STARDATE 48538.35: Three Months after Voyager's Arrival in the Delta Quadrant

"Why, Phil?" Denise said.

"I think I can do a better job in security."

She was pouting. "I like working with you, Phil. I don't want to see you go."

"It's not like I'm transferring to another ship," he said softly, keeping it light.

"How did Retut react?"

"He offered me deck nine."

"Oh," she said. "I don't want you to be my supervisor." She leaned close. "I like to be on top."

"I'm not surprised. You'll excuse me. I need to report to Tuvok." He heard her curse as he walked away.

The interview with Tuvok took more than an hour. The Vulcan asked him questions about his background, his combat experience and his training.

"Why are your records incomplete?" Tuvok asked.

"I was a late addition. My records were never transferred."

"Yes, I have found that problem with some other crewmembers. I am not pleased to take an individual into security on such limited information, but I am understaffed in a hostile environment. You understand, you will be watched more closely because of this?"

"Yes, sir."

"You said you have studied martial arts. Who taught you?"

"My parents. They were tournament martial artists."

"Which tournaments?"

Phil listed some. He had prepared an elaborate background, more material than he thought he'd need. He was almost out of information. The trick, he found, was describing his training without providing a source or location. He tried to keep the outright lies to a minimum. And, so far, Tuvok had not asked him if he were Federation or Maquis. Keegan knew from other crewmembers that Tuvok did not know all the Maquis. Chakotay kept many of his people isolated from each other, a protection against infiltrators. The Maquis had arrived in the Delta Quadrant in two ships. Tuvok was not familiar with most of the Maquis from the second ship.

"Did they place well?"

"No. They never made it past the second or third round. They were excellent teachers, though."

"How did you enter into your unusual occupation?" the Vulcan asked, presumably meaning the Maquis.

"Through an absurd series of accidents and coincidence. I was happily a university student until fate grabbed me."

Tuvok watched him silently. He never used a PADD during the interview and never read from his terminal. "Do you fear I will judge you for what you have done?" he said.

"No, I am more than enough judge for what I have done. I don't need any help."

"How do you judge yourself here?"

Phil looked around the room as if watching the whole ship. "Voyager is a chance for redemption."

"I understand," Tuvok said. "One more thing. I can normally detect a human at this distance. Are you using a telepathic shield?" the Vulcan asked.

"Yes, sir," Phil said without hesitation.

"Why?"

"There are parts of my life I would like to forget. I don't want anyone accidentally reminding me of them."

"That does not seem to be sufficient justification, considering the time and effort of the implantation and the mental training required to make it effective."

Phil sighed. "The implantation took very little time, and my parents provided me with mental discipline as part of their training. Adapting that training to the telepathic shield was not difficult."

Tuvok nodded to Phil. "Very well," he said. "If this personal training of yours does not interfere with your duties, I will not pursue the issue. Perhaps I will find some tactical use for it." He finally picked up a PADD and read from it. "I am in the second week of training a new team. Do you believe you can catch up to them?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Tomorrow, you will wear your workout uniform and go to holodeck three at oh-five-hundred."

"Yes, sir."

"Dismissed."

STARDATE 55223.05: Second Day of the Trial

"How would you rate my performance, Commander Tuvok?" Keegan said. He stood in the middle of the room, facing the witness chair.

"My evaluations of you ranged from above average to excellent," Tuvok replied.

"Did I ever give you a reason to doubt my loyalty?"

"No."

"Did the presence of my telepathic shield cause you any concern?"

Tuvok considered the question. "I remained curious about your decision to use the shield, but I did not feel it merited investigation."

"How long did you consider me for field promotion?"

"Three months," Tuvok answered.

"Did you ever doubt your decision?"

"Vulcans do not doubt. We review all factors logically."

Keegan smiled. "What did your logic tell you?"

"Your leadership skills were undeveloped, but your intellect and adaptability compensated. You exhibited superior physical and mental training, and you showed a strength of will often praised by other humans."

"Where did this lead you?"

"That you would make an acceptable officer, by human standards."

Keegan turned to a display screen. "Computer, show defense exhibit four." Text appeared on the screen. "Commander Tuvok, would you identify that text for us?"

"Those are the results of the Academy tests I administered prior to recommending you for field promotion."

"Would you identify the highlighted area?" Keegan asked.

"Those are the results of the psychological exam," Tuvok said.

"Describe them, please."

"The test indicated an unusual, possibly traumatic childhood. You showed a measure of arrogance and instability resulting from that upbringing and from your own perceived superiority. On occasion, you manifested a paranoid delusion."

"What delusion was that?"

"That the entire crew of Voyager was out to get you."

Keegan smiled again. "Then why did you suggest me for promotion?"

"Many members of the crew developed emotional difficulties during this time period," Tuvok said. "I found that you were able to deal with these difficulties more effectively than most of the other humans. I also found that you responded well to a challenge. I believed the increased responsibility would ultimately help you with these emotional problems."

Keegan said, "In your opinion, do you believe you were correct? Has my rank and responsibility improved my emotional stability?"

"For a human, yes."

Keegan turned toward the admirals, and then the prosecutor, his face stoic. "Computer, screen off," he said. "Mister Tuvok, are you stronger than me?"

"No," the Vulcan said. "Your mass affords you a benefit."

Keegan began to pace slowly. "Are you faster than me?"

"Yes."

"And what about endurance?"

"Comparable," Tuvok said.

"Are you smarter than me?"

"Overall intellect, no, but I have superior tactical knowledge."

"Yes," Keegan said. "You do. Could you take me in a fight?"

"Yes," Tuvok replied.

"But I defeated you in the shuttle bay."

"You had superior tactical information and the element of surprise."

"Did losing to me bother you?"

"That is an emotion," Tuvok said.

"Do you fear me? Or, whatever Vulcans call it."

"No."

"Do you believe I pose a threat to the Federation?" Keegan asked.

"That would depend on the type of threat," Tuvok said.

"What would you have done," Keegan continued, "if I had told you what I was at that first interview?"

"Informed the captain and reprimanded you for placing false information in the computer."

"Thank you, Mister Tuvok," Keegan said. "No further questions."

"Mister Tuvok," Commander Brown said. "Philip Keegan fooled you for seven years. How was that accomplished?"

"Voyager was in a constant state of alertness," Tuvok replied. "We were under attack from many alien species. I needed to trust the crew around me and to rely on them in order to insure Voyager's survival. I did not have the luxury to consider an inside threat, and we had no evidence that the Caretaker had acquired anyone other than Voyager and the Maquis."

The commander tapped her fingers. "And, did you change your policy when Seska was exposed?"

"Yes," Tuvok said. "I reviewed the records of all Maquis personnel."

"And how did Mister Keegan's limited background appear to you?"

Tuvok said, "He was not listed as Maquis. I considered it an error. In the end, I decided his incomplete records indicated he was not an infiltrator. Such an agent, like myself, would have a plausible history. However, I decided to review his record aboard Voyager and extend his probationary period."

"Did you tell him this?" Brown asked.

"Yes. He accepted my decision. He served with distinction during the probation, risking his own life three times in the course of his duties. At the end of the allotted period, I removed him from probation."

"None of this caused you any concern?"

Tuvok's expression drifted from annoyance to slightly more annoyance. "All of this caused me concern, Commander. However, I needed more than irritation or suspicion to pursue Mister Keegan's inconsistencies. My duty was to protect Voyager and her crew. As a security officer, Mister Keegan defended the ship with the same dedication I expected from any other Starfleet officer.

"I knew he possessed an imperfect past, as did many crewmembers aboard Voyager. Captain Janeway specifically ordered me to ignore those crimes. She knew we could not create a unified crew if we began to prosecute one third of the people on board. I believed Mister Keegan was a part of that group, that he had committed a crime in the Alpha Quadrant that the Federation deemed unforgivable, but, when the subject was discussed, he claimed he sought redemption. I chose to judge him on his actions in the Delta Quadrant and not on his assumed former indiscretions.

"The Maquis were renegades and terrorists, but they did their jobs with passion and skill. They also responded well to loyalty and respect. I chose this path with Mister Keegan and found my decision rewarded. I knew he hid a crime, but, by my own logic and my captain's orders, I ignored it. In return, Voyager gained a capable officer. I considered the results satisfactory."

"Would you serve with him again?" she asked, her voice calm.

"I must reevaluate Mister Keegan as an officer," he said, looking at Phil. "However, I have not ruled out the possibility."

"And when you reevaluated him for the computer core, what then? Did his lack of a history disturb you?"

"No, Commander, it did not," Tuvok said. "By then, I believed I knew Mister Keegan. As I said, I believed he had proven himself to me."

"And now, do you regret your decision?"

Tuvok looked again at Phil. "No. During his time as Head of the Computer Core, he served Voyager well."

Commander Brown sat back in her chair and crossed her fingers. "Thank you, Mister Tuvok. I have no further questions."

"Mister Keegan, you may call your next witness," Admiral T'Lara said.

STARDATE -335263.66: April 6, 1988

From an eighth story window, Phil watched as the governor cut a red ribbon at the entrance to the plant. The crowd around the governor cheered. The sound was a distant, happy squeal to Phil.

"Imagine if they knew, Philip," a soft voice said.

"I was."

"Ah," Khan said. "I see my favorite scientist looks fondly on them. I am pleased. I think it will help to understand them."

"And control them."

"Yes, Philip. We must remember that. We are given the opportunity to help where no other could. We can guide with passion and intellect and wisdom. Has any leader in history offered so much? We will give them a thousand Solomons. Today they have free energy. Tomorrow, their freedom will grow. We have that responsibility."

"My responsibility today is to the reactor," Phil said.

"And tomorrow, to the DY-fifty. How does that go?" Khan sat down and motioned Keegan to a chair.

"Rodriguez didn't tell you? We can't compress the fusion reactor enough to fit the frame. We're going to scrap the fifty design and upgrade to the heavier seventy."

"And if it used a fission reactor?" Khan asked.

"It could shuttle you earth to moon," Phil said. "We can also use it to test the launch vehicle."

"Excellent. How long before we can take mankind to Mars?"

"The seventy will be ready by ninety-one. The ion drive will get you to Mars in about a month."

"And by then," he said with a smile, "you will be just beginning your doctorate. Does that satisfy you?"

"I did not feel the need to earn a doctorate before I was fifteen."

Khan placed a hand on Keegan's shoulder and sighed. "Philip, will I ever regain your love?"

"I'm sure, if you really needed it, you could get it from me."

Khan laughed, but his eyes surveyed Keegan. "Philip, you have always had the best sense of humor among us. I hope you never lose it. Come with me," he said, standing. "Let me introduce you to the governor. Let him know a fifteen-year-old boy helped design the first fusion reactor. It will help prepare them for us."

"No," Phil replied. "I like my anonymity. Let me keep it until I graduate."

"Agreed," Khan said, embracing the word. "Let us rescue humanity from within the shadows today. But tell me what you want. Let me give you a gift."

"Send me to Mars," Keegan said without pause. "Let me be among the first to walk there."

"And will you love me if I do?"

"I just might."

STARDATE 48576.14: Two Weeks into Training

"Crewman Keegan?" Tuvok said. "Do I have your attention?"

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry. This is the first time I've been off Voyager since the Caretaker Array." In time, he would be as familiar with it as those around him, but, right now, he enjoyed walking on his first new planet.

"Yes," Tuvok said. "All of us have been in need of shore leave. You will be allowed to join the rest of Voyager's crew when our training is done. Follow me."

Today was the first day Tuvok himself had trained the team. When the others in Keegan's group talked about it, they smiled wickedly as if they felt they would return to the ship beaten and bruised and twice as skilled as they were now. Phil nodded and repeated what they were saying. He spent most of his week learning security protocols and weapon systems. He had little time to learn much about the Chief of Security.

"Are you Federation or Maquis?" In Maintenance, people had asked him that every other week. His response was, "Neither. I'm a member of Voyager's crew. I like to remember that." And that worked. "Good attitude," they would respond. Many even took up the mantra. Until one day, someone said, "No, seriously, Federation or Maquis? It's not like it matters." And he replied, "I'll tell you later," and put in for a transfer. But, security had not been a random choice.

Tuvok walked them to an area of huge boulders. He took them to a relatively flat rise where several boulders met. He ordered the group into a half circle.

"Mister Keegan," he said. "You tell me you've had some training. Show me."

"Watch out," a team member whispered. "He's Vulcan." He said it as if Phil knew what that meant.

He had read the background of them. They were strong. They lived two hundred years. They embraced logic the way humans embraced passion. They were respected. But, if he asked a question, he only got one answer, "He's Vulcan." Is he tough? Is he hard on you? Is he good at his job? How does he treat you? What's he like? "He's Vulcan."

"Mister Keegan," he said. "Attack me."

Phil dropped to a stance and punched out. Tuvok caught his arm and twisted him to the ground.

"Well done, Mister Keegan," Tuvok said. "If you would—"

Keegan curled up on the ground and kicked backward, catching Tuvok in the chest and knocking him back. The Vulcan rolled with the impact and came up in a guard. Keegan kicked out, a feint, and struck with his fist. Tuvok blocked his arm and hit Keegan in the back, knocking him to one knee. Phil fell smoothly into a sweep. Tuvok rolled over it and they stood as one.

"I am pleased, Mister Keegan," Tuvok said. Half the group gasped.

Phil smiled, in a way he hadn't in years, back when he could enjoy something. Tuvok appeared to acknowledge the smile as an incidental quirk in his opponent. Phil scoured Tuvok's face for a reaction; pain, joy, fear, hate, surprise, excitement, disdain, boredom, anything really. Does he like his job? He's Vulcan. I get that now. Phil attacked.

The new attack differed from the old. Phil was no longer surprised. He knew Tuvok surpassed his speed. He had no reason to hold back with that. He limited his strength. He knew Tuvok could match it well enough, but the Vulcan would notice the difference. As for skill, Tuvok appeared to have had some training.

Tuvok punched twice, both feints, and swung at Keegan with his elbow. Phil dodged and punched in one move. Someone in the group whistled. Tuvok took the blow and struck. More punches followed, half feint, half real, shifting as opportunity required. Phil blocked and struck as he could, but he had no chance. He was losing, with or without his strength. And he was smiling. With each bruise, his smile deepened. When Tuvok kicked him in the chest and knocked him into one of the other trainees, Phil laughed, though it sounded like a cry of pain.

"Are either of you injured?" Tuvok said.

"No, sir," both replied.

"Good. You have seen Crewman Keegan make use of the terrain. Learn from this. Make your environment your ally. That must be stressed. Crewman Simms, step forward."

STARDATE -335264: April 6, 1988

"Khan said you wanted to talk to me?" Keegan said to Zi Lin. Lin walked to a table, stepping away from a naked man strapped to a chair. Fine cuts and precise bruises covered the man's skin.

"I've gotten what information he has. Now I need him to take back a message."

Keegan examined the man and the tears creeping down his face. "Industrial or oil company?" he asked.

"Oil. Were you as amused by the lobbyists as I?"

"I found their expressions memorable." Eugenics held two-thirds of the congressional seats. Established companies found their attempts to stop the fusion reactor surprisingly unsuccessful.

"I need a device from you," Lin said. "A plastic with the density of human flesh. Make the trigger look like a pacemaker. I need it by tomorrow morning."

"What parts will you remove?" Phil said, examining the man's chest and stomach.

"I have a list there." Lin pointed to a sheet on the table.

"What radius are we talking about?"

"A refinery," Lin said. "It needs to be rubble."

"That can be done," Keegan said. "But he needs to stand in the right spot."

"I'll keep that in mind." Lin picked up a knife. "Was there something you wanted to ask?"

Phil finally turned away from the man in the chair. "Have you finalized a design for the launch vehicle?"

"No, McPherson is still reviewing them. Why?"

"I guess I'm anxious to get into space."

Lin chuckled. "Don't worry, Philip. We'll get there. If you'll excuse me, I have more work to do."