The Children of Hamlin - Carmen Carter [20]
This capitulation to authority added a trace of smugness to Deelor’s face. Picard could feel his own jaw clench in response. Oh, to be able to wipe away that smile.
“The Choraii are in search of a variety of metals: zinc, gold, platinum, lead. Evidently they lack the ability to refine the ores found in asteroids. If convenient, they will kill to obtain what they need, but it is my mission to persuade them to enter into trade negotiations instead.”
“Trade!” cried Picard in outrage. “Trade for what? What do they have that we could possibly want?”
Ruthe stepped out of the background. “The children of Hamlin.”
Chapter Five
THE USS FERRAL dangled in space. The soft glow from its four slim engine nacelles bathed over the crumpled outlines of the main saucer with its row upon row of darkened, lifeless port windows.
Picard studied the scene from the comfort and safety of the captain’s chair on the Enterprise bridge. He was flanked on either side by his first officer and the ship’s counselor. “Are you sure, Number One?” Picard asked dubiously as he reexamined the image on the viewscreen.
Riker shrugged. “I can hardly believe it myself, but Logan swears the Ferrel’s engines can sustain full impulse power long enough to reach Starbase Ten.” With an outstretched hand he traced the line of damage. “The contracting energy field netted around the main hull and pulled the saucer in on itself, but the nacelles were left intact. Our maintenance crews sealed off the connecting necks leading to the damaged section and concentrated on returning basic ship’s services to the remaining areas. No gravity, no food synthesis, no comforts to speak of, but it will keep them alive.”
“Not my idea of a good time.” Geordi spoke under his breath, but the captain overheard his remark.
“Agreed, Mr. La Forge. Now that the Ferrel’s crew has seen their new accommodations, they may think better of their decision. Lieutenant Yar, open an audio link with the starship.” Despite Engineer Logan’s best repair efforts, the communications section of the saucer was still too badly damaged to provide visual contact.
“Channel open, Captain.”
“Are you still determined to go through with this, Mr. D’Amelio?”
“Captain Manin is returning home on his own ship. We won’t have it any other way,” replied the voice of the first officer floating down from above.
Counselor Troi leaned closer to the captain and whispered an aside. “They are determined to remain on their own ship, but not just to honor their captain. They are eager to sever their association with Ambassador Deelor.”
Picard understood that sentiment only too well. “As you wish, Commander. The Ferrel is free to go. And the best of luck on your journey.”
The crackle of static gave the answering laugh an unnatural harshness. “Don’t waste your luck on us, Captain Picard. You’ll need it more than we will.”
The USS Ferrel departed without ceremony. A brief shudder rocked the distorted structure, then it lurched into a slow crawl across the viewscreen. Picard watched the image pass out of the viewer frame with a growing sense of unease, uncertain whether his concern was for the crippled Ferrel or his own ship. D’Amelio’s parting words echoed in his mind like an alert siren.
The Enterprise had proved her worth as a fighting ship on several occasions, but her basic mission was peaceful. Unlike his previous Fleet commands, this starship carried families on board. It had taken Picard weeks to get used to the sight of children walking through the corridors. They were the most prominent symbol of the expanded population, and their presence disturbed him. They were a constant reminder that the nature of his responsibilities had been altered in new and uncomfortable ways. With a ship like the Stargazer, Picard wouldn’t hesitate to attempt the rescue of the Hamlin captives, but the Enterprise was different. Where did his duty lie now? Could he in good conscience risk the thousand lives aboard this vessel for those long-forgotten children? More disturbing, did the captain of the Enterprise have