The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [69]
A glowing assessment, the second officer reflected. Perhaps too glowing. By the engineers own admission, he was seldom inclined to admit that he had been in error. Yet here he was, admitting itand with uncharacteristic enthusiasm, no less.
Simenon indicated the open access panel with a gesture. If theres nothing else, I ought to get back to work.
By all means, said Picard.
But as he watched the engineer climb the hillside, he had to wonder was his crew really in danger of being influenced by the colonists? Was that something he needed to be concerned about? Or with an entire ship full of people to look after, was he just being a mother hen?
As he weighed the possibilities, his combadge beeped. Tapping it, he said, Picard here.
This is Ben Zoma, Commander. Shield Williamson just contacted us. He wants to know if were ready to beam up his engineers.
The second officer had expected the call. After all, the Magnians couldnt supply the Stargazer with parts until they saw firsthand what kind of damage had been done.
He frowned, suddenly reluctant to give the colonists access to his ship. If his suspicions had any basis in reality
But what was the alternative? To refuse the assistance they had risked so much to obtain? To spurn what they so desperately needed if they were to survive and warn the Federation?
Inform Mr. Williamson that were ready, Picard told his friend. But see to it that his people are provided with an escort everywhere they go. And I mean everywhere .
Acknowledged, said Ben Zoma, in a tone that assured the second officer that his order would be taken seriously.
And beam me back up as well, Picard added. He gazed at Simenon and his Magnian coworkers, who were still cooperating without the benefit of vocal expression. I believe Ive seen all I needed to see.
Pug Joseph watched the trio of colonists make their way past the brig, escorted by Ensign Montenegro. There were two men and a woman, all very human-looking, all dressed in the same green jumpsuit that Santana had worn.
And all curious enough to glance in the direction of the incarcerated mutineers as they walked by.
Hes making a mistake, you know, Werber announced with unconcealed disdain. A big mistake.
Joseph glanced at the deposed weapons chief, who had walked up to the inner edge of his cells translucent electromagnetic barrier. Werbers eyes looked hard with hatred and resentment.
I beg your pardon? said the security officer.
Your friend Picard, the prisoner elaborated. Hes making a mistake. That Santana woman couldnt be trustedwe all know that now. And if her people are anything like her, they cant be trusted either.
Joseph frowned at Werbers remark. Since Santana had played him for a fool, he had come to resent her as much as the prisoner didmaybe more. However, he wasnt going to discuss his feelings with someone he was guarding. That was how he had gotten himself into trouble the last time.
From now on, the security officer promised himself, he was just going to do what was expected of him and leave the conversations to other people. Whatever you say, he said.
Werber swore under his breath. You know Im right. And you know if I were free, Id do something about it
But youre not, Joseph reminded him.
The prisoner paused for a moment. You are, he said at last. Free, I mean. You could stop these people maybe even stop Picard.
That would be mutiny, the security officer noted.
Pernell, who occupied the cell next to Werbers, laughed at the comment. Joseph frowned at him.
Would it? asked Werber. Or would it be an act of heroism? You know what they say, Lieutenant history is written by the victors.
Joseph didnt say anything in return. He just listened to the Magnians footfalls recede in the distance.
Admit it, said Werber. Seeing those people gets under your skin the