Section 31_ Rogue - Andy Mangels [75]
“Madame Protector, the Federation does not try to curry favor with planetary governments by taking sides in internal disputes,” Picard said emphatically, his tone deliberate and measured. “Nor do we engage in sneak attacks.”
Curince displayed several rows of sharp, gleaming teeth. “Then we have an inconsistency. Ambassador T’Alik has informed me that the explosives used appear to be of Federation origin.”
“‘Appear’ is the operative word, Senator,” Picard said. “It would not be the first time the Romulans have attempted to misdirect the blame for their own actions.”
Ruardh looked puzzled. “‘Blame’? Why would they not wish to take the credit for themselves?”
“You said yourself that the attack on Grelun’s base may actually compound the electorate’s growing anti-Federation sentiment,” Picard replied. “If your ‘traditionalists’ were to see the hand of the Romulans in this, then the referendum might turn out very differently. I think you may have answered your own question, Madame Protector.”
Curince glared at him. “Perhaps,” she said, then paused. “Speaking of Falhain’s rebel successor, we have also been informed that he is now aboard your vessel.”
Information which also no doubt came from T’Alik, Picard thought. He was convinced that the Romulan ambassador knew far more about her own government’s covert activities on Chiaros IV than she was willing to admit.
Picard decided there was nothing to be gained by dissembling about the Chiarosan leader. “Grelun was seriously injured shortly before his base was destroyed,” he said. “He’s presently in our sickbay.”
“I trust that his wounds were not mortal,” Curince said, her voice flat.
“No, Senator. In fact, Dr. Crusher expects him to make a full recovery.”
Ruardh looked disappointed to hear that. “Captain, you will turn him over to my military guard,” she said in a low growl.
“I understand, Madame Protector. But first, I would like to know what will become of him.”
Ruardh’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “He will be dealt with as an enemy of the state according to Chiarosan law.” She didn’t need to tell them that meant a death sentence. “My government tried once already to reach out to Falhain and Grelun in friendship. You witnessed the results yourself.”
Picard had been afraid she might say something like this, but he wasn’t surprised. “I’m very sorry to hear that, Madame Protector,” he said.
Curince tipped her head with evident curiosity. “Are you refusing our lawful request, Captain? Surely, that would not be consistent with the vaunted neutrality of your Federation.”
“Let me assure you both, I have no intention of flouting your laws. However, my chief medical officer has yet to certify Grelun as ready to travel.”
Ruardh nodded, a disconcerting smile on her face. “Your physician is wise, Captain. No one should be consigned to the flames while infirm. Death must be faced with strength.”
“But please make no mistake, Captain,” Curince said. “The vote will go badly for you. And if you try to take Grelun with you when you withdraw from our world, a great deal more will go badly for you.”
At a gesture from Ruardh, the two Chiarosans vanished from the screen. An orbital vista of their storm-tossed homeworld replaced their images.
Batanides broke the silence that had fallen over the bridge. “You know I can’t let you keep Grelun aboard the Enterprise in defiance of the Chiarosan government.”
“The referendum is still two days away, Admiral. I have at least that long before it comes to that. But in the meantime, I can’t simply hand him over to someone who feels entitled to summarily execute him.”
“And what about after the referendum? If the Chiarosans throw us out, you won’t have the legal authority to make that decision.”
Picard was bitterly aware of that fact. But it changed nothing in his mind.
“You have the conn, Mr.