The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [70]
Still, the security officer didnt answer him.
It wasnt that he couldnt find a kernel of truth in what Werber was saying. It was just that Pug Joseph wasnt a mutineer.
At least, he didnt think he was.
Picard looked around the chamber into which he had materialized. It was highat least two stories tallwith pale orange walls, a vaulted ceiling, a white marble floor, and fluted blue columns.
It was also the location, buried deep in the heart of Magnia, from which the citys half-dozen shield generators were operated.
In the center of the chamber was a steel-blue, hexagonal control device that was twice the second officers height. Each of its six sides featured an oval screen, a keypad, and a sleek attached chair.
Five of the chairs were occupied by Magnians. The sixth was occupied by an equally human-looking figure, though his loose-fitting black togs and unruly red hair marked him as Jomar.
Some of the colonists glanced at Picard, then went back to their work. However, the Kelvan seemed not to notice him. He was too busy tapping data into his keypad.
Picard approached him. Jomar?
At the sound of his voice, the Kelvan turned. His pale eyes acknowledged the second officer without emotion. Commander.
I came down to see how you were doing, said Picard. Mr. Williamson informs me that your work is proceeding more slowly than expected.
Jomar frowned ever so slightly. It proceeds as it proceeds was all the answer he seemed inclined to give. Then he returned his attention to his pale-green screen.
Is there a problem? asked the second officer. Something I can help you with, perhaps?
The Kelvan didnt look away from his work this time. There is no problem, he stated.
Picard was far from satisfied with the response, but he nodded. Carry on, then, he told Jomar.
He considered the Kelvan a moment longer as Jomar went about his labors. Something was wrong, it seemed to the second officer. Every now and then, a Magnian would frown in the aliens direction.
He decided to speak with Williamson again. With luck, the colonist could shed some light on the matter.
He had raised his hand to tap his combadge when someone said, Commander? The voice sounded awfully familiar.
Then he realized it wasnt a voice at all. It was just a word in his head, planted telepathically.
Turning, Picard saw Serenity Santana come through the control chambers only doorway.
The colonist was as beautiful as when he first saw her. Her lips were full of color again, her eyes deep and searching, her long, black hair loosely cascading over one shoulder.
Ms. Santana, Picard replied.
She feigned disapproval. People generally use their first names here. Please call me Serenity.
Remembering what she had done to the Stargazer , he kept his response to a single word. Serenity.
Santanas eyes crinkled at the corners as she looked into his. It seemed to Picard that the woman was skimming the surface of his mind. Youre surprised to see me.
I am, he admitted freely. Apparently, your peoples medical techniques are even more formidable than I was led to believe.
To an outsider, she said, I can see how they would appear that way. She paused. I owe you an apology, dont I?
The second officer shook his head from side to side. Mr. Williamson has made your apologies for you. He spoke of the pressures the Nuyyad placed on you and Daniels.
The woman looked relieved. Then you see I had no choice? I had to do as the Nuyyad demanded.
So it would seem, he responded flatly, keeping his thoughts to himself as much as possible.
Santana studied him a little longer. Then she smiled wistfully. You know, she said, I thought we had the makings of an intriguing friendship. I hope what happened doesnt make that impossible.
Picard wanted very much to tell her that their friendship could still develop unimpeded. However, he couldnt allow himself the luxury. He held the fate of an entire crew in his hands, and he wasnt about to jeopardize it by giving rein to his emotions.