Star Trek: Erin

Part 8: We Get Desperate

     We arrived back at the weapons depot. I took in the scene and swore violently. Sprite inspected the area while I paced through the open depot door. Where's Nowak? My face was cold. What did Glasgow do to him? I shouldn't have—no, there was nothing I would've done differently. Think, you just spoke to Nowak. It must've happened just after, while Nowak was slightly distracted by my call. Glasgow would exploit any weakness, however brief. I cast my gaze over the racks of rifles, crates of spare phasers, and carefully secured heavier munitions. Marple brought you in here on day one, so what's missing? Come on, Cobos... Ah. There was an empty cradle-like spot with straps hanging loose. There was something egg-shaped here, a bomb? Maybe. Definitely valuable, or Section 31 wouldn't freeze the Enterprise in time to get it. A thought hit me like a meteorite. They might still be on board. I sprinted from the room. Didn't pass us—I turned the way we hadn't come.

     "Cobos!"

     I whirled, still jogging backwards. "Glasgow took Nowak. Gotta find him. Man my post and stallany other officers. I'll be back soon." I didn't wait for a reply. My phaserwas in hand and I was ready.

     "You aren't nearly ready to face me, Cobos."

     I skidded to a stop. "Glasgow." He was ten paces down the corridor, one of the cool-looking phasers pressed to Nowak's head. I doubted it was on stun. The expression on Nowak's face was more annoyed than fearful. He rolled his eyes at me; I had to resist the urge to laugh. My mind circled back to what had alerted me to Glasgow's presence. Seems he knows what I'm thinking.

     "Bravo, you finally figured it out. Took you considerably longer than most people. I take back the earlier comment on your intelligence."

     My eyes narrowed. "You gonna tell me what you are?"

     "Bit rude, don't you think?"

     "You've got a gun at my colleague's head. I think it's understandable." I considered my own phaser, but knew Glasgow was fast enough to kill Nowak and me before I could get a shot off. He's a trained killer. I'm an ensign. It's a matter of reflexes that I don't have. I holstered it. Time to play the diplomat again.

     "Little-known species that I'm sure will rise to prominence in the coming years, especially with Starfleet's penchant for war-mongering. We're called Betazoids."

     "And you can read minds." My lip curled derisively. "Why would you give away an advantage? Are you stupid?"

     Glasgow shrugged. "I like watching people squirm while they try to plan, knowing I can hear their thoughts." He smirked. "You take the prize though. Not many people give away other people's plans with their thoughts. I would've been shot earlier by this fine part-Vulcan if it weren't for your prelude."

     That sucks. But I can still turn this around.

     "Always the optimist. And you can. I have only a few, very simple needs."

     I put a hand on my hip. Maybe I shouldn't even waste my breath.

     "It would make this conversation simpler."

     I eyed him, trying to analyze while keeping my mind blank. In the end, it didn't really matter. What do you want?

     "To leave." He poked Nowak. "How about we trade letting my associates and I to go about our business, and you get to keep this half-breed."

     I felt my face growing red. You—I drew a deep breath. I caught you off-guard, didn't I? We'd be having this conversation in the transporter room if you had your way. Glasgow sighed, which I took as a yes. I shut off the time-lock device. You're gonna have a hard time getting out.

     "I'll deal with it. You just turn around, and your half-Vulcan will follow."

     I rolled my eyes. No vow of secrecy?

     "I don't need it. Without me, there's no proof. Section 31 doesn't leave traces. No lower officers will believe you, and if you catch the ear of any higher-ups, they'll just pretend they didn't hear. Take my advice, this Vulcan, and the damn deal."

     You're getting desperate.

     "So are you." He nodded down the hallway. "Go confer with your yellowshirt if you want. He'll make the same call."

     I wanted to pace like the caged beast I was. "Damn you! You're leaving me to take the fall."

     "Oh yes. Munitions stolen on your watch, unexplainable injuries..." He tutted quietly, holding my eyes. "And don't think I didn't notice Tetra's life signs cease."

     "I'm not taking the fall for that."

     "Not officially, but we both know you blame yourself." He laughed. "Don't act so surprised. You didn't think it, but it's written all over your face." His black eyes seemed to darken. "Now let me go."

     I caught Nowak's eye and gave a slight nod. His shoulders dropped. Get the fuck out of here.

     "Thank you, ensign. I'll see you again soon."

     I turned and walked back up the corridor, cursing softly. Once I was out of earshot, and what I hoped was Glasgow's mind-reading range, I smiled. The most superior officer my communicator had a direct link to was Marple, but if he was smart, I had proof. At least, I hoped so.