Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [133]
“I trust this new Coalition member will prove far less disagreeable than have my esteemed Andorian colleagues, said Gral, who bowed his porcine, gray-maned head toward Grethe Zhor with uncharacteristic deference. Then al-Rashid noticed that the Tellarites gaze lingered a little too long on the Draylaxian womans conservative gray tunic, and the three breasts it concealed. Why that particular anatomical detail seemed to fascinate Gral escaped al-Rashid completely; he thought it unlikely that Draylaxians would be considered attractive by the esthetic standards of Tellarites, who considered six nipples the norm as far as he knew.
Though she made no reply to Gral, shRothresss antennae flattened slightly against her scalp, signaling her displeasure with the Tellarites insult. But such exchanges were nothing new, al-Rashid reflected; as long as the Andorians and the Tellarites werent reaching for knives or phase pistols, he wouldnt worry.
Maybe my plan wont go down in history alongside the Missouri Compromise, al-Rashid thought, looking down at his hands, which remained placidly folded on the tabletop. But it should keep the Coalition from coming apart at the seams, at least for another few months.
He heard several sets of footfalls approaching rapidly from the back of the auditorium. Looking up, he saw a small group of uniformed humans walking almost at a march directly toward the council tables. At the forefront of the group were four gray-haired men, three of whom wore formal Starfleet uniforms, complete with neckties, while a fourth was attired in MACO dress whites. All four men were distinguished from the small cluster of aides and security personnel that partially surrounded them not only by their bearing, but also by the impressive array of medals and ribbons displayed on their chests.
Right on schedule, al-Rashid thought. The time had finally arrived for the military briefing that might well prove to be the basis for a horrific war. He knew he could do little now other than pray that whatever was to come next, the coolheadedness of the Vulcans would prevail over the excitability of the Andorians and the Tellarites.
May whatever these men have to share with us today not tear open the wound of blind fear we all have worked so hard to suture, inshallah.
Admirals Gregory Black and Sam Gardner formed almost matching bookends flanking Captain Eric Stillwell of Starfleets tactical technological branch and the commandant of United Earths MACO forces, General George Casey. Since all four military officers were already familiar to the assembled delegates, Gardner wasted no time on introductions, opting instead to plunge straight into his much-awaited briefing about the latest news concerning the Klingon situation.
“Captain Jonathan Archer has just uncovered critical new information while he was on the Klingon homeworld of QonoS, Gardner said without preamble. “In short, Captain Archer has determined that the Klingons are not responsible for the recent acts of aggression that have occurred in the Draylax system.
“Allah be praised, al-Rashid muttered as the Andorian and Tellarite delegates erupted in a gabble of surprise and consternation.
“It would appear that Captain Archer has once again performed a great service to this alliance, Soval said, raising his voice slightly in an effort to restore decorum to the room.
“May we assume that you have hard evidence to back up thisextraordinary claim? Gral asked, his piggy eyes overflowing with suspicion. The Andorian contingent seated near him