Nu'Daq

Nu’Daq was furious. He was confined in the brig, prime suspect in the murder of Taite Berggren. Right now the captain was examining the murder, but who knew what evidence he would find. If only the captain knew, what he was up against. People, who unseen could come onboard a Federation flag ship and kill a crew member could easily manipulate the evidence. Nu’Daq was innocent, but what would the socalled “evidence” say?

Slowly the pieces of the puzzle were falling in place in Nu’Daq’s mind. The shapeshifter, the cardassian-romulan ambush, the Orion Syndicate attack – it all came together. And suddenly he remembered:

5 years ago on a dark and inhospitable planetoid named Ruthen IV. It was placed in the Dark Triangle, the border area between the three great empires: Romulan, Federation and Klingon. It was a gathering place for the scum of the universe, thieves, traders, whores, happy-go-lucky people and everyone else, who wanted to live anonymously. It had been years, since any kind of official authority had visited Ruthen IV. The last ship here had been a small Federation vessel, but it had retreated hastily – guess they didn’t like the atmosphere.

Nu’Daq was sitting in a small and smokefilled bar named the Greek Tavern. Very subtle for an Orion Syndicate hangout, Nu’Daq thought. He looked around the room. The bar was full, but noone seemed to enjoy themselves. Everyone was lounged alone, drinking their romulan ale, baatezuvian whiskey or whatever they had chosen to poor down their decaying bodies. In front of Nu’Daq stood a glass of chech’luthl. He had been surprised to find such well tasting Klingon liquor. He had to restrain himself from drinking too much. But he couldn’t risk clouding his mind – not today, not on this assignment.

He had worked months on setting up this meeting. He posed as a Klingon arms dealer, and he had made contact with the Orion Syndicate through a smalltime snitch, who had been …. “persuaded” …. by Klingon Intelligence to put Nu’Daq in contact with the Syndicate. And with a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work Nu’Daq was able to setup the meeting, which was about to take place. The Syndicate guy? His name was Krell, a half-romulan half-klingon guy, who now was high in the ranks within the Syndicate. Nu’Daq had been able to convince the Syndicate, that he could offer them a couple of very high tech and top secret technologies obtained from the Romulans – for a price. Nu’Daq’s true mission was of a different kind: Intelligence gathering and assassination.

According to Klingon Intelligence the Orion Syndicate had stolen pieces of a cloaking device from a downed Klingon vessel in the Neutral Zone some time ago. The Imperial Klingon Fleet had not been able to recover the vessel, since they wouldn’t risk a full scale intrusion into the Neutral Zone and thus upset the Romulans and the Federation. The ship had been on a secret scouting mission, when it apparently crashed on a large asteriode.

Why Krell? He was responsible for numerous thefts of Klingon equipment and technology, and he had been a pain in the neck on Klingon Intelligence for some time now. And now he had passed from being annoying to causing dishonor to Klingon Intelligence with his repeated actions against the Fleet. This meant he had to die.

Nu’Daq could feel him coming, before the man approached. It was as if his actions had saturated him with the stench of a criminal. Nu’Daq raised his head and watched the man approach him. Krell. A traitor to his race, or both of them. Nu’Daq could feel his disgust for the man and his actions rise inside himself. Krell was a small, ugly man. The Klingon nose ridges were clear and obvious, just like his pointy Romulan ears and his pale complexion. Yuck. Nu’Daq quickly assessed the physical strength and combat skills of his target. He was no threat.

Not much can be said about their conversation. Nu’Daq offered him parts of a Klingon cloaking device, but from the disinterest of Krell he learned, that Krell (and thus the Orion Syndicate) was already in possession of such a device. With the first part of his mission completed, Nu’Daq moved on to his second objective…..

Krell didn’t see it coming. He was dead the moment Nu’Daq plunched his d’k tagh into Krell’s body. A clean strike right into the heart. Nobody in the bar seemed to care, although a few suspicious eyes were turned towards him. But within minutes Krell’s bodyguard outside the door noticed the events. The big Naussican rushed into the room and looked into Nu’Daq’s eyes. But before the Naussican could act, Nu’Daq activated his transporter and beamed out and away…….

That was the conlusion of Nu’Daq’s first undercover mission. Or was it? The way Taite had been stabbed and the d’k tahg used. It was the same as the one Nu’Daq had used to kill Krell. The exact same knife. Nu’Daq never forgot a weapon. So somehow the Orion Syndicate had decided to exact revenge upon him. They had finally found him. But why would they risk an attack on the Valjean to get to him? The only likely explanation was, that they were in league with the Tal Shiar in their plot to disrupt the peace talks. The Tal Shiar must have hired the Orion Syndicate as a backup plan, and the Orion Syndicate had accepted, since they would not only get paid, but also get a shot at Nu’Daq.

Luckily their attack on the Valjean had been thwarted, but they almost got rid of Nu’Daq. Unfortunately Taite was at the wrong place at the wrong time. The assassin must have been surprised to find a human in Nu’Daq’s quarters. Nu’Daq suddenly felt a pain in the heart. What if it had been Xenia instead of Taite in his quarters?

Nu’Daq was sitting in the brig, pondering what to do. Tell the captain and disobey his Wov of Silence to Klingon Intelligence? Or risk confinement? There was no doubt in Nu’Daq’s mind, that there would be found no trace of the assassin. And what about Xenia? Nu’Daq didn’t give a damn what the rest of the crew thought about him, but Xenia’s opinion mattered to him. He didn’t want Xenia to believe him to be a murderer.

He was still sitting alone in the brig wondering what to tell Xenia, when the doors to the brig opened. It was Xenia!

Okal

Numb. Numb. Numb. You say it enough and it makes your lips feel all tingly like they're going numb. It's one of those words that physically describes itself when you say it. Or when you think it. I felt numb.

I had left without seeing the body. Xenia needed to perform the autopsy. I nodded and left not letting her ask my permission. It wasn't mine to give. Sure, Taite had family. Somewhere. Was his mother still alive? I can't remember. It's that numbness thing. Funny how it seeps into the deepest crevices of your mind. If he did still have family they probably thought him dead long ago. Right then. No need to rip open old scars. Point is, I'm not... I wasn't his family. I don't think he ever loved me even. I can't cry. My body doesn't want to. I cried my tears over him a long time ago and I won't do it again. He used me then and he probably used me now. Hell, I used him. Every Tuesday after Springball. But I didn't know then how badly I was used and I'm probably still hiding under the mask that each and every sentient being is good and caring until provoked. Taite never did reveal unto me what it was that had provoked him. Perhaps it was his sister's love for a Klingon. But hatred can't run that deep, can it?

I found myself heading for the brig. Strangely Nu'Daq is the only one I could think of to talk to. Not that I need healing. Answers maybe, but who needs to heal when they're not hurting?

I entered, gave my sercurity confirmation to the ensign on duty and realized I wasn't the only one with the ideas of coming here. Wasn't Xenia supposed to performing Taite's autopsy? Why was she in the brig? Odd, I would think that the murdered crew member would require a certain amount of guarding against tampering. I didn't want to disrupt the fragile meeting between my two friends.

Slowly I backed out of the brig, leaving the low drone of the forcefield behind closed doors. Xenia had given me an extra two hours of free time... holodeck mud bath be damned. Taite had secrets and if he wouldn't disclose them to me while he was alive, I was damned well going to find out now.

I went straight to my quarters, traded my formal wear for the Starfleet regulation poly-cotton blend. As I adjusted my tunic and gave my boots a quick polish, I left the doors of my quarters swooshing behind me. I had never really felt it necessary to put a security code on my door when I wasn't there, but I had quickly engaged one before I strode into the hall.

Was I panicking or just taking precaution? The line between the two was so thin it was hard to tell. Take a couple of deep breaths and call it precaution, that's all you have to do right? Maybe it was nerves. Was I nervous about going into Taite's quarters? No one would be there... security detail would still be at Nu'Daq's, picking up blood and carpet samples, checking video surveillance and time entry records. I would be by myself in Taite's quarters. It would smell of ancient terran wine and various hair styling agents. It would all be familiar. So my job was to find something unfamiliar.

When I reached his door a chill ran over my body. With a trembling finger I punched in the five digit security code he had given me not two weeks ago. Somewhere inside me wanted that unfriendly chirp signaling declination.

A millisecond pause felt like an eternity.

<be-beep>

Accpeted. Great. No where to go but in. Now, to look for something unfamiliar.

Rafko

The body of Taite Bergen had been transported to Sickbay but somehow, I could not get working on it. I stared at the lifeless body and the gaping bloody wound in his chest.

I knew the Captain would want an autopsy, and it seemed a little flippant to merely say that, "Cause of death is a dagger to the chest." No, Captain Worf would want more detail than that.

My medical staff were standing around, ready to obey any of my instructions but my hands were shaking and I couldn't think straight.

"Cover him up," I said sharply to Madelyn O'Hara. "I'll be back."

"Where are you going?" she asked.

I glared at her. "That shouldn't concern you."

"But the Captain-"

"I can handle the Captain." My voice was shaking now and I had to get out of the Sickbay. So after all this time, after all of our trials, this is where Nu'Daq and I were. How far did I want to let our relationship go? This violence of his frightened me and while I knew I could take care of myself, I didn't want to fear the man I'd promised to devote the rest of my life to.

I had to tell him now. And then, I would ask the Captain for a transfer off the Valjean. I had thought it would be possible for us to work together even when our relationship was the most strained; I thought this time, we could make it.

When I reached the Brig, the security officer looked surprised to see me, but asked no questions. When I found Nu'Daq, he was pacing.

"You're here," he said. "You must let me explain everything."

"There is nothing to explain," I told him. I purposely kept my voice cool, unable to let any emotion slip into my tone.

"I did not kill Taite."

"I'd like to believe that, I really would," I told him. I did not take a step closer to the translucent barrier that separated the two of us. "But the evidence is undisputable."

"I've been framed. I can prove it to you. Listen to me."

I shook my head. I knew if I listened, I'd weaken, and at this point, I could not change my mind now. Not now.

"I think it's best if we take a break," I said softly. I could feel my throat tightening. Nu'Daq stopped pacing. "I think we should call off the engagement as well."

"I did not kill that pa'taq!" Nu'Daq roared.

Through the corner of my eye, I saw a movement; Catava.

"I'm sorry," I said. "But I really think-" I stopped. "I want to believe you, Nu'Daq, but I know that your history with Taite has never been good. I wish it could be different."

With that, I turned and left the brig. In the corridor, I caught up with Catava.

"How are you?" I asked softly. She glanced at me with hard eyes.

"I thought you had an autopsy to perform."

"I do. I'm going to do that now. But you, you didn't answer my question."

"I loved him," Catava said simply. "Once, maybe, forever. I don't know. It's hard to tell. I do know one thing - Nu'Daq didn't kill him."

I took a deep breath.

"You think he's guilty!" Okal said accusingly. "I can't believe you would actually think that! Even *I* don't think he's guilty..."

"It's more than that, Catava."

"He *loves* you," Okal said. "And he needs you more than ever."

"You heard?"

"No," Okal said. "Tell me you don't believe he's guilty."

"It's over. I broke off our engagement." It was amazing how much those words hurt. Okal stared at me in surprise.

"Forgive my forwardness, Doctor," she said coolly. "But was that really wise? You are his only friends."

I swallowed hard. I knew Okal was right and no matter what, I still *loved* Nu'Daq.

"You're going to have to excuse me," I said hoarsely. "I've got an autopsy to perform.

Okal

Before I had made it to Taite's quarters, I heard hurried footsteps.

"Catava," I heard. Xenia had apparently left the brig. I turned to face her. She was very pale and she looked disheveled.

"How are you?" she asked quietly as she slowed her pace to match mine.

Alone on a Starship, not trusted by many because of my genetic makeup, and I just lost the only person I truly loved other than my parents. I may not have loved him now but I had loved him truly then. And now I can't even keep up with the fascade that I have a normal healthy life. I glaced at her.

"I thought you had an autopsy to perform," I said as I looked at my shined boots.

"I do. I'm going to do that now. But you, you didn't answer my question," she pressed on. Why can't some questions just not be answered? Why is it that everyone who has any authority over me want to use it to get into my head?

"I loved him. Once, maybe, forever. I don't know. It's hard to tell."

Authority or not, she was the closest person whom I could call friend on this ship and I gave her the truest answer I could. She looked at me, hanging on every word I said. As we walked on during our conversation, we slowed more and more to the point we almost staggered. We were both obviously hurting. She must have a hypospray for that somewhere in that nice sickbay of hers. A hypospray for a broken soul. But why was she saddened? Before I could register the synaptic relay from my brain to my mouth, I was talking again.

"I do know one thing - Nu'Daq didn't kill him."

I took a deep breath.

"You think he's guilty!" Okal said accusingly. "I can't believe you would actually think that! Even *I* don't think he's guilty..."

"It's more than that, Catava."

"He *loves* you," Okal said. "And he needs you more than ever."

"You heard?"

"No," Okal said. "Tell me you don't believe he's guilty."

"It's over. I broke off our engagement." It was amazing how much those words hurt. Okal stared at me in surprise.

"Forgive my forwardness, Doctor," she said coolly. "But was that really wise? You are his only friends."

I swallowed hard. I knew Okal was right and no matter what, I still *loved* Nu'Daq.

"You're going to have to excuse me," I said hoarsely. "I've got an autopsy to perform."

I watched her as she turned to walk around the corner to the nearest turbolift.

Perhaps I had been a little to harsh, but how could she possible believe that Nu'Daq was responsible? He was reasonable, well reasonable by Klingon standards and honourable. Where does killing a man in cold blood and denying it constitute honour in Klingon society. There was an equation here and they weren't adding up.

I made my way to Taite's quarters. I paused before I punched in the security access code he had given me not two weeks before. I had silently hoped it would decline but familiar chirp and the swoosh of the doors told me I had gained entry.

Everything was neat and orderly. The bed was made, the cushions on the sofa were fluffed.

"Computer, lights, seventy five percent," I commanded. As always, the computer obeyed the request.

Now I had to look for evidence. But where was I to start.

I looked about and decided the best place would be the most obvious: his desk. I tapped the terminal on his desk to activate it.

"Computer, display personal logs for Bergerren, Taite, lieutenant."

"Access denied," the voice rang.

"Computer, display all past duty shift logs for Bergerren, Taite, lietenant."

"Access denied."

This struck me as strange seeing as anyone could find out anyone's duty posting from any place on the ship. Why would Taite's be any different?

"Computer, display Starfleet and civilian records on Bergerren, Taite."

It would take a few seconds for the computer to analyze all the data. I watched the stars reflect on the Starfleet logo on the screen.

Before the computer could finish its search however, there was a noise out in the corridor. Normally, quarters such as his were soundproofed mostly. Slowly, artificial light poured in from the door slowly. Someone was forcing their way in.

Nu'Daq

The doors into the brig closed, the slam seemed louder than normal. Then everything went silent – except for the low humming of the force field keeping Nu’Daq in the cell. For a few minutes Nu’Daq just stood there like an empty shell. His mind, his soul, his emotions all gone. If anyone had tried to examine him, they’d probably declare him a corpse. But Nu’Daq was not dead, he was numb. Numb to the bone. For a few minutes the world just passed on by, without noticing him. Not that much was happening in the brig. It was all empty after Xenia had left.

Xenia?! Why? Nu’Daq’s mind slowly came into focus. He could hear two voices growing inside his mind. One voice told him, that he owed nothing to Xenia. He had done nothing wrong, he was falsely accused, and Xenia didn’t believe it. She had abandoned him, had no faith in him. No love. A woman like that did not deserve Nu’Daq’s loyalty, love and respect. She did not deserve his tears, his grief.

The other voice was pulling in the other direction. It told Nu’Daq, that Xenia still loved him, that he needed to prove his innocence and win her back. That they were meant to be together.

Nu’Daq believed the first voice. He wrapped up all his emotions, his love and affection for Xenia in a nice little emotional coffin and hid it away deep down in the drakest areas of his soul – never to be opened again. He need not prove himself to her, he had done that over and again. She had chosen to abandon their relationship. She had no faith in him. Nu’Daq mentally closed the lid of the coffin and abandoned every thought about her.

It made him feel better. His mind returned to it’s rational and logic state, the trademark of a good tactical officer (and intelligence agent…..).

He sat down on the floor. He needed to think, and he did that best sitting down. An assassin looking for Nu’Daq had killed Taite. An assassin working for the Orion Syndicate. That Nu’Daq was sure of. The knife used, the recent Orion attack. It all fitted well. But how and when had the assassin entered the ship? There had been several opportunities since the departure from DS9. But even if the Orion Syndicate had been working for the Tal Shiar as a plan B, the Tal Shiar would not have risked giving the Orion Syndicate details about plan A – their own attack on the Valjean. So the Orion Syndicate couldn’t count on any opportunities to deploy an agent on the Valjean during the trip from DS9 to the peace talks. This meant the agent had to have been placed onboard the Valjean prior to the departure from DS9.

Disturbing…. An undercover agent on the Valjean, who had remained undetected from the departure up until now. But was it a crew member or a secret passenger? Hmmm, difficult question. But in this matter Nu’Daq trusted his experience from Klingon Intelligence. There was no way a secret passenger could have remained hidden for so long on a ship, where Nu’Daq was Chief of Security. So it had to be a crew member.

But there were many crew members onboard the ship. Nu’Daq needed to narrow down the candidates. Of course he would be unable to do anything about it, even if he narrowed it down to 1 person, as long as he was sitting in this cell, but he needed to do something, at least consider the facts and hypothesize. The higher the rank of a crew member, the more thoroughly their background would have been checked prior to their enrolment on the Valjean. So the assassin would be low ranking, an ensign or a lieutenant junior grade. Probably an ensign. There were many ensigns onboard the ship, and ensigns were often replaced and transferred between ships.

Department? Not security. Nu’Daq would have spotted the agent right away. The backgrounds of all security personnel were checked extensively by Starfleet. And Nu’Daq always ran his own background checks. An undercover agent would not risk being detected by starting in security.

Race? Most probably human. Even though the Federation boasts about being a multiracial alliance, humans somehow always outnumbered all the other races on Starfleet ships. Curious, but true. If the assassin needed to blend in, he would have to be human.

Age? The assassin needed to be not too young. The Orion Syndicate would have sent an experienced undercover agent, if he had to succeed in remaining unnotived for so long. Ensigns fresh from the Academy would normally be in their early 20’s, so the assassin couldn’t be too old, that would look suspicious. Perhaps 28-30 years of age.

Male or female? Difficult question. Many human undercover agents were female. Human females had an ability to be bale to blend in and remain unnoticed. Perhaps all those humans in Starfleet always were less suspicious about females…. The secent on the blade in Taite’s back was very weak, but Nu’Daq’s instincts corroborated with his deduction. The assassin was female.

So Nu’Daq was looking for a human female ensign of about 28-30 years of age, not working in security. Nu’Daq was going over the possible suspects in his mind, when he was interrupted by the sound of the doors opening. Had it been an hour ago, he would have hoped it was Xenia, but not anymore. He opened his eyes to see who it was. And he was not surprised to see the face of an old companion: Morgan.

Morgan walked up to his cell with her usual smug grin. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t our all time favourite Klingon sitting there in a tiny little cell.” Nu’Daq knew better than to respond to that opening statement. Morgan always wanted to pester a little bit, when she knew people could use her help. “They say you’ve killed a human. Rather violently, even”. Nu’Daq looked at her. “You know the accusations are false. I would not be so stupid as to kill a human onboard this ship and get caught”.

Morgan smiled at him. “I know, but according to my….. I mean the talk on the ship the evidence are against you. No trace of any other people were found in the poor lieutenant’s quarters.”

“You as well as I know, that it is not difficult to erase any trace of your presence in a personal quarter onboard a ship like this. Starfleet is not known for their thoroughness in observing the coming and going of people on their ships.”

Morgan sighed. “I know. The lack of skill (or is it will) of these humans is sad to behold. I guess it’s not like that on a Klingon vessel.”

Nu’Daq ignored her small talk. “Morgan, it’s sad to acknowledge, but it seems like you are the only one onboard this ship I can trust. I need your assistance.”

Morgan smiled her devilous smile. “What about that doctor-friend of yours?”

Nu’Daq respondend shortly without any sign of emotion: “That is over”, and somehow Morgan could see in his face, that she should not pursue that question any further.

“Okay, Nu’Daq, old friend. What have you got?”

“I’ve been examining all the facts. I believe the assassin is a crew member, a human ensign, female, 28-30 years of age, not working in security. Find out who it is.”

Morgan looked at him, clicked her heels and gave him a military salute. “Yes, sir”, she said with an ironic smile and without a word turned and left the brig.

Outside the brig Morgan stopped for a mment and considered the situation. She should try to find the assassin of course. Nu’Daq already owed her a couple of favors, one more would just be another coin in the bank. But that lieutenant Berggren interested her. Had he just been in the wrong place at the wrong time, or was there more behind his involvement? Morgan decided to start her search in Berggren’s quarters. She made her way down there, slowly taking out her “universal door opener” – a small straight piece of titanium alloy. Any door could be opened, if you poked it in the right place. Berggren’s door was no different. She ran the udo down the center of the door, and they slowly opened. As Morgan slipped into the room, she heard a low breathing inthere. Someone was here! She slowly pulled out her knife and crept inside.

Janor

Well, after trying to get Cooper to get her out of her quarters again, which didn't work because he wouldn't answer his comm badge, Ally paced around her quarters for a while, finally deciding that maybe Xenia was right. She did feel a little light headed and her back was still killing her, something that she would never admit. She finally resigned her self to sitting at her desk, staring at the letter. That stupid letter was constantly on her mind. She had visions of opening it and finding out it was a dear John, er, Jane letter, something she didn't want another of. She had gotten one of thoes once, it wasn't fun. Oh well, she had written a couple herself too so she figured the universe did have an equality generator in it somewhere. She finally picked it up with shakey hands and began to open it, stopping every once and while to calm her nerves. Finally, after a few agonising minutes, she had it open and she read it. A small smile spread across her face as she did. All it was, was a rambling letter, not saying anything, but saying everything at the same time. She thought it was cute and wanted to kick herself around her quarters for being so hesitant to open it. She finished and let her mind drift back to Julian and came up with something to do. **I'm gonna make the next part removeable because I don't know if we'rein radio silence or not. HEHEHE!!** A smile came across her face and she decided to make a subspace transmission, wiht a plea to the good Dr. there, with whome she had connections, to maybe get her off medical leave. She knew he wouldn't do it, but it was a good excuse to give him a call.

Nu'Daq

Once again a woman from Nu’Daq’s past was leaving the brig. Once again the doors to the brig closed. Once again Nu’Daq stared at the closed door, wondering how his life had become the way it had. Once again Nu’Daq wondered, if he would ever love a woman again. The answer was no. There could be noone after Xenia, nobody could fill her place as his parmachkai. For a moment he was amazed. He would have expected the thought of Xenia would have given him some kind of emotional response. But there was nothing…..

Then his thoughts turned back to the problem at hand. He was still accused of Berggren’s murder. He had just sent out Morgan, his old undercover-friend, out on the ship looking for the real killer – the only chance Nu’Daq had for being acquitted of the murder. Morgan was good, real good. But could she find an Orion undercover agent onboard the ship, who had remained undetected for so long. Nu’Daq wasn’t sure. But there was nothing he could do, sitting locked up in the brig all alone……….

Suddenly everything went dark and silent. All the lights went out and Nu’Daq could feel the engines and the warp core shutting down. Immediately he was alert. Something was wrong, very wrong. He could not see, but all his other senses were on hightened alert. Was the assassin coming for him? His muscles tightened, ready for battle. Although Nu’Daq was unarmed he was still no easy target.

Nu’Daq remained immobile but alert for 5 minutes. No sign of anyone entering the brig in any way. The emergency lighting came on, but it was dim and red. Just like being on a Klingon ship. A slight feeling of home came over Nu’Daq.

Another 5 minutes passed, and still no sign of anyone. The power shutdown had also taken out the brig force fields, so Nu’Daq decided to move out of the cell and examine the situation himself. Whether it was because he saw a chance so save his own skin or out of concern for his crew mates was difficult to stay. Perhaps it was the survival instincts inborn in all Klingons and improved by his time in Klingon Intelligence.

Nu’Daq entered into one of the shadows in the corner beside his cell. No reason to let anyone notice him, should someone actually enter the brig. He considered what to do, where to go. First thing was to attempt access to a computer. He approached the computer panel in the center of the brig. But the computer was down, no access possible for anyone. So it wasn’t that way he should locate the assassin. Instead Nu’Daq decided to go search the ship for the assassin himself. Or let the assassin look for him. There was no doubt in Nu’Daq’s mind what had happened. The assassin had shut down the computer systems for a purpose. Two purposes, to be exact. First the assassin had planned to kill Nu’Daq and then leave the ship. The Orion Syndicate did not use suicidal assassins. They were considered unstable.

So instead of letting the assassin find him defenseless in the brig, Nu’Daq decided to change the settings. He entered the nearest Jeffries’ Tube and went on the way.

A few minutes later he was outside Berggren’s quarters. Nu’Daq had chosen to go here, because he expected this to be the last place the assassin would look. It was Nu’Daq’s plan to try to activate the computer, access the Tactical Systems and locate the assassin.

Nu’Daq slowly came closer to the Jeffries’ Tube exit in Berggren’s quarters. He was being cautious, even though he expected noone there. But working in the Intelligence business had taught him always to be cautious. As he looked into the room, he was surprised to see not one, but two people in there. They were lying on the floor in rather awkward positions, as if someone had just dropped them there. They didn’t move. The room was almost dark, but from the scent he could tell it was Morgan and Okal. What where they doing here? And what had happened to them. Nu’Daq listened intensely. He could hear them both breathing. Thus they had to be alive. Nu’Daq was relieved, although he didn’t know if the relief was for one or both of them. They must have been surprised by the assassin. But was she still there? Nu’Daq focused his senses, but could tell nothing. No sound, no scent, no movement in the room except Morgan and Okal.

Nu’Daq could see, that the door into the quarters was open. He decided to take that way into the room. Perhaps the assassin was expecting that, but now Nu’Daq was warned of her possible presence, so he had to take that risk. He backed out of the Jeffries’ Tube and around the corner. He approached the door and slipped into the room.

As he stood there silently, he suddenly heard two noises. Okal started moaning, as if she was regaining consciousness. The other sound was a small hiss of movement from the back room. Nu’Daq quickly turned, as the assassin approached him....

Morgan

It had been chaos on the ship for at least an hour. I sat in my quarters and listen to the explosions, felt the shiip rock, and heard people running past my quarters. Finally, I couldn't take it any more. I had to know what was going on. I stepped out into the corridor and grabbed the first person, a human woman, I saw. "What's going on?" "The ship was under attack. It was the Orian syndicate". I was puzzled at first. Why would they attack. Then something struck me. "Where is Nu'Daq?" "He's in the brig. Apparently he murdered someone" Now I knew something was wrong. Nu'Daq was a large, angry Klingon who growled a lot, but he wasn't a killer. At least without some serious provocation. I made my way down to the brig. I couldn't help wondering if I had stowed away on the wrong ship. I had wanted to remain inconspicous, but I was getting dragged into things way too much. The Valjean was a hotbed of lies and intrigue. Due to my chequered past, I had recoginised some of the lower staff immediately. I had wanted to alert the first officer, but she was always unavailable. Dax would be in for a surprise! I smiled to myself. For a Starfleet crew, they were refreshingly different. Starfleet were usually so boring. I entered the brig and saw Mu'Daq sitting on the floor. I couldn't help grinning. There was something about Nu'Daq that always made me want to tease him. The fact that he had no sense of humour didn't help. "Well, well, well. If it isn't our all time favourite Klingon sitting there in a tiny little cell." I knew it would bug him, but then bugging Nu'Daq had been a long time hobby of mine. Plus, I sensed another favour coming up. "They say you've killed a human. Rather violently, even". Nu'Daq looked at me. "You know the accusations are false. I would not be so stupid as to kill a human onboard this ship and get caught". That confirmed some suspicions I already had. I smiled at him. "I know, but according to my... I mean the talk on the ship the evidence are against you. No trace of any other people were found in the poor lieutenant's quarters." "You as well as I know, that it is not difficult to erase any trace of your presence in a personal quarter onboard a ship like this. Starfleet is not known for their thoroughness in observing the coming and going of people on their ships."

I sighed. "I know. The lack of skill (or is it will) of these humans is sad to behold. I guess it's not like that on a Klingon vessel."

Nu'Daq ignored that. "Morgan, it's sad to acknowledge, but it seems like you are the only one onboard this ship I can trust. I need your assistance."

I grinned again.. "What about that doctor-friend of yours?" Even in a serious situation, I just couldn't help teasing him.

Nu'Daq respondend shortly without any sign of emotion: "That is over". I looked at his face and knew that ll jokes were off. I felt a pang of sympathy for him. I knew how he felt about the doctor. But I wasn't about to let that sympathy show.

"Okay, Nu'Daq, old friend. What have you got?"

"I've been examining all the facts. I believe the assassin is a crew member, a human ensign, female, 28-30 years of age, not working in security. Find out who it is."

I looked at him, clicked my heels and gave him a military salute. "Yes, sir", I said with an ironic smile and without a word turned and left the brig.

I left the brig with my mind in overdrive. This was more complicated then I thought. I didn't know much about the victim, but given the background of the rest of the crew, I wouldn't be surprised if he had just as shady a past as everyone else. I was surprised there weren't more murders. They had a Cardassian on board, for starters. Who knows what could happen. The ship was like a bomb about to go off. I decided that the best place to start would be Berggren's quarters. I already had my suspicions about the murderer, but I wanted to find out more about the murder first. Why Berggren? What was he doing in Nu'Daq's quarters? Was Nu'Daq really the intended victim? I pulled out my trusty key and let myself into Berggren's quarters. When I stepped in I heard a noise. Someone was there! I pulled out my knife and crept forward. Standing in front of the computer terminal was Catava. It figured. I knew they were connected somehow. Catava spun around. "What are you doing here?" she asked suspciously, eyeing my knife. I quickly sheathed it. "The same as you. I want to know what's going on. Nu'Daq's innocent",. Catava relaxed a bit. "You think so too?" "I know" I said. "Nu'Daq told me himself, and I've learnt to trust him" The terminal beeped, and just as Catava leaned forward to read it, all the lights went out. "The power's down!" I cried pulling out my knife. Just then I heard a thud as Catava fell. Before I could get a chance to defend myself, I was hit too. My last thought before I went unconcsious was how much I hated being taken by surprise......

It was Catava's moan that woke me up. I looked up to see Nu'Daq stalking towards the back of the room. When I looked to see who he was going after, I was surprised. It was the Cardassian! What was his involvement in all of this?

Nu'Daq

Nu’Daq could see the silhouet of the assassin in the dark backroom of Berggrens quarters. She was moving towards him. But something confused Nu’Daq. All that his senses told him about the person rapidly approaching him was in disagreement with his expectations. In a split second Nu’Daq became aware, that the approaching person was neither human nor female. The scent, that came to him, was cardassian…… Leget!!! That blasted cardassian had finally shown his true nature. All his “I-wanna-be-friends-with-everyone” and “Do-not-judge-me-for-the-crimes-of-my-people”-stuff was merely a masquerade for his true purpose – assassinating Nu’Daq. To think that he had even tried to make friends with Xe.. erhmm Nu’Daq. Now finally everyone would know, that Leget was a fraud

Before Nu’Daq could think any further, Leget made a move at him. Nu’Daq ducked and evaded the attack, launching a firm blow to the gut of the cardassian. Nu’Daq was satisfied, when he heard a loud moan from Leget, as his fist hit the soft midsection of the cardassian. Nu’Daq took advantage of his position, Leget having his back to him. Nu’Daq’s elbow hit hard into the back of the cardassian, followed by a strong Klingon foot in the knee-pit. Nu’Daq quickly had Leget sitting on his knees in a strangle-hold unable to move. Nu’Daq certainly had the upper hand. He knew, that one slight flex of his biceps and he would break the neck of the cardassian. And it was as if Leget knew that. Leget didn’t try to resist or fight back, he just sat there on his knees...

Nu’Daq was in two minds. His anger and rage was compelling him to kill Leget, to once and for all rid the universe of this pataq. He was responsible for killing and maiming thousands of Klingons, Bajorans, friends, family, Xenia... But another voice in him tried to calm him down. Killing Leget wouldn’t help clearing his name...

Nu’Daq was slightly aware of Okal and Morgan coming up to him. Morgan was grinning viciously, Okal was appealing to Nu’Daq to not kill Leget. Funny, how the faces of these two women so precisely depicted the two voices in Nu’Daq’s mind.

After what seemed like an eternity, but only was a couple of seconds, Nu’Daq let go of Leget. A loud gasp could be heard from him, as Nu’Daq released the pressure on his throat. Leget started to cough and lunged forwards, but Okal caught him, before he hit the floor.

With one voice, Morgan and Nu’Daq shouted: “Leget, what were you doing inhere?”

His story seemed unplausible to Nu’Daq. Leget claimed, he had seen someone go into Berggren’s quarters. Since this was an apparent breach of ship's regulations, Leget had followed the individual into the room. When Leget entered the room, he had been attacked by the individual, who had turned out to be Cooper. Leget had been knocked unconscious, and the next thing he saw was Nu’Daq standing in the room, attacking him...

Okal looked at Nu’Daq. “Why did you attack Leget?” She didn’t look happy about the situation. You could see the loss of Berggren still in her eyes. No matter how much Nu’Daq had hated Berggren, he had still been Okal’s friend.

“He attacked me. I merely defended myself.” Okal didn’t seem to like the answer, but before she culd reply Leget rose to his feet. “Defend-schmend. It is a matter of minor importance. We need to find Cooper and ask him what is going on”.

Nu’Daq was silent. He was reviewing the situation and to some degree arguing with himself, if it was good or bad to be forgiven by a cardassian. But anyway: He had escaped from the brig due to a power disruption, only to find Okal, Morgan and Leget seemingly unconscious in Berggren’s quarters. According to Leget Cooper was the culprit. Maybe he wasn’t female, but other than that he fitted the description. So the next step would be to locate Cooper. But it had to be before the power went back online. Otherwise Security would locate Nu’Daq and return him to the brig. Luckily neither Okal or Leget had brought up the issue about Nu’Daq’s escape from the brig...

“Then we need to locate Cooper. Now. Okal and Leget: You need to return to your stations. After all we have an emergency situation onboard the ship. Morgan and I will apprehend Cooper.” Okal seemed like she was about to debate the issue, but Nu’Daq nodded at Morgan, and the two of them left Okal and Leget in Berggren’s quarters.

“So my trusty Klingon friend, where do you suppose we locate this Cooper?”

“I think we should go to his quarters. He must be off-duty, he wouldn’t be able to leave his post during a power shortage. And as you know it is shipwide procedure for off-duty personnel to return to their quarters.” Nu’Daq had only just finished his sentence, when all the power came back online. Morgan looked at him: “Guess we need to hurry, before Security decides to put you back in the brig”. She approached the nearest computer panel. “Computer, locate ensign Cooper”. The answer came promptly: “Ensign Cooper is in corridor 6A, section 12”. Nu’Daq couldn’t believe it. Cooper was right outside Xenia’s quarters.

Without a word Nu’Daq started running. It was only a deck away, but still it seemed like the longest journey in Nu’Daq’s life. He could hear Morgan following. She didn’t speak – obviously she had the same thought as Nu’Daq: Cooper had broken into Xenia’s quarters to harm her, either to kill her to get back at Nu’Daq or to take her hostage to get Nu’Daq’s attention.

Morgan and Nu’Daq soon reached Xenia’s door. Without a warning they barged in. Xenia and Cooper were inside, and the sight shocked both Morgan and Nu’Daq…..

to be continued...

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