T'Phol stood in a little washroom, splashing her face and hands, and rinsing the sour taste from her mouth. Feeling drained and picked apart, she stared at her reflection in the small mirror. Thompson had listened to her tale with rapt attention, interrupting only a few times for a pointed question or clarification. Then Teal arrived, and Thompson and another man had been sequestered with him since.

She dried her face and opened the door where Mike was waiting. He took her to a small sleeping area with a cot, a straight chair, and a stand with some nutrition bars, juice, and water.

"I'm sorry this is all I have to offer at the moment. You can heat some field rations if you want."

T'Phol sat on the edge of the cot. "Why must I be imprisoned here with Peg Teal?"

Mike looked at her, not without sympathy. "I understand your trepidation. Your team has been informed of your whereabouts. At the moment there are things happening that require the attention of this team, as well as others on the planet, including Starfleet people from the Enterprise." He paused a moment. "Your Enterprise physician has set a chain of events into motion. It forces our hand prematurely, but the other side is frantic, probably pushed more, perhaps they will make mistakes in their rush. We know more about them than they do about us. We should still have the upper hand."

"And Doctor McCoy?"

"Apparently he is a puzzle piece they need. Let us hope they continue to feel that way."

They were interrupted by Thompson, who paused just inside the doorway . T'Phol could see Teal behind him. She glared in his direction, getting no response.

"Mike, we're almost ready," Thompson said. Mike nodded at T'Phol and left the room. Thompson regarded T'Phol for a moment, then took a deep breath.

"I know you are unhappy with these circumstances." His shoulders lifted in a small shrug. "Not that I blame you. My team is leaving within the quarter hour. Peg has some things he wants to say. He will not harm you. Gods willing, we will be back by tomorrow and return you to the Enterprise." He glanced behind him at Teal, an unstated warning. "Goodbye now."

T'Phol and Teal stared at each other a moment.

"You tried to kill me," T'Phol finally said.

"No," he replied. "I assure you, that was unintentional. The dosage was correct for a Vulcan, and universally considered to be safe and effective. I do not understand.

"I am half Human," T'Phol said drily.

Teal closed his eyes briefly. "It seems I have miscalculated several variables where you are concerned." He opened his eyes, stepping into the room. "Please forgive me. I am not prone to foolish mistakes."

"Why did you drug me? I would have told you everything I know. That is why I left the compound, to get your help."

"I realize that. I let you down." Teal glanced behind him in the corridor and stepped closer, lowering his voice to almost a whisper. "Will you tell me now? Vince knows, and you were correct to tell him. If we have a chance to help, I need to know as well."

"I thought we were under house arrest."

"I am. That should not be a big obstacle."

"I do not know why I should trust you."

"Because you want to see your doctor friend again. Because you'd rather do something to facilitate that outcome rather than sit and wait like a good little girl. It will be dangerous. These people are not playing. Great reward often signifies great risk. That is the same for both sides in this struggle. The rewards sought are quite different. The risk is identical. Lives on the line." He paused, leaning forward. "If you say no, we will wait. I think you have it in you."

T'Phol met his eyes evenly. "It is in me. What do we have to do?"

Teal pulled the chair to him and sat. T'Phol noticed he was wearing his artificial limb and not the peg. He chuckled. "Although I embrace my human frailness, there are times I prefer to hold an advantage. This leg allows more secure freedom of movement." He leaned back in the chair, linking his hands behind his head,

"Start by telling me what you know of the birds and McCoy's interaction with them. I think I hear the flyers warming up. Vince and associates should be leaving in minutes. When they're well gone, we will acquisition the remaining flyer for our own use."

"They are leaving you a flyer?"

Teal smiled then, showing his perfect row of teeth. "Oh no. Not on purpose. I am sure it will be electronically disabled. And the doors to the facility will be locked as well."

"I don't understand..."

"My dear. I am Edwin Teal, God of cypher. In addition, I am familiar with the type of code Vince prefers to use. He knows this, of course." His smile faded. "The truth is, he trusts me to stand by my word. I will never be in his favor again. Assuming I survive, of course." He sighed, then returned his attention to T'Phol. "Tell me your story. Time is ticking away."