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Sulu and Chekov were beamed into the rim of the Imperial Palace, in a secluded alcove. Stepping out cautiously, they were immediately impressed with the size and the elaborate construction, but puzzled by their ease of entry. Where were all the people? Maybe the civil war was being fought elsewhere? Surely the Romulans would have the Preator's home protected against an intrusion. On previous orbits, the palace had been crowded.
Before the two officers could discuss the various possibilities, they were approached by a group of Romulans, dressed in a type of uniform other than standard military. In the current environment of civil law, they could be palace guards or even the secret police.
Chekov whispered to Sulu, "Vat do ve do now?"
"Ad lib!"
The senior Romulan officer came face to face with the two imposters, with a very determined look. However, his first words were totally unexpected. "We are glad to see that you are well, honored citizens. Since the regular military can no longer assure your safety, would it not be wiser to remain within the security zone?"
Sulu took the cue and responded diplomatically. "Under normal circumstances, yes, but we are on a special mission for the senate."
The Romulan bowed slightly in recognition of the apparent status and mission of the two diplomats. "I am sorry, sir. With the situation so difficult, why do you not travel with your personal bodyguards?"
Chekov elbowed Sulu imperceptibly and prompted a response, "Yes, of course, but they were wounded only recently and replacements have not yet been made available."
Almost apologetically, the Romulan continued. "I'm sorry." He turned and waved his arm in a sweeping movement to show the small group in his charge. "Take your pick, you will find they all will exceed your expectations."
Clearing his throat nervously, Chekov began to reach for his weapon, slowly and secretly.
Now Sulu had a tough decision. If he refused, it might tip off the masquerade. If he accepted, then he and Chekov would be saddled with an unwanted and unpredictable escort. Also, just how many Romulans constituted a personal guard?
He decided to chance accepting the escort with the hope of 'losing' them just as he threatened Chekov. Right now, the pair could not hope to overpower the whole group and it might attract unwanted attention in the process. If this was to be the last attempt, it had to have a reasonable chance of success. Now, as for the correct number for an 'honor guard,' Sulu responded, "I will take these two." He motioned to the last pair of Romulans in the group of ten.
The senior officer looked puzzled and stared at Chekov. "Will the other senator not be taking a personal guard as well?"
Two was more than enough to get in the way so Chekov decided to sidestep the decision. "Thank you, no. We will be served well by these two. My own replacements will meet us later."
Just when Sulu was about to give his friend an A+ for his performance, the troublesome Romulan asked the one question they could not answer.
"What is your destination, honored citizen?"
The resulting silence was deafening until Chekov had a brain storm, "The alien stasis chambers."
Sulu nearly choked, but recovered and added quickly, "Yes, uh, it has been decided, in senate council, to eliminate the surviving aliens." He then held his breath waiting for the reaction while noticing Chekov's readiness stance on his weapon.
The group of Romulans became more serious, if that was possible. Surprisingly, the leader agreed. "Yes, it is about time the senate outvoted the preator on that particular issue." Happy with what he just heard, the officer did not bother to check the story or question their authority. "You may have the entire squad of you wish!"
"Not necessary, continue with your regular duties and see to the safety and security of the palace. Our mission will not require more than two."
Saluting in the traditional manner, the officer smiled in a devilish way and turned to signal the last two members of his detail to remain.
The two Starfleet officers eyed each other nervously. They were losing precious time and beginning to think that getting rid of the two Romulans might not be as easy as they thought.
Returning his attention to the 'senator,' the officer spoke one more time. "I wish you success, honored citizens." He turned back to his men, "Proceed!"
The diminished squad marched off down the corridor at a rapid pace. After they disappeared, Sulu looked back at the two remaining Romulans. They gave Sulu and Chekov a snappy salute, then remained at attention.
The Admiral looked at the honor guard spoke in an authoritarian tone, "A moment while I confer with my colleague."
Both Romulans nodded in acknowledgement, remaining at attention.
The Starfleet officers moved out of hearing range. Keeping in mind that Romulans were of Vulcan ancestry, it was a respectable distance.
Chekov spoke first, "Okay, now vhat, Admiral?" The last word was spoken with more than a hint of sarcasm.
Sulu remained quiet.
"Ve cannot chust valk about using a tricorder to guide us. They vill know something is not right. If ve stun them now, they are bound to recover before ve can finish and sound an alarm."
Suddenly, Sulu's face lit up. "We'll let them take us where we want to go." He crooked an index finger at Chekov in a 'follow me' manner.
The Russian threw up his hands in exasperation and followed his friend's lead.
Approaching the escorts, Sulu assumed his authoritarian voice again. "It has been decided, you will both take the lead and make sure the way is secure. We must hurry as we are already behind schedule."
The two guards gave the customary salute and one spoke in a harsh tone. "We will be honored senator. It will be a privilege to serve with you in your just cause!" Turning quickly, they began to move cautiously down the corridor, checking the route for hostile forces.
It was then that Chekov was struck by a thought. Just what side did he and Sulu represent and which side were the guards on? He tugged on Sulu's robe as soon as the guards were far enough away and spoke quietly. "Sulu, are ve loyalists or revisionists?"
Turning to face Chekov, Sulu whispered. "Search me, Pavel, but I get the feeling that the senate is either off limits or neutral; maybe even both. Looks like Spock's assessment on the clothing was correct." He paused to study his friends face and smiled, continuing, "Let's get going before we lose our guides!"
The pair hurried down the corridor. As they moved, Hikaru's thoughts were of the previous rescue teams, particularly of Spock and Saavik. What had they done to tip off the Romulans and what had happened to them?
He could not have known it, but at that very moment, Spock and Saavik had just escaped the 'protective custody' of the Imperial Guards.
Ever since their initial landing, the twosome had been on the move and constantly working towards their ultimate goal of locating and freeing the captives.
It had taken an incredible amount of time to locate the captives, even with Sebor's knowledge. A combination of Romulan security measures, palace guards and vicious fighting amongst the locals slowed them considerably. The most difficult part of their work, though, concerned the high energy palace shield. It was necessary to disable the unit if direct beam out of the captives were to be possible.
Spock weighed the variables for just a moment. If they left immediately to deal with the shield, they would miss the next comm point. As the shield blocked most communications, they would be forced to move from its influence. That would cost them even more valuable time. Spock opted to neutralize the shield and was nearly discovered in the process.
Hours ago, he and Saavik had located the control and were in the process of disabling the device when a general alarm was sounded. It was unrelated to their activities, but the pair was forced to abandon their work for the time being.
The decision was wise as they were caught up in a massive security sweep. Quickly, they hid several pieces of equipment for use later on. No sooner had they done so, they were placed into what the place guards referred to as 'protective custody.'
From what Spock and Saavik could pick up, the palace guards had anticipated a lot of trouble. For this reason, all senators, diplomats and other associated bureaucrats had been placed in a special holding area under very heavy guard and, even worse, additional shielding.
The reluctant detainees attempted to discuss their situation and plan a next step, but the task proved difficult in the overcrowded room.
Their list of accomplishments at that point, aside from their detention, had been impressive. They had determined the location of the captives, the fact their signals were fairly strong and they had located the shield equipment. With a bit more time, the shield would have been disabled as well.
Saavik had originally wanted to destroy the entire system, but Spock had insist that only a temporary disabling effect would be necessary, or acceptable.
While in custody, they had already missed one comm point and were in danger of missing another when it was decided to risk an escape attempt.
By that time, the room was even more crowded and Spock decided further conversation was impossible. Putting aside traditional Vulcan etiquette, the Ambassador surreptitiously touched Saavik for a meld.
At first, she had turned to her mentor in both shock and puzzlement. Then, slowly, realization had swept across her face until finally she had nodded in acknowledgement, perceiving his intentions.
After a few moments, Spock had prepared himself to simulate a severe cardiac problem. Saavik was also ready to do her best as an actor.
As the Vulcan slumped forward in his seated position, Saavik started her performance. By the time Spock's body had begun to convulse, a small crowd had gathered.
Two guards approached and pushed their way through the small crowd surrounding Spock and Saavik. One addressed her in a manner that suggested the disturbance was a major inconvenience. "What is going on here?"
Saavik laid the emotion and acting on thick. "Oh, please, please, help him! He's suffering from a severe circulatory condition. It's inherited and his father died from it. Get him some help, please, hurry!"
The guard stood motionless for a moment, then he began searching through the crowded room. After a minute or two he had caught the attention of someone and called to them. "Physician, please attend!"
An elderly Romulan appeared, dressed in the traditional robes of a healer. Saavik became worried. The ruse might be discovered and she had to think fast.
As the physician knelt next to Spock, Saavik grabbed his arm and went into sobbing hysterics. "Please send him to the hospital, It's a severe cardiac condition, every minute you wait could be critical." As she pleaded, her eyes had filled with tears.
Looking at Saavik, the physician rose and spoke to the guard. "She is right, if the ambassador suffers from hereditary problems, he must be allowed to receive immediate treatment. I can do little here to help. Have him taken to the hospital, at once!" The last words had been spoken as an insult and an accusation. He followed it up with a reminder of his inability to help. "The next time, I trust you will allow me to bring my healer's pouch, as I wanted to!"
The guard had chosen not to return the insult, mostly due to respect for the man's position, but also to spare himself any further embarrassment and disgrace.
In a very short time, Spock had been moved carefully to an antigrav stretcher and was on his way out, without Saavik!
Panic began to set in, but quick thinking saved her. Picking up the few personal effects, she had fallen into lock-step, directly behind the stretcher bearer.
When the small ensemble had reached the exit, her way was blocked by still another guard.
Saavik turned to her only ally, the Romulan healer and pleaded her case. "I must be allowed to accompany him. I know his medical history and --" she had paused for effect "-- I am with his child."
The physician had given her a sympathetic look and then motioned the guard to let her pass.
Within a short period of time, the two had surprised the medical team and rendered them unconscious. Saavik had even surprised Spock by giving one of the Romulans a well-placed nerve pinch.
Now they were free again. But there was very little time and a lot to do.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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