The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [31]
Picard didnt entirely like the idea of weaseling his way into someones confidence. On the other hand, he knew there might be a lot at stake.
As you wish, he responded.
I object, sir, said Leach.
Ruhalter turned to his first officer, making no effort to conceal his surprise. On what grounds, Commander?
Leach didnt even glance at Picard as he spoke. On the grounds that Ive got a degree in xenopsychology and a higher rank all of which makes me better qualified to do the job.
There was a rather obvious note of bitterness in the first officers voice, but the captain seemed willing to ignore it. You know Im a man who listens to his gut, he told Leach. And right now, my gut is telling me this assignment should go to Mr. Picard.
Leach seemed to wrestle with the decision. Finally, he conceded the point with a nod. I understand, he said.
But he didnt understand. Picard could tell. And so could Ruhalter, the second officer imagined.
Nonetheless, the captain thanked them for their help and dismissed them, and remained in the lounge for a scheduled meeting with Simenon and Werber. Picard and Leach left the room together, the silence between them thick and full of hostility.
Finally, as they made their way toward the nearest turbolift, the first officer spoke. I know what youre doing, he said.
Picard glanced at him. What do you mean?
Leachs mouth twisted with unconcealed resentment. Dont play innocent with me, Commander. Youre worming your way into the captains good graces more and more each day, hoping to squeeze me out and land yourself a fat promotion. But Ive worked too long and hard to let someone like you undermine my authority.
Undermine your ? Picard smiled incredulously and shook his head. I had no such thing in mind, I assure you.
The hell you didnt. Leachs eyes had become as sharp as chips of obsidian. Dont push me, Commander. Im liable to push back.
Picard didnt know what to say to that. And before he could think of anything, two crewmen turned the corner ahead of them. The second officer recognized them as Pernell and Zaffinoa couple of Simenons engineers.
Just the men I wanted to see, said Leach.
The engineers looked surprised. Us, sir? asked Zaffino.
Picard doubted that Leach had any real business with Pernell and Zaffino. More likely, he was simply looking for an excuse not to share a turbolift with the second officer.
That was fine with Picard, who hadnt been looking forward to the company either. Leaving his colleague with the two engineers, he made his way down the corridor on his own.
The second officer wasnt thrilled that he had made an enemyespecially of the ships first officer, who happened to be his immediate superior. However, he wouldnt let it stop him from discharging his duty. Turning left at the first intersection, he came to the turbolift and summoned it.
When the compartment arrived, Picard stepped inside and uttered a single word Brig. Then, his command filed and noted, he let the lift carry him to the vicinity of Santanas cell.
CHAPTER 4
I icard gazed at Serenity Santana across a table in the Stargazers mess hall. She, in turn, was gazing into her drinking glass, her raven hair liberated from its ponytail.
The woman had been happy to leave the brig, no question about it. It couldnt have been a picnic sitting in the same small enclosure hour after hour, denied access even to the ships library computer lest she stumble across something of some small tactical value.
The second officer glanced at the open doorway, through which he could see a watchful Pug Joseph. A necessary precaution, he conceded, but one that made having a casual conversation a bit awkward.
Youre right, Santana observed. It is a little awkward.
Picard turned to her. You read my mind, he said, hearing a mixture of surprise and delight in his voice.
Of course, she returned.
You know, he said candidly, I havent had much experience with telepathy. Few Federation species are capable of it. And none of them are capable of telekinesis.
Unfortunately, Santana replied, neither talent is very highly developed