Progenitor - Michael Jan Friedman [87]
“See you on the bridge,” she told them, and left them to each other’s company.
Chapter Twenty-six
PICARD EMERGED from the turbolift and took in his bridge at a glance. The Asmunds were at their usual posts. Paxton was at communications. And Dubinski appeared to be instructing Ensign Nikolas in the proper use of an engineering console.
It was good to be home, the captain thought.
Nikolas was the first to glance his way. “Captain on the bridge,” he announced dutifully.
Picard saw everyone present come to attention, the ensign included. “As you were,” he told them.
As his officers resumed their duties, he turned to Kastiigan, who was working at the science console. “Do you know where I can find Commander Wu?”
The Kandilkari jerked his head in the direction of the captain’s ready room. “I believe she’s in there, sir.”
“I see,” said Picard. “Thank you, Mr. Kastiigan.”
“I’m glad to be of service, sir,” the science officer told him, and returned to his work.
Crossing the bridge, the captain waited outside his ready room doors for a moment—as a courtesy to Wu. When they slid aside, he walked in and saw his second officer standing behind his desk.
“Welcome back,” she said.
He smiled. “It’s good to be back. I understand you had a little excitement in my absence.”
“A little,” Wu told him. “But nothing we couldn’t handle, thanks to the crew. And in particular, thanks to Ensigns Jiterica and Paris.”
The captain was pleased to hear it.
“They demonstrated valor and resourcefulness,” his second officer continued. “I couldn’t have been prouder of them.”
It was high praise. “I look forward,” he said, “to reading about it your report.”
“Which will be available for your inspection first thing in the morning,” she assured him.
If Picard had been the second officer, he would taken the opportunity to leave the room at that juncture. However, Wu didn’t show any intention of leaving.
He was about to ask why when she said, “I have a request, sir.”
He shrugged. “What is it, Commander?”
Wu hesitated. “If it’s all right with you, I would like to rescind my request for a transfer to the Crazy Horse.”
At first, the captain thought he had heard incorrectly. “You want to stay?” he asked, just to make sure.
“That’s correct, sir.”
Without question, he was pleased with the decision. But he had to admit to a certain curiosity. “If you don’t mind my asking,” he said, “what made you change your mind?”
Wu smiled. “I’ve given it some thought—and I’ve concluded that I can do more good here than on the Crazy Horse. With certain crewmen in particular, you understand.”
Picard looked at her. Given the way she had talked about Paris and Jiterica, he had a feeling he knew who those crewmen might be. But he was a bit puzzled.
Do more good?
The Nizhrak had been disoriented and isolated from the rest of the crew from the moment she had come aboard. It was clear that she had needed a helping hand from someone. But Paris didn’t seem to have needed any such help. He had appeared comfortable on the Stargazer from the beginning.
No doubt, Picard would gain a better understanding of the situation once he read his second officer’s report. “Have you apprised Captain Rudolfini of your desire to stay with us?”
“Not yet,” said his second officer. “I’d like to do that now, if it’s all right with you.”
“It is,” Picard told her.
After Wu left his ready room, he sat down in his chair and leaned back contentedly. Not only did he get to keep a good officer, he wouldn’t have to pore through personnel files searching for her replacement.
It was shaping up to be a very pleasant homecoming. Very pleasant indeed.
Ulelo was sitting in the mess hall, eating by himself because he couldn’t see any opportunities for intelligence-gathering among the junior-grade crewmen seated around him, when a tray full of food landed next to his own.
He looked up and saw that the tray belonged to Emily Bender. “Fancy meeting you here,” she said.
The comm officer didn’t know what to make of her joining him. Stalling for time to think, he glanced at