Tides of Treason

by MsBananaNanner

A mysterious explorer, N'ivryn, risks everything to cure a deadly affliction. As a young boy's life hangs in the balance and a tangled web of deception ensnares the station, loyalties and convictions are put to the test. Aided by Garak's ingenuity and Bashir's expertise, she faces a course of action that could alter the future of an entire species.

30. Part 7, Chapter 30

The doors of an airlock slid open to reveal the Cardassian Legate Tirak, striding into the Promenade with an air of urgency.

"Captain Sisko!" Legate Tirak called out, his voice laced with impatience. "I demand to know why the Federation is actively covering up the crimes of the Andorians!"

Sisko paused mid sentence and mid stride at the all too familiar voice behind him. He furrowed his brow and exchanged a puzzled glance with Kira and Dax. "I'm not sure what you're referring to, Legate."

Kira tapped her combadge instinctively. "Kira to Odo; you're needed on the Promenade."

Tirak scowled, taking a few steps closer. "Don't play ignorant with me, Sisko. I've seen the mission logs. The Federation is clearly involved in a conspiracy to keep Andoria's actions hidden!"

Sisko's expression remained stoic, but he could sense something was amiss. He exchanged a glance with Kira and Dax, who both seem equally puzzled by Tirak's accusations.

"Captain," a calm and collected voice interjected from behind Tirak. The Andorian delegates visiting the station approached the group, flanked by Odo and two Federation security guards. Their icy blue antennae twitched slightly with unease. "Perhaps we should discuss this matter privately."

Just as Sisko was going to agree, a new figure made his entrance, followed by a very tall, but rather unimposing figure. The shorter individual raised his staff dramatically and declared, "The Ferengi Alliance demands reparation for the Andorians' betrayal! Our trade deals have been undermined!"

Yet once more before Sisko could respond, his combadge chirped, and O'Brien's voice broke through the chaos. "Captain, I have a representative from Bajor on the viewscreen. She insists on speaking with you right away."

Sisko's expression tightened, recognizing that the situation was escalating quickly. "I'm a bit preoccupied at the moment, Chief," he replied, his voice tense.

The representative's voice then came through the combadge, cutting off O'Brien's response. "Captain Sisko, this is Minister Ranol from the provisional government. I must protest in the strongest possible terms the Federation's handling of these Andorian logs. The implications are deeply concerning."

Sisko let out a deep sigh. "Anyone else have something they'd like to say?"