He broke off as Janith-Lau grasped his shoulder. “It’s all right, Len. Like the captain said, she’s doing her job. I’m a plausible suspect—the only one she has at the moment. I can’t blame her for thinking that under the circumstances. She’s only doing her due diligence. The best way to deal with it is to cooperate with her investigation. Surely it’ll turn up evidence to clear me, or to identify the real killer.”

“You’re too trusting, Ashley.” McCoy peered suspiciously at sh’Deslar. “Don’t forget, Rakatheema was one of her own. And you know how Andorians are about vengeance. How objective do you think she can be?”

The captain kept her stony calm, but her antennae stiffened angrily. “For your information, Doctor McCoy, I was born and raised in Cincinnati. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your stereotyped assumptions to yourself.” McCoy flushed, feeling ashamed of himself. “And yes, he was Security, but I never met the man. I can do my duty fairly. I want to make sure I find the right killer, whoever that may be. That’s the only way to get justice.”

Sh’Deslar turned back to Ashley. “But you’re right, Doctor Janith-Lau—at the moment, you’re a definite suspect. Under the circumstances, I have no choice but to detain you for further questioning.”

Janith-Lau nodded bravely. “I understand.”

McCoy stared at her. “You’re just gonna stand for this? Call your lawyer! Call Jim! We can fight this!”

She clasped his hands. “It’s all right, Len. I know the truth will set me free soon enough.” She smiled. “Besides, getting arrested is a badge of honor for a peace activist. Although usually not under these circumstances. I’ll be fine.”

McCoy kept his silence as sh’Deslar formally arrested Janith-Lau and escorted her away—but he wasn’t about to take this lying down.

Kirk would know what to do.

Starfleet Headquarters

“Admiral, this whole thing is ridiculous! Ashley Janith-Lau is no murderer!”

Admiral Cartwright threw an impatient glare at Kirk as the two flag officers strode briskly through the halls of the Headquarters complex. “Based on, what, two weeks’ acquaintance?”

“Doctor McCoy has known her for years. I trust his judgment.”

“And I trust Captain sh’Deslar’s judgment. I recommend you let her do her job and focus on doing yours.” Cartwright grimaced. “We’re stretched thin already with vacuum flare preparations. The last thing we need is a murder to contend with!”

“All the more reason you should let me assist in the investigation, Lance. At least let McCoy handle the autopsy. The sooner we get this resolved—”

“Enough, Jim. You and McCoy clearly have a personal stake in this.”