The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [28]
Eliopoulos shrugged. Suit yourself, Captain.
I usually do, said Ruhalter, quirking a smile. He turned to his second officer. Commander Picard, Lieutenant Ben Zoma youre with me. He glanced at Leach. Youve got the conn, Number One.
His first officer didnt look very happy about the decision. Clearly, he would rather have beamed over to the starbase with the captain. However, he couldnt object to Ruhalters choice not in front of Eliopoulos and the entire senior staff.
Aye, sir, was all he said.
On that note, the captain dismissed his officers and sent them back to their respective assignments. Then he led Eliopoulos, Pi-card, and Ben Zoma out of the lounge.
As he followed Ruhalter down the hall, the second officer caught sight of Leach out of the corner of his eye. The first officer was standing with Simenon and Werber and scowling at him.
Ben Zoma leaned closer to him and spoke sotto voce. Looks like youre developing quite a fan club, Commander.
Picard glanced at the security chief. Gilaad Ben Zoma was a handsome, darkly complected man with a ready smile. He was also the second officers closest friend and colleague on the ship.
Like Picards father, Ben Zomas had disapproved of his joining Starfleet. From the day they met, the coincidence had given the two men a common ground, something about which to commiserateand had created a warm rapport between them.
Fan club indeed, the second officer responded in the same soft voice.
Up ahead, Ruhalter was too engrossed in conversation with Eliopoulos to pay much attention to what his officers were saying. Still, Picard didnt want to utter anything even vaguely insubordinate.
Thats all you have to say? Ben Zoma wondered. You know, if youre not careful, our pal Number One is going to stab you in your sleep.
Picard chuckled drily. Hes welcome to try.
CHAPTER 3
I icard stood outside a pair of gray sliding doors, alongside Ruhalter, Ben Zoma, and Eliopoulos, and watched an armed Starfleet security officer punch a code into a wall pad.
A moment later, the doors parted, revealing a fairly large, well-lit chamber. A translucent force field bisected the place, denying access to two separate cells. One was empty. The other contained two very human-looking figuresa man and a woman in dark green jumpsuits.
The man was of average build, with curly, red hair and a robust mustache. The woman was dark and petite, her thick, black tresses drawn back into a long, unruly ponytail.
Daniels, Picard thought. And Santana.
They eyed Eliopoulos and the others as they entered. There wasnt any anger hi their expressions, despite their captivity. There wasnt any apparent resentment. But there was an almost palpable sense of impatience.
Commander Eliopoulos, said the redhaired man. I hope these gentlemen are from the ship you told us about.
They are, Eliopoulos confirmed. He introduced Ruhalter, Pi-card, and Ben Zoma one by one.
Pleased to meet you, the woman replied.
Up close, Serenity Santana was strikingly beautiful, with big, dark eyes and full, cherry-colored lips. So beautiful, in fact, that Picard had difficulty taking his eyes off her.
It seemed to him that her gaze lingered on him for a moment as well. But then, the second officer was quick to concede, that might well have been a product of his imagination.
And your mission? Daniels asked, his eyes narrowing. To investigate what weve been telling you about the Nuyyad? Thats still on, I hope.
It is, Eliopoulos confirmed for him. In fact, thats what were here about. Captain Ruhalter wants to decide for himself which of you hell take along as a guide.
Santana frowned. Which of us?
Starfleet Command has decided it would be better for one of you to remain here, Eliopoulos explained. For security reasons.
Picard saw Santana and Daniels exchange glances. Judging from the looks on their faces, this was yet another indignity in what they perceived as a long list of indignities.
Fine, said the redhaired man.
Santana looked at Ruhalter. Who are you going to take?
The captain returned