Fortune's Light - Michael Jan Friedman [4]
The captain smiled as forgivingly as he could. He was aware that forgiveness was not the attitude that best suited his features. “These things happen, Number One, to all of us. It’s difficult to keep up friendships in Starfleet.”
But his first officer wasn’t accepting absolution. Stubbornly he went on.
“Pretty soon the messages stopped on his end, too. But I knew he was doing well, because I’d see dolacite containers listing Imprima as their point of origin. Every indication was that Teller had become a big success there.”
A “but” was coming. Obligingly Picard supplied it: “But?”
Riker accepted the prod. “But just now I got a transmission from Starfleet—telling me that my friend is a thief. Worse—a traitor.”
The captain eased himself back in his chair. “Serious charges. What is the basis for them?”
Riker sighed. “Criathis and Terrin are about to merge.”
“Criathis and Terrin?” Picard prompted.
“Sorry. Two of the madraggi. Criathis has been the Federation’s staunchest ally over the years. Terrin has been a Federation proponent as well, though in a somewhat more cautious vein.
“As I understand it, Terrin has not benefited from the trade agreement as much as it had hoped. Criathis, on the other hand, has profited handsomely. Terrin still has tremendous resources, and political influence to match; Criathis has growth potential. From both points of view, it’s a merger made in heaven.
“What’s more, Madraga Terrin—as the larger of the two madraggi—would have the right to install its first official as head of the newly formed entity—in this case, a man named Larrak, disputably the best businessman on the planet. Armed with an even broader array of resources, who knows how far he can take Terrin-Criathis?
“Needless to say, not all the madraggi see this as a good thing. The merger stands to hurt the political enemies of both Criathis and Terrin—chief among them a madraga called Rhurig.
“But there is nothing Rhurig or anyone else can do to stop the merger—that is, as long as Criathis and Terrin follow the traditional protocols.”
Picard nodded. “The Imprimans value tradition, do they?”
“Very much so. Before Criathis and Terrin can get together, there has to be an old-fashioned merger ceremony. And the merger must be made official by the use of special jewel-encrusted seals.”
“Seals,” repeated Picard. “Like those used to authorize documents on ancient Earth?”
“Precisely, sir. But these are priceless—even apart from any historical value they may have. Dismantled for its jewels, any one of the seals could buy a man an easy life in some obscure corner of the galaxy.”
The captain was beginning to understand. “And it is believed that your friend Conlon lifted one of these seals so that he could buy himself this easy life?”
“That’s what they’re saying,” agreed Riker. “Apparently one of the seals to be used in the upcoming ceremony has disappeared—and Teller along with it. Naturally they’re putting two and two together. All the evidence points to Teller’s having stolen the seal, and without Fortune’s Light—”
“Fortune’s Light?”
“The seal, sir—all of these seals have names. In any case, its disappearance is going to cause that merger to fall apart. Both madraggi will be scandalized, effectively crippling two of our biggest supporters on Imprima. And when the other madraggi get wind of Teller’s guilt in the matter, the Federation will be booted off Imprima so fast our heads will swim.”
“All unfortunate,” said Picard. “Quite unfortunate. But what has this to do with you?”
Muscles tippled beneath the first officer’s bearded jaw. He leaned forward. “They want me to go to Imprima. To find my friend and recover the seal—before the scheduled date of the merger ceremony.”
Picard absorbed the information. “I see,” he said. “And of course it makes sense. You know Imprima as well as anyone in the Federation. What is more, you know your friend.” He measured the younger man. “You have agreed to this assignment?”
“I had little choice, sir. It’s Priority One.