The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [58]
Knowing what was taking place elsewhere on the ship, it was difficult for him to keep his mind on his work. Almost impossible, in fact. But somehow, he had managed.
Then, early that morning, while he and two other crewmen were repairing a phaser turret, Vigo had heard the news. Werber and his mutineers had been caught. Picard and Ben Zoma had prevailed.
It hadnt given him any special pleasure to know that he was the one who had scuttled the mutiny. He had only done his duty, after all. There was nothing personal in itonly a sense of relief.
Obviously, said Picard, I cant allow Lieutenant Werber to go free. Not after what he tried to do.
Yes, sir, Vigo agreed.
And if hes in the brig, the second officer continued, he can hardly serve as weapons chief.
The Pandrilite began to see where the conversation was going. Why would Picard discuss this with him unless
Sir, he blurted, I didnt expose Lieutenant Werbers plans so I could replace him as weapons chief.
Picard smiled understandingly. I know that, Lieutenant. In point of fact, I have had my eye on you for some time. I can tell you that few crewmen in any section, weapons or otherwise, have demonstrated as much dedication to their work as you have.
The Pandrilite was surprised. As far as he had been able to tell, only Werber had had the chance to see how hard he was workingand for whatever reason, the weapons chief had refused to acknowledge it.
Thats kind of you, sir, said Vigo.
You neednt be humble, Picard told him. Its part of my job to identify personnel with the potential for advancement. And, Im happy to say, you have such potential. Even if Mr. Werber hadnt acted as he did, you would still have been considered for a promotion.
The Pandrilite found himself smiling. Its gratifying to hear you say that, sir.
Then youll accept a promotion to weapons chief? Picard asked.
Vigos conscience was clear. Under the circumstances, how could he refuse? I will, he assured the second officer. Thank you again, sir.
No, Mr. Vigo. Thank you . And by the way, your promotion is effective immediately. I will inform Commander Ben Zoma.
Yes, sir, said the Pandrilite.
As he left the lounge, he felt a little dazed. But more than that, he felt vindicated. He had acted honorably and contrary to the expectations of his friends, his actions had been rewarded.
There was some justice in the universe after all.
It was part of Gerda Asmunds job to conduct periodic long-range sensor scanseven when they werent in an unfamiliar and potentially hostile sector of space.
Since the attack by the Nuyyad ship, she had been inclined to conduct her scans three times as often as usual. For the first thirty-two hours, she hadnt turned up anything interestingincluding the colony described by Serenity Santana. But then, at that point, the places coordinates were still outside their sensor range.
hi the thirty-third hour, one of Gerdas sweeps picked up a concentration of thermal and electromagnetic radiation on what appeared to be a M-Class planet. She knew the signs. This wasnt a natural phenomenon. It was an installation of some kind manufactured by a sentient civilization.
Just to be certain, Gerda checked its coordinates. Then she examined its sensor profile a second time. It was then that she noticed a second energy concentrationone so close to the first that it was almost indistinguishable from it at this distance.
But the second concentration wasnt on the planets surface. The navigator could see that now. Unless she was mistaken, it was marginally closer than the first concentration.
In orbit above it.
Gerda turned to Commander Picard. Sir?
Picard approached her. Yes, Lieutenant?
I think you should see this, she told him.
Picard again found himself addressing a lounge full of officers. As before, he had convened them on the heels of a tumultuous event that had resulted in a new face among them.
But it wasnt Werbers mutiny that had spurred this meeting. It was something a good deal more