by John Peel
"You have no right—" Raldar began, but Hosir raised his own voice.
"He has every right. He was there and endangered by the blasts. Besides, he makes sense. I wish to hear him out."
"So do I," added Tork. "Please, continue."
In his element now, Odo did so. He glared at Tukh so ferociously the alien took a step backward. "You found Harl's comp at the site of the explosion, did you?"
"Yes," Tukh answered defiantly.
"Really?" Odo turned to Tork. "Do you have your comp with you?"
"Of course." Tork pulled it from the niche in his shell. "Why?"
"Just prior to the explosion," Odo reminded him, "you tried to contact Harl, didn't you? Where did your comp say that his comp was?"
Tork's face lit up as he realized what Odo was getting at. "To the west of the site," he answered. "Well out of range of the explosion."
Odo spun around. "And you found it at the site?" he growled. "I wonder how it got there?"
Tukh appeared shaken and confused. "You would say that he is innocent," he said to Tork. "He is your friend and probably your accomplice."
"Ah!" Odo crowed. "More accusations to cover a slip in your story, eh? That's not good enough. And another thing—you said that only Harl's prints are on the comp?"
"Yes," Tukh answered defiantly.
"How do you know that?" asked Odo. "You could not have tested for prints, could you? Besides, wouldn't yours be on it, too, if you found it as you claim?"
Tukh was clearly shaken now. "I suppose they would be, yes."
"Convenient." Odo surveyed the Masters. "And perhaps they were there before the explosion, too? So we have two sets of prints on the weapon—Harl's and yours. And you were the one discovered with the device, and which you claim you were turning in as evidence of Harl's guilt. Evidence you have no way of checking, surely?"
Raldar stepped forward. "You are simply confusing the issue," he snapped. "And you are harassing the witness."
"Witness?" asked Odo. "I'd say suspect would be a better word for it, wouldn't you?" He whirled to face Dron. "I think there is at least as much evidence implicating Tukh in this matter as there is against Harl. Wouldn't you agree?"
Dron clearly didn't want to make a decision about that. "Well," he hedged. "It does appear confusing."
"Confusing?" Everyone's eyes turned to Hosir, who was seated at the main comp in the room. "If you want to know what is really puzzling, I have just checked the Determination records, and I confess myself bemused."
"Ah, what?" asked Makarn, stammering slightly. "I do not see the, ah, relevance of the Determination records."
"You do not see a great deal, that is your problem," Hosir informed him cruelly. "I just looked up witness Tukh there. It seems from his Determination that he is not a worker at all." He feigned surprise. "It says that he was assigned to security." He blinked mildly and then stared at Raldar. "That means he works for you. Odd that you did not know this."
"I was … reassigned," stammered Tukh, but the damage had been done. The other Masters in the room stared alternately at him and at Raldar.
"Really?" asked Hosir. "And who changed your Determination for you? Only a Hivemaster could do that." He stared at his fellows one at a time. "Anyone wish to confess to having changed Tukh's status for him?" There was dead silence. "I thought not."
Happily, Tork said, "I move that this matter be investigated more thoroughly. And that Tukh be taken to restraining cells for the time being. And that Harl be set free. And," he finished, glaring at Raldar, "that Security Master Raldar give a full and sufficient explanation for this to the assembled Masters."
There was a surge of agreement with his motions, which Dron cut short. "What you say," he commented smoothly, "is clearly only reasonable and just." He gestured to me guards, who struck the manacles from Harl and transferred them to the protesting Tukh. "Take him away. And you, Raldar, had better go as well. I shall want a full accounting of this from you at our next meeting."
Raldar was scowling deeply, and glaring at Tork, Odo, and Hosir in turn. Finally he nodded. "I obey," he growled in low tones and then stalked from the room.
Dron turned to survey Tork and then Odo. "It appears that this matter is more complicated than it first appeared," he said slowly. "I thank you for your help. I suspect it will take some time for the truth to emerge."
"I'm sure it will," Odo agreed cynically. "That's often the case in such matters."
Tork turned to Odo and Sisko with a smile. "Once again, I am in your debt," he said. "You have saved the reputation and life of a friend."
"It seems to be becoming a habit," Sisko replied.
"If there is anything that I can do in return," Tork said simply, "please name it."
"There is one thing," Sisko answered. "You have kindly shown us some of the Hive and answered many of our questions. I feel that I am beginning to understand your people. Now, perhaps, you will let me return the favor, so that you may start to understand mine?"
Tork's snout wrinkled. "I do not understand you."
"Accompany me back to Bajor," Sisko asked. "See how they live. Try and understand why they will not leave their homes." There was a collective gasp at this suggestion, and Tork was clearly shaken by the suggestion. "I'm sorry," Sisko said, feigning puzzlement. "Have I offended in some way?" He already had a good idea what the answer would be.
Dron moved forward. "What you ask is absolutely impossible," he explained. "Surely you must realize this?"
"I'm sorry," Sisko replied, determined to make him spell it out, "but I don't. Why is it impossible?"
When Dron didn't seem inclined to reply, Makarn stepped forward. "Ah, it is because we are too well adapted to our lives here inside the Hive. Everything that is, uh, outside is nonessential and counter to our well-being."
His earlier insight, Sisko realized, had been correct. He had guessed the reason for the nontransparent barrier, the lack of help, the reaction of the noninjured Hive members to no apparent threat. "You can't stand space," he murmured. "You can't be outside, or look outside."
Odo frowned. "You mean this entire species is agoraphobic?" he demanded.
"Yes," Sisko said. "They are. That's why they view planet dwellers as insane—they can't cope with the concept themselves, and declare the idea madness, instead of their response."
"That is not true," Dron blustered. "Our approach is rational. There is nothing wrong with any of us."
"Then prove it," Sisko said. "Open a window into space. Look on the stars."
Dron couldn't disguise his shudder of revulsion. "That's disgusting!"
"That's what I thought." Sisko glared around the room. "It isn't the planet dwellers who are insane," he said gently. "Has it occurred to you that you're the ones not facing up to reality?"
"You can't say things like that about us!" Pakat yelled. "We are not deviant in any way. Our way is the only true, evolved way to live."
Odo sneered, "Really? How evolved, how true a life can you have hiding behind walls built from flimsy logic and half truths? None of you has the courage to face the facts."
"I do." Tork swallowed and sighed. "I will go with you to see Bajor."
"What?" Pakat stared at his colleague in revulsion. "You will allow yourself to be deluded by these … aliens?"
"No," Tork answered gently. "This is my decision. The captain is correct: How can we understand the Bajorans if we are not willing to experience what they experience?"
Hosir laid a kindly hand on Tork's shell. "But you are badly affected by the sight of the stars," he said. "We all know that; you tried the experience once already, and failed."
"Then I will try again," Tork replied. He was obviously unhappy, but determined. "I cannot stand by and do nothing. Captain Sisko and his friends have proven their good intentions. Can we do any less?"
Sisko cleared his throat. "It's a brave decision," he said with genuine sympathy. "But is it a wise one? If you retreat into your shell again when you reach Bajor,
then you will learn nothing. I may have underestimated how difficult it is for all of your people. Perhaps this is not a wise idea."
Hosir smiled slightly, and gave Tork a significant look. "It is not so for all of our people, Captain," he replied, without turning. "A small percentage of us can stare into space without ill effect. They are our astronomers."
Clearly his words meant something very significant to Tork. The alien's face lit up with delight and hope. "Yes," he breathed. He turned to Dron. "Grand Master, I formally request your permission to accompany the captain back to the world of Bajor, to study it and report back to the Hivemasters in assembly."
Dron had obviously been trying to understand what had been happening, and to turn it to his best advantage. He scowled at the request, but clearly needed to reply. "Are you sure that this is wise?" he asked, playing for time. "It may affect you very adversely."
"I know the risks," Tork answered with confidence. "I am willing to undertake them."
Dron glanced around the room, taking in the feelings of his fellow council members. "Then I have little option but to grant your request," he decided. "You will accompany the aliens, and report back to us as soon as possible. If you are able," he added, significantly.
"Thank you," Tork said. "I shall endeavor to serve the Hive to the best of my limited abilities." His snout twitched. "There is one further matter. The possibility is that I may indeed become incapacitated by shock. Therefore, I request a companion to aid me who will not be so affected."
"Do you have anyone in mind?" asked Hosir, before Dron could say anything.
"Yes," Tork said. "An astronomer named Sahna. I know she is unaffected by … agoraphobia."
Makarn looked shocked. "But she has only just passed her Determination," he objected. "She, ah, has been assigned to Team Two as an astronomer. The Determination cannot be wrong."
"But it could, of course, be changed at the request of a Hivemaster, for personal reasons," Dron said slyly.
Sisko wasn't following this exchange, but there was obviously some kind of power play going on here. Dron and Tork were clearly battling over something.
"This is not a personal request," Tork answered smoothly. "Such a request for change of Determination for selfish reasons would go against everything our society holds dear. As Makarn said, the Determination is infallible. But it is not omniscient." He smiled at Hosir.
"What is that supposed to mean?" demanded Makarn, frowning.
"Simply that the Determination is made on the best possible data available," Tork replied. "At the time of Determination." He looked around the room. "But the task of assistant to an ambassador to Bajor was not available at the time that Sahna took her Determination, so she could not have been appointed to the post. I believe that Sahna is the person best suited to the task and am willing to have her undergo a second Determination in order to prove it."
There was another round of shocked muttering in the room. "There has never been a second Determination," Premon protested. "It is without precedent."
"So is this situation," argued Hosir. "I, for one, move that we simply accept our colleague's recommendation. He is bravely risking his life and sanity to try and help in a difficult situation. One that none of us would volunteer to undertake," he added significantly. "His choice of assistant seems wise to me."
Dron didn't appear to be happy with the direction in which the discussion was going, but he was obviously not intending to lose control. "We do seem to be moving quickly in new directions," he commented. "But as matters are very pressing, I for one will agree to forgo a second Determination for this … Sahna. Unless anyone hash any serious objections, therefore, I am inclined to agree with our young colleague's request. Is there any dissent?"
Though Makarn looked as if he might challenge the ruling, he subsided under one of Dron's withering glares. There was no other comment.
"Then it is agreed," Dron commented. He turned to face Sisko. "You will accept full responsibility for the safety of our observers?" he demanded.
"I will," Sisko agreed. "I promise you all that I shall do everything in my power to keep both Tork and Sahna safe."
"So be it." Dron turned to the Hivemasters. "I believe that is quite sufficient for one meeting. We all have our duties to attend to."
They all got the point of that message, and began filing out of the room, in clumps of two or three, all talking in low tones. After a moment, only Hosir, Tork, and Dron were left with Sisko and Odo.
Hosir clapped Tork cheerily on the shell. "I admire your courage, youngster," he commented. "Before you leave, stop by and see me. And when you return, I look forward to hearing what you have to say." He inclined his head at Dron, and then turned to Sisko. "Captain, it has been very … interesting. I hope that we shall meet again under less tense circumstances."
Sisko liked the old alien. He was craftier than he seemed, and was clearly playing some political games of his own. "Likewise," he commented. Hosir nodded and then left the room.
Tork bowed to Dron. "Thank you for your … wise decisions, Grand Master," he murmured. "I will endeavor to fulfill the trust you have placed in me."
Dron nodded. "Remember always that we serve the greater good of the Hive," he said. "Do not be swayed by emotion or appearances. Judge wisely, and return in safety."
Tork nodded, and then led Sisko and Odo outside. "I must inform Sahna of the Hivemasters' decision," he said. "We should be ready to go with you in less than one of your hours, if that is acceptable."
"That's fine, Tork," Sisko answered. "I'd better get back to my ship. Constable, would you be kind enough to wait here and then escort our guests to the Defiant?"
"Of course."
Sisko slapped his communicator. "Sisko to Defiant. One to beam back."
In the council chamber, Dron crossed to the other door and irised it open. Raldar stepped in, looking duly chagrined.
"I would hardly call that a clever scheme," Dron snapped. "Not only did you not succeed in placing the blame on Harl, but you even managed to implicate yourself in the business. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"It was the fault of that alien, Odo," complained Raldar. "If he had not interfered—"
"Then Hosir or one of the others would have!" exclaimed Dron. "At least take the blame for your mistakes honestly. Harl is cleared, and you yourself are seen in a poor light." He considered for a moment. "It might be better if that idiot Tukh were not around to create further problems."
Raldar nodded. "I fear that he might just take his own life out of guilt and remorse for what he has done."
"That sounds more than plausible," agreed Dron. The Hivemaster slumped onto a seat. "Perhaps we can then allow the matter to fade in memory, especially with the formation of the second Hive. There are more important matters to consider than one foolish worker with a grudge." He started tapping out commands on his comp. "The division will go according to plan. The Masters will be split between the two Hives. You will remain with me on Hive One. Pakat will be Grand Master of Hive Two."
"That was to have been my Hive!" exclaimed Raldar, angrily. "You had agreed—"
"That was before this fiasco," Dron snapped. "You have shown yourself lacking in good judgment. If you redeem yourself—and I say again, if—then you will become my successor. Otherwise, you will become nothing. Do you understand me?"
Fighting to control his anger and disappointment, Raldar managed a curt nod.
"Good."
"And what of Tork?" asked Raldar, more subdued. "He has escaped both traps you laid for him."
"You have been listening at doors again, I see." Dron's snout wrinkled in irritation. "True, Tork has proven to be more … flexible than I had expected. Obviously Hosir favors the youth."
Raldar sneered. "Out of anger over losing the Grand Master post to you?" he suggested.
"He never desired it." Dron snorted. "Hosir is bright and cunning, but he lacks ambition and drive. Until recently, he has never gone against me in any decisio
n. I think his shell has finally started to firm up. Hosir sees Tork as his protégé, and wishes to groom him to be everything that he never had the nerve to become." There was a thoughtful look on Dron's face. "Even if I do wish you to be my successor, you may face a challenge from Tork."
"He is barely more than a child!" protested Raldar.
"But an intelligent one!" thundered Dron. "And unless you show yourself to be cleverer than you have today, he will become the next Grand Master. You have to apply yourself."
Raldar bowed again. "As you say" he agreed, trying to sound submissive. "May I ask why you allowed him to accompany the aliens? Surely you cannot be thinking of allowing him to change your objectives?"
"Do not even think such thoughts!" Dron snarled. "The Great Design will go forward, even if we have to wipe out a dozen worlds! No," he continued in a more calm vein, "I allowed Tork to go for one simple reason. When the aliens cannot dissuade us from our course, they will obviously hold Tork hostage to try and force us to change our plans. They will threaten to kill him if we proceed. We will never allow such perfidious behavior to affect our destiny, and we will refuse. They will kill him. When they do that, Tork will become a martyr to our people. And he will cease to be a problem to you and me. Better a dead martyr than a live problem."
Raldar nodded. "You have thought it all out clearly," he said in admiration. "The Great Design will succeed."
"Of course." Dron stood up. "Now, I must rest. This has all been fatiguing. See to Tukh, and wait for my call. The time for action has come."
CHAPTER 18
IT FELT GOOD to be back on the Defiant. The Hive had been fascinating and even more than a trifle enviable. If only DS9 had some of the facilities that were available on that ship! Sisko smiled ruefully. Sometimes the spartan nature of Deep Space Nine made him wish that he were assigned to either a starship or a starbase. Then came a challenge such as this, and he knew he was where he was meant to be.