by Leslie Lee
far away.
She suddenly felt the warm hands of the Romulan massaging her shoulders. “Trying a new form of interrogation?”
Syll laughed. “Is it working?”
“If the purpose is to relax me, then yes. How are you feeling?”
“I am well, and you?”
“Worried.”
“Perhaps we should surrender.”
Kari spun. “No, they will never get you. Never.”
“Perhaps they are after you. I could turn you in for a great reward.”
“You think so?”
Syll cocked her head. “I have considered it. Although handing you over to the military has possibilities, I do not believe it would accomplish much. Something about killing the Beloved Nephew will not put the military in a forgiving mode regardless of their true feelings. The students are right. I am as you say, the scapegoat.”
“I killed him. Not you. I poisoned him.”
“I beg to differ. I shot him while he was still alive.”
“That poison made him a dead man.”
“That poison was also mine. I killed him.”
“I killed him and let’s not talk about it any more.”
“As you wish since we both agree that I killed him.”
Kari stood to look into Syll’s eyes. “We have a few hours before we are in range of the warbirds. Do you want to spend it arguing?”
They kissed.
They made love.
They kissed some more.
They held each other as tightly as they could.
“I have just committed a great sin, Captain Kari Wu,” Syll murmured, falling back onto the pillows.
“Is that really against Romulan law?” Kari asked a little breathlessly. The bed, as she knew it would be, was immense.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Syll was quiet a moment. “Because Romulans are superior to Humans.”
“What? You mean Humans have out evolved Romulans.”
She shrugged. “It is against the law, a capital crime, and has been for a very long time.”
Kari pulled the blanket around them. “Good thing you’re under Federation jurisdiction then. We are not so archaic.”
Syll smiled then said, “You risked much with the poison disk.”
“I knew you’d know what to do.”
“And if you were not able to get to me? How would you have separated the disk?”
Kari fluttered her tongue against the Romulan’s ear.
Syll scrunched away trying to protect her ear. “You are fortunate, Human. You would have probably pricked yourself.”
“Plan A required my hands. This was Plan B.” She fluttered her tongue on her other ear, causing the Romulan to clap her hands over them. “As you can see, I did practice. Plan C was the best though.”
Syll looked at her. “You had another plan though did you not?”
“As I have been taught, many.” Kari met her gaze. “If I felt that I could not get to him, then I would kill you if I could. My thanks forever and ever to the Stars of Wisdom.”
“Our thanks always to the Stars of Wisdom.”
Kari clasped Syll’s hands into hers then rested her forehead against Syll’s. They closed their eyes and meditated.
“I feel this is superior without the pain field,” Syll murmured after a moment.
Kari kissed her on the nose in agreement.
“Computer,” Kari said. “How long until we are in range of the warbirds?”
“Two hours.”
“What kind of weapons do we have?”
“There are small arms and...”
“No, I mean ship’s weapons.”
“I will not agree to firing on my own people,” Syll warned.
“This ship does not possess weapons,” the computer said.
“Well, we appear to have avoided our first argument.”
“Second.”
Kari gave her a look.
“What designation of shields do we have, computer?” asked Syll.
“This ship does not posses shields, first officer.”
They both cursed at the same time, eliciting a laugh which did not last long.
“Great. No weapons, no shields. This is going to be a very short fight,” Kari sighed. “If only we had a cloak.”
Syll shook her head. “This ship is far too small for...”
“This ship is equipped with a cloak,” said the computer.
“What?” they both said.
“This ship is equipped with a cloaking device.”
“How is that possible, computer? The power generation is far too large.”
“First officer, the owner of this vessel installed the appropriate power generators recently. Weapons, shields, all but one transporter, extraneous crew quarters, cargo space have all been sacrificed.”
“He was running, that coward,” Kari said.
“Computer, how many ships behind us?”
“One. More may be cloaked.”
“On the border blocking us?”
“Five. More may be cloaked.”
Syll nodded, thoughtful.
“You know their tactics, first officer. Do you have a plan?”
“Always, Starfleet captain,” Syll stated. “It may be adequate.”
“It had better be more than adequate.” Together, they worked on the solution.
“I think we should get dressed if we are to go into battle,” Syll said moving slowly. “It seems more appropriate somehow.”
Kari found something Syll reluctantly accepted. She combed the Romulan’s hair and tried to hide some of the bruises with a little makeup.
“I can dress myself, Human,” she grimaced, as she tried to bend and put on some boots. Kari knelt and laced the boots up.
“A cocktail dress,” Syll scowled. “And what is the point of a dress being so short?”
“Myryath must’ve had a lot of hope since she brought those along,” she said, pointing to the Tal Shiar garments that the students had thrown over her in the great hall. “You can wear that if you want.”
Kari dressed herself in the clothes she came on board with.
Syll looked at the Tal Shiar clothing. “I believe it no longer suits me.”
“We are being hailed,” the computer said.
They returned to the main cabin to stand before a display.
“Ready?” Kari asked.
Syll tugged at the hem of her dress trying to get it below her knees. “Ridiculous. But proceed.”
“Computer, on screen.”
A Romulan captain appeared.
“Captain Rhel of the Darksend,” Syll answered. “A pleasant coincidence to encounter you out here.”
The captain bowed. “Greetings, Commander Syll. It had come to my attention you were in the area. I would not miss the opportunity of enjoying your company again. You appear to be dressed for a pleasant dinner.”
“We were about to indulge in a simple repast on our leisurely voyage,” Syll said. Kari suddenly put her arm around her. Syll tried to pull away but she was too weak. “We are on vacation.”
“A vacation, ahh,” his smile faltered a little when he looked at the two females. “We would be honored to have our former first officer join us aboard the Darksend for a pleasurable meal and some idle conversation.”
“Your generosity is most kind, captain. If I might digress a moment while there is still time. My being in the Tal Shiar disappointed you those many years ago. I am sorry for that subterfuge. I would like you to know that it was a sincere pleasure to serve with you, sir. Regardless of the outcome of these current events, I am grateful to you, captain.”
“You were the finest officer, Commander. I was rude at our parting those many years ago. That was uncalled for. My apologies.” He cocked his head. “Now, if you would cut your engines, we can welcome you on board the Darksend with some fine Romulan Ale and some excellent cooking. These many ships in this area would appreciate your cooperation so they may go about their own d
uties.”
“A thoughtful invitation, captain,” Syll said. “If you would indulge me another moment. I understand that there was a problem with the prior owner of this ship?”
“We have unfortunate news that the Beloved Nephew was fatally injured by a most sorrowful of accidents. The reports detail how he sacrificed himself to personally with his own bare hands save the lives of many many families from a terrible tragedy.”
“You can’t be serious,” Kari blurted out.
Syll shook her head while glaring at Kari. “Sadness indeed for the Romulan Empire to see the loss of such a personage. His sacrifice which has saved so many must have caused the Stars of Wisdom themselves to weep.”
“Yes, weep indeed.” The Romulans paused respectfully a moment. “Now, Commander Syll. I look forward to having you on board. The family of the Beloved Nephew has formally requested the military to interrupt your vacation and escort you home.”
“You were thoughtful to offer them your assistance, sir. However, I fear we must decline. I know this inconveniences many. I am sorry this rendezvous is likely to be short, captain, but...”
“It need not be, Syll,” the captain interrupted, leaning forward. “You have no hope here. None. Syll, take me up on my invitation. Please. Accommodation might still be possible.”
Syll looked away a moment. “There is no blame here, Rhel. None at all. My memories of you are and always will be, fond. I will not return to what awaits me. I trust you to be efficient. May the Stars of Wisdom guide each and every one of your plans.”
“May you find peace amongst the Stars of Wisdom, Syll.” He looked like he wanted to say something more but they were both silent.
“Captain,” Kari said, finally.
He frowned at her focusing his attention. “You look familiar, Human.”
“I’m afraid we all look alike,” she said smiling. “Is that Tolan standing behind you?”
The captain looked over his shoulder. “Why yes. You two are acquainted?”
“Has he chosen more wisely in love?”
Tolan knocked a fist