"No," said Blaze. "But I will not have my orders disobeyed. It looks like you'll require medical attention. Unfortunately, your friend was the closest thing we had to a doctor aboard this ship. The next closest, I'm afraid, is me. Let's hope your injuries are not too serious. I may only wind up making them worse. Ragnar, take him to sickbay."

The huge engineering chief came up to Riker and took him from the men supporting him, lifting him up in his arms as easily as if he were baby. And Riker felt just about as helpless.

Chapter Eight.

"MESSAGE COMING IN from the planet surface, Captain," Lieutenant Worf said.

"Not now, Mr. Worf," Picard said.

"Sir, it is from Overlord J'drahn."

"Let him wait," Picard said, curtly. "Let him sweat a little. Have we received those transporter coordinates from Starbase 37?"

"Received and entered, sir," Worf replied.

"Is the landing party standing by in the main briefing room?"

"Standing by, sir."

"Very well, Mr. Worf, we will conduct the briefing from here. Put us up on the screen in the main briefing room."

Worf punched a few b.u.t.tons on the console, then looked up. "Ready, Captain."

In the main briefing room, the screen came on, showing a view of the bridge. The personnel selected for the landing party, hand-picked by Worf for their proficiency, settled down to watch and listen.

"Attention," said Picard. "We are about to begin the mission briefing. The session will be conducted by Captain Gruzinov. Captain?"

"Thank you, Captain," said Gruzinov. "We have received transporter coordinates from Starbase 37 from my last visit to the Summer Palace, the residence of General H'druhn. They will bring us down into the courtyard in front of the main entrance. Mr. Data, can you bring up that map we generated on the computer?"

"Aye, sir," Data replied, and punched up the simple, blueprint-style map he had drawn on the computer, following Gruzinov's directions. It appeared on the main viewscreen and on the viewscreens in the briefing room at the same time, a simple white drawing against a black background.

"Superimpose the magnified scanner image, please, Mr. Data."

A high-resolution photographic image of the Summer Palace, taken from orbit, appeared super-imposed over the blueprint.

Gruzinov approached the console and activated the touch-sensor on the console screen. As he touched a spot on the console screen with his finger, a corresponding cursor appeared on the main viewscreen and the viewscreens in the briefing room.

"This is where we'll be coming in," he said. "Between the fountain in the center of the plaza, here ..." He pointed on the screen. " ... and the steps leading up the palace entrance, here. There will be guards stationed here, here, here, and here... ." He pointed out the locations on the map. "However, there is no guarantee that the disposition of the guards has not been changed since my last visit, so be prepared. We will be going in by the front entrance, here. Those of you a.s.signed to rear guard duty will take your positions here ... and here. Delete scanner image, Mr. Data."

The exterior image disappeared, leaving only the outlined blueprint map of the interior.

"The rest of us will proceed into the main hall, down this corridor. There are two wide corridors branching off to the north and south wings, here and here. I want those covered; Lieutenant Worf will a.s.sign the personnel on-site. Now, lacking a genetic matrix scan on General H'druhn, we cannot simply beam him up out of the palace because, obviously, sensors will not be able to differentiate his readings from those of other K'trall in the palace. If we are not admitted to the palace, we're going to have to force our way in, locate him fast, surround him so the transporter sensors can get a fix on him, and then beam the h.e.l.l out of there. We go in fast and hard, and get out as quickly as we can.

"Now, here comes the tough part. We won't have any way of knowing for certain which part of the palace the general will be in. His private quarters are on the upper floors, but since I've never been there and only met with him in the main hall, I have no idea where they are. We cannot communicate with the palace, because we don't want to alert them that we're coming. So, if we're refused entry, we'll just have to do it the hard way.

"We will conduct a fast and systematic search throughout the palace for the general. If we can get someone to tell us where he is, so much the better; otherwise we'll simply have to do a room-by-room search. There's a main staircase leading to the upper floors here, by the main hall just off the entrance. Squads Alpha and Bravo will take the north wing, squads Charlie and Delta will take the south. Phasers on stun only. Repeat, phasers on stun. When General H'druhn is found, he is to be treated with respect befitting a man of his position. He is not to be manhandled in any way. Find him, secure him, and call the others. Any questions?" Gruzinov waited. None were forthcoming. "Very well, that concludes the briefing. All members of the landing party are to report to the transporter rooms immediately and stand by to beam down. Bridge out."

Gruzinov turned and nodded to Picard. "Very well, Mr. Worf," Picard said. "Is Overlord J'drahn still waiting?"

"Aye, sir."

"Let us see what he has to say then. Onscreen."

The image of Overlord J'drahn appeared on the main viewscreen. He did not look happy. "I am not accustomed to being kept waiting, Captain Picard."

"Forgive me, Your Excellency, it was unavoidable," Picard replied. He said nothing else, leaving the next move to J'drahn.

"I see you have returned from D'rahl," J'drahn said. "Was your mission there successful?"

"Not entirely," Picard replied. "We encountered an impediment in the form of two companies of Romulan centurions. And their commander, Tribune Kronak, insists that he is here at your personal invitation."

"And what if he is?" asked J'drahn.

"In that event, Your Excellency," Picard said flatly, "you are in violation of your treaty with the Federation, and the Romulans are in violation of the Treaty of the Algeron. Am I to understand that is the case?"

"The Romulans are our neighbors across the Neutral Zone, Captain," J'drahn said. "Being on the frontier of Federation territory such as we are, it is clearly in our interests to establish a diplomatic understanding with the Romulan Empire. Otherwise, in the event of any breakdown in the truce, we would be the first to suffer. Tribune Kronak is here on a purely diplomatic mission, and it is my right to conduct diplomatic talks with whomever I please."

"And does this diplomatic mission of Tribune Kronak's include establishing an armed camp in the city of K'trin and holding a high-ranking K'tralli citizen prisoner?" asked Picard.

"I a.s.sume you are refering to Colonel Z'gral," J'drahn said, smoothly. "Colonel Z'gral has long been a vocal critic of this government, Captain, and has made numerous slanderous and unsubstantiated accusations against myself and Governor T'grayn. He was judged to be a disruptive influence, fomenting insurrection, and under our laws, could have been tried as a criminal. Out of respect for Colonel Z'gral's age, however, which was doubtless instrumental in his actions stemming from diminished faculties, and out of consideration for his past service to the K'tralli people, it was determined that it would be best to simply place him into forced retirement, rather than subject him to the rigors of a trial and risks of the penalties he would doubtless incur under our laws. Your abduction of him poses a serious threat to the security of the K'tralli Empire and our relations with the Federation. I must insist that he be returned at once."

"I fear I must refuse," Picard replied. "Colonel Z'gral has asked for and been granted political asylum under the provisions of Federation law. And your remarks just now have clearly labeled him as a dissident. As for the issue of the Romulans, I must demand that you request their departure from Federation territory immediately."

"Demand?" J'drahn said, in a tone of outrage. "Who are you to demand anything of the overlord of the K'trall? You have overstepped your authority, Picard! And you have violated our laws and interfered with the legal functions of our government. It is you who are in violation, Picard, of your own Prime Directive! If you do not return Colonel Z'gral to our custody immediately, then I will lodge a formal protest with the Federation Council and demand that you leave K'tralli s.p.a.ce at once!"

"I am afraid that under the circ.u.mstances, Your Excellency, I cannot comply with your demands," Picard said. "I will have to communicate with Starfleet Command and advise them of the situation, then await their instructions. I will let you know as soon as I have received a response. Enterprise out."

He turned to Gruzinov. "That should buy us a little time," he said. "Let's go. Mr. Data, you have the bridge."

"Aye-aye, Captain."

They entered the turbolift.

"You know him best," Picard said to Gruzinov. "What do you think he's going to do?"

"I don't think he has the faintest idea what to do," Gruzinov replied. "He has been playing both ends against the middle and now he's stuck. I think he's scared, and I think he's desperate. And we both know what scared and desperate people are capable of doing."

Picard nodded. "That is how I read the situation," he said. "Even though it will not solve all of his problems, to secure his position he must remove the only man capable of taking it away from him. I can only hope that we are not too late."

They stepped out of the turbolift and marched quickly to the transporter rooms, where the landing party of two dozen crew members was awaiting them, along with Colonel Z'gral, Counselor Troi, and Dr. Crusher.

"Captain," said Z'gral, "I must be allowed to accompany you to the Summer Palace!"

"Sir, we have tried to convince him of the risks, but he remains insistant," Troi said.

"Captain, unless I am present with your landing party, General H'druhn may regard this as an attack," Z'gral said. "Your people will be at risk. I must be allowed to go with you."

"Captain, with all due respect to Colonel Z'gral, I cannot approve," said Dr. Crusher. "Given the possibility of an armed confrontation, his age places him at considerable risk."

"Nonsense!" said Z'gral, angrily. "I was leading troops into battle when you were nothing more than a mewling infant!"

"My point, exactly," Crusher replied, wryly.

"Colonel, I can understand your sentiments, and I appreciate your offer," said Picard, "but I am afraid I must refuse. You have accepted political asylum aboard this vessel, and that makes you my responsibility. Aside from which, without you, we might not be able to convince General H'druhn to remove his son from power. As heroes of the revolution, both you and General H'druhn enjoy the support of the K'tralli people. For their sake, we cannot risk your well-being. We will bring the general back here, and that is when you will be needed most. I hope you will understand."

Z'gral nodded reluctantly. "Yes, I understand, Captain." He sighed heavily. "Very well. Good luck."

"Thank you, sir," Picard replied. He checked his phaser. "All right, gentlemen, prepare your details for transport."

Riker came to lying on a bed in the sickbay of the Glory. That was the second thing he realized, however. The first thing he realized was that his entire body hurt. He started to raise himself, but felt a sharp, stabbing pain and fell back on the bed with a groan.

"Don't try to sit up," he heard Blaze say. "Your ribs are broken."

"My whole body feels broken," Riker said, weakly.

"It should be," Blaze replied, stepping into his field of vision and looking down at him. "You did very well, considering."

"Considering what?"

"Considering the fact that you were grossly overmatched. An ordinary human is no match for a cybrid. Katana was the best fighter on this ship. She killed at least seven men."

"At least?"

"Well, I cannot speak for what she may have done before she joined my crew."

"Why don't you ask the Romulans?"

Blaze raised his eyebrows. "The Romulans?"

"Katana was your saboteur. Your gunner's mate was innocent." Riker grimaced. "Of sabotage, at least."

"Interesting," said Blaze. "How did you discover this?"

"She admitted it, just before you arrived with your men," said Riker. "She planned on killing me, and then blaming whatever she did to your cloaking device on me."

"I will have Ragnar examine it. But why tell me about it?" Blaze asked. "Doesn't that work counter to your purposes?"

"I figure it's a moot point," said Riker. "If my ship doesn't come after you, the Warbird will. And without La Forge, you'll never get the Glory operational in time. It's over, Blaze. All you can do now is sit here and wait it out."

"Perhaps," admitted Blaze. "But I do have you as hostage."

Riker shook his head. "That won't get you anywhere. La Forge won't succ.u.mb to that kind of pressure. Neither will Captain Picard."

Blaze raised a hypospray.

"What's that?" said Riker, apprehensively.

"A painkiller. I think."

"You think?"

"I'm not exactly sure. It's been a while since I've performed any first aid. I'm a little rusty. And your friend Thorn, or whatever her true name was, did not really organize the sickbay as she promised. This could easily have been mislabeled."

"Dorn," said Riker, emptily. "Her name was Dorn. Lieutenant Angela Dorn."

"A member of your starship crew?"

"Starbase 37."

"Ah. One of Gruzinov's people. A good man, Gruzinov. Wasted in a backwater like this."

"I'm sure he'd be delighted to hear your fine opinion of him," Riker said, then grimaced with pain.

"Here, let's see if this helps," Blaze said, and injected him with the hypospray. "So Katana played me false. Well, that does make me feel less regretful about killing her. She was often difficult, but she was a valued member of my crew. I fear I shall not be able to replace her."

"Yeah, it might be tough to find another homicidal cybrid," Riker said.

"It would be impossible," said Blaze. "She was the last of her kind."

"How's that?"

"How much do you know about the cybrids, Stryker? ... Excuse me. It's Riker, isn't it?"

"Yeah. I know the general story."

"Then allow me to fill in the details. After the cybrids made their escape, they were hounded all over the galaxy, pursued and persecuted wherever they went. They were incredible fighters, but it's tough to win when the entire universe seems to be against you. A handful of them managed to survive and they came here. This was just before the revolution. When it was discovered who and what they were, and specifically, how good they were, they were offered a permanent, safe haven here in return for their help in fighting the revolution. They accepted, and were a strong, relentless force in the conflict. At the end, only six of them were left. And every promise that was ever made to them was broken. They were ostracized and treated like pariahs. They were just too different. Too alien. One of them was murdered. Another committed suicide. Three of them made their way to your colony on Artemis VI, where they were treated no better than they were treated here. I know all about bigotry and prejudice, Riker. I've suffered from it all my life because of being half of one race half of another. Not from everyone, of course, but enough to know what it's like. For the cybrids, it was even worse. They were attacked by some of the colonists on Artemis VI. They defended themselves. And as a result, they were hunted down as murderers."

"What about Katana?"

"She remained behind on D'rahl, which was where I found her, prost.i.tuting herself and selling shots to jaded s.p.a.cers."

"Shots that you supplied her with," said Riker.

"I am pirate, Riker, not a drug dealer. Katana received her drugs courtesy of T'grayn's wide-ranging distribution network. And doubtless that was how she made her arrangement with the Romulans, as well."

"T'grayn?"

"You thought it was me?" Blaze shook his head. "You do me an injustice, Riker. T'grayn was operating a drug manufacturing laboratory. In the bas.e.m.e.nt of his palace, no less. He so loved his precious gardens. The aromatic flowers and ornamental vines concealed plants of a much more interesting variety. They brought him a great deal of profit. As did I, of course. But all that is over now. In a short while, T'grayn will be nothing more than an unsavory memory."

"And what about us?" asked Riker. The pain was starting to ebb. Apparently, it was a painkiller in the hypospray, after all. "Where's La Forge?"

"Ah, yes, your chief engineer. He's really remarkably skilled. Ragnar is tremendously impressed by his abilities. At the moment, he is directing the final stages of the repairs on the drive systems."