A Time for War, a Time for Peace - Keith R. A. DeCandido [48]
“Scotty, I think it’s safe to say that the universe owes you several dozen favors, and I know for a fact that I do. For one thing, you’ve done a better job keeping the S.C.E. running than anyone has in a hundred years. Name it.”
“Nakamura hasn’t finished putting the Enterprise’s inspection team together—there’s still one slot open, and it’s to inspect the ship’s mechanical efficiency. I’d like to be on it.”
Ross frowned. “You don’t need me for that. Just put in the request to Admiral Nakamura.”
Blowing out a breath through his teeth, Scotty said, “Nay, that will not be—ah, prudent.” At Ross’s questioning glance, Scotty elaborated. “Last year, after that incident at Rashanar, Nakamura told me to send an S.C.E. team to ‘evaluate’ Commander Data. In the end, he ordered the lad to remove his emotion chip. I—well, protested. A bit.” He smirked. “A great deal, in fact. I believe I called his parentage into question, and informed him that if he wanted my people to perform an act that was in violation of everything the Federation stood for, he could perform an act of his own—one somewhat anatomically impossible for a human.”
Ross had picked up his raktajino to drink, but set it down again as he burst out laughing. After a moment, he caught his breath. “Captain Scott, for the record, I would like to say that I’m appalled that you would speak in such a way to a superior officer.”
Forcing himself to sound contrite, Scotty said, “Aye, sir, as well you should be.”
Grinning, he added, “Off the record, I wish I’d been there to see it. Admiral Nakamura and I haven’t seen eye-to-eye about any number of things over the years, particularly with regards to Rashanar and the Enterprise.” He took a breath. “So, you want me to recommend you for the team?”
Scotty nodded as he swallowed his rice.
The admiral took a sip of his raktajino. “Well, you’re certainly qualified, and I don’t have a problem with recommending you in principle—but the tour’s supposed to take several weeks. I really don’t want to lose you from the S.C.E. for that long. Is there any particular reason why?”
Placing his fork down and folding his hands on the table, Scotty said, “Because, Admiral, I’ve seen who else is on the team.”
Ross shrugged. “So’ve I. They’re all qualified personnel.”
“In the abstract, aye, they are.” Scotty hesitated and brushed the end of his mustache with his right hand. “Do you play cards, Admiral? Are you familiar with the phrase ‘stacked deck’?”
Leaning back in his chair, Ross fixed Scotty with the most serious expression he’d used since entering the commissary. “I’m familiar with the term. How does it apply here?”
“The leader of the team, Captain Wai-Lin Go.”
“She’s got an impeccable record,” Ross said defensively.
“Aye, but are you aware that she went to the Academy with Captain Leeden?”
Ross straightened up. “No, I wasn’t.”
“They’ve been close friends for thirty years. After they graduated, they shared a house on Prince Edward Island until Captain Go got married. Since the official story has Captain Picard at least partly responsible for Captain Leeden’s death at Rashanar—”
Holding up a hand, Ross said, “I see your point. What about the others?”
“Nakamura assigned Dr. Toby Russell to inspect the medical staff. She’s a fine doctor, I’m sure, but she also butted heads with Dr. Crusher about a decade back over a medical procedure. They’ve not seen eye-to-eye about a blessed thing in the time since, including some rather nasty spats in the literature.”
At this, Ross smiled. “Since when do you read medical journals?”
Scotty shuddered. “I don’t, believe me, but Leonard keeps babblin’ on about this nonsense. He’s taken a shine to Crusher—worked with her a few times—and so every time she publishes, I hear about it.”
“I’ll bet. So this Russell is her archnemesis?