Gauntlet - Michael Jan Friedman [12]
“I’d like to speak with Admiral McAteer,” the captain said.
The assistant, a young man with a blond crew cut and a ruddy complexion, promised to tell McAteer that there was a call for him. Seeing the Starfleet logo come up on his screen, Picard had no choice but to wait.
As it turned out, he didn’t have to wait long. But McAteer looked vaguely annoyed as he appeared on the screen, as if Picard had interrupted something important.
“Is there something I can do for you, Captain?”
Indeed there is, Picard thought. “You can help me understand something, Admiral. I’ve just been informed that several new crewmen have beamed aboard the Stargazer.”
McAteer shrugged. “As I understood it, you had several openings, owing to casualties in the course of your last mission.”
It was true. Seven crewmen, including Captain Ruhalter, had died in their clash with the Nuyyad.
Also, they had lost their weapons officer, who had led a mutiny against then–Acting Captain Picard and been incarcerated as a result. And just before the Stargazer reached Starbase 32, Sciences Chief Angela Cariello had decided to leave the fleet to join her husband at an agricultural colony, and Security Chief Ang had accepted a position on the Sutherland.
“Nonetheless,” Picard said, “it is highly irregular for a captain to have crewmen handed to him by a superior officer. As you know, sir, the normal procedure is for a commanding officer to review applications at his leisure before making any personnel decisions.”
The admiral frowned at the remark. “I’m well aware of Starfleet procedures, Captain.”
“Then you won’t be surprised to learn that Commander Ben Zoma and I are already focusing on at least one candidate—a fellow who comes from a long-standing Starfleet tradition. His grandfather was an admiral, his aunt is on her way to becoming one, and his elder brother is currently serving with distinction on the Exeter.”
McAteer looked as if he was going to cut Picard’s comments short. However, the captain didn’t give him the opportunity.
“He has also posted dazzling grades at the Academy, been described by his professors as driven, bright, and capable, and served as captain of the parisses squares team that beat a squad of Academy alumni just prior to graduation.”
The admiral knew who he was, of course. Picard could tell by the look in his eyes.
“Frankly, sir,” he continued, “I cannot imagine anyone more qualified to join the crew of the Stargazer.”
McAteer’s eyes narrowed. “Sign him on, then, Captain. Sign on anyone you want. Get rid of anyone you don’t want. But do it after you catch the White Wolf. For the time being, I’d say you need all the help you can get—and that includes those seven new crewmen who have beamed aboard your starship.”
“But, sir—”
“That’s an order,” McAteer told him.
Picard didn’t like the idea, but the admiral wasn’t giving him any choice in the matter. “As you say, sir.”
McAteer nodded. “Again, good luck to you. McAteer out.”
A moment later, his image winked off the viewscreen and was replaced by the Starfleet logo. The captain glared at it, then tapped the combadge on his chest.
“Navigation, this is Command—” He stopped abruptly, deeply embarrassed by the slip. “This is Captain Picard. Set a course for the Beta Barritus system.”
“Aye, sir,” came Gerda Asmund’s reply.
“Helm,” he went on, “take us out of here. Half impulse until we clear the base.”
“Aye, sir,” said Idun.
Through his ready room’s lone observation port, Picard could see the hourglass shape of Starbase 32 receding in the distance, shrinking rapidly against the star-pricked darkness. In a matter of moments, it disappeared altogether.
Taking Admiral McAteer with it. And none too soon, the captain reflected angrily.
He sat in his chair a moment longer, trying to deal with his resentment. Only when he felt he had it under control did he get up and leave his ready room.
Picard reminded