The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [55]
Then youre in favor of trying to reach the barrier instead, said Picard. Is that correct?
It is, the engineer agreed.
Unfortunately, Ben Zoma said, heading for the barrier may put us in an even worse bind.
How so? asked Cariello.
For one thing, the acting executive officer noted, its just what the Nuyyad would expect us to doretreat and regroup. For another thing, our shields are in no shape to protect us from the barriers energies. We would only be creating the kind of supermen that nearly destroyed the Enterprise and the Valiant .
They were good points, Picard reflectedespecially the one about crossing the barrier without shields. Judging from their expressions, his officers agreed with him. Even Werber seemed a trifle less certain of himself than he had been before.
But in the final analysis, it was Picards decision. He took a moment to mull what he had heard to that point.
Well? Jomar asked of him, making no effort to disguise his impatience. What do you plan to do, Commander?
The second officer frowned. Like some of you, I prefer the idea of returning to the galactic barrier.
Werber nodded. Now youre talking.
However, Picard added, I do not wish to create any additional threats to the Federationnor do I relish the prospect of destroying my vessel in order to negate such threats. And as Commander Ben Zoma points out, retreating through the barrier without sufficient shielding could create some prodigious threats indeed.
Werber paled as he realized where Picards comments were leading him. Oh no. Youre not
I am Picard insisted, his posture unyielding. I am going to try to find the colony Ms. Santana described, in the hope that it will equip us to eventually make it through the barrier unscathed.
He eyed each of his companions in turn, gauging their reactions. They didnt all look happy about his decision.
If were to come through this crisis intact, Picard said, and warn the Federation about the Nuyyad, I will need the help and cooperation of everyone aboard this vessel. He glanced at Werber. Without exception.
The lounge fell silent. It wasnt exactly the vote of confidence he had been hoping for.
I respectfully request that you reconsider, Werber said, his tone anything but respectful.
So do I, Simenon rasped.
You are leading us into disaster, Jomar added bluntly, undeterred by any need to observe Starfleet protocol.
Picard smiled a grim smile. Clearly, his stint as commanding officer would not be an easy one. My decision stands. You are dismissed. He looked around the room. All of you.
One by one, his officers and the Kelvan left the room. Ben Zoma was the last to depart. Finally, the second officer was alone.
Navigation, he said out loud, activating the intercom system. This is Commander Picard.
Asmund here, came the response.
Picard licked his lips. Chart a course for Ms. Santanas colony. I believe you have the coordinates.
I do, sir, Asmund confirmed. If she was surprised, it wasnt reflected in her voice. Course set.
Helm, said the second officer, best speed. Engage.
Acknowledged, Idun Asmund replied.
Picard leaned back in his chair in the otherwise empty lounge. The die was cast, he told himself. Now he would see if he had made the right choice or the wrong one.
CHAPTER
Bans Werber had traveled each and every corridor of the Stargazer at one time or another. But he had never before traveled one so quietly or with such serious intent.
Werber wasnt alone, either. He was followed by three other officersChen and Ramirez of his weapons section and Pernell of engineering. And all four of them were armed with phaser pistols that Werber had lifted with the help of his security clearance.
The weapons chief knew they didnt have much time. Pausing at an intersection, he peeked into the perpendicular passageway to make sure it was empty. Then he made a left turn, his fellow conspirators in tow.
Their objective was the third set of doors on the right. As soon as he arrived there, Werber removed a small tool from his tunic and inserted the end of it