Pantheon - Michael Jan Friedman [222]
Twenty
Picard considered the pinched, dark-haired man in the admiral’s uniform seated across the desk from him.
Admiral Mehdi was still studying the logs posted by the second officer in the wake of the Nuyyad’s ambush. He looked grim as he read from his monitor screen, his wrinkled brow creased down the middle.
Finally, Mehdi looked up. “You had quite a struggle, I see.”
Picard nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“And a number of difficult choices to make.”
Picard sighed. “Admiral,” he said, “I am not certain I provided you with a full explanation of—”
Mehdi held a thin, almost spindly hand up for silence. “I can imagine what you’re about to say, Commander. However, I believe I already possess all the information I require.”
The second officer bit his lip and sat back in his chair. “Of course, sir,” he replied.
The admiral’s eyes seemed to reach into him. “To summarize, you pursued several rather unorthodox options. First, you advised Captain Ruhalter that Serenity Santana could be trusted…over the official protestations of First Officer Leach.”
Picard swallowed. “Yes, sir.”
“Second,” said Mehdi, “you chose to take your vessel to the Magnians’ colony instead of the galactic barrier, even though—as some of your officers were quick to point out—there was no proof the place even existed, much less that it could give you the assistance you needed.”
Picard didn’t like the way this was going. “That is correct, sir.”
“And in so doing,” the admiral continued, “you jeopardized not only the lives of your crew, but your ability to warn the Federation about the Nuyyad. Is this also correct?”
“It is.”
“Then,” said Mehdi, “knowing that the Magnians had already led you into an ambush, you beamed a number of them up to the Stargazer and gave them access to strategic systems. In addition, you allowed their mental powers to be amplified through the use of a synthetic neurotransmitter, thereby inviting the possibility of an enclave of Gary Mitchells running amok aboard your vessel.”
“I did,” Picard had to admit.
“And, finally, you removed the safeguards from your phaser technology in order to take out a single enemy installation—once again, wagering your ship and crew on a long shot. Is this true?”
Picard had only one answer. “It is, sir.”
The admiral considered the younger man a moment longer. “In your estimate, Commander, are these the actions of a Starfleet second officer?”
Picard sighed. “I’m not in a position to say, sir.”
“Then let me tell you,” Mehdi remarked, “they’re not. They’re the actions of a Starfleet captain—and a damned remarkable one at that.”
Picard wasn’t certain he had heard the older man correctly. “I beg your pardon?” he said.
“What you did,” Mehdi told him, “what you accomplished against staggering odds…shows me that you’re more than ready to command. And since you’ve already won the admiration of the Stargazer’s crew, it stands to reason that you should remain with that vessel—as her captain.”
Picard didn’t know what to say. “Sir—”
Again, the admiral held up his hand. “You’re grateful. I know. But between the two of us, I can’t tolerate maudlin displays.”
“Actually,” said Picard, “I was going to ask about Commander Leach.”
Mehdi frowned. “Fortunately, Commander Leach will make a full recovery from his injuries. But I don’t believe he was ever qualified to serve as first officer on a starship. Command will find a posting for him that’s more in line with his abilities.”
“I see,” said Picard.
It was almost exactly what Ruhalter had said about Leach. In that respect, at least, Ruhalter and Mehdi thought much alike.
“You’re a brilliant fellow,” the admiral informed him, “and a thoughtful commanding officer, who is obviously not afraid to take the unorthodox and even the unpopular path. I wish you, and those who serve under you, long and illustrious careers.”
This time, Picard did want to thank the man. But to his chagrin, he didn’t get the chance.
“Now get out of my office,” said Mehdi, “and start showing me I made the right choice.”
Captain Jean-Luc Picard smiled.