Double Helix 06_ The First Virtue - Michael Jan Friedman [17]
“A possibility, Commander,” admitted Culunnh, “but a rather unlikely one, I am afraid. We have seen weapons in these assaults from nearly every sector in the galaxy, well beyond what our local arms merchants would normally have available to them.”
It was an interesting point, Picard conceded. And it seemed that Culunnh wasn’t finished speaking.
“The two established terrorist presences-the Cordracite Qua-Sok and the Melacronai Me’laa’kra-have traditionally incited fear in their enemies, but have seldom actually killed anyone. They have demonstrated a preference for destroying property rather than people.”
“But that has changed?” asked the captain.
“Yes,” said Culunnh. “Now we are seeing brutal acts perpetrated upon beloved public figures. Public figures with families… even young children, I might add. This is a level of barbarism to which neither the Me’laa’kra nor the Qua-Sok ever stooped.”
“I see,” Picard replied.
“Previously, the terrorists wanted sympathy for their causes,” the First Minister noted. “They wanted allies. None of these more recent attacks has stirred up anything but anger and hatred.”
The Vulcan nodded. “And that is why you believe there is a third party involved in the attacks?”
“Correct,” Culunnh told him. “Mind you, as I said, I have no hard evidence to back up my belief at this time… nor do I have any suspects in mind. I just look at the data and cannot help feeling as I do.”
Tuvok frowned. “I understand.”
Culunnh eyed him. “But you still have your doubts?”
The Vulcan nodded. “I still have my doubts.”
Ben Zoma gave the captain a look. “I guess we’ve got our work cut out for us, sir.”
“That we do,” Picard agreed.
Suddenly, a gong rang loudly enough to be heard in Culunnh’s office. It seemed to reverberate in the captain’s bones. He looked inquiringly at the First Minister.
“That was the three-cycle bell,” Culunnh explained. “It means the morning session will begin shortly.”
Jilokh spoke up. “I have set aside seats for Captain Picard and Commander Ben Zoma, First Minister.”
Culunnh picked up a metal medallion on a chain and hung it from his short, furry neck. Then he glanced at Crasher and Tuvok. “And his other companions?” he asked his aide.
“They merely wished to meet with you,” said Jilokh.
“That’s correct,” Picard chimed in. “Commander Crusher and Ensign Tuvok will be beaming back to the Stargazer to take the lead in our investigation.”
The First Minister seemed to approve. “Our hopes go with you, gentlemen. May your endeavor be a successful one.”
“Thank you,” said Crusher.
Tuvok merely inclined his head.
Culunnh turned to Picard and Ben Zoma. “As you observe our meeting,” he told them, “you will see for yourselves the passions raging on both sides. I think you will agree, they are considerable.”
The captain nodded. “Thank you for the warning.”
He watched as Culunnh toddled off on his bowed Benniar legs, followed closely by Jilokh. Both Benniari exited the room. Then Picard turned to Crusher and Tuvok.
“What I’ve heard from Cabrid Culunnh,” he told them, “leads me to believe his theory of a third party is worth investigating. He mentioned that the methods and equipment used in the recent terrorist incidents were different from those employed by the Qua-Sok and the Me’laa’kra. I want Joseph, Vigo and Simenon to take a look at this. And Dr. Greyhorse as well.”
“Aye, sir,” said Crusher.
Joseph, Vigo, Simenon and Greyhorse were individuals of uncommon intelligence and insight The captain had no doubt that they would be able to confirm or refute Culunnh’s suspicions in no time.
“Work closely with them,” Picard said. “I want at least some useful information by the time I return to the ship.”
“Aye, sir,” Crusher replied again.
The captain turned to his new, rather aloof ensign. “Mr. Tuvok, I don’t believe you’ve met our chief engineer, Mr. Simenon. You’ll find he’s a bit outspoken, but he certainly knows his business.”
The Vulcan raised an eyebrow. “Then we should get along admirably.”
Beside Picard, Ben Zoma bid a grin. Like the captain