“I’ve never trusted the Union, Captain.  To be honest, that feeling is mutual.  I remain exceptional at my previous and current duties – which would threaten a great many of my fellow Cardassians back home.”  He lifted his glass of dark liquid, “To getting as far from them as possible.”

Harris raised his glass, “Dozaria Prime was intentional.  It served your purpose as much as it served theirs – they knew you would handle the business of the sector professionally, and they’d have less to worry about with you kicking around out there.”

The tall and broad-shouldered Cardassian chuckled with a deep chortle, “I don’t think I’ve ever been referred to as ‘a professional’, Captain Harris.  I will admit it does please me.”  He faced T’saath, “I envy you, Commander.  We Cardassians are far too wrapped up in our emotions, grudges, and egos to see what is possible.”

T’saath met his gaze, a mild frown passing across her face before she returned to her placid expression.  “You’ve lived a long time, Gul Hasara.  Time can be the greatest teacher for many who ignore the path of logic.”

He chuckled dryly this time, “Time is a teacher, certainly.  Usually, it is together with painful and challenging results that can direct a path differently…if one is open to the need for change.  You have no doubt studied Cardassians as a part of your Vulcan career.  We are less likely to listen and more likely to use blunt force to have our way.” She indicated with a slight nod his suggestion.  He turned his attention back to Harris, “I will need to report regularly back to the Union.  I do not intend to give them much of the truth.”  He downed the remainder of his drink, “I suspect that there are elements within the Union that are sympathetic to the Palasa Syndicate.  Since we last met, I have been investigating that theory and have made surprisingly slow progress.”

Ambrose leaned forward on the couch, “That doesn’t sound good.”

Hasara sighed; the smile had faded from his lips, “They’ve sent many of my contemporaries out on patrol duties away from the border and deeper into Union space or off in the direction of Deep Space 47.  I have spoken to most of them.  Their concerns grow with the hours and days.”

It was T’saath’s turn to lean forward, “Gul Hasara…is there anything you can tell us about this…situation we find ourselves investigating?”

A shrug, “Palasa swallowed up most of the other operators in the Expanse.  A few independent operators have been moving farther away from the expanse or giving up entirely.  I’ve had reports of a few turning themselves into Starfleet out of fear of what’s out here.”

Harris sourly evaluated their situation, “We’re going to have to get to that planet and investigate what happened.  Until we know what we’re really facing, I don’t think it would be a good idea to try and go up against anything that’s showing signs or symptoms.”  T’saath gave a nod, and Hasara shrugged as he stood.

“I will return to my quarters to rest. There is much work to be done, and I will need to be ready.”  He stopped at the door, “I view you as an ally, Captain Harris.  I know my people are prickly at the best of times…but I’ve seen you be a credit to your creed.  Good night.”  The door closed behind him.

T’saath stared at the door, “Permission to speak freely, sir?”

“Always, commander.”

“We are placing this ship, its crew, and our guest at a high probability of danger, sir.  It is inadvisable for us to continue without further assistance.”

Harris refilled his glass, “Is that by Vulcan Expeditionary standards or Starfleet regulations?  The Mackenzie can hold her own.”

She tore her eyes from the door and settled back on her captain.  “Sir, it is not the Mackenzie that concerns me.  It is the crew.  And me.”  She stood and paced the small ready room slowly, finding the words to speak, “I could not identify what I experienced on the ship until recently.”  She stopped and turned to face him, “It spoke to me, sir.  By name.  It told me that I would be the vessel in which it would take back what was stolen and that I would be its instrument of vengeance – the right hand of fury and the left hand of rage.”  She resumed pacing, “It was so clear in my head…and I was several decks away from the phenomenon.” 

Ambrose remained where he was perched, “You retained control?”  He had many questions, but the important ones came first.

She didn’t respond initially, and he repeated his question with more force, and she nodded absentmindedly.  T’saath stopped her pacing, “It is well documented the Vulcan need for emotional control and the adoption of logic as well as mediation, IDIC and all of our ceremonies.  We spend our lifetimes exercising extraordinary control over it.”  Her pacing resumed again: “In those moments when it spoke to me…I could sense the euphoric freedom that it was experiencing…or had experienced in being free from that control.  That it wanted me to taste the sweet relief that comes with releasing the control.”  She sat down on the couch and locked her eyes with her captain; an unusual look of uncertainty splayed across her face, “Captain, I am forty Earth years old…I have never experienced such a thing in my time…and have not heard or read of such things in quite some time.”

Harris sighed, “It reminds me of Sybok and groups like him.  It never ends well.  Are you able to continue your duties and responsibilities, Commander?”

A brief nod, “At this time, yes.  I would like to request that I be evaluated by Doctor Reid in order to understand what is happening from a medical perspective…we may need to include Lieutenant Fowler as well.”

“That’s acceptable, Commander.  What’s your evaluation of her?  Chief Fowler?”

“She’s a capable science officer who is working to be the Chief of Science that the Mackenzie needs.  May I pursue my medical exam?”

Ambrose thought to ask another question but held it back as he dismissed her.  There was still much to be understood, and they were a few days from the planet that had started all this.  What lay ahead and what followed behind them remained a mystery.