Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [67]
“Not necessarily, Hernandez said. “From what Ive seen, Draylaxs defenses are nothing to write home about. In fact, their defensive capabilities have always been weak enough to make me wonder why theyve been so uninterested in joining the Coalition.
“I wonder if they might be a bit more friendly to a Coalition sales pitch after this, Fletcher said, her New Zealand accent sharpening her words.
If theyre still around afterward, Hernandez thought, recalling the horrible devastation that had been visited upon Coridan Prime not so very long ago. Aloud, she said, “Ill leave that sort of thing to the diplomats. Our main concern is putting an end to this assault, if we can. Reiko, make best speed to Draylax. Sidra, get me Starfleet Command. Advise Admiral Gardner of our diversion to Draylax.
Brushing a lock of her blond hair away from her eyes, Fletcher stepped close to the command chair and leaned toward Hernandez. “Gardners not gonna be happy about this, she said in an almost conspiratorial tone. “After all, were supposed to be protecting the Coalition shipping lanes from pirates and litterbugs, arent we?
Hernandez favored her exec with a wry smile. “Werent you just complaining about how much patrol duty bores you?
“Lets just say that boredom is infinitely preferable to reenacting the Charge of the Light Brigade, Fletcher said quietly.
“Dont worry, Veronica, Hernandez said with a grim chuckle. “Well scout out the situation first and assess the odds. Then whether we stay or fall back will be up to the captains discretion.
Fletchers reply was preceded by a bantering smirk. “Thats very reassuring, Captain. You have always been the very soul of discretion.
An excited exclamation from Ensign Valerian interrupted Hernandezs rejoinder. “Admiral Gardners on the line, the com officer said, looking surprised.
“Very efficient, Sidra, Fletcher said.
The com officers brogue thickened even further. “Commander, I didnt raise him . Hes calling us .
“He must have a spy aboard, Fletcher said quietly, her voice obviously pitched for the captains ears alone. Hernandez couldnt always quite tell when she was kidding. “Or maybe hes bugged our helm console.
Hernandez ignored the comment. Nodding to the com officer as she rose from her command chair, she said, “Ill take it in my ready room.
“Admiral Gardner, Hernandez said as she seated herself at her small and perpetually cluttered desk. Fortunately, she had taken the liberty of pushing the stacks of paper, books, and two coffee cups safely out of the admirals line of sight. “Please go ahead, sir.
The subspace-transmitted image of the stern-faced man displayed on her ready-room terminal began speaking without any preamble. “Captain, an emergency situation has arisen.
“Draylax, she said.
Gardner nodded soberly as he ran a hand across his duranium-colored crew cut. “Its a potentially explosive situation.
“Were already on our way there at maximum warp, sir. My com officer was about to advise you of our course change. Well reach Draylax in less than four hours.
Assuming we dont get sent back out on pirate patrol in the meantime, she added silently.
“Outstanding, Captain, Gardner said with the faintest hint of a smile. “The Draylaxians are in considerable danger, given their relatively limited defensive and tactical capabilities. Even a single NX- class starship could make all the difference.
“Well do everything we reasonably can to assist the Draylaxians, Hernandez said, nodding. “And to limit the loss of life.
“Of that I have no doubt, Captain. Nevertheless, I need to emphasize just how critically important Draylax is to the Coalition.
Unbidden, a frown creased Hernandezs brow. “I thought the Draylaxians had refused Coalition membership. Like the government of the nearby Porriman civilization in the Gamma Virginis system, with whom Hernandez had