Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

Omal walked down the hall and spoke with a passing sentinel. They directed him to the High Advisor's office. He pressed the chime and waited to be let in. Plasus opened the door and was surprised to see the Betazoid Ambassador on the other side. “Ambassador Nexi, what can I do for you?” He asked as he let him into the room.

“I’m here at the behest of the Admiral’s Pike and Archer. They would like me to assist in the investigation of the death of Ambassador Zh’raothor.”

“I see. It would make sense since they have a vested interest on the outcome.”

“Yes, they do. I spoke to them and thought that we should start with the Vulcan Ambassadors and their party. If anyone of them committed the murder, then they would need an accomplice. I know that the Andorian body can not process chocolate and it becomes poisonous to them very quickly. Because Vulcan’s bodies process chocolate and react to it, as humans would an alcoholic beverage, they would need to purchase it or have brought it with them.”

“You are more than likely correct. When do you wish to speak to them?”

“I thought perhaps you had some time now?”

“Yes, I have finished up matters that I needed to attend to here, so now if fine.” He stood up and the two left his office. They walked down the hall to where the guest accommodations were. The two sentinels standing at the doors to the Vulcan parties rooms stood attention.

“Has anyone try to see them?”

“No sir. They have honored your request not to.”

“Good, keep watch here. We are going in to speak to them.” The saluted and opened the doors for them. Once they had entered the rooms, the sentinels closed the doors and returned to their positions.

**********

The group looked up as the doors opened and admitted the High Advisor and Ambassador Nexi. Sarek stood up and went and met the two men. “Greetings, Ambassador Nexi and High Advisor.”

“Greetings, Ambassador. Ambassador Nexi was asked by Admiral Pike and Admiral Archer to assist in finding out who caused the death of Ambassador Zh’raothor.”

“Indeed, we were having tea. Do you wish to join us and ask your questions?”

“Thank you, Ambassador.” The two men followed Sarek to where the group was sitting and sat down as well. Amanda poured them each and cup and offered them cream and sugar which the partook of.

“As you know, the Andorians believe one of you caused the death of their Ambassador. Now, we do not have proof so we have kept you sequestered to prevent any further incidences. I wish to ask where everyone was during the time leading up to the signing of the agreement.”

“My wife and I were here, we were reviewing the agreement before we went to the signing. T’Pring and Stonn were with us as well.”

“That is correct?” Omal asked them.

“Yes, Ambassador. My husband was discussing everything with Stonn and T’Pring to make sure all of the wording was correct.”

Stonn and T’Pring nodded their heads in agreement. Omal could tell that they were no lying as there was no jump in their emotions. Despite what everyone said about Vulcans, they do feel emotion. Even if they lie, which they find illogical, they would still produce an emotion.

The two men turned to Ambassador Selek, “Might we know what you were doing during that time?”

“Indeed, I was out amongst the shops that are on Stratos doing some shopping.”

“Shopping? For what?”

“I was making purchases of baby items for Spock and Jim. I had wished to give them a gift towards the birth of their twin boys.”

Plasus shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he knew why items needed to be purchased. “Do you still have the items and the receipts from the merchants?”

Selek nodded and rose from his seat and walked into his rooms. He came out with some bags and his PADD. He handed the bag to them to look through and pulled up his receipts on his PADD. The two men looked and saw the times and dates listed and knew that they were correct.

Even though it shows that they were not there to administer the chocolate themselves, they still could of had someone else do. But as all of the servants had been subjected to Plasus’ interrogation techniques, it wasn’t one of them. Which meant it was someone else. It could either be an outside assassin or one of her aides. Neither thought was pleasant.

“Thank you all for your time.” The two rose and left the room. “So either an outsider or one of her aides.”

“Do you think it could have been an outsider?”

“They would have needed help and you already established none of your servants or sentinels assisted in her death. So I would believe one of her aides.”

“Isn’t one of them, her son?”

“Yes, which makes this a difficult investigation.”

“Well, they are in their rooms as well. Let us go and get this over with.” Omal nodded and they walked down to the Andorians rooms.