There and back again (III)
They spun around and were facing yet another Praetor (or what seemed like one). He said: “My name is Rakun and I am Praetor of Romulus. The real Praetor of Romulus.” The other Praetor shot to stand in a blink of an eye and confronted Rakun. “I am Rakun, Praetor of Romulus!” - “No, you are not. You know, that you are not.” - “Proof me wrong, but we two look just the same. We sound the same and we have the same knowledge. Why do you know, that you are Rakun and I am not.” Cpt. Martin took the advantage of a splitsecond and asked: “What are you? Clones?” - “No!”, said the second Rakun, “He is my twin brother.” Tvarek was startled by this confession. Obviously he did not know either. “So, why are you on opposite sides then?”, Martin asked. “Because he is a slavedriver.” Tvarek added: “He killed nearly half a million Romulans, just to show, that the new Praetor is taking his position seriously.” - “This is genocide!”, Rakuns twin shouted. “So what shall I do? Tell everyone, that I am an evil man and let them go about their business? No, I am to much of a professional to do such things.” - “You could start with sitting down on a table together and discussing the matter in private with some of your staff and some of the underground, to find a peaceful solution for this.”, Martin’s words seemed to have some kind of effect in Rakun. After some considerations he answered: “No! I don’t think so!” Then he took out a weapon and shot Tvarek. He died instantaniously and vanished into nothingness. Rakuns brother formed the word ‘No’ with his lips, but there was no sound coming out of his mouth. “This, Terran, is how we deal with traitors on Romulus. I will give you ten seconds from now on, to leave this place and return to your ship. Take my offer or die side by side with my brother.” - “Go, I can handle him.”, said the false Praetor. Leaving the two brothers alone, the crew sped out of the structure. As soon as they were clear, Martin slammed his communicator: “Captain Martin to Orion. Four two beam up, immediately.” - “Right away, Sir”, answered the Transporter Chief. They took a last look back into the buildling and then just moments before beaming, they heard two shots.
Back on board Orion and on the bridge, Martin shouted: “Hail them!” - “Impossible Sir. All comm lines to the planet are dead.” - “Well, then we will have to wait for the daily, I guess.”, Solak’s comment came as unexpected as could be, but was a very welcome cheer up at the moment. “Come about, Ensign. Maximum warp. Get us out of this neutral zone.” - “Aye Sir.” Then he loudly and very calmly spoke the word: “Engage!”