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Reyes said nothing.
Holding up a hand, Desai continued, “I understand operational security, Diego, but even that requires accountability. If I thought I could prove T’Pry
Reyes kept his expression fixed. “You’re sexy when you take a stand, you know that?”
The joke had its intended effect, as he noted the ghost of a smile play across her lips before she clamped down, driving it away. “I mean it, Diego.”
Nodding, Reyes replied, “I know you do, and frankly I expect no less from a Starfleet captain. I won’t prevent you from doing your job or following your orders, but you need to know that I’ve got my orders, too, and one of them is that operational security here has to be maintained.” Looking down at his feet, he released a sigh. “If there’s going to be any lying or covering up, I’ll be the one to do it.”
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, both of them looking at each other and contemplating the ramifications of his words. Reyes saw in Desai’s eyes the burden of what she had learned here today.
“Don’t let me catch you,” Desai said, her voice softer now as she stepped closer. “I’d hate to have you court-martialed.” She moved to where she could lay her head against his chest, and Reyes felt her arms wrap around his back, pulling him tight against her. He returned the embrace, resting his chin atop her head and reaching up to stroke her dark hair with his hand.
Holding her, Reyes could feel the tension in her body. He imagined he could sense a struggle already begi
He could sympathize, given that the same war waged within him.
That such a conflict would visit Rana Desai, Reyes was certain. What he did not know was—when that time came—how it would affect her actions and feelings toward him. Would she be an enemy or an ally?
It was a question—like countless others that continued to plague him—for which Reyes had no answer.
42
As always, it was one big party on the gambling deck of the Omari-Ekonand, as usual, Cervantes Qui
Walking behind Sakud Armnoj and preceding Zett Nilric, Qui
Lucky bastards,he thought, thinking again of how fortunate Tim Pe
“I’ve counted fourteen health and safety code violations since we boarded,” Armnoj said, holding close to his chest the black briefcase which seemed more like an extension of his own body and doing his best to avoid coming into contact with anyone he passed. “This place is a hive of disease and pestilence, to say nothing of its utter moral depravity.”
“Shut up,” Qui
As they passed one of the roulette tables, Qui
“Stop gawking, Qui
It was the first thing the Nalori had said to him since meeting him at the Ekon’s entry ramp. Qui
Let’s hope my luck isn’t ru
Qui
The Orion merchant prince awaited him, lying in repose atop the cushions and pillows that adorned the raised dais dominating the upper tier of the gambling deck. Dressed in a maroon toga that complemented his emerald green skin, Ganz propped himself up on his left elbow while holding a silver goblet in his enormous right hand. An Andorian zhen,wearing only a thin wrap of gold fabric that left to the imagination precious little of her otherwise nude figure, lay next to him, feeding Ganz small pieces of exotic-looking fruit.
Qui
He knew enough to hang back, standing just in front of Zett and waiting his turn for an audience with Ganz. Experience had taught him that if the crime boss was anything, he was a stickler for his particular brand of protocol. Putting his hands in his pockets, Qui
The thug stepped forward at their approach, indicating for Armnoj to stand between the pair of black obelisks situated before Ganz. The Zakdorn hastened to comply, his usual bluster all but gone now as he stood in front of his employer.
“Mr. Ganz,” Armnoj said, holding his right hand out in greeting while using his left to clutch his briefcase close to his chest, “I can’t tell you what a privilege it is for me to meet with you. It truly has been too long.” The words came so fast that Qui