Star Trek: TOS: A Contest of Principles by Greg Cox

Author:Greg Cox
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gallery
Published: 2020-11-10T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Two

Vok

“Welcome to Paranoia Arms,” Tanaka quipped.

They had tracked General Gogg’s missing double to a luxury apartment complex that boasted the latest in state-of-the-art security measures for its tenants, including insulation suffused with magnesite to keep unwanted visitors from beaming in. An automated doorway barred Kirk’s entry to the garishly painted skyscraper, which was located in a ritzy, rather exclusive part of the city. A robotic voice issued from an armored security kiosk situated next to the entrance.

“Present proof of occupancy… or request admission from occupant.”

Kirk and his companions, which included Tanaka, Ensign Pavel Chekov, and a pair of security officers from the Enterprise, clustered on the sidewalk outside the building. A cool spring evening made waiting outdoors comfortable enough, but Kirk wasn’t here to enjoy the fresh air. He turned toward the sixth member of their party: a uniformed Vokite police officer.

“Sergeant?” Kirk asked. “If you could lend a hand here?”

“My pleasure.”

A lanky young woman with a freckled face and dyed turquoise hair, Sergeant Myp was the official police liaison to the Federation embassy. Kirk had met her briefly at the reception welcoming him and Commissioner Dare to Vok, but apparently Tanaka had been working with her for months. Indeed, judging from their easy familiarity, Kirk got the distinct impression that they had become very good friends, and possibly more than that, not that that was any of Kirk’s business. He was just grateful to have Myp on hand to assist in this operation.

She approached the security kiosk, casually easing past Tanaka as she did so, and held her palm up to the biometric scanner. An elaborate tattoo on her palm served as the Vokite equivalent of a badge. Kirk understood that special viridium inks, exclusive to the planet’s civic security force, made such tattoos all but impossible to counterfeit.

“Police business,” she said. “Please allow admittance.”

It took the security program only a moment to recognize and confirm her credentials.

“Admittance granted. Enter at will.”

A pair of thick transparent aluminum doors retracted, permitting access to the lobby beyond. Kirk started through the doorway only to be blocked by an invisible force field. A warning buzzer sounded, followed by another computerized announcement.

“Energy weapon detected. No firearms permitted on premises.”

Kirk couldn’t fault the building’s security sensors. His hand went to the phaser beneath his uniform, which he’d brought just in case Huss strenuously objected to being questioned. Kirk sighed impatiently, reluctant to surrender his weapon.

“Sergeant?”

“On it,” she said.

While Myp pulled rank to get their phasers past the sensors, Kirk wondered if Huss had sought out such high-security lodgings on purpose. It was probably not too surprising that a man involved in an assassination plot would be fearful of his safety, but who exactly was Huss seeking protection from? General Gogg? His aide Sozz? Starfleet? The police? Angry Ceff supporters, seeking revenge?

Kirk hoped to get some answers straight from Huss before long.

“We’re clear,” Myp announced. “Phasers and all.”

They entered the lobby, where a lift took them to the fourteenth floor. Vokite numerals guided them to a sturdy steel door on one side of a tiled corridor.

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