The magnificent Romulan flagship appeared in front of the Numancia, and her stylized shapes could be seen from all the port views of the smaller vessel. Many of the crew had been observing as she came closer, since the Rhian'Unnr, a D'Deridex-class Warbird, was traveling uncloaked to reach her top speed. Now she cast a greenish light all over the Federation ship, and even if she kept her shields down, her presence was still intimidating.
However, none in the Numancia felt uneasy, even if her size was eight time smaller; they were proud of their ship's better combat maneuverability, and the advantage it gave them in battle. Besides, for most of the Numancia's young crew, battles had only been fought against the Dominion, and the lethal Romulan warships had always been by their side.
As proof of their alliance, the Romulan commander would be beaming to their ship very soon, a friendly invitation and one that had been taken with ease.
Commander Song, though, had still to frown as she stood at Numancia's Suttlebay 2. As announced by the Romulan commander, another ship was now docking, an incredibly old Cardassian vessel that could only be Garak's. The presence of the also allied Cardassian operative was another unexpected turn in her still unknown mission, and even if she tried to appear as calm as her Vulcan superior officer did, every second she felt her trepidation increasing.
The hatch opened, and soon a figure emerged from it, a Cardassian middle-aged man who contemplated his surroundings first, and then, spotting Admiral Saavik, strode towards them. Lieutenant Ba'el sighed.
"Really, why do we have to put up with him?" she whispered.
"Ba'el…" Saavik mildly admonished in a hushed voice.
Song realized that it was not the first time the two officers dealt with Garak. She was studying him when another man appeared at the ship's door and all her attention focused on him. Immediately, the present security officers also looked sharply at him, their hands resting warily over their weapons.
The man halted at the door, a Romulan dressed in black civilian clothes, his disruptor not entirely hidden at his waist. His grim features hardened at noticing the guards watching him, but he searched with his eyes for the Federation admiral standing not far away.
"Admiral Saavik?" he called out.
"Everything is in order, Centurion Lior," her calm voice reassured him. "Welcome on board the USS Numancia." A faint smile formed in his lips. "Commander Raghnill will be here soon." And her gaze turned towards the screens situated at one side of the docking bay, where the Romulan Warbird could be seen; his eyes followed hers and his smile broadened.
The security officers, now realizing that the Romulan man was also expected aboard, lessened their tension.
"I see you don't welcome me," Garak said lightly as he continued coming closer to the three waiting Federation officers.
"You don't need to be welcomed," Ba'el replied.
The Romulan officer was also nearing them.
"I'm Garak, of course," the Cardassian introduced himself as he reached out his hand to Song. "Welcome to our association, Commander Song."
That immediately earned him a puzzled look from her and a glare from Ba'el and Lior; Saavik's angry stare also pierced his. "Let's go to the transporter room," she ordered.
And this time, not even Garak dared to say a word. They all left the suttlebay behind her.