Double Helix 06_ The First Virtue - Michael Jan Friedman [54]
Abruptly, the human heard a ripple of voices from outside, though he was unable to make out the words, and a harsh, quick burst of nasty laughter. It was probably at his expense, he told himself.
Crusher cursed softly. He supposed he deserved some abuse. Though it was too late to do anything about it, he remembered the strange look the Orion dancer had given him. He had flattered himself into thinking she was just appreciative of his boyish good looks. He realized now that it had been the woman’s way of warning him about the impending trap.
“You are awake,” came Tuvok’s voice, remarkably crisp despite the beating he had taken.
The commander glanced at the Vulcan, who had turned to face him. His features too were swollen and caked with dried blood, but the dark brown eyes were as implacable as ever.
“I wish I wasn’t,” Crusher told him. “And how did you wind up? No serious injuries, I trust?”
“Nothing life-threatening,” Tuvok reported disdainfully.
“Me either,” said the commander, though he was well aware that the Vulcan hadn’t asked. “I don’t suppose you’ve used your remarkable powers of observation to find a way out of here?”
“There is no way out except through the door,” Tuvok informed him coolly and efficiently. “It is undoubtedly locked and there appear to be two guards. Escape will be difficult if not impossible… unless, of course, an opportunity presents itself.”
He didn’t sound hopeful that it would.
Crusher flexed his fingers. They were all but numb and the attempt at movement set sharp pains rushing through their joints. Despite them, he tried to twist his wrists and loosen his bonds, but the knots held.
“We’d better start working on that unexpected opportunity,” he said.
His companion cast him a withering look. “There would be no need to depend on the unexpected if you had taken my advice to heart.”
The commander didn’t like the tone of Tuvok’s voice. “I’d say that’s water under the bridge, wouldn’t you?”
“You humans have a saying,” the ensign noted. “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”
Crusher felt a surge of resentment. “In other words,” he said, “you’d rather look back than ahead.”
Tuvok’s eyes narrowed. “In other words,” he responded coldly, “one cannot look ahead with confidence until he has gained an understanding of what came before. In the current instance, for example, I warned you that you were taking unnecessary risks. However, you chose to ignore me. You decided to intimidate Pudris Barrh in his home territory.”
The human frowned. He had to admit that it wasn’t the best idea he’d ever had-but only to himself.
“Had you exercised restraint,” the Vulcan went on, “he would not have arranged to have us beaten and bound.” He sighed. “You are careless, Commander Crusher-careless with your life, with your mission and with the subordinate officer under your command, not to mention the requirements of your wife and your young child…”
The mention of Beverly and Wesley caught Crusher off guard. “My wife and child… ?” he echoed.
“When you exchanged vows with your mate,” Tuvok explained, “you made a commitment. When you impregnated her, you made a commitment to your son. By pursuing an illogical, reckless course of behavior, you have violated both of those commitments.”
The commander made a face. “Now wait just a-“
But the Vulcan forged on, undeterred. “If you die here,” he said, “your spouse will no doubt grieve your loss. However, she is a mature adult; she will recover from the experience. Your child, on the other hand, may not. Humanoid offspring require input from both parents to achieve their full potential. Your actions here have all but ensured that your son will be deprived of your input.”
Crusher was getting more annoyed by the minute. “We’re not dead yet,” he reminded Tuvok. “And don’t accuse me of not caring