Death in Winter - Michael Jan Friedman [11]
“The Neutral Zone,” said Rager. “We’ll be there for the next couple of months, reinforcing existing patrol routes until the Romulans sort things out.”
“Really,” Picard said.
It was a pivotal time in the history of Federation-Romulan relations. Thanks to the Enterprise’s role in the defeat of the tyrant Shinzon, the Romulans seemed inclined to put aside the centuries-long history of animosity between the two interstellar powers.
The praetor herself-a former senator who had swiftly and decisively filled the void left by Shinzon-had suggested that the Federation and the Empire revisit the Treaty of Algeron, calling it antiquated and long in need of restructuring. That seemed like a step in the right direction.
On the other hand, the Empire was on shaky ground these days, its resources severely depleted by the Dominion War and its institutions-the Romulan Senate in particular-left by Shinzon in disarray. The cynic in Picard wondered whether these were the real reasons for the praetor’s overtures.
More often than not, it was the hand of the needy and uncertain that extended the olive branch. History had shown the truth of that over and over again.
But the more important question wasn’t why the praetor was pursuing conciliation. It was whether she could be trusted to continue in that vein, when her predecessors had so often proven treacherous in the past.
Picard had no idea. Neither did the admirals who composed Starfleet Command, which was why they were still mulling the praetor’s suggestion.
The other element to be considered was the Romulans’ philosophy with regard to imperialism. Though their efforts at expansion had been interrupted by the exigencies of the war, they were by nature a species of conquerors-which put them at odds with the Federation principle of self-determination.
But then, Klingon philosophy often clashed with Federation principles, and the Federation had managed to embrace the Klingons as allies. Perhaps it could overlook the Romulans’ less attractive qualities as well.
“Sir,” said Rager, “I want to thank you. For the recommendation, I mean. If not for you, I wouldn’t have- “
Picard waved away the suggestion. “No thanks are necessary, Sariel. If I was doing anyone a favor, it was Captain Ben Zoma. Good officers are difficult to come by.”
Rager looked at him for a moment. Then she said, “I also want to thank you for…” She seemed to have some difficulty finding the words. “For everything.”
Picard nodded. “You are quite welcome. Good luck. And give my regards to your captain.”
Rager stood there a moment longer. Then she left the captain’s ready room as dozens of others had left it over the last few weeks, each of them bound for some other ship or Starfleet facility. And Picard was left alone.
Slightly more than half of the uniformed personnel who had ventured into Romulan territory with him had remained on the Enterprise. The others had either perished in the battle with Shinzon or accepted positions on other vessels.
Riker was among the latter. Troi as well. Though they were still enjoying a well-deserved honeymoon at the moment, they would soon be taking the Luna-class Titan on her maiden voyage as captain and counselor, respectively.
And just before the newlyweds left, Riker had asked Picard’s permission to speak with Security Chief Vale. Apparently, Riker wanted her on the Titan as his first officer. Naturally, Picard had granted his comrade’s request. If Vale had a chance to become an exec, who was he to stand in her way?
Picard sat down in his desk chair and sighed. How many times had he said good-bye in the last couple of weeks, since the Enterprise was towed into drydock? And how many more times would he say it before his ship returned to the void?
The captain missed those who had departed. He missed their courage and their optimism, and the dedication they had brought to their work. He missed Shimoda in engineering, who had made such a mess of the isolinear chips when he was infected with the Psi 2000