The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [42]
Gerda Asmund looked up at the screen. One million
As she spoke the words, the phenomenon engulfed them, closing its jaws on the Stargazer as if the ship was a helpless minnow and the barrier was a colossal, writhing serpent.
The deck shuddered again, then slid to the right. Picard tightened his grasp on the captains chair.
Report, Ruhalter snapped.
Shields at eighty-eight percent, the navigator responded.
Warp drive operating at peak capacity, her sister added.
The viewscreen was a confusion of ruby-red twisters, a maelstrom of heaving, burning lava. The Stargazer bucked once, twice, and again, and the second officer had to fight to keep his feet.
But it didnt get any worse than that. Even under immense pressure, the shields held. The control consoles on the bridge managed not to spark or explode. And most importantly, no one was caught in the spasm of light that had signaled the beginning of Gary Mitchells transformation.
The Stargazer endured one last buffet from the barriers unknown energies, one last surge of hull-shivering fury. Then it burst free of the phenomenon into normal if unfamiliar space.
Picard took a deep breath and smiled.
Without question, their passage through the barrier had been tense and plagued with uncertanties. It had been a study in faith and humility. But in retrospect, it had also been a thing of wonder.
It was for just such experiences that the second officer had joined Starfleet. Looking around, he saw that he wasnt the only one who felt that way. Paxton, the Asmunds, Cariello they all looked pleased.
Even Ruhalter seemed to have relished the experience, if the bright glint in the mans eyes was any indication. Only Commander Leach looked vaguely disapproving. But then, knowing the man as he did, Picard wouldnt have expected anything else.
Shields at seventy-eight percent, Gerda Asmund observed.
All systems operational, said Idun.
The captain nodded. Excellent. Then he turned to his first and second officers. Youre with me, gentlemen.
Without any explanation, he rose and made his way to the turbolift. Picard saw Leach hurry to fall in behind Ruhalter, as if it made a difference who was behind the captain as he entered the lift. Sighing, the second officer followed Leach into the compartment.
The doors whispered closed behind them. Ships lounge, said Ruhalter, his voice echoing in the enclosure.
Apparently, the captain meant to conduct a meeting with his two senior officers. However, Picard had no idea what the meeting was about.
The lifts progress through the ship was imperceptible to its occupants, except for a tiny monitor that showed their location. They were halfway to their destination when Ruhalter did something surprising.
Computer, he said, stop turbolift.
Picard looked at him. So did Leach.
It just occurred to me, said the captain, that we dont have to go to the lounge to have this meeting. After all, theres only the three of us, and this shouldnt take long.
As you wish, sir, Leach responded.
Ruhalter regarded each of them in turn. I have one question, gentlemenand thats whether Serenity Santana can be trusted.
The first officer smiled a lopsided smile. Since youre asking, sir, I dont think the woman is even remotely trustworthyand for the record, Ive felt that way since we arrived at Starbase Two-oh-nine.
The captain nodded, then turned to Picard. What about you, Jean-Luc? What do you think?
The second officer took some time to consider the question. As you know, he said finally, Ive had a chance to get to know Ms. Santana. However, I would have to know her a lot better before I could vouch for her with any assurance.
Unfortunately, Ruhalter told him, we dont have time for you to get to know her better. Youll have to give me your appraisal of her based on what you know now .
Picard frowned, hating to be pinned down this way. Based on that, he said, Im inclined to believe she can be trusted.
Leach didnt seem surprised.