The Sarpeidon Chronicles Part 6

Chapter 3

Adonia spent the first morning of her shore leave gathering information in and around the base. By the time she was supposed to go and meet her mother and Lidia at the Embassy, she had learned rather more than she'd wished to.

She was moving toward the courtroom when, just ahead of her, a pair of security doors opened and a group of people came through. Most of them were green-shirted Embassy guards, and she saw that they were walking in formation around an enormous, rotund creature with a face that might have graced one of her younger sister's amphibious pets.

This, Adonia guessed, was I'gara, the Federation prison official whose reports had spurred the investigation into her father's activities. Presumably he was now on his way to testify and make things worse for all of them.

As the group passed her, a green-skinned aide leaned over and whispered something to I'gara, who suddenly looked up at Adonia and fixed her with his bulbous eyes. His expression was apologetic, almost pitying.

Adonia had to force herself not to blush. Was he sorry for her because of the damage he had done to her family, or because he also knew of her connection with Therov? Either way, she found his condescension most offensive.

Finally, just around the next corner, she found Zarabeth and Lidia waiting for her. It looked as though they'd been arguing—not exactly unusual at any time, but almost to be expected lately. They greeted Adonia as if relieved for the distraction.

"The hearing started about two hours ago," Lidia said, glancing at the closed door of the courtroom, where two posted guards maintained judicial secrecy. "We haven't heard anything yet."

Adonia decided not to mention I'gara's presence. If her suspicions were correct, they would all know soon enough.

"Were you able to see Spock this morning?" her mother asked.

"I presented myself well in advance of the stated visiting hours, but T'Rhan would not allow me an audience. A most unpleasant woman."

"She certainly is."

"Hopefully, Grandfather's confidence in her is not misplaced. I am less certain why Father is going along with a defense strategy that seems at best dubious and at worst nonexistent."

"We just have to believe that he has his reasons."

"Speaking of thatI suppose you had reasons for your own contribution to the case, Mother?"

"You couldn't possibly know anything about that." Zarabeth's tone became defensive. What happens in that courtroom is supposed to be confidential."

"Oh? You might be surprised how easy it is to pick up gossip around the base, especially when one is in uniform."

"Adonia, leave it alone," Lidia interrupted suddenly. "Mother has enough on her mind without you throwing your new rank around. We're not on a starship and we don't have to answer to you. Let T'Rhan prepare his defense as she sees best. Are you now a legal expert, too?"

"I expected you would respond that way," her sister shot back. "The situation at hand is, after all, largely your fault. If you had sent Selyk away on your own, Father would not have felt obligated to intervene."

"If you believe that blaming me will intensify my chagrin, you are mistaken. This ordeal has already placed a significant burden on me, to say nothing of what it has done to Sumarr. I suppose you know that he was forced to take a leave of absence from his position at the school now that the details of his background have become public knowledge? Embassy personnel don't want their children learning Vulcan from a Romulan. Aside from the fact that scholarship has been the foundation of his life for decades, that means I must now teach all his students as well as my own."

Adonia raised a brow. "Forgive me if I demonstrate a lack of concern over Sumarr's fortunes, except as they impact Father's—and, to a lesser degree, yours."

"I knew you wouldn't understand. Sumarr has been my mentor and my friend since I was a student myself. I owe him my loyalty. You're as stubborn as Father is, and always have been. Surely you see my point, Mother."

"Actually, my pity for Sumarr is also somewhat limited. But I do agree that accusing one another won't make things easier for any of us. We all want the same thing where your father is concerned, despite what misguided outsiders might think."

The sisters fell silent, eyeing each other warily.

"I must get back to the school," Lidia said finally. "I have students waiting for me."

Zarabeth and Adonia watched as she hurried away.

"Honestly, Mother, I thought you could keep the household together a little better than this in my absence. Perhaps I should have requested shore leave more often."

"It seems I could have used the help."

The moment of shared humor, and the relief it brought, proved fleeting. Soon enough, Adonia's faint scowl returned.

"I really have heard some disturbing things this morning, Mother. Still, I refuse to believe you would deliberately sabotage Father's chances for acquittal. Therefore I await your explanation."

"Very well. But we can't talk about it here or at home. Your father is convinced that the house is being monitored in a variety of ways."

Adonia stared in disbelief. "He thinks the Embassy has initiated surveillance of our private activities? That goes against every principle of diplomatic immunity the Federation has ever endorsed."

"It's not the Embassy's doing. At least, we don't think so. But as I said, this isn't the place to discuss it. Somewhere in the city would be better—the more noise there is around us, the less likely we are to be overheard."

"Let us go, then. We can accomplish nothing by remaining here."

"I suppose you're right. Adonia—you mustn't repeat a single word of what I'm going to tell you. Not to your grandfather, T'Rhan, or even Lidia."

"Presumably because this information is not meant for Sumarr's consumption."

"Exactly."

A few people turned to look at them as they rode the tram from the Embassy into the city. Before long, however, they were able to blend into the busy throng of Starfleet officials and civilians who packed the midday streets near the base. An outdoor table, chosen at random and surrounded by groups of jabbering tourists and serving carts bearing heaps of clanking dishes seemed a promising refuge from prying eyes and listening devices alike.

"I'm sure I don't have to brief you on the current state of Romulan/Federation relations," Zarabeth began.

Adonia nodded. "It's no secret that they've been gathering intelligence . When I first heard what was happening here, I assumed that Father had been caught in some unfortunate political crossfire. Selyk's defection was poorly timed, but I failed to see then how it could possibly reflect on anyone's judgment but his own. And possibly Lidia's."

"That's the way we all looked at it, at first. Gradually, it began to seem that much more was going on. Selyk didn't simply defect—he returned to Federation space with reinforcements, then headed straight for a classified location and liberated a prison full of former spies and insurgents."

"With Therov at the top of the list. I suppose it makes sense that someone would imagine a connection. It's hardly evidence of treason, though."

"The Federation Security Council feels differently. In any case, there have been other leaks, not all from this Embassy. Targeting your father must have seemed a good way to quiet some of the Council's more paranoid factions. Trust me, it's a strategy I've seen before."

Adonia considered this, stirring her tea a bit more forcefully than necessary. "I never doubted that these charges were both politically motivated and false. However, that still does not tell me why no one, including you, seems to be making any real effort to have them dismissed."

"We haven't done anything because your father doesn't want us to. It's his intention to stand trial, even be convicted if it comes to that. Through it all, he wants everyone, even T'Rhan, to believe that the rest of us have turned against him. He's convinced that it's the only way to draw the real traitor into the open."

"I confess I fail to follow his reasoning."

"His theory is that the case is being followed closely by whoever has been colluding with the Romulans. By not refuting the charges in court, and suggesting that he no longer wishes to return home, he hopes to imply that he is sympathetic to their cause. At some point, they will approach him and invite him into their ranks. When that happens, he plans to expose their treachery and exonerate himself."

Adonia was dumbfounded. "Such a plan is risky to the point of foolhardiness. What guarantee does he have that the traitor in question won't be content to let another go to prison in his place and simply continue or even increase his activities?"

"The same thought occurred to me, but he insists that the Romulans wouldn't pass up the opportunity to enlist a benefactor of his stature. And as Lidia just reminded us, stubbornness has always been his most predominant trait." Zarabeth sighed. "Apparently he's driving even T'Rhan mad, but he refuses to confide in her. No one can be trusted, according to him. After all, Romulans have successfully disguised themselves as Vulcans in the past."

"Yes—and speaking of that, it seems to me that we need look no further than Sumarr when it comes to Federation citizens with conflicted loyalties."

"Oddly enough, Sumarr is the one person your father doesn't suspect. Even though he was granted political asylum here, no one has ever really trusted him. Security has discreetly monitored his activities for years. Unfortunately, they neglected to do the same for Selyk."

"Hm." Far from convinced, Adonia finished her tea and watched her mother push a mostly untouched lunch around on the plate. "You really should eat something, Mother. I see now why this has taken such a toll on you, but you mustn't allow your health to become compromised. After all, we have no reason to doubt that Father's plan is as sound as any other he's come up with over the years. If it does fail, we are not necessarily helpless."

"Please, Adonia, don't involve yourself. You have a career to think about now. He doesn't want you to jeopardize that."

"My career will be worth little or nothing if I am branded the daughter of a traitor. I'm surprised he didn't realize that."

"I'm sure he knew—" Zarabeth abruptly stopped speaking when a shadow fell across their table. Instead of a café employee, they found themselves looking up at a diminutive but officious humanoid male with an Embassy pass pinned to his shirt.

"I apologize for disturbing your lunch, ladies. However, I have an urgent communication for you, Lieutenant." He held up a padd, which Adonia stood and accepted.

"Is it from Starfleet?"

"Er—not exactly. That, Lieutenant, is a subpoena issued by the Federation Security Council itself. You are hereby ordered to testify at your father's hearing the first thing tomorrow morning."

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When they entered the cabin, Selyk was stretched out on a body pillow with his feet crossed and a dish of succulent, ruddy fruits carefully balanced on his stomach.

"The prisoner you requested, Enarrain," The Romulan said as he shoved Jarrod inside.

Selyk nodded. "Leave us. I will interrogate him in private." When they were alone, he pointed to a smaller pillow in the corner. "Pull that over and sit down. I wish to talk to you."

"Not a very effective means of torture," Jarrod said as he reluctantly dragged the pillow forward.

"Oh, that can wait until I've finished my dinner." Selyk shrugged and raised one of the fruits to his mouth. "Meanwhile, you and I can converse like the old friends that we are. How fares your sister?" he asked between mouthfuls.

"I'm surprised you remember her. Your life is so different now."

"Of course I do. Lidia was a sweet girl. I cared for her in my own way."

"In a very limited way, you mean."

"Should I have married her, then? You and my father must be the only two people in the universe who think so. For my part, I thought it best to leave as I did, and so did your father. A pity his generosity came back to haunt him, but that's Federation justice for you."

"Actually, based on what I saw in the yard, I couldn't envision a worse husband for anyone. You would have killed an old man to look strong in front of your men."

"I do what I must to keep order. My men are mercenaries—they follow me only because they fear me. It wasn't easy to earn their respect, and it's been even harder to keep it. If the life of one worthless old man is the price of command, I'm willing to pay."

"How unselfish of you. Still, I am grateful that you didn't reveal my true identity. I realize I could be a valuable hostage."

"I haven't forgotten that. And I won't, so be mindful of how you act with me."

"All right. If that's how you want it."

Selyk leaned back on the cushion with a thoughtful expression. "I haven't given up hope that you retain at least a little of your former rebellious spirit. I'd wager that domesticity suits you as ill as it did me—though I understand why you might make an exception for Leila. I remember Lidia telling me that she was once your father's mistress. You must enjoy taking what was once his each night. See what I mean? That speaks of spirit."

"If these are the kinds of things you discussed with my sister, I'm not surprised that she didn't mourn your departure."

"Didn't she? How disappointing. I suppose I'll recover, but maybe she'll forgive me when I offer sanctuary to your family. That is contingent upon your joining me, of course."

"You can't be planning to conquer Amphitrite."

"I would like to see the old place again, and it wouldn't hurt to add a few more crafts to our fleet. But it's so far away at the moment. Therov and I have decided to work our way there slowly. We'll discuss it further in a few days, when he arrives with his own forces. By then I had planned to propose that all three of us work together. I'm sure you know that I didn't bring my men here by chance. It occurred to me some time ago that this place would do well as a training camp. A number of my men are renegades and former prisoners with little formal instruction in the art of warfare. You could assist me, since you have Starfleet experience and more knowledge of the Federation's inner workings than any civilian in the quadrant."

"Absolutely not!"

Selyk snorted, wolfed down the rest of the fruit in his hand, and threw the remnants on the floor. "Then Leila and the old man will die. Cooperate, and none of you will suffer any harm at our hands. Now this conversation is beginning to bore me. Go before my good will toward you dissipates."

Jarrod stood up, barely able to contain his outrage. "For their sake only, I'll think it over. In return, Selyk, I must ask one favor of you. Those particular fruits you and your men are enjoying so much—Leila has pointed out to me that the growing season is almost over, and we'll need some to harvest for next year. She wondered if you might consider rationing them until we have a sufficient quantity in storage."

"What an amusing idea." Steely-eyed, Selyk deliberately took another fruit from the bowl and bit into it with a flourish. "Particularly since you might not live that long."

"I promised her I'd ask you, and I did. I really have nothing more to say at the moment."

He left Selyk happily extracting one of the thick, pulpy seeds with his front teeth.

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Naj Ahkafr approached the witness chair with such obvious enthusiasm that Adonia was convinced he was salivating. If her father noticed her discomfort, he gave no outward sign of concern. As far as she could tell, he wasn't even taking notes on the padd T'Rhan had provided for him.

"Please describe for the record your current position in Starfleet," the prosecutor directed.

"I serve as stellar cartographer on the U.S.S. Oberon, holding the rank of Lieutenant."

"Your vessel's purpose is almost exclusively scientific, is it not?"

"It is."

"You were recently informed by your commanding officer of a developing situation in a distant sector. Please disclose the content of that briefing to the court." Ahkafr tilted a padd in her direction. "As you can see, I have obtained Starfleet's permission for you to share this information, with the understanding that it will not leave this room."

"Very well. Approximately a week ago, my commanding officer informed me that a number of displaced colonists had recently arrived at Starbase 28, complaining that they had been forced to evacuate their adopted home world because of Romulan activity in the sector. The colonists suggested that Starfleet take steps to ensure the well-being of the friends they had left behind."

"Was the name of this home world Gamma Aurelius?"

"It was."

"Do you know anything about it?"

"I know it's been a disputed territory for several decades. The Federation has never officially claimed it, nor had much interest in it because of its remote location and the moderately primitive conditions its colonists prefer to maintain."

"Now, Lieutenant, I mean no disrespect in saying this, but why would Starfleet Command approach you, a junior officer on a small scientific vessel, with such sensitive military intelligence?"

Adonia hesitated. "I expect it was because my brother also lives on Gamma Aurelius."

"And did he evacuate with the others?"

"No. To the best of my knowledge, he is still there."

"Can you explain why your brother, the son of Ambassador Spock, would remain on a planet facing imminent invasion by Romulans?"

"We have no confirmation that any Romulans actually arrived. To this day it remains a matter of speculation."

"But Starfleet is pursuing a line of inquiry."

"Yes, that's true."

"Who else do you know on Gamma Aurelius?"

"Only one Terran—though it would be more accurate to say that I know of her. We have never actually met."

"And that would be Leila Kalomi, the colony's chief botanist."

"Yes."

"Did she also remain on Gamma Aurelius in spite of a possible Romulan incursion?"

"Apparently so."

"She was once a close acquaintance of your father?"

"I believe they met when they were both younger than I am now. At Starfleet Academy."

"And it would be accurate to say that they have maintained their acquaintance over the years, since she was recently a guest at your home."

"I wouldn't know. I wasn't there."

"Her presence on Amphitrite is a matter of public record, Lieutenant."

"Objection." T'Rhan stood. "The witness has already stated that she has no direct knowledge of such a visit. She can hardly verify hearsay."

"Sustained," the Arbiter said in a weary voice. "Pursue another line of questioning, Prosecutor."

"Very well. Lieutenant, does the name Therov mean anything to you?"

"He was a friend of my brother's. A long time ago."

"And he, too, was a frequent guest at your house following both their expulsions from Starfleet Academy?"

"Yes—ten years ago!"

"And do you know where he is now, following his escape from Governor I'gara's custody?"

"I do not."

"Indeed. As you said yourself a moment ago, to this day it remains a matter of speculation. Your witness, T'Rhan."

Her jaw clenched in determination, T'Rhan glanced back at Spock and then strode purposefully forward.

"Lieutenant, what is the general feeling about your father at Starfleet Academy?"

"He's something of a legend."

"Have you ever known him to act traitorously?"

"No. Quite the contrary."

"And have you ever heard any suggestion from anyone else that he has been less than a model Federation citizen and official throughout his long and celebrated career?"

"Not until I met Prosecutor Ahkafr."

From his place at the prosecution table, Ahkafr smiled again, as if pleased to hear her speak his name with such contempt. Adonia realized that nothing she or anyone else could say would have the slightest effect on his attitude. The truth was an entirely peripheral issue as far as he was concerned; his sole objective was to destroy her father utterly.