The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [43]
Perhaps not, the captain conceded.
Leach looked pleased with himself.
But the second officer felt betrayed. He was thinking as incisively as ever, he assured himself. If Ruhalter disagreed with his conclusion, that was one thing. But to question his clarity
Suddenly, a mischievous smile broke out on the captains face. Then again, Number One, Commander Picard may be right on target.
Leachs mouth fell open. Sir ?
You see, said Ruhalter, I agree with Picard one hundred percent. I too think Ms. Santana can be trustedand like you, Mr. Leach, I formed my opinion the moment I met her.
The second officer understood. You went with your instincts.
Yes, said the captain, his eyes twinkling. As always.
But, sir, Leach began, if you had already made your decision
Why did I ask for your opinions? Simple, Commander. I wanted to make sure I hadnt missed something.
The first officer looked as if he had been slapped in the face. I have to protest, sir. If necessary, through official means.
Ruhalter seemed unperturbed by the remark. Thats your option, Mr. Leachas always. But I hope youll refrain from exercising it until after weve completed our mission.
By then, Leach said coldly, it may be too late.
Well see, the captain rejoined. In any case, Santana has given us two sets of coordinates. One describes the location of her colony. The other will lead us to a Nuyyad supply depot.
Were going to head for the depot, Picard guessed.
Absolutely right, Ruhalter confirmed. Why waste time? If theres a threat, lets see it.
And if its a trap? Leach suggested.
Then well see that too, said the captain. Though my instincts tell me that wont happen.
The first officers nostrils flared, but he didnt say anything more.
Thank you for your input, Ruhalter told them. Both of you. Computer, return us to the bridge.
Again, the turbolift began to move.
Pug Joseph closed his eyes and concentrated. Okay, he said. See if you can picture this.
Santana answered from the other side of the translucent barrier. Protruding brow ridge, bony forehead, a preference for facial hair. Strong, by the look of him. And fierce.
Opening his eyes, the security officer smiled at the womans skill. Hes called a Klingon.
Friend? Santana guessed.
Friend now , Joseph told her.
But not always?
Until fifty years ago, he said, the Klingons were almost constantly at war with us. Then we signed a nonaggression treaty with them.
Got it, she responded. Whos next?
Again, the security officer closed his eyes and conjured an image. How about this one?
Lets see, said Santana. Aristocratic bearing, pointed ears, painfully precise haircut. If not for the subtle ridges above the eyes, Id be tempted to say hes Vulcan.
Joseph laughed softly. Very good. Hes called a Romulan. And his people are an offshoot of the Vulcan species.
Enemy? she suggested.
Ill say. We havent seen them in more than twenty years, but people still worry about them.
Give me another one, Santana told him.
All right, he said, picturing someone else. Heres one.
Hmmm. Mottled red skin, long jaw tusks like an elephants, spiny scalp projections instead of hair.
Joseph opened his eyes and shook his head in admiration. A Vobilite.
An enemy?
A friend. In fact, the Vobilites were one of the first species to support the idea of a United Federation of Planets. I served with one of them on my previous assignment.
Santana nodded. Now its my turn.
The security officer felt a chill climb his spine. I didnt know you could project your thoughts.
She smiled. I cant. I meant I was going to describe them out loud.
Joseph blushed. Oh.
The woman thought for a moment. Heres one. Tall and thin, with jet black fur and silver eyes.
He tried to put the information together. What he came up with seemed pretty elegant. Sounds easy on the eyes.
Ive always thought so. Theyre called the Yotaavo.
Friend? he ventured, playing the game.
Friend. Weve done quite a bit of trading with them