The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [35]
Abruptly, a deep and commanding voice filled the bridge. This is Administrator Najak, it said.
Ruhalter looked up at the intercom grid. Captain Ruhalter here. Its a pleasure to speak with you, Administrator.
The pleasure is mine, said Najak. And thank you for respecting my privacy, Captain. Over the years, we have come to appreciate how monstrous we seem to other Federation species. This fact has occasionally led to let us call them misunderstandings.
Its no problem at all, Ruhalter replied. We dont want to intrude on you any more than we have to.
Jomar will be ready in a matter of minutes, Najak advised. If you give us the coordinates of your transporter room, our technicians will be pleased to effect his transport.
Acknowledged, said the captain. He turned to Paxton. Send them whatever they need, Lieutenant.
Ill do that, sir, Paxton responded.
Ruhalter returned his attention to the Kelvan. With luck, Ill have good news when I bring Jomar back to you.
With luck, the administrator echoed. Najak out.
The captain glanced at Leach, who was standing beside Simenon at the engineering console. Youve got the conn, Number One. Commander Picard, youre with me.
With that, he got up and made his way aft to the turbolift. As the second officer followed him, he saw the expression on Leachs face. If looks could have killed, Picard would have been torn atom from atom.
Ruhalter couldnt have failed to notice his execs displeasure.
However, he didnt comment on it as he and Picard entered the lift and watched the sliding doors close behind them.
Instead, he said, I was really looking forward to beaming down and seeing that Kelvan colony.
Picard nodded. So was I, sir.
I guess we shouldnt complain. Well no doubt be seeing plenty on the other side of the galactic barrier.
No doubt, the second officer agreed.
Just then, the turbolift doors opened again. The captain exited ahead of Picard and led the way to the transporter room, where a woman named Vandermeer was working the control console.
Anything yet? Ruhalter asked her.
No, sir, said the transporter operator, consulting her monitor. Wait Im getting a message from the surface.
The colony administrators office? asked the captain.
Yes. They say theyre ready to beam someone up.
Ruhalter nodded. Contact the bridge and tell Mr. Leach I want the shields dropped. Then let the Kelvans know were ready. But as soon as our visitor arrives, I want the shields back up again.
Aye, sir, said Vandermeer, carrying out her orders.
Picard too felt uneasy when the Stargazers deflectors were lowered. After all, it left the ship vulnerable to all manner of mishaps. Unfortunately, they couldnt effect a transport with the shields hi place.
Hes on his way, Vandermeer announced.
Picard turned to the raised, oval platform in the back of the room. A shaft of light appeared there, then slowly resolved itself into a humanoid form. A moment later, the light died, leaving a tall, fair-skinned man with unruly red hair and haunting, pale-blue eyes.
You must be Jomar, Ruhalter observed. He smiled a craggy smile. Welcome to the Federation Starship Stargazer . Im Captain Ruhalter and this is Commander Picard, my second officer.
The Kelvan stared at Ruhalter for a full second before he answered. Thank you, Captain. He turned to Picard. Commander.
Jomars tone was flat and utterly devoid of enthusiasm. And his expressionor rather, his lack of onewould have been the envy of many a logical Vulcan.
If youll follow us, said the captain, well show you to your quarters. I think youll find them
I have a great deal of work to do, the Kelvan declared, unceremoniously interrupting Ruhalters invitation. I would prefer to familiarize myself with your ships tactical systems and subsystems before I give any thought to sleeping accommodations.
The captain appeared unoffended. Of course, he told Jomar. We can start in engineering, if you like.
That would be satisfactory, said the Kelvan.
Ruhalter tapped the Starfleet insignia on his chest. Captain to bridge. Break orbit, Mr. Leach.