The Last Stand - Brad Ferguson [79]
“I’m certain you do, Minister Jemmagar,” Picard said blandly.
“Er, yes, yes, we do, but we of the Council of Ministers have a grave responsibility to assure that our people are prepared to deal with the undeniable threat from the Krann. The defense drill was long scheduled—”
Picard’s mouth tightened. “Minister Jemmagar, your practice alert was sheerest folly. It appeared to the Krann that you were undertaking a preemptive strike on the forward units of their fleet—units you could detect, although we could not, because you chose not to share with us your discovery that the Krann had adjusted their camouflage techniques to foil our sensors. We might have been able to avert this war if you had.” He paused. “I must ask you to refrain from declaring military alerts and taking similar actions from here on. I cannot be held responsible for the consequences if you do.”
“The council has a responsibility to the people,”Jemmagar said ponderously. “We will not be, be scolded by you, Picard, as if we were schoolboys.”
“Yes,” Picard replied bitingly. “Yes, you do have a responsibility to your people, Minister Jemmagar. Let me suggest to you that it lies in getting them through this crisis and out the other end as safely as possible while your civilization remains relatively intact.” He shifted his attention to Kerajem. “First Among Equals, which is it to be? Do we get the chance to resolve this situation without further loss of life, or do we abandon all hope, thanks to sheer stubbornness? Peace is still possible, but not if either party continues to act precipitously.”
Kerajem paused for a moment, and then nodded. “There will be no more drills,” he said. “We will provoke the Krann no further. You have my word on it, Picard.”
“But, First—” Jemmager began.
Kerajem held up a hand. “No more. You have my word on it, Captain Picard—but this concession on our part presupposes that the Krann will cease hostilities and offer no further aggressive moves of their own.” He hesitated. “Please offer the respects of the High Council to Presider Hek and the members of the Fleet Congress.”
“I will certainly do so,” Picard said quickly. “Thank you, Kerajem. I will relay this news to Presider Hek immediately. Picard out.” The captain did not allow himself a sigh of relief until the view of the conference room was replaced by the usual starfield. “Mr. Worf,” he said after a moment, “hail the Krann flagship. I want to talk to Presider Hek.”
The crowd in the bistro was mumbling again, but for a different reason. “Hull, the rhythm’s changed,” Bitt said, looking up at the lights. “Three-three-three now. I think that means—”
“Alert canceled,” Wiggin slurred. “Everything’s over. You’re not the only one who knows his alert signals, my friend. Hey, what’s the alert for an empty pitcher, anyway?” He held it up and waved it around. “C’mon, facilitator. Facilitator! Show’s over, and my friends here want another drink.”
“Actually,” Bitt said, “I think Lettana and I would like to leave now.” He glanced up at the lights. “I just realized I haven’t talked to my parents for quite a while, and I expect the lines will be tied up.” He addressed Wiggin. “If you’ll excuse us—?”
“Oh, sure, sure,” Wiggin replied. “Thanks for the gift of your company, and all that. Happy Posting Day. ‘Bye.”
“I think we’ll leave, too,” Nozz said, taking Sharra’s hand. “We thank you for your hospitality, Wiggin, and we hope we can repay it in kind before long.”
Bitt turned to Riker and Troi. He tapped his breast one-twice-thrice. “I am glad we met, Dex, Pralla. I am glad we have formed a friendship.”
The two disguised Enterprise officers rose from their seats and returned the tapping gesture. “So are we, Bitt. Happy Posting Day to you and Lettana. Nozz and Sharra, the same to you.”
“And to you, Dex and Pralla. Good-bye.” The two couples turned and began to snake their way through the crowd.
“Nice folks,” Wiggin said. “Too bad they had to rush off like that.” He winked at Troi. She smiled and winked back.
Riker bent close to Troi