The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [27]
Werber frowned and said, Sorry, Captain.
But to Picards mind, neither of them looked very apologetic.
I dont blame your officers for being wary of Santana and Daniels, said Eliopoulos. As I said, I was wary too until I received verification that the Nuyyad exist.
Leachs brow creased, just one indication of his discomfort with the announcement. Verification? From whom?
Id hike to know that myself, said Ruhalter.
From Nalogen Four, replied the starbase commander.
Picard knew the place. Theres a colony there, he said. A Kelvan colony, if Im not mistaken.
Eliopoulos nodded. Since it was established more than a century ago by refugees, theyve been accepting other Kelvans from the far side of the galactic barrier.
And theyve encountered the Nuyyad? Cariello asked.
One of them has, Eliopoulos told her. One of the colonys more recent arrivalsan individual named Jomar. He told a Starfleet investigator that he had witnessed Nuyyad aggression and atrocities with his own eyes just a few years back.
Was he told of the claims made by Daniels and Santana? asked Ruhalter. That the Nuyyad were gearing up to cross the barrier?
He was, Eliopoulos reported soberly. And according to Jomar, those claims could well be true.
Ruhalter leaned back in his seat and regarded his officers. All right, he declared. I think we understand the situation. When does Command want us to leave for the barrier?
Immediately, said Eliopoulos. But on the way, youre to make a stop at Nalogen Four. Apparently, Jomar is an engineer by training. He feels certain that he can adapt Starfleet tactical systems to make them more effective against the Nuyyad.
That got Werbers attention. Simenons, too.
Whats wrong with the systems we have now? asked Leach.
I dont have the details, Eliopoulos told him. Youll have to ask Jomar that question.
I intend to, the first officer said.
One other thing, Eliopoulos remarked. For the sake of convenience, Jomar will assume a human appearance. However, hell be more comfortable in his natural form and at times may wish to revert to it
His natural form? asked Paxton. And what might that be?
Something with a hundred tentacles, Eliopoulos told him. Thats all I know, Im afraid.
Thats enough, said Cariello.
Well accommodate our friend Jomar as best we can, Ruhalter declared. Just as we would any guest on the Stargazer .
Picard changed the subject. Naturally, he said, well need the coordinates of the Nuyyad positions if were to investigate than.
Leach scowled at the notion. Assuming, of course, that there are any Nuyyad positions. Clearly, he wasnt convinced yet.
Youll have the coordinates, Eliopoulos promised them. But Command doesnt want you searching for the Nuyyad on your own, given our lack of experience beyond the barrier. Thats why theyve provided you with a guide.
Simenon looked at him askance. Meaning?
Eliopoulos glanced at the engineer. Meaning Jomar wont be your only guest. Either Daniels or Santana will accompany you as well.
Werber cursed beneath his breath. Simenon didnt look very happy either.
Captain, said Leach, turning to Ruhalter, someone didnt think this through very well. As soon as these people arrived, they were thrown into the brig thats how little we trusted them. And now were ready to give them the run of the Stargazer ?
Not the run of her, Ruhalter assured his exec.
The captain seemed a good deal less perturbed about the prospect than Leach was. At least, that was how it appeared to Picard.
In fact, Ruhalter added flatly, whoever comes with us will be watched day and night. Isnt that right, Mr. Ben Zoma?
The security chief nodded. It is, sir, he said crisply.
Nonetheless, sir Leach began.
Thank you for your input, the captain told him pointedly.
Then he turned to Eliopoulos again. Tell me, he said, did Starfleet Command determine which of your guests Im to take along?
The bearded man shook his head. They left that up to us.
In that case, Ruhalter told him, Id like to meet Daniels and Santana. Now, if possible. And unless youve got some objections, Id like