The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [44]
Joseph shrugged. Sure.
Again, Santana took a moment to choose. Small and muscular, with four arms, short legs, and scaly, yellow skin.
The security officer constructed an image in his head. I think Ive got it. What are they called?
The Caddis.
Ill say friend.
Actually, said the prisoner, theyve been both. When we first established the colony, they were always making life difficult for us. In the last fifty or sixty years, theyve gotten to know us better. As a result, things have improved.
How about an enemy? Joseph asked. A current one, I mean.
She frowned. Weve only got one of those. Big and fleshy, with shiny, black eyes and a fringe of dark hair around their skulls.
The Nuyyad? he asked.
Santana nodded. Not that weve ever had a run-in with thembut we consider them our enemy just the same.
I cant wait to meet them, Joseph said, injecting a note of sarcasm into his voice.
The woman didnt seem to notice the irony. Oh yes, you can, Mr. Joseph. Believe me, you can.
Picard sat down at the black, oval table in the Stargazers lounge and faced his captain. You wanted to see me, sir? Ruhalter nodded from the other side of the table. I do indeed,
Commander. He paused, as if choosing his words more carefully than usual. According to regulations, we shouldnt be having this conversation. Nonetheless, I feel its necessary.
The second officer waited patiently. The captain wasnt the sort to need any prodding.
As youve no doubt noticed, said Ruhalter, Commander Leach and I dont often see eye to eye. Dont get me wrong hes an efficient officer, with an impressive background and considerable skill in some areas. But hes not a first officer. At least, not in my book.
Picard was surprised. Captains didnt normally make such comments about their execsespecially to subordinate officers.
Its unfortunate, really, Ruhalter went on. Captain Osbome expressed every confidence in Leach, and I relied heavily on his recommendation. It was one of the few times since I became a captain that I didnt go with my instinctsand look what happened.
The second officer had wondered how Ruhalter could have made such an error in judgment. Now he understood.
I wound up with a man I cant get along with, said the captain. A man eminently capable of carrying out a project on his own, yet plainly incapable of leading others. He shook his head ruefully. Its not a good situation, Jean-Luc. And Id be remiss if I didnt do something about it.
Do something ? Picard repeated to himself. Might that mean what he thought it meant?
As soon as we come back from this mission, Ruhalter told him, Im going to arrange for Commander Leach to be transferred to another ship. Or, failing that, to some other Starfleet facility. Of course, thats going to leave me short a first officer He smiled. And I cant think of anyone Id rather have serving in that capacity than you.
The second officer was at a loss for words. Finally, he found a few. I would be honored, sir, he replied graciously. That is, when the appropriate time comes.
The captain nodded approvingly. Im glad to hear you say that, Commander. Itll give me something to look forward to when Im wrangling with your predecessor over Serenity Santana.
Commander Leach still insists it was a mistake to bring her along?
Yes, said Ruhalter, he does. And at every opportunity, I might add. Its making my head spin.
Picard understood. The first officer made his head spin sometimes too.
In the meantime, the captain told him, we have an important mission on our handsand frankly, Im afraid that Leach will do something to muck it up. I want you to keep an eye on him for me. If he gives an order that you think will lead to trouble, youre to let me know immediately. Is that understood?
It is, the second officer assured him.
Good, said Ruhalter. I
Abruptly, the lounge filled with the voice of the very man they were talking about. Captain, said Leach, his tone taut with concern, weve got a situation up here.
Ruhalters brow knit. Elaborate.
Theres a vessel approaching on an intercept course, Leach