Articles of the Federation - Keith R. A. DeCandido [64]
“Not yet,” Bowles muttered.
Shaking his head, Abrik said, “They were allied with Shinzon, Councillor. I think that makes them hostile by default.”
“No one is hostile by default,” Akaar said, “only by experience, and the Remans’ experiences have not been pleasant.”
Shostakova added, “There is also the legal issue, and the reports from the Klingons. This is not a simple situation.”
The president rolled her eyes. “Believe me, Raisa, the lot of us wouldn’t all be banging our heads together if the situation weren’t so damned complicated.”
Esperanza, however, was more interested in the commander’s mutterered aside. “Commander Bowles, what’s your impression of the situation?”
Bowles ran a hand through her short, dirty-blond hair. “I’ve spoken with Jianuk and a few of the others about a dozen times now, and well- ” She let out a breath. “They’re all saying the right things.”
“But you’re not buying it?” Esperanza asked.
“No, ma’am, I’m not. Every time we ask them why they’re doing this, their answers are rehearsed, and they’re the blandest reasons-freedom, liberty, and to avoid persecution from their fellow Remans. They’ve got something planned, I’m sure of it.”
Councillor Bera chim Gleer said, “While I’m sure the commander’s instincts are well honed, we can’t just turn these people away because she’s sure of something.”
“Agreed,” said Councillor Tomorok of Rigel in a tone that indicated his historic disdain for Starfleet. Esperanza had been on the receiving end of that disdain several times, even though her Starfleet career was almost four years behind her.
“It’s not just that.” Bowles sounded a little defensive. “One of my officers is Betazoid, and he thinks they’re hiding something. He can’t get more than impressions-the Remans have pretty good telepathic shields-but they’re definitely keeping secrets.”
“That’s not conclusive evidence,” Akaar said.
“No,” Abrik said, “but combine it with the Klingon reports, and these people’s history, and it doesn’t look good.” He turned to the screen. “Madam President, granting their asylum requests carries too many risks for insufficient gain.”
Esperanza’s arms spread wide in a gesture of frustration. “We’re not in this for gain, Jas. The question is whether or not to let them in or turn them over, not what we win if we do the right thing.”
“There is a third option.” That was Spock.
“Good,” President Bacco said, “we could use one. What is it, Mr. Ambassador?”
“Do neither. Deny their asylum request, but do not turn them over to the Klingons, either.”
Akaar nodded. “The Federation and the Klingon Empire are hardly the only possible destination for Jianuk and his people. It might be wisest for the Remans to pursue other avenues.”
“In what?” Bowles’s expression was one of disbelief, her eyes squinting, her prominent cheekbones becoming even more so. “The ship they came in is being held together with rusted stembolts and happy thoughts. It can’t break warp three-point-five without falling apart. It’ll take the Ditagh maybe three and a half seconds to track them down, and without our protection, they’ll be sitting ducks.”
Ross said, “The Intrepid’s in the area. Can they get there before the Ditagh arrives?”
Bowles shrugged. “Sure.”
Esperanza looked at Akaar. “I’m not up on the latest Klingon ships-can the Ditagh catch the Intrepid?”
“The Ditagh is one of the Chancellor-class vessels. It has a cruising speed of warp eight.”
Eyes widening, Esperanza asked, “That’s its cruising speed?” She knew the Intrepid’s cruising speed was warp six.
“Yes, but I have faith in Captain Emick’s ability to avoid the Klingons.”
“That raises a critical difficulty,” Councillor Krim said. “If the Klingons learn of our taking the Remans to neutral space, it will cause the same damage that granting them asylum would-with the added difficulty of leaving the Remans outside the protection of Starfleet.”
Esperanza couldn’t help but smile at the look of irritation that Gleer shot at Krim. It was only a few days ago that the Tellarite had impugned Krim’s