The Sky's the Limit - Marco Palmieri [32]
“Mister Worf, I believe you have some feelings on this subject?”
“Captain, I believe it would be unwise to approach this ship without more data. The curiosity the counselor senses could be that of a warrior sizing up an unknown enemy. To send a shuttlecraft over without the Enterprise able to defend it makes me…uncomfortable.”
“I’ll certainly take your concerns into consideration, Mister Worf. Mister Crusher, anything?”
“The ship seems to be matching the Enterprise’s heading and speed, sir. We have been keeping it under observation from several points on the ship and have pooled our observations. It appears to be maintaining a distance of five hundred kilometers. I conducted a small experiment by adjusting our speed at random as well as making minor course corrections. Their ship may not look like much, but it’s nimble. They were able to match us, maneuver for maneuver, without difficulty.”
Pulaski decided to go ahead with her report since everyone else was finished. “The medical staff is standing by in case we’re needed, Captain. However, with no further information, we’re reduced to waiting like everyone else.”
Picard frowned at her, but nodded. “It seems we all are stymied by a lack of information about our visitors. Mister Crusher, when we return to the bridge, move us to within one hundred fifty kilometers of the other ship. Number One, prepare a shuttlecraft to investigate but ensure its crew understands they are to take no provocative acts. Mister Worf, continue attempts to make contact with them before the shuttle is launched. Everyone else continue your observations of this ship and try to get me some answers. Meeting adjourned.”
Various conversations broke out as the bridge officers began filtering out of the room. Will looked over at Geordi and Troi. “Anyone up for poker after we get off shift?”
“Thought you’d never ask,” La Forge said. “I need to make up for the last game. I never thought you had that third queen.”
Riker grinned as the door slid shut. “I know…”
Pulaski stood in the back of the room, staring at the door. This is just not my day. My exercise was spoiled by routine maintenance, and now I’m actually angry because Kyle Riker’s kid didn’t invite me to a game of cards. I think I’m going to prescribe some time in Ten-Forward for myself. A little unwinding is just what the doctor ordered.
Pulaski felt the energy of the room wash over her as she entered the maelstrom known as Ten-Forward. The lounge was a favorite hangout for the Enterprise crew and the enigmatic El-Aurian known as Guinan ensured the place ran smoothly. Before Pulaski could pull up a chair at the bar, Guinan placed a smoldering blue drink in front of her.
Pulaski looked at the wavy glass with suspicion. “Okay, I give up. Am I supposed to drink this or use a fire extinguisher on it?”
“Give it a try. It’s the perfect thing for a day that’s been less than perfect.”
Deciding Guinan had been right more often than not, Pulaski took a sip and a smile crossed her face. It had just enough kick to get her attention but not enough to detract from the taste. She raised her glass in a salute to Guinan and decided to walk around the room.
The noise and random conversations helped her relax and gave her a protective cocoon to think about all that had happened. She stopped in front of a viewport and admired the changing starfield outside the ship, focusing on a spectacular nebula off in the distance. I have to admit, I may have sold our young lieutenant short. Mister La Forge may not have as much experience as some of the chief engineers I’ve worked with, but his hunches are pretty darn good.
“Impressive, isn’t it?”
Pulaski turned to see Guinan standing there with a fresh drink. She started to wave it off, but Guinan slipped the glass into her hand before she knew what had happened. She gave Guinan a smile and nodded. “I wonder how long ago that star exploded. It’s strange, seeing