The Red King - Michael A. Martin [130]
“Commander Tuvok, reporting as ordered,” he said as the ready room doors opened again, this time to admit Deanna, who stood beside Tuvok, looking equally businesslike.
Riker gestured toward the empty chairs beside the one Christine Vale occupied in front of his desk. “Please have a seat. You’re both probably wondering why I’ve called you.”
“I presume it has to do with the personnel rotations being planned for Titan after her arrival at Starbase 185,” Tuvok said as he and Deanna sat.
“Right. I want to talk to you about the future.”
Tuvok’s left eyebrow lofted itself. “Indeed.”
“I want you to stay aboard Titan, Mr. Tuvok. Permanently.”
“Sir?”
Riker thought that Tuvok’s face was registering about as much surprise as a Vulcan could handle. Deanna and Christine were both taking this in stride, of course; both were already in the know about his decision, particularly Vale.
“You heard me, Commander,” Riker said, smiling. “In a very short time you have become an invaluable member of this ship’s crew.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Your experience in Starfleet as a teacher, an intelligence operative, and as Voyager’s second officer makes you too valuable an asset for us to lose. Unless, of course, you’re determined to leave.”
“Respectfully, sir, I have merely been filling in for Commander Keru during his convalescence. I am certain that Dr. Ree will soon pronounce him fit to resume a full duty schedule, if he hasn’t done so already.”
“I think you’re misunderstanding us, Commander,” Vale said. “Commander Keru is staying on.”
“Captain Riker has merely decided to…reallocate his duties,” Deanna said.
“Commander Keru was initially assigned to Titan in a dual role as security chief and tactical officer,” said Riker. “Ranul himself suggested that we split those jobs up. He has agreed to stay on as chief of security—if we can count on you to serve as Titan’s permanent senior tactical officer.”
“Of course, this posting would be very different from teaching at the Academy,” Vale said, “or skulking around alien capitals for Starfleet Intelligence.”
Tuvok nodded, and lapsed into a contemplative silence that lasted for several seconds.
“Were I to accept this position,” he said at length, “I would have to make one request that might seem somewhat unorthodox.”
Riker grinned. “You’re aboard Titan, Commander. Unorthodox is what we do best.”
Tuvok paused again, as though to gather his thoughts. “Titan appears to be more tolerant of shipboard family living arrangements than other vessels of comparable tonnage,” he said finally.
Riker exchanged amused smiles with his wife. He noticed then that Christine seemed to be blushing, and saw that Deanna had noticed it as well.
“Well, I suppose there’s no denying that, Commander,” he said to Tuvok. “Just ask Nurse Ogawa, or the burgeoning Bolaji family. So what’s your ‘unorthodox request’?”
“When Voyager was lost in the Delta Quadrant, I was separated from my wife, my children, and my grandchildren for seven standard years. Over the past week, I narrowly avoided experiencing another protracted exile.”
Vale looked alarmed. “This ship has a three-hundred-and-fifty-person complement, Mr. Tuvok. This isn’t a Galaxy-class luxury hotel. We’re not exactly set up to accommodate extended families.”
“Of course not, Commander Vale. Nor would I make such an imposition. My children are grown, after all. However, my wife T’Pel and I have already discussed her joining me on my next posting, whatever that proved to be. I believe she may be amenable to living with me aboard Titan, subject to the captain’s approval, of course.”
“Done and done,” Riker said. “As long you agree to one of my requests.”
“Captain?”
“You have to accept the job of second officer as well,” Vale said. “Third in command, right after yours truly in Titan’s cutthroat power hierarchy.”
Tuvok’s eyebrow rose. “I would be honored.”
“As will we,” Vale said.
“Congratulations, Commander,” Troi said with a smile.
Addressing Riker, Tuvok said, “Then I suppose I should