Nova (12 page)

As Z’arr continued to look at him with those large, beautiful
violet eyes, he realized he’d probably been silent too long when she shifted
once more to an upright position and said “I meant no disrespect, Commander
Perez.”

Following his gut and making a decision in that moment to trust
her, Perez responded “No, no, it’s fine. I was just thinking about your
question. I met Avara Serros when my family moved from Aracruz to Port Tien on
Kylos. I was eight years old; she was ten. We grew up together, went to the
Academy together, and obviously served together. From primary school on, we’ve
been in more scrapes than you can imagine. Not to mention more than one ‘adventure,’
as she calls it. Like her
madr
é
, I usually just call it trouble.”
With a throaty chuckle, Marcus added, “Though I admit, I’m usually laughing
when I say it.”

In response, Lieutenant Z’arr half–smiled herself, as if at
some recollection, and Marcus Perez again wondered what exactly had taken place
between the Avara and Lieutenant Z’arr. “That explains the connection I have
sensed that the two of you possess.” Z’arr commented slowly, nodding as she
chewed over his words and he realized, in a very real way, probably his
emotions at the same time.

Watching her, he could feel that there was another question
she wanted very much to pose, but this time restrained herself. As the silence between
them expanded, Perez was unsure of what exactly to say, but he did realize that
he liked this sincere, sometimes overly formal, intelligent Vosaia.

He stood up, stretching with the movement. “I think we’re as
prepared as we can be on this end. On Lieutenant Adeline’s side, we’ve ID’d
some shady financial activity connected to Tanad, and we’ve begun to craft a
trail linking her to Nanzai C’lann, your murdered mission handler. Things seem
to be piecing together.”

Moving to her feet as if standing to attention, Z’arr
inclined her head in a formal fashion, yet her tone was genuinely friendly.
“Thank you, Commander Perez, for all of your efforts and the efforts of the
crew. Please convey my gratitude to your Captain.”

“No worries, Lieutenant, just doing our job. I’ll check on
you tomorrow.”

“Thank you again, Commander.”

Just as he was about to exit the brig, Marcus turned to the
Vosaia, still stiffly standing in her cell. “Captain Serros also wanted me to inform
you that she won’t be able to check on your status in person for the duration
of our trip. Given what Major Hadarr accused on–planet, she felt it would be
best for your case if she did not.”

 Just for a moment, Perez could see warmth suffusing those lilac
eyes, then she masked the emotion behind another formal bow of her head. “Gratitude
once more, Commander.”

 * * * * *

“Captain Serros, I simply do not understand why your squad
is so obviously exerting continued efforts to prepare a defense for K’llan
Z’arr. If you and your crew have so much spare time, then it would be better
spent trying to ascertain if there are any other collaborators involved. The
data has been recovered and the traitor has been captured; our mission is complete.”
Goyan Hadarr’s voice actually rose a fraction from its normally steady setting,
indicating her genuine annoyance over the situation.

The
QS Excalibur
was less than two days away from making
the Quorum capital of Sigil and Commander Marcus Perez knew that this final
argument between the two Shield Operatives had to be addressed and settled. But
still, that didn’t mean he had to enjoy it.

Sitting across from her fellow Quorum Shield Operative in
the
Excalibur’s
Strategy Room, Perez could tell that Avara was
struggling to mask her own irritation at Hadarr’s questioning and refusal to
look outsize the narrow box of her own perceptions. “Operative Hadarr, I assure
you that as part of the investigation, we are most certainly exploring possible
Karukai agents. Additionally, as a Shield, I believe it
is
my job to
acquire surety in regards to the guilt or innocence of any person we present to
the Quorum.”

Hadarr raised her hand as if gesturing her incredulity to
the universe. “Captain, with all respect, that sentiment is
unbelievably
idealistic and naïve. Our responsibility is to do what the Quorum cannot to
keep the Aligned Quorum Systems safe. The moment we could have extended that
directive in regards to Lieutenant Z’arr has passed. Now she is the Tribunal’s
responsibility.”

Marcus could see Avara’s night–blue eyes turn molten at
Hadarr’s mention of “moment” and “directive,” knowing full well that the Vosaia
Shield was reminding the Captain that if she’d had her way, K’llan Z’arr
wouldn’t be alive so there would be no need for a Tribunal at all.

“We must simply agree to disagree, Major Hadarr.” Avara
answered levelly. “In the end, what does it matter to you that I intend to be
thorough in my investigation and that I believe the findings do not support guilt
on Lieutenant Z’arr’s part?”

The Vosaia’s turquoise eyes widened at the Captain’s statement
as she leaned over and clasped her hands on the top of the sleek, black–glass
topped conference table and HUD. Perez almost absently noted that her pale blue
facial swirls were different than Z’arr’s, both in pattern and their more muted
coloration. “Captain, we were jointly given this assignment. What each of us
does reflects upon the other and, like it or not, we are a team in this
mission. I feel it would be much more appropriate if we are in alignment when
we present our findings.”

Obviously recalling Delegate Sweetwater’s emphasis on the
diplomatic importance of the assignment, Captain Serros offered peace with a
smile. “I agree with your sentiments, Major. I don’t think we have to be seen
as in opposition to one another in this matter. We can present the compiled data
and our individual opinions when asked.”

Watching the Vosaia Shield Operative’s expression, Marcus
could tell that though generally stubborn and marginally prejudiced against ‘the
inferior, shorter lived races’ or no, Hadarr wasn’t immune to his best friend’s
charm. If it had been up to Marcus, he would’ve already launched one at her
pretty jaw.

“Captain, I am pleased you understand my point of view, but
we still disagree as to Z’arr’s guilt or innocence and so are not in
alignment.”

“But Major, based on the actual, quantifiable evidence, is
that statement accurate?” Serros asked reasonably.

Lieutenant Commander Adeline took advantage of momentary
silence to shore up the Captain’s case as she volunteered, “What we know for
certain is as follows: One, STF Agent Handler Nanzai C’lann gave the assignment
to Z’arr to recover the Arcatech X research data from ApexArcatech.
And
that the Proconsul Far’allyn Tanad had been cited as her drop–off contact. Two,
we have obtained proof via transportation records that Tanad was on the planet Thalia
and in the capital city of Allune the same day C’lann was found murdered in the
city.”

Barely pausing for breath to maintain her typical FTL rate
of speaking, the highly competent Intel and Ops Officer keyed two commands on
her CPA. The few retrievable feeds that the Squad possessed of the disguised
Karukai and Tanad silently streamed on the HUD. “Three, during the exchange
between Z’arr and Proconsul Tanad, Lieutenant Z’arr was clearly attempting to
achieve veracity as to Tanad’s legitimate authority to pick up the data as is evidenced
by her use of the data–pad ID set. Four, Z’arr notably became suspicious as to
the identity of the then unknown guard since she demanded that the commander remove
her helm for identification.”

Shifting slightly, A continued her reasonable verbal barrage.
“Five, with Z’arr’s refusal, Tanad had her forces open fire on Z’arr with the
clear intention of killing her. Six, the supposed Fosaki mercenaries were
actually disguised Karukai and clearly, Tanad knew this and was in collusion
with the Karukai, begging one to
again remember
points one and two
.
Point seven: Lieutenant Z’arr actually saved Captain Serros’s life at the Medex
facilities, shooting a Karukai before she could fire on the Captain; not a personally
advantageous action for a traitorous agent trying to make her escape with the
data.”

“Finally,” Adeline began as she lightly tapped chocolate
colored fingers on the HUD table and sucked in a quick breath to finish her
recitation, “Point eight, Z’arr followed her rather altruistic action by surrendering
peacefully.” Adeline smiled as she completed her summation, an expression of
earnest belief evident on her attractive features.

“I do believe all eight points certainly present reasonable
doubt.” Major Ca’rrakk added from Adeline’s left, jewel–bright feline eyes half
closed in a relaxed position, yet missing nothing.

“So you see, Major Hadarr, given our information, I believe
you and I
are
in alignment.” Serros proclaimed in her clear, somehow
innately inclusive voice.

As the others, Perez sat silently while Captain Serros and
Major Hadarr regarded one another. Marcus found the hushed yet intense
consideration between the two Shields to be reminiscent of finding them
starring at one another across their pistol barrels on the Adrenix processing
floor.

Not a particularly comforting image.

He also found himself half–wishing for his rifle, but let
the thought fade, trusting Avara’s judgment.

“I believe that the arguments as presented do equate to
reasonable doubt, Captain Serros.” Major Hadarr finally stated, her hands
folded in her lap. “I still find it
not
our occupation to focus on
whether or not reasonable doubt is extant, but here we are. I shall defer to
your judgment at the Tribunal.”

“I am pleased, Major Hadarr. Quorum Shield Operatives should
be able to rely on one another.” Captain Serros responded, again gifting a
smile and letting sincerity color her voice.

“I agree, Captain Serros, for Shields face forces and
choices that few others ever shall.” Despite himself, Marcus found a modicum of
respect seeding inside at the Major’s words and almost melancholy tone.

“Only too true, Major.” Serros answered, a haunted look
snapping in her eyes and then disappearing again so quickly that he doubted any
but himself would have caught it.

“Very well then, Captain. I believe our business is
conducted for now, yes?” Hadarr asked, standing up from her chair.

“Yes, Major Hadarr; gratitude to you.” Serros answered
formally, inclining her head.

Marcus almost smiled as Hadarr’s blue–silver brows shot up
at the Captain offering the traditional Vosaia expression of thanks combined
with respect, a phrase that also acted as a greeting or leave–taking.

“Gratitude to you, Captain Serros.” The alabaster–skinned
woman answered and then exited the Strategy Room, leaving the rest of the
Excalibur’s
Senior Officers alone together.

“
Il est bon
! That went surprisingly well,
wee
?”
Lieutenant Rygel blurted,
not
so surprisingly being the one to give
voice to what the others were thinking but deemed impolite to say aloud.

“Yes.” Captain Serros agreed blandly, offering a slight
upturn of her lips. Looking around the rectangular table at her Senior Officers
and Nova Squad members, she asked “Okay, anything else to add in regards to the
Tribunal?”

“Not really, no. I believe we are fully versed in Tribunal
procedure and every scrap of data that we can find has been gathered, collated,
and organized for presentation.”

Nods accompanied Lieutenant Commander Adeline’s words.

“Excellent work, all of you. Diana, can you please have a
Vosaia uniform appropriate for Lieutenant Z’arr prepared for her to wear at the
Tribunal? We want her represented as who she is, including position, rank, and
honors,
not
as a criminal. Appearance matters, after all.”

“Yes, Captain.” Lieutenant Commander Adeline replied, making
a quick note with her CPA.

Stretching her arms by clasping her hands behind her neck and
leaning back in her seat, Marcus thought Serros looked somewhat worn as she inquired,
“Anything else that needs attention?”

“Senior Engineering Officer Philips recommends that while
we’re at Sigil, we should dry dock the
Excalibur
and perform a complete
fueling systems flush of our QGST drives.” Perez reported. “She’s due.”

“Yes, it would be wise.” Lieutenant Philips quietly
seconded.

“I think we’re all due.” Serros replied with one her crooked
half–smiles. “Very well; it’s a good time for it since we’ll be hanging about
for the Tribunal. Might as well have our Quantum Net tubes undergo maintenance
at the same time, especially as the whole Quantum and Gravitational Suspension system
will be off–line for the flush anyway.”

After Philips nodded in affirmation, Dr. Jenna Argos cleared
her throat and, absently stroking the tip of her freckled nose, the short–haired
physician announced “I think you have something there in regards to the crew,
Captain. It has been just under two months since our last rotation of shore
leave, and as you say, since ‘we’ll be hanging about’ anyway, it would be an
opportune time.”

With a nod, Serros agreed. “Not to mention Sigil is a better
place than many for the crew to avoid any trouble.”

Marcus just couldn’t help himself. With a snort, he asked,
“Since when do you avoid trouble?”

Before the Captain could respond, Adeline chimed in, “Oh
please
,
Perez. Everyone aboard ship knows about your penchant for bar brawls and off–key
singing while on leave.” Her normally stilted Old–Terran English accent somehow
made her comment even more humorous. It was a fact that was attested to by the
burst of chuckles around the room.

“Called you, Marcus.” Avara laughed.