The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [62]
Theyre returning our hail, he told Picard.
The commander folded his arms across his chest. On screen.
Abruptly, the image on the viewscreen was replaced by that of a long-faced, middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and dark, wavy hair. He seemed to stare at Picard for a moment, as if he couldnt believe his eyes.
Then he smiled.
Youre from Earth, he concluded. So Daniels and Santana must have reached you.
They did indeed, Picard confirmed. He identified himself as the commander of the Stargazer .
My name is Shield Williamson, said the colonist Im in charge here. Speaking for everyone, I have to tell you how grateful we are that you chose to help us.
Especially after you led us into a trap, Picard expanded, hoping to nail down at least that bit of information.
Williamsons smile faded. But far from denying the charge, he nodded soberly. Yes. After that.
I trust the Nuyyad ship we destroyed had something to do with it? the commander suggested.
The colonist sighed. It had everything to do with it.
I would like very much to hear the details, said Picard. But first, I need to know if you will assist us. We have suffered considerable damage at the hands of the Nuyyad. We were hoping
That we could help with repairs? Williamson spread his hands out. Absolutelyhowever we can. As I said, Commander, were grateful for what you did for usespecially in light of what happened before.
Thank you, said Picard.
Its the least we can do, the colonist told him. And if I may ask, how are our peopleDaniels and Santana?
The second officer frowned. Daniels was detained for security reasons by our Starfleet. There were suspicions about him and Santana, as you seem to have anticipated.
Im sorry to hear that, said Williamson. And what of Santana? Is she with you now?
She is, Picard told him. However, she was severely injured in the Nuyyads ambush.
The colonist looked devastated. Is she alive?
Yes. But she seems to have withdrawn into some sort of coma. Our doctor is at a loss as to
Our physicians will know how to treat her, Williamson assured him. But weve got to hurry. Her condition sounds precarious.
Picard had no intention of hanging onto Santana if there was any chance her people could help her. She may have led the Stargazer into a deadly trap, but it wasnt his place to demand an eye for an eye.
As you wish, he replied. Ill notify my ships surgeon. He tapped his combadge. Picard to Greyhorse. Were going to beam Santana down to the colony.
Thats fine, came the medical officers reply. Ill prepare her for transport immediately. But I want to come along, Commander. The woman is my patient, remember.
Picard regarded Williamson. Do you have a problem with Dr. Greyhorse beaming down as well?
The colonist looked at him as if he had grown another head. Beaming down? he echoed.
The second officer had forgotten Santanas people were descended from a crew that left Earth nearly three hundred years earlier. At that time, there were no such things as molecular imaging scanners, phase transition coils, and pattern buffers.
As Earth pushed out into the galaxy in the twenty-second century, there had been a need for a quick way to board and disembark from spacegoing vesselsand transporter systems had filled that need. However, the colonists might never have been impelled in that direction.
Its a sophisticated procedure, he explained, in which a subject is disassembled at the subatomic level, transmitted to another location and reassembled at the other end.
Williamson looked at him. Impressive. And are there any casualties when you employ this technology?
None when the equipment is working correctly, Picard assured him. And without question, it would be the fastest way to convey Ms. Santana to your planets surface.
The colonist hesitatedbut only for a moment. Very well. Where should we expect your medical officer and Santana to arrive?
Where would you like them to arrive?
Williamson thought about it. What about the plaza outside our central medical facility? Its