Open Secrets

Pe

Raising his right eyebrow in fine Vulcan fashion, the doctor replied, “My concern is for my patient, and that’s the way it’ll be until she’s discharged from my care.”

“Your dedication to your duty is commendable, Doctor,” T’Pry

M’Benga nodded, reaching into a pocket and producing a piece of folded parchment. “It appears so,” he said, holding it up. “This was delivered to me via messenger from the Starfleet security contingent outside the commune. I’m to report to the Starfleet liaison in Shi’Kahr once I’m finished here. It looks like I’m receiving new orders.”

“Back to the station?” Pe

Shrugging, M’Benga replied. “I don’t know, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough.”

“Healer Sobon has already contacted the Starfleet liaison office in Shi’Kahr,” T’Pry

She paused, and though her expression revealed nothing, Pe

“I suppose that’s it, then,” M’Benga said, nodding in final agreement. “I’ll honor your request, T’Pry

T’Pry

Much to his own surprise, Pe

“Yes, I’ve been told about your news features,” T’Pry

T’Pry

“As I said to Dr. M’Benga,” she said, “I appreciate your concern, as well as your offer, but it is not necessary. I will have everything I require here, and Sobon’s staff will tend to me during my recovery.”

Pe

Understanding his veiled statement, T’Pry

Seeing her now, weakened and vulnerable, and in the wake of what they had shared, Pe

No. Let it go.

“Thank you, T’Pry

T’Pry

Pe

“Yes,” M’Benga replied. “Thank you for seeing us, T’Pry

“Think nothing of it. I wish you a safe journey back to Starbase 47, gentlemen.” Reaching beneath her blanket, she said, “Mr. Pe

Frowning in confusion as he took the disc from her, he said, “I don’t understand.”

“A reminder,” T’Pry

M’Benga returned the gesture. “Live long and prosper, Commander.”

“Goodbye, T’Pry

Then again, she wasT’Pry

47

Reclining against the chair’s padded backrest at a table in a quiet corner of Manón’s Cabaret, Nogura sipped his wine and watched the subdued hive of activity taking place around him. Members of the station’s complement and civilian perso

Well,he conceded, perhaps not you specifically.

Most of the discussions likely revolved around the man he had replaced, along with the events that had transpired to bring about that replacement. It went without saying that Diego Reyes had been respected by his crew, to say nothing of the feelings carried by any close friends among them. Nogura was certain that a sizable percentage of Starbase 47’s population supported the former commodore, whether they agreed or disagreed with the decisions he had made and the actions he had taken. Doubtless, some of those people would believe that the sentence imposed on Reyes was too harsh. They had that luxury, of course.

Bringing his glass to his nose, Nogura closed his eyes and savored the wine’s supple aroma before taking another sip. He was adjusting to a more comfortable position in his chair, content to wait quietly for his meal, when he heard a familiar voice from behind him.