The Children of Hamlin - Carmen Carter [77]
The captain pulled away from that morbid train of thought, but his concentration had been shattered. Deelor’s closing comments were only so much noise to be endured.
Troi was the first to approach the captain at the conclusion of the briefing. “Captain, I would like to accompany you on your visit to the Farmers.”
Picard nodded curtly. So the counselor had sensed his turmoil. Troi was an invaluable resource in judging the emotional health of his crew, but he was uncomfortable when that same empathic talent was used on him. She probably sensed that reaction as well.
“Captain Picard?”
“Yes, Mr. Crusher?” said Picard, turning to the young ensign. Another reminder of Jack’s death. “What is it?”
“I thought you should know that one of the settlers on New Oregon was Farmer Patrisha’s daughter.”
“Thank you, Ensign,” said the captain. The boy was right; the information was important. It also made Picard’s duty that much harder.
At least he always knew where to find Ruthe, thought Deelor as he crossed the threshold of their cabin. She hadn’t left the room once since Jason’s death.
Looking up from the floor where she had curled for a nap, Ruthe said, “You’ve been gone a long time.”
“I’m sorry,” Deelor replied, not sure whether she had uttered the words as an accusation or merely as an observation. Usually she viewed his movements with indifference. “I beamed down to New Oregon.” Then he told her why.
“When did it happen?” she asked after he had finished a brief description of the raid.
“Nearly a week ago. At least, that’s Dr. Crusher’s best guess from her study of the condition of the bodies. Data’s estimate is a little more conservative. He claims the attack occurred at least four days ago, but won’t commit himself to any greater length of time.”
Ruthe stretched lazily; bare feet peeked out from under the folds of her robe. “Then they could still be in the area. Will we try to contact them?”
“Not with the Enterprise. Captain Picard wouldn’t welcome the suggestion. Perhaps we can get another starship when we reach Starbase Ten.”
“The Choraii will be gone by then,” said Ruthe scornfully. “They may follow a circuitous path, but they follow it with great speed.”
She didn’t ask any more questions, but then, Deelor’s talks with Ruthe never lasted long. She lost interest so quickly. Nearly an hour of silence passed between them before Ruthe uttered her final comment on New Oregon.
“The ship must have been very large.”
When he heard her say that, Deelor feared Ruthe shared his own suspicion.
“She’s alone,” Troi told the captain as they stood in the corridor in front of Farmer Patrisha’s cabin.
Picard hesitated, one hand raised halfway to the door chime. “Perhaps some of the other colonists should be with her when I break the news.”
The counselor considered what she knew of the woman inside. Their few encounters had been brief, nevertheless Troi felt secure in her understanding of that strong personality. “No. Actually, I think she would prefer to be alone at this time. She is not always comfortable with the members of her community. In fact, Patrisha’s sense of isolation from the other Farmers has been growing stronger over the journey.”
“Very well, Counselor. I’m sure you know what’s best.” Picard was out of his depth in this situation, and depended heavily on Troi’s judgment. For his own sake, Picard was just as glad there would be no further delay. If he waited any longer, he would start to worry whether he lacked the proper somber mien or whether he had overcompensated and looked too severe. Taking a deep breath, he activated the door chime.
When they had leave to enter, Picard and Troi walked into a cabin that had been stripped of personal belongings. Luggage containers were stacked neatly in the center