Q & A - Keith R. A. DeCandido [13]
“Agreed,” Worf said.
The captain said nothing—he always felt that the composition of an away team should be left to the person leading it—but he did notice that both La Forge and Crusher seemed a little surprised by the lieutenant’s aggressive stance, not to mention Worf’s support of it. Riker, Picard knew, would have likely taken a less cautious approach, but Worf had his own command style—honed over seven years as the EnterpriseD’s security chief, and four years as Deep Space 9’s strategic operations officer, which also included command of the U. S. S. Defiant.
However, Beverly could not let this pass without comment. “Don’t you both think that’s a little extreme? We’re exploring a new world, not securing a beachhead.”
“We are venturing into the unknown, Doctor,” Worf said. “It is prudent to take every precaution. Experience has shown us that the missions that seem on the surface to be routine are the ones that pose the most danger.”
“Murphy’s Law and all that,” Kadohata said. “‘Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.’”
Looking back at Crusher, Worf said, “I believe that Lieutenant Leybenzon’s request is reasonable under the circumstances.”
Picard suppressed a smile as he leaned back in his chair. He enjoyed watching the new dynamic between his senior staff.
Over the course of fifteen years, the Enterprise’s senior staff had become a well-oiled machine. Everyone knew what to expect from everyone else. On his first command, the Stargazer, turnover was the rule. As a young captain he relished the challenge of managing his staff, of making sure everyone was heard.
The captain noted that T’Lana had been silent during the briefing, and he wanted to hear her input. “Counselor, is there anything you wish to add?”
T’Lana raised an eyebrow, as if surprised at the question. “I do not believe so, Captain.”
He tried a different tack. “How is the crew’s spirit?”
Picard had feared some sort of rejoinder questioning the wisdom of using the word “spirit” in this context, but T’Lana simply lowered her eyebrow and said, “I would say encouraged, Captain. This is a mission with which they all feel comfortable. My impression is one of satisfaction, that the crew feels that they are fulfilling the duties that they joined Starfleet to perform.”
“Thank you, Counselor.” Picard stood, tugging down on his uniform jacket. “If there is nothing else?”
Nobody said anything.
“Very well, then. We should make orbit at zero-seven hundred tomorrow, at which point, the away team will disembark from Transporter Room 3. Dismissed.”
La Forge said, “Anyone up for some dinner?”
The captain considered accepting, then decided it was best if he caught up on his reports—he’d done enough to put himself on Admiral Janeway’s bad side, and it wouldn’t do to antagonize her further. “I’m afraid I must decline, Mister La Forge, but thank you.”
“I’m game,” Kadohata said.
“Uh, okay,” La Forge said.
Miranda added, “I’m near starved, to be honest.”
Crusher smiled. “Well, we can’t let that happen.”
“And I promise I won’t bring along baby pictures,” Kadohata added with a smile.
“In that case, I will join you,” Worf deadpanned. Picard had to repress a smile of his own. Her first few days on board, Miranda had been eagerly showing images of her twins to anyone who’d stand still long enough—and even some who didn’t. To Picard, Colin Farrenga and Sylvana Kadohata looked like most human babies: akin to stewed prunes. He of course said nothing of the sort to his new second officer, instead providing her with some encouraging cliche or other.
T’Lana moved toward the exit. “I must decline, as well, Commander, as I have several appointments throughout the evening. If you will excuse me.” She exited quickly.
La Forge turned his artificial eyes toward Leybenzon. “Lieutenant? Up for a meal?”
“Your offer is generous, but I’m afraid that I have a security detail that needs to be in proper working order when we arrive at Gorsach IX.” With that, he turned on his heel and departed.