The Last Stand - Brad Ferguson [28]
“Well, that makes their motives clear,” Picard observed. “That pattern is in no way defensive.”
“What we’re seeing strongly suggests that the Krann are constrained by classical Newtonian physics,” Riker said. “The Krann can’t just wheel around, change course, and accelerate any which way. Their technology just isn’t up to it. They’re slaves to the laws of motion and thermodynamics. That gives us a decided advantage.”
“I wonder, really, how much of an advantage our technology does give us,” Picard mused. “It seems to me—”
“Captain,” Worf interrupted, “the head of the Lethantan government is hailing us.”
Picard winked at Troi. “On audio, Mr. Worf,” he said. “Yes, First Among Equals?” Picard’s tone was purposefully cold.
The speed-of-light delay from ground to orbit was negligible. “Captain Picard,” Kerajem began, “on behalf of my entire government, please let me apologize for the conduct of our security minister. He has been severely reprimanded by myself and the council for his precipitous actions and accusations, none of which were authorized by us or even known to us before he made them. We beg your forgiveness for this serious breach of diplomacy, Captain. Let me assure you that this is not the way we usually treat our friends.”
Picard signaled to Worf to cut the audio. “What do you think, Counselor?” the captain asked Troi.
“He’s sincere,” the counselor allowed. “He’s also very worried. I think he’s telling the truth. The altercation with the security minister was not planned.”
“I knew he was telling the truth,” Picard said. “Nevertheless, the incident with Jemmagar shows that Kerajem has a certain lack of control over his subordinates. I’m reluctant to send a contact team again if I don’t have to. The situation is still unstable.”
“Sir?” Riker interrupted. “We could meet with them here aboard the ship.”
“Exactly what I was thinking,” Picard said. “Put the First Among Equals back on, Mr. Worf.”
“On audio, sir.”
“Ah, there you are, Captain,” came Kerajem’s voice. He sounded relieved. “I was afraid we’d lost you.”
“Not at all, Kerajem. I accept your apology. I’d like nothing better than to put this unpleasantness behind us.”
“Most generous of you and your people, Captain. I and the council thank you most sincerely. So, what next?”
“I would like to propose that our second meeting take place here, aboard the Enterprise. We will furnish transportation and facilities. You may, of course, bring along as many ministers of the council and their staff people and assistants as you require. My first officer, Commander William Riker, will personally handle the arrangements with your people.”
The First Among Equals hardly hesitated. “Excellent, Captain Picard. We’re pleased to accept your invitation. I look forward to meeting Commander Riker. I and a subcommittee of the council will be there at your earliest convenience.”
“Very well,” Picard said. “Commander Riker will be calling you shortly. I look forward to seeing you again, Kerajem. Picard out.” The captain turned to the first officer. “I want the Lethanta up here as soon as courtesy permits, Will. We still don’t have answers to our questions. There’s a great deal we need to know before—”
“Before what, sir?” Riker asked.
With a nod of his head, Picard indicated the thousands and thousands of lights that dotted the main screen. “Before we have to deal with them.”
Picard, Riker, Troi, and Worf were waiting as Kerajem and four members of the Council of Ministers materialized on the chamber platform in transporter room two.
“Welcome aboard the Enterprise,” Picard said.
“Thank you, Captain,” Kerajem said, looking around him. “An amazing experience, to say the least.” The ministers with him were working hard to maintain their sang-froid, but they were not doing very well. They had seen the Federation officers beam away, but that was a far cry from experiencing it themselves.
“Is this how you managed to get your shuttlecraft back from the spaceport, Captain?” Klerran asked. “Did you perhaps place a pilot directly inside it? We’d assumed you’d flown it back by