Dragon's Honor - Kij Johnson [92]
“They’re hot on our heels, Data,” La Forge stated. “They should be here any time now.”
“Orders, sir?” Lieutenant Melilli asked.
“We will hold our fire,” Data said, “until we receive word from Captain Picard that the wedding is concluded and the treaty is in force. Then, and only then, will we be free to defend Pai from G’kkau aggression.” Data briefly glanced over the faces of the officers now stationed on the bridge: Tor, Craigie, Kamis, Melilli, and Geordi. Could they be apprehensive about the coming confrontation with the G’kkau ships? A good commanding officer was responsible for the morale of all personnel under his command; that was a recognized Starfleet principle. Data judged that this was an appropriate moment to say something inspirational. “In the meantime, there is no harm in raising our own shields. In fact, there is a sixty-seven-point-eight-six-four-three-percent probability that the Enterprise will survive this mission.”
“What about Pai?” La Forge asked. “And our people down on the planet?”
Data did not think it advisable to announce the appropriate probabilities out loud. “It is now nearly dawn at the Imperial Palace. We must suppose that Captain Picard has used his inestimable diplomatic talents to resolve all of the outstanding difficulties surrounding the treaty.”
“I sure hope so,” La Forge said, “because I don’t think the G’kkau are going to wait for the wedding reception, let alone the honeymoon.”
That was unlikely, Data thought.
The Sacred Temple of Perpetual Harmony was anything but. Beyond a filigreed archway looking out onto a garden full of fragrant cherry blossoms and beneath an open skylight designed to capture the first rays of the rising sun, utter turmoil raged among what was supposed to have been the wedding party.
“Betrayed by my own son!” the Dragon wailed.
“With my only daughter!” Lord Lu Tung lamented.
Well, Picard thought, at least they’ve finally found something in common.
Kan-hi, his hands in shackles provided by Chih-li’s guards, stood defiantly off to one side, flanked by both Worf and the Minister of Internal Security. A doddering old priest, who looked to be about two hundred years old, appeared completely baffled by the confusion. The Green Pearl knelt weeping by the altar, occasionally casting longing glances at her captive suitor; someone had managed to get a wedding gown of emerald and olive onto her, but the veil was already soaked through with tears and the bride near the point of collapse. Beverly hovered near Yao Hu, unable to offer much in the way of consolation, and holding hands with Hsiao Har, who seemed to share the heartbreak of the other girl. In time, Picard guessed, the Heir’s daughter would have to answer for her part in the Pearl’s escape from the harem, but presently everyone was too upset over the illicit couple to worry much about any accomplice. Troi waited near the entrance to the temple, keeping an eye out for Riker and the groom, who were due to arrive at any moment. Thankfully, the bulk of the wedding guests were still sleeping off last night’s celebrations; the actual wedding ceremony, Picard had learned, was a small private affair usually limited to the bride and groom’s immediate family. Under the circumstances, the crew of the Enterprise had been allowed within the temple, but the several dozen Pai nobles visiting the palace were here for the feasts and receptions after the religious ceremony. More small favors, Picard thought, although what I could really use is a miracle or two.
His comm badge chirped, and Data identified himself. “The Enterprise is prepared to defend Pai,” he stated. “I trust the wedding is about to commence.”
“Your trust is gravely misplaced,” Picard informed him. “What is the status of the G’kkau fleet?”
“Our plan was largely successful, but not completely.