On the Numancia, the bridge crew stayed unusually quiet. Even the chief engineer had restrained his comments in the intimidating presence of the two new officers. The time went by and every passing second they got closer to the Romulan fleet, but still Saavik had not given any details about their mission, except that they would meet their admiral there. The silence and the uneventful cruise were starting to unnerve Song, who had little work to do at the helm station. Just then, the beeping at the communication console put all of them in alert. It was a long range call from the Romulan flagship.
Once the channel was open, an hologram of the alien ship with her commander at the front virtually invaded the bridge. The crew watched the woman warily, but both Ba'el and Saavik welcomed her with ease.
"Admiral Saavik, greetings," Raghnill spoke with formality, "I have news for you. Will you hear them in your quarters?"
Just then most of them noticed that the hologram showed the commander's living room and not the usual image of the Romulan eagle at their bridge.
"Only if it is necessary," the Federation admiral replied in a neutral tone. There were many issues she did not want to discuss openly, but she did not want to raise unnecessary concern amid the crew having a provate talk with Raghnill that could be shared with them. After all, Saavik reasoned, sooner or later they will have to know.
"It is not strictly necessary," was all Raghnill revealed, very aware of her friend's reservations.
When Saavik nodded, she went on as succinctly as possible, "Admiral Ajeya's convoy is waiting for us in a remoter place than initially expected." Ignoring her formal stance, Saavik searched in the commander's vivid eyes for a hint of what really was in her mind; the mix of excitement, worry and anger she projected threatened to overwhelm her too. "I send you her actual position and expected route, along with our estimated meeting point. We are already on the move."
The image's blue eyes pierced hers. Even if restrained, Raghnill's emotions were still very strong. Saavik's honed self-control kept hers in check, but she could still sense the old feelings stirring just as she inwardly thought of her hateful enemy. Her so Vulcan voice sounded like a mock of the little savage girl who still lingered inside of her, "Should we expect trouble?"
In the bridge, Ba'el side-glanced both Saavik and Raghnill's hologram as they conversed, while she started to study the data that had already entered her station. The rest of the crew listened to them, intrigued but completely unaware of the strong currents of thoughts and feelings that crossed the two leaders' minds.
"Yes," the Romulan's answer was just too curt. "We may want to meet and discuss a common course of action." And the tension behind those words too high.
Saavik kept silent for an instant, doubting. She had an approximate idea of what Raghnill's worries were, and still she had not decided what her own role would be in the coming events. But Raghnill was a friend, no matter what, and she would always honor that confidence put on her. "Yes, that would be wise."
She looked at Ba'el; she finished typing as she passed the navigational coordinates to Song. "We can meet in 1.54 hours," she supplied, as exact as she knew Saavik liked.
The Numancia's captain did not wait for Saavik's direct order to enter the new route. "Heading for Admiral Ajeya's new meeting point now, ma'am," she reported, "new intercourse estimated in four hours nine minutes, at the Federation side." Their encounter with Raghnill's ship would slow down their final destination's arrival.
"1.54 hours," Saavik repeated turning to Raghnill, "you have our position and route."
"Fine," she agreed; she stiffed a sigh before continuing, "Another point. Mr. Garak's vessel is traveling in my wing now." Her distrust and certain disdain for the man slipped under her words. "I'd appreciate if you welcome him as your host once our ships meet, Admiral."
Saavik's eyes sparkled a smile, and immediately Raghnill could not help laughing. It was an appreciated change under their grim circumstances. "He's annoying," she admitted as she twitched her fingers.
"I will take care of him," Saavik said, noticing how she also relaxed.
"I thank you," she said, "see you soon."
"See you," came the reply, and the communication was cut.
"Mr. Garak?" Song could not help comment; she had heard about the Cardassian man and was certainly surprised.
"He is part of this mission," Saavik announced, "I will debrief you and your command staff once I have spoken with the Romulan flag captain."
Then, the Vulcan admiral raised from her chair, taking the small suitcase that still lay at her side on the floor, "I will be in my quarters. Lieutenant Ba'el," she called turning to her, "come with me." The Klingon stood up at once. "Commander Song," the Human woman turned to look up at her, "you have the conn."
"Yes, ma'am!" she replied sharply as she also got up to took back her usual station.
Saavik and her aide were already leaving the bridge, and their replacements also hurried to man their posts. In a few seconds, the Numancia was again as it used to be, except that everything was still too quiet.
"Garak? The Cardassian spy?" Lieutenant Houity, of course was the one who broke the silence, "I heard he was happily retired in Cardassia now."
The more gloomy first officer replied him dryly from the tactical station, "I guess he did not."