The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [65]
I guess not, Ben Zoma allowed.
Williamson continued. Once the Nuyyad knew something about the Federation, they couldnt help seeing it as a potential conquest. But before they could launch a military offensive on the other side of the barrier, they needed to know more about your defensive capabilities.
The second officer began to understand. And even the Liharon couldnt obtain that kind of data. Then someone pointed out the similarities between your people and the human species
Exactly, said the colonist. An intrusion into our database confirmed the connection. We were human, the Nuyyad discovered. Even better, we shared a common history with Federation humans. And if we sent a plea for help to the Federation, it would likely be answered.
Picard grunted thoughtfully. So it was our fault that the Nuyyad were drawn to you.
Williamson smiled again. As I said. Mind you, none of us wanted to cooperate with them. We had no desire to be part of their plans for conquest However, we had little choice in the matter.
Because the Nuyyad had taken your world hostage, Ben Zoma observed.
Yes, said the colonist. Once they had us where they wanted us, they went through our records. After a while, they selected two volunteers on the basis of intelligence and resourcefulness.
Daniels and Santana, said Picard.
Daniels and Santana, Williamson confirmed. They were to visit Federation territory and lure a Starfleet vessel out past the barrier.
Judas goats, Ben Zoma noted.
Yes, said the colonist. Though quite unwillingly. After all, they hated the Nuyyad species and all it stood for. However, the alternative to cooperation was to see their families and friends tortured to death, and that was too bloody a scenario for either of them to contemplate.
Picard couldnt help sympathizing with Santanas plight. Had he been given the same choice by the Nuyyad, he would have had a difficult time deciding which road to take.
I hope you understand, said Williamson, how terrible we feel about this. Were a proud people. The notion of being forced to do something against our will is anathema to us.
Picard nodded. And the fact that you were betraying your own species must have made it even more difficult.
The remark elicited an unexpected change in the colonists demeanor. He seemed aloof for a moment, almost resentful. However, he continued to look the Starfleet officer in the eye.
Clearly, he said, we didnt warm to the prospect of deceiving anyone. But to be perfectly honest, Commander Picard we feel no more kinship with Earth than we do with any other inhabited world.
At first, the second officer thought he might have heard incorrectly. Then he saw the boggled expression on Ben Zomas face.
And why is that? Picard asked the colonist.
Williamson shrugged. Put yourself in our ancestors positions. Youve risked your life to push out your peoples boundaries, to further Earths knowledge of the galaxy. And yet, when you fail to return, what does your homeworld do for you?
Does it plan a rescue? Does it dispatch another vessel to go after you, to see if there were any survivors of your flight? Even after Federation technology allows your people to cross the barrier unscathed, does even one Earth ship come out here to determine your fate?
The Valiants captain sent out a message buoy, Picard noted. It suggested that he was going to destroy his ship.
And that was enough? Williamson asked evenly. Nobody cared enough to pursue the matter further?
There was little the commander could say to that. Apparently not, he conceded, feeling a twinge of shame on the Federations behalf.
The colonist spread his hands out. Then I ask you is it any wonder we no longer feel any particular kinship with Earth? Is it a surprise that weve come to see ourselves as a separate civilization even a separate species in some respects?
Picard saw Williamsons point. As far as the Magnians were concerned, Earth and its people were a distant memory and under the circumstances, not an especially sweet one.
Of course, he still didnt