Crossover - Michael Jan Friedman [50]
“Secondary?” blurted the admiral. “Of all the—!”
“We are here to address a threat to the Federation,” Picard pointed out, maintaining an even keel. “In other words, the capture of Ambassador Spock. What has happened to Captain Scott is unfortunate—but we cannot allow our personal feelings to cloud our objective.”
“Then why bring Scotty up at all?” McCoy spat.
The captain fixed him with his gaze. “Because he may be tortured. And if so, he may talk. Thus far, the Romulans don’t know what they’ve got on Constanthus. But soon, they may.”
“All the more reason to go in there and get the both of them out,” the admiral argued.
Picard shook his head. “That is not the approach with the greatest chance of success. Nor will I risk the Enterprise on such a venture.”
“I agree,” said Riker. “We can’t put the whole ship in jeopardy.” He leaned toward the captain, a light in his eyes. “But, sir … what about a shuttle?”
The captain was surprised by Riker’s suggestion Nonetheless, he didn’t reject it out of hand. At least, not quite.
“A clandestine mission,” Worf remarked, putting a finer point on it.
“Yes,” Picard agreed. “And a dangerous one, to be sure.”
“I’d like to try it, sir,” said the first officer, “despite the danger. I know it won’t be an easy matter to retrieve Captain Scott from wherever they’re holding him.” He grinned bravely. “But then, I like a challenge.”
“I’d like to go, too, Captain,” Geordi chimed in. “I guess I’ve got a soft spot for the man. And, hell—if it were me out there, I know he’d be among the first to come chasing after me.
“The captain frowned. No doubt, the engineer’s assessment was an accurate one. Still—
“Sir?” interjected the counselor. She smiled wistfully. ‘Captain Scott came to mean something to me as well. If I can be of any use on this kind of mission …”
Before Picard could answer, Worf uttered a Klingon curse. For the sake of propriety, the security officer had apparently limited himself to one of the milder variety.
“I cannot say we were the best of friends,” Worf elucidated. “However, I know what the Romulans will do to such a man. I cannot stand by and allow them to work their tortures on him.”
“But if they have,” said Crusher, “he’s going to need a doctor.”
Data leaned forward. “1 too would like to see Captain Scott restored to more familiar surroundings. I believe my skills would be an asset to whatever team you select.”
Picard held up his hand for silence. He hadn’t expected such a response. Apparently, Scott had made quite an impression during his short stay on the Enterprise.
“I’m certain Captain Scott would be gratified to see how highly you think of him,” he said. “However, risking even a shuttlecraft—”
“—would not be much of a risk at all,” the Klingon pressed. “After all, Captain Scott is being held in a lightly fortified sector of the Empire—nothing at all like Constanthus. And according to his message, his prison is a rather dilapidated one.”
“Which means we could get in there and get him out pretty easily,” Geordi noted.
“Sounds good to me,” said McCoy.
Picard stiffened. “There is still a considerable risk,” he reminded the others. “And I will not gamble my entire complement of senior officers on one throw of the dice.”
“But you will gamble some of them,” McCoy insisted.
The captain sighed. He weighed the chances of success against the rewards of failure. And finally, he made his decision.
“Against my better judgment,” he remarked, “I will allow a rescue attempt.” He turned to his first officer “Commander Riker, you will be in charge. You’ll be accompanied by Commanders La Forge and Data. And by all means, Will, come back safely.”
Riker inclined his head. “Thank you, sir. We’ll do our best.”
Picard looked to Troi, then Worf. “As for the rest of you, I appreciate your eagerness and your courage, but I need you more here on the Enterprise. Mister Worf, you will