Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [90]
Archer pulled her aside and updated her, explaining the instructions that he had just given Phlox.
“Its understandable that Phlox might question the ethics of your order, Jon, Hernandez said, “but these are extraordinary circumstances. If you need my CMO to take over, I can arrange that. Doctor Metzger will have the same concerns, but she will act as ordered.
“Thats a tempting offer, Erika, Archer said, his voice low. “Theres been a bit too much free thinking among my command staff lately.
Hernandez gave him a puzzled look, but before she could question him further, the wall-mounted com unit beeped, and McCalls voice promptly issued forth. “Bridge to Captain Archer. Weve received a Priority One communiqué from Starfleet for you and Captain Hernandez.
“Well take it in my ready room, Archer said. “Thanks, Mack.
As he moved toward the door, he looked back in Phloxs direction. “Interrupt me the moment you have her stabilized enough to answer some questions, Doctor, Archer said.
Phlox affirmed the command, but did not look up from his work.
As Archer and Hernandez strode across the few meters that separated sickbay from the central turboshaft, Hernandez spoke quietly. “You can discuss with me what that free thinking comment meant whenever youre ready, Jon. No pressure, though. I have a feeling youre carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders right now.
“ Worlds, plural, Archer said with a small smile.
As the turbolift doors closed around them, Hernandez put her hand in the center of Archers back.
For the moment, he was grateful to have received even that modest gesture of human contact.
“So youre letting them off with a slap on the wrist ? Archer said to his ready-room viewscreen, his words charged with far more anger than Hernandez thought was wise to display before a Starfleet admiral.
Hernandez watched as Gardner leaned forward slightly in his chair. “Archer, you and I have been through a lot together, and you know that while I disagree with you from time to time, I still respect you. Thats why Im not shouting my strong suggestion that you adjust your tone.
Hernandez nudged Archer gently aside, effectively pushing him out of Gardners line of sight. Whatevers bothering Jon has to be immense, she thought. And a lot bigger than what just happened at Draylax.
As if anything could be bigger than the brink of war.
“Admiral, does the Coalition Council realize that the Klingon ships not only opened fire on Draylax, Hernandez said, “but that they also engaged both Columbia and Enterprise in battle, refusing to explain their actions or even answer our hails?
Gardner nodded, settling back again. “The Coalition Security Council has resolved that we are to give the Klingon Empire one final warning. They are to cease hostilities against all Coalition worlds and/or their allies. If they cross this line again, or engage any Coalition or allied vessel in battle, the Coalition will issue a formal declaration of war.
“You know that the Klingons will be honor bound to return that declaration tenfold, Archer said, stepping back into Gardners field of view. “Hell, theyll probably welcome it. And you dont even know half of the savagery that the Klingons are capable of.
“The Council hopes that this resolution will broker a truce, however tenuous, and thus stave off a war.
Archer sighed heavily. “And of course, nobody is paying attention to what the Romulans might be doing while were all distracted by this Klingon business.
Gardners expression turned to one of angry incredulity. “Unless Im missing something here, Captain, the Romulans had nothing to do with this attack. And no evidence has turned up yet linking them to the other recent
“Except for Coridan, Archer said, interrupting.
Gardner closed his mouth, and Hernandez thought she could hear the grinding of his teeth across the gulf of light-years that separated them. “There are some on the Council and in Starfleet who agree that your warnings were vindicated by the attack on Coridan. But at this time, the Council has voted that the most