Gateways 07_ What Lay Beyond - Diane Carey [128]
“Captain,” Troi said from the adjacent viewscreen. “What about the Petraw?”
“I have not come up with a satisfying answer as yet,” Picard admitted. “As we leave, I will need the Qob and Glory to take charge.”
“With their attempt at sabotage, they cannot be trusted to remain complacent with fewer ships present,” Data said.
“I recommend we disable as many of the ships as possible,” La Forge suggested.
“I’m not sure I see a better solution,” Picard said slowly, not happy with the notion. “Prepare your plans, Geordi. Will, contact the vessels we’ll be meeting with. Deanna, relay word to the other captains in the area. Let’s try and leave within the hour. Dimissed.”
Quickly and efficiently, the crew stood and went about their business and Picard was left alone in the observation lounge. While it felt good to be home, he disliked waiting more than a day to conclude the business at hand. And he kept thinking back to the world and little Chanik, faithfully waiting for the signal that would help protect a galaxy from chaos.
As expected, the Romulan commander was the first to be in touch with the captain. She seemed cool and collected despite her ship being anything but battle-ready.
Picard was now in his ready room, having caught himself up on status reports from his ship and around the fleet. He looked at the screen on his desk and acknowledged the darkly attractive woman.
“If you leave, it will only embolden the Petraw to try and conduct more sabotage.”
“Have you a suggestion?”
“Destroy a handful of random ships, disable more, and even the odds.”
“How Klingon of you,” Picard noted, satisfied at the scowl marring her pleasant features. “I have my chief engineer preparing plans to disable the entire Petraw fleet as opposed to destroying anyone. This way, when we’re done, we can decide what to do with them.”
“You don’t have a plan? I am most surprised.”
“Honestly, Desan, I have been more than a bit busy.”
“Just what did you find on the other side?” She leaned toward the screen, intense curiosity replacing the scowl.
“The Resonators were found on the last Iconian stronghold in the Alpha Quadrant, a world reduced to much more primitive standards. But, they’re developing nicely, and one in particular helped me find them. It was quite an enlightening experience. When I return, if time permits, we can talk some more of it. But for now, I want you to know that I am placing my faith in the accords between our people and my personal trust in you to maintain the peace.”
Desan seemed surprised by the vote of confidence and her expression betrayed her, pleasing the captain. She would make a questionable poker player, he considered. She merely nodded at the words and clicked off the communication.
Before he could pick up the next padd on the tall stack to his right, the screen beeped once and he saw that it was the Kreechta captain calling. This might be a problem or, more likely, a diverting conversation.
“How can I help you DaiMon Bractor?”
“I want you to know I appreciate your faith.”
This surprised Picard, who rested his chin on his fist and considered the situation. The Ferengi had a reputation for underhandedness overall. His own dealings had proven they could be spiteful and capable of killing.
“To be honest with you, DaiMon,” Picard said, a smile on his face, “trust has to be earned and you have earned it.”
Bractor bowed in appreciation. “There can be profit in many forms, I’m told. I consider this an investment against the future.”
“The results should bring us closer together,” Picard said hopefully.
“Thank you,” the toothy captain said in all sincerity. “Will you bring Doral along with you to keep him from influencing the others?”
“I hadn’t considered him,” the captain admitted. In fact, he hadn’t even asked after the dejected Petraw leader. “But what you say makes sense, so yes, he will accompany us.”
“And should you find something of value when you put all the Resonators in place…”
“As promised, if there’s something to share, it will be shared with all. You need not fear being