Pantheon - Michael Jan Friedman [202]
“But not without the help of the Magnians’ phaser batteries,” Ben Zoma reminded him.
“No question,” Picard responded, “the colonists on the ground played a critical part in our victory. However, I believe we would have defeated the Nuyyad even without their assistance. Our enhanced sensor and tractor functions provided us with a much greater tactical advantage than I would ever have imagined possible.”
“Let me understand this,” said Simenon, his slitted eyes narrowing in his scaly face. “You want to attack an enemy installation—where we’re liable to face a force considerably larger than two ships? And you want us to do it entirely on our own?”
The second officer leaned forward. “I want to take the Nuyyad by surprise—and they won’t be expecting a countermaneuver so soon after their assault on Magnia. On the other hand, if we opt to alert the Federation and watch them put together a task force, the Nuyyad will have had time to increase the strength of their defenses.”
“Are we even certain there is a depot?” asked Greyhorse. “Wasn’t that just the bait in the Nuyyad’s trap?”
“It exists,” the second officer insisted. “Shield Williamson has given me the coordinates.”
“Can we believe him this time?” asked Cariello.
“A fair question,” Picard told her. “But since our arrival here, the colonists have made good on all their promises. I no longer feel compelled to question their sincerity.”
“Nor do I,” Simenon conceded.
“The elimination of the depot is a worthwhile goal,” Vigo observed. “One worth taking a risk to achieve.”
“Exactly right,” said Picard. “We can vastly improve Starfleet’s tactical position, giving Command the time it needs to prepare for an invasion…or perhaps even head it off.”
“If we’re successful,” Simenon argued.
“Of course,” the Pandrilite conceded. “However, we can send out a subspace message either way, so the Federation will be warned about the Nuyyad even if the Stargazer is destroyed.”
“Well?” asked the second officer. “Do we go after the depot or not?”
Glances were exchanged as everyone present considered the question. It was Jomar who finally broke the silence.
“I am in favor of attacking the depot,” he said.
Vigo turned to Picard. “So am I.”
Ben Zoma shrugged. “I’m convinced.”
“Same here,” said Paxton, though without as much enthusiasm.
Simenon shook his head stubbornly. “I’ll grant you, the Magnians give us an edge in a fight—and so do Jomar’s vidrion-laced shields. But it’s not that big an edge.”
“I’m with Simenon,” said Cariello. “I was on the receiving end of a Nuyyad advantage once. I don’t look forward to being there again.”
That left Greyhorse.
As the others looked to him, he frowned at the scrutiny. “I’m no tactician, you understand. However, I too have to agree with Mr. Simenon. Enhanced shields, sensors, and tractor beams don’t inspire much confidence when stacked against an indeterminate number of enemy ships.”
Picard nodded. “Thank you for your input.” He swept the table with a glance. “All of you.”
“You’re welcome,” said the engineer, his ruby eyes gleaming. “But what are you going to do?”
The second officer looked at him. “I have not been swayed from my original inclination,” he noted. “We will break orbit and head for the depot as soon as I can coordinate the details with Mr. Williamson.”
Simenon snorted. “Captain Ruhalter was the same way.”
Picard turned to him, his eyes flashing with restrained emotion. “And what does that mean?”
The engineer returned his glare. “He had an opinion when he walked into a meeting, and he had an opinion when he walked out—and as I recall, they were always the same.”
The second officer seemed to take the remark in stride. “I had a great deal of respect for Captain Ruhalter, as you are no doubt aware. However, he and I are by no means the same. When I come into a meeting, Mr. Simenon, it is with an open mind.”
The Gnalish wasn’t the type to let a matter go if he felt strongly about it. But to Greyhorse’s surprise, he let this one go. “I guess I’ll have to take your word for it,” he said.
Picard nodded, clearly