Crossover - Michael Jan Friedman [23]
“The Rodarh’vna,” the proconsul explained, “was a mythical, two-headed flying creature. A predator so fierce that no other living creature could face it and live. However, the Rodarh’vna was also a very stupid creature.
“One day, a great hero named Gaian faced the creature. He did not fight, because even as great a warrior as he would not stand a chance against the beast. Instead, he told the Rodarh’vna’s two heads that they were each other’s greatest enemies, finally convincing them to battle one another to the death.”
Eragian smiled thinly. “For me, that story has always been a warning—to be wary of those who would set the Empire against itself for their own gain. Tharrus is one who would do this, but he is not the only one. As the Empire grows, it produces more and more of them every day. And it will take more than strength to defeat those forces. It will require considerable cunning as well.”
“The challenge,” said Lennex, “is to recognize the opportunity to apply that cunning.”
The proconsul nodded grimly. “Yes. And when it comes, to act.”
CHAPTER 5
Picard stood in the shuttlebay, flanked by Data, Troi, Geordi, and Doctor Crusher, and waited for the shuttle from the Zapata to make its approach. He could already see the craft through the open bay doors.
“Sorry, sir,” came a voice from behind him, echoing in the enclosed space.
He turned and saw Riker crossing the bay in long strides. Darting the first officer a look, the captain received an apologetic shrug.
“A course correction,” Riker explained.
Picard let the man off with a nod. On a ship this big, something always seemed to come up—even when a dignitary of sorts was about to board the Enterprise. And it was the first officer’s job to take care of such details.
At any rate, the admiral would never even notice Riker’s late arrival. His craft was only just now nearing the forcefield that held in the shuttlebay’s oxygen atmosphere.
The slight sound of crackling energy told the captain that the shuttle was making contact with the field. In a moment, it was through. It glided across the bay and gently landed on the deck.
Picard approached the sleek craft, reaching the door just as it opened. An ensign stepped out first, then reached back inside for Admiral McCoy.
The admiral accepted the assistance only long enough to descend to the deck. Then he shook off the ensign’s arm.
“Dismissed,” he growled.
“Aye, sir,” the ensign replied quickly.
The captain had met Admiral McCoy once before, shortly before the launch of the Enterprise. Then, as now, Picard was struck by how frail the man looked. Of course, simply reaching such an advanced age was a remarkable achievement in itself.
However, as a boy, the captain had studied the adventures of the admiral and his well-known comrades. A part of him still found it difficult to accept that McCoy was mortal.
Nonetheless, the evidence was right there before his eyes. The admiral was thin, almost painfully so, with downy white hair. His gait was slow and deliberate.
Only his eyes seemed untouched by time. They were bright, alert, and clearly focused—at the moment, on Picard.
“Admiral,” said the captain, “welcome to the Enterprise. “
McCoy took the captain’s hand and shook it with a reasonably firm grip—which obviously came at the cost of some effort to the man.
“Thanks,” the admiral replied. “I wish I could say I was happy to be here, but under the circumstances… well, I’ll just say I’m glad the situation is in your hands, and not someone else’s.”
Picard nodded. “I appreciate your confidence.” He gestured to his officers. “May I present my senior staff. My first officer, Commander William Riker.”
Riker inclined his head slightly and said, “Admiral.” He didn’t offer his hand, however—an astute and sensitive move on his part. No doubt, he had seen the effort McCoy had applied to return the