The Children of Hamlin - Carmen Carter [79]
“You don’t understand,” said the translator. “The Choraii consider human adults to be untractable and dangerous. Like wild animals. And if animals are in possession of something of value, well, then it is necessary to remove them. Killing is easiest. But human children are worth saving because they can be gentled.”
Picard grimaced at the explanation. “A reprehensible attitude, but one that will work to our advantage this time. We must assume the Farmer girl has been taken aboard the Choraii ship.” He locked eyes with Andrew Deelor. “What does existing policy dictate in this situation?”
“We’ve moved beyond the realm of policy,” admitted Deelor with a shrug. “The imagination of Starfleet admirals had not extended to the possibility of another abduction, so the decision for action is ours.”
“I say we go after them,” said Riker at once. “Now, while Data can still detect the organic particles of their trail.”
Data was more cautious. “But once found, what course of action do we take? The ship that attacked New Oregon is even larger than the B Flat. How do we force them to give up the child?”
“Not force,” said Ruthe, stepping up to the table. “Persuasion.” She turned to Picard. Her voice was tight with urgency, and her hands dug deeply into the upholstered chair between them. “When we find the Choraii, I can convince them to give up the girl.”
Data continued the role of devil’s advocate. “If you do not succeed, the Enterprise could end up in a battle it cannot win. All for the sake of a child who may be lying dead in the ruins of New Oregon.”
“But what if she’s alive, Data?” asked Crusher. “I’d be haunted by the uncertainty of Emily’s fate until the issue is settled one way or the other. We have to make certain.”
“The Choraii have her!” cried Ruthe vehemently. “And she’s been with them for nearly a week now, carried off to an alien world that isn’t her home. We must go after their ship and get her back.”
“Agreed,” said Riker, hitting the tabletop with a clenched fist. “Besides, we stand a good chance of winning any fight they start. Data and Worf are still refining their countermeasures against Choraii technology.”
Picard suspected firsthand exposure to the destruction on New Oregon colored Riker’s desire for a pursuit of the attackers. That and the natural exuberance of a young officer. Both motivations had merit if they were kept in perspective. “What are your views, Ambassador?” asked Picard, curious as to why the man had not expressed an opinion yet.
Deelor had stared at Ruthe, absorbed by the intensity of her pleading, but at the captain’s prodding he shook himself out of his reverie. “I have complete confidence in Ruthe’s ability to negotiate with the Choraii. The encounter can be peaceful.”
Picard held up a hand to forestall Data’s rebuttal. “Nevertheless, the potential for violence still remains.” He lowered the hand with a gesture of finality. He had followed the debate intently, listening for any comments that would influence the decision he had reached hours before in Farmer Patrisha’s cabin. His mind remained unchanged. “Number One, instruct the bridge crew to prepare for battle configuration. The stardrive section will pursue the Choraii ship.”
“Yes, sir,” responded Riker with enthusiasm, ready to spring into action as soon as the captain declared the meeting over.
Picard observed Ruthe’s exultation at the resolution. Her smile was stiff and unpracticed, lasting only a few seconds, but her eyes shone bright and impassioned.
Chapter Seventeen
“PREPARE TO INITIATE separation sequence.”
Picard’s warning echoed through every corner of the Enterprise.
“Begin.”
With that simple word, the massive latches joining the disk-shaped command module to the engineering hull were uncoupled, sundering the structural unity of the starship. The two sections slowly eased apart while metal links retracted into their housing. Then, powered by its twin engine nacelles, the stardrive section sheared away from the saucer in a wide swinging arc and broke