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Table of Contents
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Sulu arranged for Cee to meet with Koord at the first opportunity. Because of the rushed departure, Cee had to do most of his planning in general terms. It was fine to get things started, but Cee would need many more details if his mission was to be successful.
Gathered in the ship's main briefing room was Cee, Koord, Spock, DeSalle, Chekov, McCoy, Tavar and Sulu himself. He had tried to keep the meeting as small as possible, but it seemed that everyone had something to contribute or a need to know. Spock was invited out of courtesy, and also in case some specific point required approval or additional input. Sulu also requested Chekov for his security background and DeSalle as his first officer.
Koord was given the seat at the head of the table, a gesture of respect as suggested by Spock. Sulu sat at the other end with Chekov and DeSalle on either side of him. At Koord's end of the table, Spock sat to the Klingon's left and Cee to his right. Tavar was seated next to Cee with McCoy directly opposite.
Much to Cee's delight, Koord had prepared a very detailed diagram of the Imperial Palace. The drawing showed nearly every major section in detail, covering all levels. There were only a few minor gaps visible, which Koord attributed to the memory of old age.
DeSalle had prepared hard copies of the materials for each of those present, for study later. Right now, though, everyone studied the information which was displayed on the room's main viewer.
Koord was currently standing and relishing the role of lecturer and instructor. He had covered nearly every area of interest and a few that weren't. Of primary concern was the location of the stasis chambers. "Based on the words of Mister Mudd, I believe the stasis units are located here." He pointed to a large hall on the plans. "It's a place of honor, at least it had been. Shouldn't be many people in the area; it's more of a museum than a meeting place." The general then changed the image on the viewer and added, "Colonel Cee, if you'll examine this particular area, you will see the main garrison, level five, section seven." The Klingon pointed to the area in question then continued. "I'm not sure, but I think the main armory is located there as well." Koord smiled, "They didn't let me go everywhere."
The General laughed at his own statement as he took his seat. All of those present joined in, except Spock.
"Captain Cee, exactly how will your teams be equipped? That is, what's to keep you from being discovered?" Chekov's question was intended to put Spock at ease. Maybe a detailed account of what was planned would make him feel better about proceeding with the mission. While the Vulcan's face revealed nothing, his body language was still displaying a certain reluctance to the plan of putting Federation personnel on Romulus. Also, until now, he had been unseen aboard the ship. Chekov had learned of Cee's reputation for being a by-the-book officer. If Cee could project that attitude to Spock, it might help to ease the Vulcan's mind.
Cee stood to address the group. Before him were several devices, all familiar but not Starfleet issue. "Most of you don't know me. It's the nature of my business to maintain a certain degree of anonymity. However, let me assure you that my team and I are well qualified for, and dedicated to, the success of this mission."
He turned to address Chekov directly. "Captain, you have asked a good question. Allow me to present the answer. First, our communication devices are simple, one frequency, voiceless signaling units. Originally Orion in design, practically everyone makes them now. Ours came from the Gorns, by way of the Klingons."
Koord laughed, "At a substantial mark-up, I can assure you."
Cee continued, "Locating the captives is based on this," he held up a small unit similar to the newest tricorder. "Originally designed by Starfleet, it's a knock-off copy, from the Orions, again."
That comment drew a few chuckles from the group.
"Lastly, we have our only form of self-defense." Cee put the tricorder down and picked up a small phaser-like unit. "This is a Romulan weapon, once again, from our Klingon friends. It's the type carried by servants in high-placed Romulan residences. By law, they are forbidden to carry weapons, the law also allows them to protect their masters with this non-lethal item. It will blend in and will allow us to defend ourselves while complying with the Federation Council's request to refrain from causing Romulan casualties."
"And what if you are discovered, Captain?" Spock probably knew the answer, but the Colonel responded, honestly.
"Ambassador Spock, we will defend ourselves and do our best to recover the captives. Barring that, all of my team members are under orders not to be taken captive under any circumstances."
"You mean they will die rather than being taken captive, don't you?" Koord's voice was firm and it was obvious that the Klingon held Cee in high regard.
"Yes, General, that is correct." Cee turned to face Spock directly, "Ambassador, Walking Bear made it clear that the Federation must not be implicated. My team has been fitted with special implants which, when activated, leaves no trace whatsoever, total disintegration. Should any of them be wounded critically, the implant will activate itself, unless neutralized within a very brief time period."
The room was very quiet until McCoy cleared his throat. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that, but I'd like to address another matter, the actual recovery process."
Nearly everyone present was grateful for the change in topic, particularly Sulu. "How will that be done, Doctor?"
Tavar answered for McCoy. "I would prefer a direct beam up while the captives are still in stasis, as we suggested earlier." The Romulan surgeon saw the worried look in Cee's eyes. "Captain, I said it was a suggestion, if circumstances permit, but if there is no other choice, Doctor McCoy and I will do our best to ensure the captives survive." He took a deep breath and continued. "One other point, the exact status of the captives is not known. It is very important that they be treated carefully. It is quite possible that their physical and mental conditions are in such a poor state, that a complete breakdown may occur when released. It is unfortunate that my people rely on, and sometimes enjoy, the practice of torture. I witnessed it first hand and had to treat people who were victims of that practice. It is one of the reasons I left Romulus."
Cee addressed Koord directly, "Can you think of anything else I should know?"
"The Preator is highly respected, therefore your team should be dressed as a palace guards. It should give you unquestioned access. But beware, the Tal Shiar are everywhere, they hold the real power. If you encounter them, strike first; challenge rather than be challenged, ask rather than be questioned and display confidence and arrogance. The palace is very busy, just look like you know what you're doing and you'll be ignored."
Sulu stood, "If there is nothing further, I believe both the doctors have additional prosthetic work to perform on Cee's team."
A very tense Koord spoke again. "Colonel Cee, my people are anxious to serve and therefore I would like to offer the services of the Klingon Empire. If I were to accompany you, it would simplify matters immensely."
Cee looked trapped and wasn't sure how to get out of the situation.
Mercifully, Spock intervened. "That is not possible, General. The Federation Council was specific about who and what would be allowed to be a part of the actual rescue. If those restrictions are not observed, then I am obligated to cancel the mission." The Vulcan leaned forward and spoke directly to the general in hushed tones. "Your information has been extremely valuable and the mission could not have been contemplated without you. However, if I were to allow your participation and you were to be killed -- or worse -- captured. It could lead to consequences we can't even begin to imagine. I know of your strong dedication to duty and your willingness to rescue the Admiral and the others, but I must insist that you and your staff remain aboard and allow us to take care of this. After all, you have honors enough for several people, allow us to achieve such honor as well."
Koord looked disappointed and just a little hurt, but acquiesced. "Understood, Ambassador, but if you change your mind, you know where to find me." He finished on a weak smile and became sullen.
When no further comments were offered, everyone filed out. However; Sulu, Chekov and DeSalle remained.
After the others had gone, Sulu spoke, "Do either of you think Koord was happy with Spock's response?"
DeSalle looked genuinely worried. "Not sure, but if he decides to back out of the mission, we're lost, especially if he takes his cloak and its inventor with him." Then he turned to Chekov. "Pavel, are you comfortable with your security measures?" DeSalle was just doing his job as first officer, but the question hit home with the Russian.
"Vith only a staff of six? I could hav ten times that many and still not feel 'comfortable.'"
Spock caught McCoy on his way to sickbay and asked to speak. Motioning Tavar to continue the team preparations, McCoy paused to see what the Vulcan wanted. However, he was mildly agitated by the interruption. "What is it, Spock?"
"I was curious, Doctor, will your surgical work in any way mask the rescue teams' vital signs?"
"Not really, we're counting on a visual deception, but the Vulcans on Cee's team shouldn't have much difficulty, why?"
The Vulcan remained quiet, obviously deep in thought.
Unsure of what his friend was looking for, McCoy tried to assure the ambassador. "Don't worry, Spock. They'll be in and out in a very short time." Waiting for a response that wasn't coming, he continued. "Are you having second thoughts? You've been locked up in your quarters since we left; meditating or just contemplating?"
"Both, Doctor. I was uncomfortable with this mission from the onset, but recently I've had a few very disturbing thoughts."
McCoy was now curious and pushed his friend for details. "What sort of thoughts, Spock?"
"What if the person Mr. Mudd saw was the result of a surgical alteration?"
McCoy's jaw dropped and he was stunned, "A deception?"
"Precisely, Doctor."
"But why?"
"I can think of two reasons. First, they were testing Mr. Mudd. The Romulans let him see the Kirk duplicate and then tracked his movements. Perhaps to discover any agents operating on Romulus. If Mudd had attempted to contact them, they would have been arrested and executed, along with Mudd."
"They succeeded in that aspect of it," McCoy said dryly.
"Indeed. Perhaps it was done intentionally, perhaps not. They may have wished only to damage the ship for appearances sake."
The doctor was now completely caught up in Spock's conjecture. "To what end?"
"Lend credence to the trader's discovery story. Remember, I said there were two reasons for a deception. The second may have been trying to lure us here intentionally."
"Just to pick a fight, Spock?"
Patiently, the Vulcan explained, "If we attempted a rescue, the Romulans would have a scapegoat for their multitude of problems. More importantly, they would have a rallying point for an empire torn by internal problems of all types. The various factions would be forced to forget their differences to meet a common enemy, us."
"Well, I'll be damned. But why didn't you say something sooner?"
"I hadn't contemplated the possibilities at that time."
McCoy was confused, "Well, what have you been contemplating in your room?"
Heaving a sigh, the Vulcan explained, "I'm conducting extensive research on another matter, unrelated to the rescue mission. It was your discussion on prosthetics in our recent meeting which began my thought processes on a possible deception."
The doctor was quiet for a moment, then a horrifying thought struck him. "You're not going to cancel the mission, are you?"
Spock's ensuing silence scared the surgeon. "Now wait just a minute, we've come this far, why not go ahead --"
"Relax, Doctor. I have no intention of cancelling the rescue attempt."
A confused doctor relaxed, "You're not?"
"No, there is still the matter of the other Starfleet officers from the Vikrant. Their presence is not entirely consistent with my misgivings. In any event, I was merely using you as a, I believe the phrase is, sounding board. Please accept my apologies if I upset you unduly."
"No problem, Spock, I suppose it's your job to contemplate all the variables. But if you do find a reason to cancel, see me first."
"Of course, Doctor, I will always seek your advice." Spock then disappeared in the curved corridor.
For just a brief moment, McCoy had thought to ask what research Spock was working on, but decided against it. "Back to work, Leonard," he said aloud. Moving down the corridor in the opposite direction of Spock, he smiled with the confidence of a man who had received a compliment from Spock.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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