Chapter 19

"So you had a Tandaran pretending to be Human, a Suliban pretending to be Trill, an Orion pretending to be Andorian, a Human pretending to be Vulcan, and a Human pretending to be a different Human?" said Willem Abramson.

Once again a hologram in Abramson's stately London home, Brown smirked and nodded at the older man's summation of the suspects in Bird's murder. He had felt the need to update the recluse personally regarding the case's resolution.

"That's about the long and short of it, Mr. Abramson. One for the books, anyway."

"Quite," said Abramson. He sighed and looked Brown in the eye. "I apologise for not telling you about Perra sooner, Commander. I found out about her via my connections in the government, who had been keeping tabs on ex-Cabal members, and thought her expertise may be useful."

Brown folded his arms. "Would have saved us a lot of hassle if you had come clean straight away."

"Can you honestly tell me that you would not have suspected her immediately upon discovering that she was Suliban?"

He dropped his gaze at that. "No, I can't."

"Now you understand my discretion. Hers was not my secret to reveal. I have enough of my own to keep…"

After both men had reflected for a moment, Abramson said, "What will happen now?"

"Well, Keenan - or whoever he is - is being sent to Earth on a secure transport for trial. He isn't speaking much, and Ambassador Mamao'lani tells me that the Tandaran government is denying all knowledge of his actions. Surprise, surprise."

Abramson grunted. "I imagine that they will suddenly become very cooperative regarding those Human hostages, if only to avoid any further questions on this fiasco."

Brown nodded. "They're on the defensive now. I'm sure Keenan will be seen as a lost asset, and they won't be stupid enough to suggest a prisoner exchange."

"It would be rejected, I'm sure," said Abramson, proudly. "I have enough… influence in the United Earth Parliament to suggest that it is, anyway."

Brown did not doubt that at all.

"As for our other, less successful assassin," Brown continued, "the young Orion Lennoc… He will be sent to a rehabilitation centre on Vega Nine with the other Orion refugees. Commodore North is also fully recovered, and even gave me a reluctant 'well done.'

"Whereas the crafty Berlinghoff Rasmussen is the only one getting off free as a bird, due to his agreement with me." Brown shook his head.

"Even though his information did not lead to the real killer?"

"Doesn't matter. He gave us that info on good faith, he had no way of knowing who the actual murderer was. The wording of his deal was very specific about that."

"Hm. Shame. Although fabricated, the principle behind his site-to-site transporter showed promise…" Abramson got a faraway look in his eyes.

"I wouldn't think about employing him just yet, sir. He's the kind of person more interested in the reward, and not the work required to get it."

"Perish the thought," Abramson said, almost offended. "I meant only that I may instigate my own research into the matter. I would never work with a known criminal, especially not a petty swindler."

"Well, don't worry. I've sent his details to all Earth law enforcement agencies, as well as those of our colonies and allies. If he tries another scam, and he probably will, there's nowhere for him to hide. It's only a matter of time before he gets what's coming to him."

"Hm. And what of T'Ves?"

Brown shrugged. "That's up to her. Or you."

Abramson was confused. "Me?"

"She was promised an opportunity to learn about her mother."

Abramson blinked, considering this. "I… didn't know her mother as well as Reena did."

"You know more than T'Ves does, I bet. Besides, you're gonna need some help liaising with the Vulcans on that Quadros Project of yours. She already feels like she belongs to two worlds anyway."

Abramson nodded. "Perhaps you're right. I will send her an invitation."

"That just brings us to Perra," said Brown.

"Ah yes. I will be sending her a message as well, rest assured. Our offer still stands. She will most probably be keen, with the Tandarans after her. Not that I intend her to be pressured into accepting."

Brown smirked. "The Tandarans will likely be lying low for a while anyway, but I'm sure Perra will be happy to accept. She thinks that some good should come out of all this."

"I quite agree," Abramson said, perking up slightly. "To that end, I have chosen my investment."

Brown raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yes. I intend to fund Mr. Wrigley's 'Pleasure Planet.'"

Brown couldn't help laughing. "Really?"

"Indeed," Abramson said, in completely stern seriousness. "The galaxy could use some cheer. It's what Reena would have wanted. She often tempered my cynicism regarding the future. Reminded me that it wasn't all doom, and war, and suffering. That we must make our own bright spots.

"With this coming Federation… perhaps we are on the right track."

Brown found some warmth in that sentiment. "Well, let's hope we live to see a brighter future."

Abramson gave a sad smile to this. "Don't worry, Commander… I have found that life lasts longer than expected… For some…"

They both hung their heads in remembrance for Reena Bird.

"But we must not forget those who came before us," Abramson said at length. "Reena will be remembered in my efforts to build a better world in her name."

"In some ways," said Brown, "she'll live on through your work. I know that doesn't undo her death, but-"

"I appreciate it, Commander. More than you can know. But do not pity Reena. I don't. She is at peace now, thanks to you."

Brown smiled.

"Just another day's work for this old Martian detective, Mr. Abramson."