The Good That Men Do - Andy Mangels [139]
Gardner composed himself quickly, his bearing changing almost instantly. “All right, Captain Archer. You have our attention.”
Time to put on my best game, Archer thought. “We have been given intelligence indicating that the Romulans are planning some kind of strike against Coridan in the next seventy-two hours. We’ve been told that this will not be an invasion, but rather an attempt to destroy as much of the planet and its resources as possible.”
The Coridanite’s face was completely hidden behind the inhuman-looking mask, but her body language clearly registered shock. “How did you come upon this information?”
“We had heard rumors of such an attack being planned,” Archer said. “I aided in arrangements to send… trustworthy people to investigate the rumors firsthand.” He leaned forward, trying to look as serious as he could. “Let me be plain. I trust the person who gathered this information implicitly. I would stake my life on the truthfulness of this person’s data.”
Gardner seemed to be gritting his teeth, and his eyebrows had both furrowed down into a deep scowl. “And what are you proposing to do about this, Captain Archer?”
“Well, my immediate step was to contact you both,” Archer said. “This will give Coridan Prime’s government as much time as possible to evacuate its people, or mount an attack, or erect defenses. I’d recommend all three. Secondly, I request permission to divert Enterprise to the Coridan system immediately. Perhaps we can help Coridan Prime stop this attack, or at least provide support for Coridan’s defense and evacuation efforts.”
Gardner’s eyes narrowed. “We need you back here at Earth, Captain. I thought I had made that crystal clear before.”
Archer pushed his temper down. “That was when all I had was rumors. We now know them to be facts.”
“You believe them to be facts,” Gardner said, his voice rising in volume.
Before Archer could argue his point further, the Coridanite legate spoke again. “Admiral, I believe your captain’s words. We, too, have our sources, and the threat from the Romulans has been an ongoing concern for some time. Now, it would appear that the threat is finally imminent.
“As to your offer of aid, Captain, while it is generous, I believe that there isn’t anything further you can do that our own ships cannot,” Hanshev said. “If your superior says you’re needed on your own homeworld, I will release you from your promise to assist us.”
Archer’s mouth dropped open. He knew that the Coridanites were an intensely private and proud people, but refusing aid during such a time of crisis seemed beyond the pale.
“Do you have any further information that might aid the Coridanites?” Gardner asked, a slight smile hidden underneath the edges of his salt-and-pepper mustache. “Or should we allow them to get on to the vitally important tasks ahead of them, while you fulfill your own mission?”
Inwardly, Archer was seething, but he swallowed his anger. “That’s all the information I have. Seventy-two hours.”
“I thank you for your warning and your offer,” Legate Hanshev said, bowing his head slightly. “We will make the best possible use of your warning.” The Coridanite’s image disappeared, allowing Gardner’s to take up the entirety of the screen’s frame once again.
“That would have been an excellent play, if it had worked, Captain,” Gardner said, his expression returning to its earlier fury.
“That was no ‘play,’ sir, it was—”
“It was an attempt to circumvent my direct orders!” Gardner shouted, interrupting him.
Archer, his tone dangerously close to insubordination, countered, “People’s lives will be lost. War is on its way.”
Gardner glared at him for a moment, then finally spoke. “The Coridanites don’t want your help. And you are due back on Earth.”
On the screen, the admiral lifted his hand, clearly ready to end the communication, but paused just before doing so. “Let me make one thing clear, Captain. This stunt you just pulled