Reunion - Michael Jan Friedman [7]
“Manelin was a good man,” observed the captain. “I was sorry to hear of his death.”
The Daa’Vit shrugged. “He was old. He was in pain. Better that he died when he did, with a few shreds of dignity left to him, than to drag it out any further.”
It was a sobering thought. Riker saw Troi’s brow crease slightly, no doubt in empathy with Morgen’s discomfort. “Of course,” the Daa’Vit went on, “I don’t wish to make it seem that I am complaining. If one must abandon a captaincy in Starfleet, ruling a confederacy of planets is not a bad alternative.”
They all smiled. But Riker knew that Morgen’s remark wasn’t from the heart. He himself wouldn’t have traded places with any monarch in the galaxy—and he was only a first officer. “My only regret,” said Morgen, “is that I could not approach Daa’Very on the vessel I commanded. Now, that would have been something.” The captain grunted. “Yes-something dangerous. I haven’t forgotten your descriptions of Daa’Vit politics, my friend. Starfleet knew what it was doing when it offered you the Enterprise for your return.”
Morgen smiled a thin smile. “Perhaps some Daa’Vit take their politics too seriously. I will concede that much. But the necessity of bringing a Galaxy-class vessel into play…”
“The Federation,” said Riker, “values you too much to take any risks, sir.”
The Daa’Vit eyed him. “Values me as what? A skilled officer in which it has a massive investment? Or the ruler of a confederacy whose friendship is strategically important?” “Perhaps both,” the first officer suggested. “And does it really matter?” the captain asked, cutting into the subtly rising tension.
Morgen leaned back in his chair, his angular features softening again. “You’re right. It doesn’t matter. No doubt, I should be flattered that the flagship of the fleet has been deployed for my homecoming.” He considered his glass from a fresh perspective. “And if, nothing else,” the Daa’Vit went on, “this gives me a chance to see old friends.” He gazed meaningfully at Picard. “It will be a reunion of sorts, won’t it? Who knows-maybe the last chance we’ll all have to be together again.”
The captain shrugged. “One never knows-though I would not be surprised.” He met Morgen’s gaze. “All the more reason to enjoy each other’s company while we can.”
The Daa’Vit nodded, turning to Riker. “A wise man, your captain.” Riker chuckled. “We like to think so.”
Wesley Crusher made the necessary adjustments on his control panel, and the Constitution-class vessel Lexington jumped up two levels of magnification on the forward viewscreen. A moment later, the ship’s image was supplanted by that of its commanding officer, a dark, lanky man with graying temples.
“This is Captain Gilaad Ben Zoma.” He smiled. “You must be Commander Data. I have heard a lot about you-and not just from your captain.”
Wesley turned in his seat to look back at the command
center, where Data was seated in the captain’s chair. The android seemed pleased by the recognition.
“I am Commander Data,” he said. “It is my pleasure to invite you aboard the Enterprise. his
Wesley studied Ben Zoma carefully. Up until now, he had met only one person who’d served with his father aboard the Stargazer— Captain Picard. And the captain wasn’t always the easiest person to strike up a conversation with.
But for the next few days, there would be seven other people who had worked alongside Jack Crusher-and Captain Ben Zoma, the man on the screen, was one of them.
Not that it was likely he’d have much of a chance to speak with any of the visitors. No doubt, they’d all want to reminisce about old times. Besides, these were important people. They probably wouldn’t have much time for him…
“I accept your invitation,” replied Ben Zoma. “There will be three of us altogether.” The man had an infectious charm about him, an affability. “Oh, and Commander … If you will humor me, I would like to surprise Captain Picard. So it will not be necessary for you to alert him as to our arrival.”
That caught the android off balance. “This is most irregular,