The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [59]
The second officer leaned forward in his chair. The captains chair , he remarked inwardly, correcting himself. I called you here to apprise you of our most recent long-range sensor report. Though I normally steer clear of glib remarks, I cannot help describing it as good news and bad news.
First, he said, the good news. It seems the colony described by Serenity Santana exists after all. Furthermore, it is located at the coordinates with which she provided us.
There were expressions of relief all around the table. If the long-range sensors hadnt found Santanas colony, their chances of survival would have been almost nil.
You are certain of this? asked Jomar.
Quite certain, Picard assured him.
The Kelvans pale blue eyes narrowed. And how long will it take us to reach this colony?
Approximately nine days, said the second officer. Unless, of course, we can find a way to go faster than warp five.
Which isnt likely, Simenon interjected flatly.
Whats the bad news? asked Greyhorse.
Picard frowned. There is a ship in orbit around Santanas colony. We believe it is a Nuyyad vessel.
He could feel the air in the lounge turning sour as his news sank in. He wasnt surprised in the least. The Stargazer was in no shape to endure another battle with the Nuyyad.
And yet, the only way to make themselves battle-ready again was to go through the enemy. They were in a quandary, to say the least.
Clearly, he said, we need a plan.
Jomar shook his head scornfully. What we need, Commander, are weapons. And we have very few of those.
Then well make some, Vigo interjected.
The Kelvan turned to him, his features in repose but his posture one of skepticism. Out of what, if I may ask?
That is the question, Picard agreed. He looked around the table. Considering the ingenuity and expertise represented in this room, I was hoping to get some answers.
It was a challenge, nothing more. However, there was an unexpected edge in Jomars normally neutral voice as he answered it.
We could have had weapons specifically designed with the
Nuyyad in mind, he reminded them. However, you turned down my offer to make them for you. Now it is too late for that.
With all due respect, Picard told him, there were reasons we turned down your offer. And as you say, its too late to contemplate making those weapons now, so lets discuss something we can accomplish.
He addressed the entire group again. In nine days, we will reach Ms. Santanas colony. If by that time, we cannot come up with a way to neutralize the Nuyyad presence there, we will have failed in our duty to the Federationand I, for one, will not accept such an outcome.
For a moment, no one said anything. Then Vigo spoke up again, his blue brow furrowed with concentration. I think I have an idea, sir.
By all means, Picard told him, share it with us.
The Pandrilite described what he had in mind. It didnt involve any exotic technology. But before he was finished, everyone hi the lounge was a little more hopeful.
Even Jomar.
1O
CHAPTER
I icard stood in front of the captains chair and gazed at the forward viewscreen, where he could clearly see a Nuyyad vessel in orbit around a blue, green, and white planet.
The enemy ship looked exactly like the first one they had encountered. It was immense, flat, diamond-shaped and more than likely, equipped with the same powerful vidrion cannons that had inflicted so much punishment on the Stargazer already.
Heard tried not to contemplate how much more damage they could do without any shields to slow them down.
There it is, said Ben Zoma, who had come over to stand beside him.
The second officer nodded. Slow to half impulse, helm.
Half impulse, Idun confirmed.
Picard turned to Vigo, who was sitting in Werbers spot behind the weapons console. Are the shuttles ready? he asked.
They are, sir, came the Pandrilites response.
The second officer turned back to the screen. Release them.
Aye, sir, said Vigo.
Picard watched the viewscreen. If the Nuyyad vessel had picked up the Stargazer on her sensors, she wasnt giving the least indication of