorians." She frowned, "Administrator V'Las specifically asked me to report on how I thought the Andorians would attack the Vulcan High Command."
Ambassador Soval clasped his hands behind his back and thought back to all of the unsubstantiated chatter he'd heard about Vulcan cruisers staging near Rigel. This new information was deeply unsettling to him. "I will make discreet inquiries." He waved for her to continue walking to his shuttle. As they got closer to his shuttle, his eyes widened slightly at the MACO that stood waiting for them.
Corporal Amanda Cole smiled at the Vulcan Ambassador, "It's good to see you again, Ambassador."
X
TBC.
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