The Children of Hamlin - Carmen Carter [17]
“That could explain the Ferrel’s small crew. Top security, high risk.”
“Yes, but we’ll probably never know what they were doing out here. The entire Ferrel incident has just been pulled behind a veil of secrecy,” Picard restarted the elevator. “In the interests of Federation security.”
The simple phrase startled Riker into protest. “But, Captain, that’s the highest security classification in use.”
“Exactly.”
The doors of the turbo compartment slid open. The discussion was over.
When the door chime sounded, Patrisha took a deep breath and faced the threshold of the passenger suite. “Come in,” she called, and the doors parted of their own accord. Such a silly waste of power, she thought, then shoved aside her scorn to greet the two men who stepped inside.
“Thank you for coming to see me, Captain,” said Patrisha to the older of the outsiders. She had never been introduced to Picard, and she had yet to sort out the signs of rank that studded the collars of Starfleet uniforms, but she had learned to recognize the air of command. These officers walked with a characteristic grace and arrogance, and this man was more lordly than any other she had seen on board the starship. She turned to the one who was not a stranger. “Well met again, Mr. Riker.”
“After too long, Farmer Patrisha.”
The younger man’s smile was much warmer than that of his companion, and Riker had answered her with a Farmer idiom. She would have preferred to continue the conversation with him, but that was not the way of these people. Their rigid hierarchies must be honored.
“I understand you were disturbed by our alert?” said the captain.
“The entire community is most concerned by recent events,” acknowledged Patrisha. The captain broached the substance of this meeting most abruptly, but she had no desire to prolong the encounter either. “I speak as one of many.”
“Yes, so I gather,” said Picard with a quick glance toward the other room of the suite.
Patrisha flushed at the wry comment. He had heard the stealthy rustle of moving bodies and whispering voices coming from behind the wall and was aware that listeners hovered just out of sight. She covered her embarrassment with a declaration of Farmer principles. “Captain Picard, we are a peaceful people.”
“I’m sorry if our recent encounter upset anyone,” said Picard, though she detected no apology in his manner. “Please assure your people they were never in danger and that the attacking ship has left this sector.”
“That is not the point, Captain. We will not take part in military actions.”
“I quite understand your concern. However, the Enterprise is required to assist ships in distress. In this particular instance assistance required a show of force. Regrettable, yes, but necessary. We will resume our journey to New Oregon soon, very soon.”
“But why the continued delay?” persisted Patrisha. If she must safeguard the community, and certainly none of the other Farmers were willing to confront the captain, then she would ask the necessary questions.
Riker answered her. “We’re providing maintenance support to the crew of the damaged ship so they can return to Starbase Ten.”
Patrisha could tell Picard’s patience was wearing thin by the way he shifted his weight from one foot to another. He looked just like Dnnys, ready to bolt out the door as soon as minimal courtesy had been satisfied. In any event, she could think of no more questions. “Don’t let me keep you from your work any longer.”
This was a traditional Farmer closing, but Picard froze, as if suddenly aware of his display of impatience. He managed a sincere smile before leaving. “Please call Counselor Troi if you have need of any further assistance.”
“I will be pleased to do so,” said Patrisha politely as she ushered the two men to the exit. She sighed with weary relief when the