Maker - Michael Jan Friedman [13]
“In the end,” she said, “it came down to one thing: if there was even a chance that the Nuyyad were telling the truth, and a superbeing had been unleashed on your galaxy, how could we look the other way—especially when he would eventually become a threat to our galaxy as well?”
“So you allowed Dojjaron to accompany you across the barrier,” the captain said.
Serenity nodded. “As an expert on Nuyyad physiology and behavior. But we insisted that he come alone, to make sure there wasn’t any funny business.”
Funny business, Picard thought. It was an odd phrase, one that hadn’t been widely used for hundreds of years. But as he had been reminded before, Magnian culture had developed differently from the one the Valiant left on Earth.
“An expert,” he said, bringing his thoughts back on track.
“Yes,” said Serenity. “That and nothing more.”
“I see,” said Picard.
Despite his feelings for Serenity, he wasn’t ready to jump at her request. However, he had heard enough from her and Dojjaron to want to know more. “How did you find me?”
Serenity’s mouth hinted at a smile. “Last time I was on the Stargazer, I took the liberty of examining some of her flight logs. That gave me an idea of her customary patrol routes.”
The captain felt a spurt of resentment. “It is good to know how far I can trust you.”
Serenity shrugged. “I confessed, didn’t I?”
“You did,” Picard conceded. “And I wonder…what impropriety will you be confessing next time we meet?”
Serenity didn’t go through the motion of giving him an answer. It seemed clear that she still had her own agenda, even if it often appeared to dovetail with the captain’s.
There was something else. “Our scans,” he observed, “indicate a number of other Magnians on your vessel. Who are they?”
She mentioned a few names that he recognized, including that of Guard Daniels, the Magnian who had accompanied her the first time she left her galaxy to enter Federation space. “You wouldn’t know any of the others.”
“Why so many?” Picard asked.
“It’s a task force,” she explained. “We put it together for the purpose of confronting Brakmaktin and neutralizing him. All we need from you is help in finding him.”
“If this individual is as powerful as you claim,” Picard asked, “why limit yourself to a task force? Why not use the full range of resources at your disposal, including those available on the Stargazer?”
“Because,” said Serenity, firmly but without scorn, “you and your people would only get in the way.”
Picard looked at her. “Really.”
“We’re Magnians,” she said. “You know some of the things of which we’re capable, especially when we act in concert. Even if we hadn’t had an inkling of your location, we could have tracked you down with the power of our minds.”
“Then why not locate Brakmaktin yourselves?” asked Ben Zoma.
“Nuyyad brains work differently,” said Serenity. “Their thoughts are difficult for us to pick up.”
“Of course they are,” said Dojjaron.
Serenity went on without breaking stride, having obviously grown accustomed to the Nuyyad’s attitude. “That’s why we need your help, Captain. You know this part of space as well as anyone. And Brakmaktin is certain to leave some kind of trail.”
Picard frowned. The Magnians were powerful beings—he couldn’t dispute that. But the thought of serving as a bird dog didn’t sit well with him.
“In any case,” said Dojjaron, “we cannot sit here picking our back teeth. Time is our enemy.”
“Yes,” said Serenity. “The longer Brakmaktin’s power has to develop, the more dangerous he’ll become—and the more likely it is he’ll find his way to a populated planet.”
The captain didn’t need her to paint a picture. He had never encountered a superbeing, but he could imagine the kind of havoc such an individual could wreak.
“Assuming for the moment that this Brakmaktin fellow actually exists,” he said, “what is he likely to do when he comes in contact with such a population? Enslave them?”
It was a valid question. After all, Gary Mitchell—prior to his untimely demise—had begun thinking of himself as a god, and gods required worshippers.
“It is more