CHAPTER 7
Supplemental
USS Independence, MainBridge
At Rally Coordinates in the Neutral Zone
The screen afforded each crews a wide shot of their respective bridges.
Karim’s eyes fell upon the homicidal captain. He underestimated his ability to control his reaction. Upon seeing Zackary Collins, he unconsciously stood from his station. He shot daggers at the man. Bin Nadal didn’t know his name at the time, but the Philadelphia captain was able to best him in mortal combat. Karim held his own, but he neglected to account for Collins’ underhanded tactics. The only thing that prevented Collins from ending him was an ingenious delaying tactic by Retired Admiral Uhura and Commander Cherenkov showing up.
Captain Collins returned his gaze. He’s cold eyes mocked him. Collins grinned…he actually grinned.
His voice was synthetically warm and taunting, “Commander bin Nadal, you look better than the last time I saw you.”
The comment boiled Karim’s blood. He was referring to the damage inflicted during the fight. Collins cut one of his forearms and smashed a glass table into his face. He could barely contain his rage. It occurred to him, ‘The bastard is actually enjoying this.’
Aurelia stepped forward, “Let’s cut the shit, Collins. You know who we work for and we know who you work for.”
If anything, he seemed pleased with Aurelia’s outburst. He chuckled dryly, “Alright, Captain. Let’s drop the pretence then. Despite our past, we have to work together in some fashion.”
Sintina looked at the bridge crew of the Philadelphia. Collins didn’t seem to hold back in front of them. None of them reacted too much to their conversation. She didn’t look, but assumed the same couldn’t be true of her crew. She concluded his people knew full well the type of ship they were on. The fact that Section 31 could find enough Starfleet officers to willingly man such a ship sent a chill down her spine. She replied with more restraint than she expected, “Our mission is to find the Fothmar. The only ‘working together’ we have to do is coordinate our search. Beyond that, I see no reason to talk to cold-blooded, murdering, son of a bitch, such as yourself.”
“Now, now, Captain,” he rejoined smoothly, “such words thrown about haphazardly might cause me to get the wrong impression about your feelings towards me.”
His shrugging off of her insult only caused Aurelia to become more annoyed.
That eternally, mocking grin of Collins’ grew once more. He crossed his legs as he sat in his chair, “Might I recommend a face-to-face conference here on the Philadelphia once the Odaus arrives.”
The sentence wasn’t finished when Aurelia scoffed at the idea. “I wouldn’t transport my fish to your ship. We can have a conference from the comfort of our ready rooms.”
“What about naval tradition?” weakly persuaded Collins.
“Tradition be damned…just like you.”
Collins snickered, “You really must let go of all this aggression, Sintina.”
She was about to lash out about his use of her first name when he continued.
“For the sake of our Romulan counterpart, we really should keep up appearances,” he said. “How would it look if Commander Hanora reported infighting among Starfleet to her superiors?”
She hated that he had a legitimate point. “Fine,” she relented, “but we meet here.”
He shrugged, “If you insist.” He looked over to a chronometer, “The Odaus will be here in 8 minutes. See you then.”
The screen reverted to an exterior view of the Philadelphia.
Karim, Soma, and Aurelia all shared glances. All thought the same thing: ‘Did we just get set up?’
*****
Supplemental
USS Independence, Transporter Room One
At Rally Coordinates in the Neutral Zone
Kimula pulled back her long, white hair into a tail as she entered the transport room. She acknowledged the operator, made a final review of her uniform and said, “Energize.”
Two pillars of light formed. Seconds later, two Romulans, a female and a male materialized. Both wore the newly issued Star Navy uniform. Soma didn’t know until recently it was actually a re-issue of a uniform wore by Romulans several centuries ago. Kim had a fleeting thought of how prettier the female, Commander Hanora, would be if she grew her hair out. Then, the Andorian set about to business.
Lieutenant Soma dipped her head slightly, and greeted her, “Jolan tru, Riov Hanora.”
The Romulan commander seemed pleasantly surprised at the use of Rihannsu. It was her impression that very few outsiders bothered to learn it, even if it was just a sentence. It was a gesture she appreciated. She stepped down off the dais, “I’m afraid I don’t know how to return the courtesy in Andorian.”
Kimula smiled, “That’s quite alright. Welcome to the Independence.”
“Thank you,” she gestured to the man beside her, “This is my second in command, Jaliv.”
Jaliv didn’t seem nearly as sociable as his superior. He curtsied respectively, but without warmth.
“Well then,” prompted Soma, “if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to our conference lounge. Captain Aurelia is there.”
“Very well.”
*****
Supplemental
USS Independence, Transporter Room Two
At Rally Coordinates in the Neutral Zone
When Captain Collins formed on the transporter pad, he was greeted by the sight of Commander bin Nadal and two armed security officers, Faltyne and Runningfox.
Abreast of the Philadelphia captain was a Caitian male. He scanned the room with amusement. He asked in mock ignorance, “Permission to come aboard?”
Karim was having none of it, “Stow the nice guy act. It doesn’t suit you.” He turned to the transporter operator, “Double check the scan, hidden weapons, bio-explosives, nano-technology, anything.”
Collins reached out slowly with his finger to test an assumption. It was confirmed when his finger made contact with a forcefield surrounding the pad. He nodded in approval, “I’m mildly impressed.”
“They’re clear, sir,” the young enlisted woman reported.
The 31 associate waited patiently for bin Nadal to release them. He could see the disappointment in the Persian’s face. Finally, he asked, “Well?”
Reluctantly, Karim ordered, “Disengage the field.” Nearly instantly, a wall of blue light shimmered and then it ended.
The Philly captain looked at, presumably his first officer, “Not very hospitable on this ship, huh H’gaws?”
The menacing-looking, brown furred Caitian growled. It might have been a chuckle.
“Come with us,” stated bin Nadal. “We’ll escort you to the meeting.” He gestured them forward.
H’gaws began to follow, but Collins stopped him. “You still haven’t granted us permission to come aboard,” he coldly observed.
Karim huffed out his nostrils and crossed his arms. It was his turn to be amused. “You really like this mind game crap, don’t you?”
When bin Nadal refused to take the bait, Collins’ demeanor turned sour.
Enjoying the fact that he had finally chipped at his façade, Karim continued, “Legend has it, a demon can’t enter one’s home without permission. Let’s see if it’s true.” He addressed Faltyne, “When Captain Collins is ready to go to the conference lounge, take him and his XO there.” Without looking back, Commander bin Nadal exited the transporter room.
*****
In the corridor, seconds later, Collins and H’gaws emerged from the room. Faltyne and Runningfox came out behind them, but not too close behind them.
The Indy first officer looked back, “I guess not.”
Collins caught up with bin Nadal. He had regained a bit of his cool, controlled behavior. “Well played. It’s a shame Uhura and her band of merry men got to you before our group.”
Unfazed, Karim kept walking, ensuring the man was directly abreast of him. He rejoined, “I’m afraid my soul isn’t for sale.”
The Philly captain guffawed, “Suit yourself.”
The five walked in silence for a few moments.
Collins decided to play one of his cards. He started, “I heard what happened with your girlfriend, Nicole Chase. I bet that stung when…”
Bin Nadal violently slammed the captain into the bulkhead and began choking him with his forearm. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you right now,” growled the XO.
Once again, Collins’ smirk returned. He said, “I’ll give you two. Look at your security officers.”
Karim chanced a glance. Faltyne had his hand on his phaser. Runningfox already pulled his. The junior officer looked shocked. The Andorian was more professional. He seemed to be willing to let the situation play out a bit before acting.
Collins continued in a whisper, “They are witnessing you assault a captain. See how they are looking at you? They see the rage in your eyes, the anger. There is no anger in my eyes. Who will they side with? Who will they see as the aggressor?”
Beginning to restrain his breathing, Karim eased up.
Zack leaned in, “Do you really think you caught me off guard just now?”
Bin Nadal pushed off the man, “You’re a manipulator, Collins. That’s all. I’m not impressed.”
The wicked grin remained. He gestured ahead, “Shall we continue?”
END OF CHAPTER 7
