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Mehdi held a thin, almost spindly hand up for silence. I can imagine what youre about to say, Commander. However, I believe I already possess all the information I require.

The second officer bit his lip and sat back in his chair. Of course, sir, he replied.

The admirals eyes seemed to reach into him. To summarize, you pursued several rather unorthodox options. First, you advised Captain Ruhalter that Serenity Santana could be trusted over the official protestations of First Officer Leach.

Picard swallowed. Yes, sir.

Second, said Mehdi, you chose to take your vessel to the Magnians colony instead of the galactic barrier, even though as some of your officers were quick to point outthere was no proof the place even existed, much less that it could give you the assistance you needed.

Picard didnt like the way this was going. That is correct, sir.

And in so doing, the admiral continued, you jeopardized not only the lives of your crew, but your ability to warn the Federation about the Nuyyad. Is this also correct?

It is.

Then, said Mehdi, knowing that the Magnians had already led you into an ambush, you beamed a number of them up to the Stargazer and gave them access to strategic systems. In addition, you allowed their mental powers to be amplified through the use of a synthetic neurotransmitter, thereby inviting the possibility of an enclave of Gary Mitchells running amok aboard your vessel.

I did, Picard had to admit.

And, finally, you removed the safeguards from your phaser technology in order to take out a single enemy installationonce again, wagering your ship and crew on a long shot. Is this true?

Picard had only one answer. It is, sir.

The admiral considered the younger man a moment longer. In your estimate, Commander, are these the actions of a Starfleet second officer?

Picard sighed. Im not in a position to say, sir.

Then let me tell you, Mehdi remarked, theyre not. Theyre the actions of a Starfleet captainand a damned remarkable one at that.

Picard wasnt certain he had heard the older man correctly. I beg your pardon? he said.

What you did, Mehdi told him, what you accomplished against staggering odds shows me that youre more than ready to command. And since youve already won the admiration of the Stargazers crew, it stands to reason that you should remain with that vesselas her captain.

Picard didnt know what to say. Sir

Again, the admiral held up his hand. Youre grateful. I know. But between the two of us, I cant tolerate maudlin displays.

Actually, said Picard, I was going to ask about Commander Leach.

Mehdi frowned. Fortunately, Commander Leach will make a full recovery from his injuries. But I dont believe he was ever qualified to serve as first officer on a starship. Command will find a posting for him thats more in line with his abilities.

I see, said Picard.

It was almost exactly what Ruhalter had said about Leach. In that respect, at least, Ruhalter and Mehdi thought much alike.

Youre a brilliant fellow, the admiral informed him, and a thoughtful commanding officer, who is obviously not afraid to take the unorthodox and even the unpopular path. I wish you, and those who serve under you, long and illustrious careers.

This time, Picard did want to thank the man. But to his chagrin, he didnt get the chance.

Now get out of my office, said Mehdi, and start showing me I made the right choice.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard smiled. Yes, sir, he replied, and took his leave of the admiral.

Hans Werber had to admit that the accommodations in the Starfleet brig were a little better than in the Stargazers . But that didnt make him feel a whole lot better.

Hearing the sound of footsteps in the corridor outside his cell, he looked upand saw a familiar if unexpected face through the barrier.

Heard? he said.

In the flesh, said his visitor.

I didnt think Id ever see you again, Werber confessed.

Picard regarded him. You mean because you tried to stun me in my sleep and take over a vessel under my command?

Well, said the weapons officer, yeah.

The