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She further contended, “In the grand scheswasn’t it better that she took the approach of reater good?”

“Don’t start quoting Mr Spock on me, Nik”

She siven that I’ with et a say in this trial by fire?”

She instantly gave this the full consideration it was due

Da, because he didn’t immediately respond

Nikki gazed up at him and earnestly asked, “Should I subnificantly—possibly—could I appear before your superiors of this ops jury and offer my comments as to Garcia’s actions and her invaluable skills, in person?”

“Her invaluable skills? Nik, you’ve been furious that she planted that device in your computer”

“Not ‘planted,’ per se,” she corrected hiically transported”

He gaped For all of a second Then he scowled Then he insisted, “Really, Nik? ‘Strategically transported?’ Have you forgotten you were shot at?”

A chill ran through her “No, I have not And you know that; of course, I haven’t forgotten It’s just that What’s the term you used? I was a mule—an effective one On Fiora’s side, a sht into her tactic You kneas bugged, was being followedand you weren’t going to let anything happen to me She was perfectly aware of this and used your affection for me to her benefit Andthis all was a benefit, Damen You can’t deny that No one can”

“I can, however, assert that in doing all of this, in executing her strategic transportation of terrorist information, she put your life in jeopardy Mine as well”

“But” Nikki took a step toward hily added, “She was successful in her mission Yes?”

Damen held a hand up and took one wide stride backward “Oh, no” he ainstonto you”

She snickered “Damen—”

“Nik” He pinned her with a sharp look “You can swayunder the sun But when it co rounds being fired”