Synthesis - James Swallow [91]
“I don’t allow members of my crew to die needlessly, not when I can do something about it,” Will responded, keeping his tone firm but level. “Would you do any different?”
Red-Gold didn’t respond; instead, the AI chose a different target. “White-Blue, this is your error. You were required to maintain control of this situation. You failed to do so.”
The other AI tilted its sensor head. “I warned William-Riker of the danger here. He chose not to abide by my recommendation.” The spidery machine paused. “However, it cannot be denied that the Titan’s presence was key in neutralizing the incursion. Based on the dimensions of the mass, I estimate the cost in shipframes should the engagement have continued to be more than—”
“Your evaluation is noted,” Red-Gold said tersely. “However, the Governance Kernel has determined that I am to operate as supervisory authority in this conflict zone, and with that mandate, I require the alien vessel to depart immediately.”
“The other ships are moving into combat-ready postures.” The avatar spoke in a low voice.
“I’m not leaving here without finding my people.” Will glared at the bronze ship on the screen.
“That was not a request, wetmind,” said the machine. “Leave now, and return to the spacedock, or your craft will be disabled and removed by force.”
White-Blue’s droneframe advanced across the rear of the bridge. “Captain,” it began, “Cyan-Gray will remain in this zone and complete the search operation in your stead. I would suggest you accede to Red-Gold’s diktat in the interim.”
Time seemed to stretch almost to the breaking point as the bridge fell silent, and every eye turned toward the captain. He didn’t move, but Deanna saw the turn of his thoughts in his emotional aura, the darkening of his manner.
“Helm,” he said, “get us out of here. Best speed to the spacedock.”
“Aye, Captain.” Lavena tapped the controls, and the view moved away from the bronze ellipse.
“An intelligent choice—” began Red-Gold.
Vale glanced at Rager, making a throat-cutting gesture, and the lieutenant closed the channel before the AI could finish speaking. “I think we’ve heard enough from him for the time being.”
Will nodded and walked away. “You have the bridge, Number One.”
Riker’s wife followed him into his ready room and waited. He didn’t need her to ask him how he felt, to try to get him to articulate his feelings—hell, if she did, in the mood I’m in right now, I’d probably bite her head off for doing it—in fact, his anger had to be lighting up her empathic senses like a flare.
He crossed to the window in the wall and watched the debris and the ice world fall away to starboard as the Titan reoriented itself for a return journey to the repair yard. After what seemed like long minutes, he looked up and caught Deanna’s reflected gaze in the glass. “Tuvok’s the only one with family onboard the ship,” he began. “Make T’Pel aware of his situation. List him and the others as missing for the time being.”
“I believe White-Blue,” she told him. “Cyan-Gray will find them for us.”
“That’s not the point,” he replied. “We bring our own home, Deanna. We don’t leave that duty to others.” Will sighed. “We saved lives here today, and they won’t even let us search for—” For bodies. He caught himself before he could say it aloud, but he knew she had heard the unsaid words. “For survivors,” he amended.
“Tuvok is nothing if not resourceful,” said Deanna. “And he’s been in situations worse than this. Pava, too.” She came forward and put a hand on his arm.
He shook his head. “They pushed us, and we gave. Then they pushed again, and we gave some more. Now it’s an open threat, and we backed down. I backed down.”
“You’re the captain,” she said gently, “and you know better than to let your ego get in the way of that. You did what was right for the ship.”
“I know,” he admitted. “I just needed to hear you say it for me.” Will looked into the face of the woman he loved. “Of course I’m not going to start a shooting match without better cause than posturing… but I’m not going any