Death of a Neutron Star - Eric Kotani [19]
"That's good to know," Janeway said, smiling.
"We are all here for a scientific quest," Captain Fedr said. "That much is clear. We all have the same objective-advancing our scientific knowledge. As it is, we are probably all a little short-handed and cannot do everything to our satisfaction. I suggest we help each other."
"And how might that be possible?" Janeway asked.
The Qavok captain seemed uncomfortable.
"If you two will agree, why don't we exchange a technical officer on a temporary basis? Possibly for only a few hours. For one thing, it will facilitate communications among our three ships. Working together we should be able to accomplish more. Gather more data," Fedr said.
Janeway was actually surprised at the suggestion. She wanted to find out if those two other ships were indeed here for their stated purposes and sending an observer to each alien ship would be a good way to accomplish that goal.
"I agree," she said. "A splendid idea, as long as the advisors have the ability to come and go as needed."
The Qavok captain appeared reluctant, and Janeway didn't blame him. They had put him in a terrible position. If his true mission here was to use the runaway neutron star as a massive weapon, hiding that fact from a trained observer would be difficult. Yet declining such an offer would also raise suspicions.
"We are perfectly capable of conducting our own research program," Captain Qados said, "without any help from either of you. But, if you both feel that you need help, I shall not begrudge it. I will agree to your proposal. As a favor."
Janeway smiled at the other two captains. "I'm sure Dr. Janss's team is also quite competent to carry out their objectives. As for Voyager's astrophysical program, I have full confidence in our team's abilities. I've agreed with this proposal, however, because I do not wish to see any of us miss out on anything important."
"Granted, Captain," Captain Fedr said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Nothing should be missed."
Janeway noted that the Xorm captain didn't miss much at all, at least on the political side of things. She would not underestimate him, and she hoped to keep him squarely on her side.
"I told you already I was agreeing, didn't I?" Captain Qados said. "Let us proceed."
"I will need one hour to pick my two technicians," Janeway said.
"One hour it is," Captain Fedr said, and bowed slightly.
Captain Qados only cut the connection, leaving both the other captains smiling at each other before Janeway signalled to Kim that he should cut the communication link.
"Nice job, Tuvok."
"I did not do very much," Tuvok said flatly, moving back to his post at security.
"You did enough," she said, sitting back down and staring at the beautiful, fast-moving neutron stars spinning outside. Just once she'd like to observe an event like this without the politics involved. Just once. Was that too much to ask?
She sighed. In this case it was.
She stood and turned to Chakotay. "Have Neelix meet me in my ready room in five minutes."
"Understood," Chakotay said.
She was almost off the bridge when the thought dawned on her and she turned back.
Chakotay was standing, facing her, smiling. "I'll have him bring a cup of coffee with him," he said.
"Thank you," she said. Then she laughed as she turned and went into her ready room. Five cups? Six cups? Who was counting?
"Sorry for the delay, Captain," Neelix said as he entered seven minutes later. "I had to brew another pot."
The wonderful, thick, rich smell of the coffee filled the room as he set the cup on the edge of her desk. It was as if she had been suddenly in a friendly kitchen, safe from the dangers of the universe around her. Steam drifted from the cup, beckoning her to take a sip.
She picked up the cup and held it under her nose, letting the smell and the heat fill her with strength.
"How much do we have left of the beans?"
Neelix shrugged. "Enough to last until