"I could run this ship with half that number," Blaze replied. "These old Const.i.tution-cla.s.s vessels were very well designed. And I understand the Galaxy-cla.s.s starships can be operated with only a skeleton bridge crew, if necessary. It really is a shame I can't get my hands on one of those. But who knows? An opportunity may yet present itself."

They stepped into the turbolift. "Bridge," said Blaze.

Riker exchanged glances with Dorn. "If I understand correctly," he said, "you were seriously damaged in your encounter with the Enterprise. I'm a.s.suming we're in orbit above D'rahl, which means the ship has to be cloaked, otherwise you'd be visible on scanners. You told LaBeau that the repairs involve installing new engine components. That's a pretty big job. It also means you're going to have to go through a drive systems shutdown at some point."

"That is correct," said Blaze.

"But that means you won't be able to stay cloaked during that time," said Riker.

"No, we will not. It is unavoidable, but there will be a period of time during which we shall be exposed and vulnerable. It shall be up to your friend, LaBeau, to render that period of time as brief as practically possible."

"But what about the Enterprise?" asked Riker. "The minute you decloak, you'll show up on their scanners."

"Worried, Stryker?"

"You mean you're not?"

"We will deal with the Enterprise when the time comes," said Blaze.

They stepped out onto the bridge. For Riker, it was an eerie sense of dej vu. He had been aboard Const.i.tution-cla.s.s starships before, so the bridge looked familiar, but modifications had been made here, as well. It appeared as if Romulan navigation consoles had been installed, and the communications console was different, as well. So was the bridge crew. An Orion was sitting in the captain's chair, which he vacated as soon as Blaze came on the bridge. The navigator was a human, but the helmsman was a K'tralli, as was the communications mate. And they were as rough-looking a lot as Riker had ever seen, dressed in a wild array of clothing that included bits and pieces of Merchant s.p.a.cefleet blues combined with outlandish civilian garb and K'tralli uniforms. Most of them were tattooed, and many had ears, noses, cheeks, and even eyebrows pierced.

"This Stryker, our new gunner," Blaze told the bridge crew. "And Thorn here, among her other duties, will be the one to patch you up should you start getting at one another's throats, so I suggest you treat her with respect." He introduced the bridge crew. "Navigator San Marco, Helmsman D'karr, Communications Mate T'gahl, and Bos'n Gol." The last was the Orion. "And here will be your station, Gunner's Mate," Blaze said, conducting him to the weapons console.

Riker saw that, unlike some of the other consoles on the bridge, this one was original equipment. Or, at least, it was similar to the original weapons console, which would have been removed when the ship was sold as surplus. Somewhere, Blaze had found another one to replace it. He looked it over carefully. It seemed to have been a.s.sembled from the components of several different consoles, but it was familiar enough that he would have no trouble operating it. However, he saw no point in letting Blaze know that.

"It's been years since I've even seen one of these," he told the freebooter. "And this isn't like the consoles we had back at the Academy. This one is an older model. What's more, it looks as if several separate consoles were cannibalized to put this one together."

"I can a.s.sure you that does not impair its function," Blaze replied. "I suggest you spend time familiarizing yourself with the equipment. It's programmed to conduct simulations, just like the ones you trained with. I will expect you to be able to operate it expertly by the time we are ready to leave orbit."

"And if I can't?" asked Riker.

"I have confidence in you, Stryker," Blaze replied. "However, if necessary, I can operate the weapons console myself. I said that I could use a gunner. I didn't say I needed one."

"Right," said Riker. He glanced at the crew, then turned his attention to the console as Blaze conducted Dorn from the bridge to show her the ship's medical facilities. As he pretended to concentrate on studying the layout of the console, he tried to rack his brain for a way out of the situation.

They had come to the Zone in order to seek intelligence about Blaze. Instead, they had been shanghaied aboard his ship. Their weapons had been confiscated, which made little difference one way or another, as they would have been pitifully inadequate against the disruptors carried by Blaze and his senior officers. More importantly, their communicators had been seized and destroyed. That meant there was no way they could call the ship, nor was there any way the Enterprise could attempt to trace them through signals sent to their communicators.

We're stuck, but good, thought Riker. He was thankful he had taken the trouble to be so painstaking in doc.u.menting their cover ident.i.ties and making sure the files were placed in the Merchant s.p.a.cefleet data banks. Blaze had accepted them at face value as a result. Still, he was under no illusions that Blaze's trust would be won easily or quickly. He'll have us watched, he thought. There was even a good chance he might have their quarters monitored. They would have to find someplace safe to talk. Somehow, they had to get off this ship and alert the Enterprise to its location. But how?

If he could seize a moment or two at the navigations console, then he could determine the Glory's current position. But even if there were some way he could manage to do that un.o.bserved, there was still the problem of getting off the ship and conveying that information to the Enterprise. The transporters would be the only way. a.s.suming they would have a chance to get to them. Failing that, their only chance was in somehow alerting the Enterprise to the Glory's presence, either by getting a signal out or through some act of sabotage. The only trouble was, Blaze would immediately realize who must have done it and they would still be aboard the ship when the Enterprise attacked.

One way or another, he would have to figure something out before the crew finished their repairs. And that was another thing. Installing new drive components was not something that could be done quickly, and it would require a drive systems shutdown. Since the cloaking device operated off the drives, then the Glory would not be able to remain cloaked during that time. Blaze knew that, and he wasn't worried. That bothered Riker. For the length of time it took to install the new drive system components, the Glory would be a sitting duck. Its phaser banks would remain operative off stored charges, but the ship would be completely unable to maneuver. There would be no way in h.e.l.l Blaze could hold off the Enterprise under such conditions. So why wasn't he worried?

"Need any help?" said San Marco, the navigator, coming up to stand beside him at the console.

"No, thanks. I think I'll manage," Riker replied.

"You're sure?"

"I think so."

"You'd better hope so, Gunner, for your sake." Riker glanced at him and nodded. Yeah, he thought. Tell me about it.

Chapter Six.

"MR. DATA, are you absolutely certain they are no longer on the planet surface?" asked Picard, with concern.

"I do not possess enough information to be absolutely certain, Captain," Data replied. "It is possible that Commander Riker and his party might have been removed to some location our sensors are not able to penetrate. However, we know that the K'trall do not possess the technology to interfere with our sensor scans, nor do they possess the knowledge to construct forcefields or structures which our sensors would be unable to penetrate."

"Yes, but the Romulans do," Picard said, grimly. "Commander Riker's party may have been taken prisoner, or even killed."

"I had considered that possibility, as well, sir," Data replied. "If that were the case, it would have been necessary for them to have been killed in such a manner as to preclude any attempt to communicate with us. A phaser or disruptor set on wide-dispersal beam might have accomplished that. However, I programmed the ship's sensors to scan for minute atmospheric traces of rapid nadion effect that would indicate any vicinity where a phaser or disruptor might have been discharged recently. I was able to pinpoint only one such locale, and the coordinates match those from which you recently beamed up with Colonel Z'gral. In other words, sir, despite the Romulan presence on D'rahl, the only one to have fired an energy weapon anywhere on the planet surface within the last twenty-four hours was yourself. Having eliminated that possibility does not, of course, mean that Commander Riker's party might not have met with violence by some other method, but lacking more detailed information, I am unable to draw any conclusions."

Picard took a deep breath. "Mr. Data, how many vessels are currently stationed in orbit above D'rahl?"

"Our sensors register eleven merchant freighters, sir," Data replied. "However, we are unable to detect any vessels on the other side of the planet."

"I want you to conduct sensor probes of all those vessels, Mr. Data, starting immediately," said Picard. "Mr. Worf, contact Starbase 37 and the Merchant s.p.a.cefleet Union office on D'rahl and request a complete listing of all vessels currently in port, along with scheduled departure times. Inform them that this is a Starfleet Priority request."

"Inform them also, Mr. Worf, that until further notice, all scheduled departures are canceled, as per my authority," Gruzinov added. "No vessel is to leave orbit without my personal authorization."

"Aye-aye, sir," Worf replied.

"I'll take the heat for that, Jean-Luc, don't worry," Gruzinov told Picard. "We'll get your people back."

"a.s.suming they are still alive," Picard said, grimly. "Commander Riker would not have left the planet surface voluntarily without communicating his intention to us. So either they have all been killed, or else they have been taken prisoner, most likely aboard a ship."

"Given the strength of the Romulan presence on D'rahl, it is entirely possible that they have a cloaked Warbird in the vicinity," Gruzinov said. "Perhaps even stationed in orbit and cloaked. We'd better notify Starfleet Headquarters."

Picard compressed his lips and nodded. "The Romulan presence on D'rahl leaves us with no other choice." He took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. "This may be the beginning of a war."

"Captain, I am receiving a message from the planet surface," Worf said.

"Onscreen, Mr. Worf."

Governor T'grayn's face appeared on the main viewscreen. He looked extremely agitated. "Captain Picard, I fear that I must lodge a formal protest. Word has reached me that you have abducted Colonel Z'gral and are holding him aboard your ship. I must demand his return immediately."

"Now, you listen to me, you fat, traitorous-" Z'gral began, angrily, but Picard took him by the arm and squeezed, firmly.

"Colonel ..." he said, softly.

Z'gral fell silent at once. He was a soldier, and he understood that Picard was in command here.

"Governor," said Picard, "Colonel Z'gral came aboard this vessel voluntarily and has formally requested political asylum."

"Ridiculous," T'grayn replied. "Colonel Z'gral is not a dissident, nor is he a criminal. He is one of our most honored citizens! You invaded his home and-"

"Governor, let us drop this absurd pretense," Picard said. "You know perfectly well that I am fully aware of the conditions under which Colonel Z'gral was being held. Are you going to deny that there are currently at least two companies of Romulan centurions stationed at Colonel Z'gral's estate?"

T'grayn moistened his lips, nervously. "I ... I have no idea what you're talking about, Captain. That is an absolutely outrageous allegation! You have no proof-"

"I saw them with my own eyes, Governor, and I have Colonel Z'gral to corroborate my testimony," said Picard. "Starfleet Headquarters is being notified of the Romulan presence on D'rahl even as we speak. Governor, this has gone beyond a mere question of clandestine support for freebooters and black-marketeering. This could mean war."

T'grayn looked shaken. "War?" He shook his head. "But ... but that is absurd! I ... I don't know what you're talking about! I ... I don't know anything about any Romulans-"

"Enough of this," someone suddenly said, shoving T'grayn aside roughly. A new face appeared on the viewscreen. Picard tensed as he found himself looking at a man in the uniform of a Romulan tribune.

"Kronak!" said Z'gral, through gritted teeth.

"Captain Picard, you are in violation of K'tralli law," said Kronak. "Colonel Z'gral was being held prisoner, under house arrest, by the order of Overlord J'drahn. The conditions of political asylum do not apply to breaking a prisoner out of jail, as you very well know. I would strongly suggest that you return Colonel Z'gral to K'tralli custody at once."

"What nonsense is this?" Picard replied, angrily. "Under what authority do you presume to speak?"

"Authority? I was not issuing any orders or demands, Captain," Kronak replied, smoothly. "I was merely making a suggestion, as an interested party, you might say. The Romulan Empire certainly has a vested interest in preventing the spread of Federation hegemony. All this talk of war, for instance, is merely more evidence of Federation hostility and intimidation."

Picard stared at the Romulan with disbelief. "You have the unmitigated gall to accuse the Federation of hostility and intimidation when it is you who have broken the treaty of the Neutral Zone?"

"We have broken no treaty, Captain. There has been no hostile Romulan incursion into Federation territory. We are here at the invitation of Overlord J'drahn."

"Your very presence in Federation territory is in violation of the treaty, as you know perfectly well!" Picard replied.

"Is it your position that your Prime Directive allows you to dictate to the K'trall with whom they can or cannot conduct peaceful negotiations? I was under the impression that the Federation claimed to allow autonomy of government to its member planets. If the K'trall should decide to discontinue their alliance with the Federation and enter into a pact with the Romulan Empire, is the Federation threatening to go to war in order to prevent it? What is that, Captain Picard, if not hegemony and intimidation?"

"Is it your contention that Overlord J'drahn has 'invited' you here in order to conclude an alliance with the Romulan Empire and withdraw from the Federation?" asked Picard.

"You would have to ask Overlord J'drahn that question," replied Kronak. "I would not presume to speak for him."

"I see. And if Overlord J'drahn should request your departure, I suppose you will simply pack up and leave back across the Neutral Zone?" Picard said.

"Why, certainly, Captain," Kronak said. "We are not seeking to provoke a war. But, as I have said, you will have to take that question up with Overlord J'drahn."

"I fully intend to," said Picard. "In the meantime, there is a landing party from my ship that has turned up missing. I don't suppose you know anything about that?"

"Why should I?" Kronak asked. "It is not my job to keep track of your people, Captain Picard."

"Then you deny having them in custody?"

Kronak frowned. "What sort of game is this?" he asked.

"Answer the question!"

"I am not holding any of your people, Captain," Kronak said. "What possible reason would I have to do so? Let us speak frankly, Picard. You and I both know the situation here favors a resolution to my benefit. Why would I weaken my position by seizing Starfleet personnel and holding them hostage? That would const.i.tute a clear initiation of hostilities. The very last thing I would wish to do is offer you any justifiable provocation. In fact, to demonstrate my sincerity in that regard, I am more than willing to have my centurions aid in the search for your missing landing party."

Picard stared at him, coldly. "I will take the time to consider your courteous offer," he said, with thinly disguised sarcasm. "Meanwhile, Colonel Z'gral will remain aboard this ship, as he is here of his own free will and Governor T'grayn has already stated for the record that he is neither a dissident nor a criminal. Picard out."

He gave Worf the cutoff signal.

"Counselor, what was your impression of Tribune Kronak?" Picard asked Troi.

"I sensed that he was telling the truth, Captain," Troi replied. "He seemed genuinely surprised when you implied that he might be holding Commander Riker's party. And I believe he was sincere in his offer to help search for them. He seems very confident of his position, and my impression was that he believes he can prevail without forcing a conflict."

"How can she possibly know that?" asked Z'gral, with a frown.

"Counselor Troi is half-Betazoid, and possesses strong empathic abilities," Picard replied. "If she believes Tribune Kronak was sincere in his denial of holding our people, then I am inclined to accept her judgment." He sighed, heavily. "Besides, the situation does favor a resolution to his benefit. If he can demonstrate that he is, in fact, here at the invitation of Overlord J'drahn, then it is J'drahn who bears the responsibility for violating the treaty. Given those circ.u.mstances, Kronak would have nothing to gain by holding our people. He has no need of hostages. If we took any action against him now, then he could claim that we were the ones who had initiated the hostilities."

"But they have crossed over the Neutral Zone, sir," Worf said.

"Yes, Mr. Worf, technically, they are in violation, but we are in something of a gray area here, thanks to Overlord J'drahn and Governor T'grayn. And after so many years of conflict, the Federation Council will not wish to risk a war. If the price of a continued truce is giving up the K'tralli Empire and extending the boundaries of the Neutral Zone, then I believe the Council would grudgingly pay it. Especially since J'drahn's involvement with the Romulans brings interpretation of the Prime Directive into question. We are in a very dangerous and highly volatile situation." He turned to Z'gral. "And you, Colonel, may be the only one who can help resolve it."

Z'gral nodded. "J'drahn must be removed from power," he said. "And H'druhn is the only one who can accomplish that. I must speak with him at once, Captain."

Picard nodded. "That was my intention," he said. "But it would mean leaving here and going to N'trahn."

"And you are concerned about the fate of your missing landing party," said Z'gral. "I understand. It is your decision, Captain."

Picard grimaced. "Mr. Data, have you completed your sensor probes of the ships in this vicinity?"

"Affirmative, Captain," Data replied. "But there is no sign of Commander Riker and his party being held aboard any of those vessels."

Picard took a deep breath. "Mr. Worf, have we received the information we requested from Starbase 37 and the Merchant s.p.a.cefleet Union?"

"Aye, Captain," Worf replied. "There are currently twenty-three ships in port, stationed in orbit above D'rahl. Subtracting the eleven we have already scanned, that leaves twelve stationed in orbit on the opposite side of the planet."

"Not counting Blaze's ship," Picard said, "a.s.suming it is here and cloaked, or the possible presence of a Warbird." He shook his head. "I cannot believe that Kronak would be so confident without a ship to back him up, and in the time it would take for us to make a half-orbit around D'rahl to scan those vessels, he could make his move. If Blaze's ship is here and cloaked, our sensors will not detect it. We could be under his guns even as we speak. Or under the guns of a Romulan Warbird."

"Or both," said Gruzinov. "Our shields would not stand up under fire from both ships, and Kronak could easily claim that we were attacked by Blaze alone. You're right, Jean-Luc. Now that Kronak's hand has been exposed, the longer we remain here, the more vulnerable we are."

"It concerns me that Kronak does not seem to be worried about General H'druhn," Picard said. "Why isn't he worried?"

"By the G.o.ds!" Z'gral said, suddenly.

"What is it, Colonel?" Picard asked, glancing at him sharply.

"I am an old fool!" Z'gral said, in an angry, self-recriminating tone. "The Romulans often kept me awake conducting drills at the estate. I had simply a.s.sumed they did it to prepare against the possibility of an a.s.sault. There are still soldiers in the army who are loyal to me, and I merely thought T'grayn was not taking any chances. But now it all suddenly takes on a new perspective. The estate where I was confined had been built by a wealthy aristocrat as a replica of the Summer Palace on N'trahn!"

"General H'druhn's residence!" Gruzinov said. "Of course! They plan to seize the Summer Palace and a.s.sa.s.sinate him!"

Picard took a deep breath and decided. "Mr. Koski, set course for N'trahn and take us out of orbit."

"But what about your people, Captain?" asked Z'gral.

"We cannot afford to waste any time looking for them now," Picard said. "Small wonder Kronak was willing to help us search for them. Anything that would keep us at D'rahl, a formal protest over Colonel Z'gral or a search for our landing party, would only play into his hands and buy him time to put his plan into effect."