The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [86]
Thats certainly a possibility, the commander said.
Clearly, it wasnt the comeback Werber had expected. And whats that supposed to mean?
Since I thwarted your mutiny attempt, the Stargazer has been the victim of sabotage, Picard explained. Not once, but twice now. The third time, it might prove our undoing.
That seemed to get the prisoners attention. However, he resisted the temptation to inquire about it.
I thought a veteran weapons officer might have some interest in identifying the saboteur, Picard went on. Especially when hes someone who took his oath as seriously as you did.
Werber scowled. To hell with my oath. Look where it got me.
Ah, the commander mused. Progress.
ID be honest with you, he told the prisoner. I need your help. I need to pick your brain the way Captain Ruhalter did.
Werber looked at him askance. Is it my imagination, or are you telling me you want to cut a deal?
Picard shook his head. No deals.
The weapons chief lifted his chin, which had grown a golden brown stubble during the time of his incarceration. Then why should I even think about helping you?
Perhaps you shouldnt, the commander answered. Think about helping me , that is. But you might want to help this ship, or the crewmen who served so ably under you. Or you might want to get involved purely for the sake of your own preservation.
Werber stared at him for what seemed like a very long time. Then he said, All right. Tell me what youve got.
Picard told him, holding nothing back.
He informed the prisoner of Vigos findings concerning the shuttle explosion. He described the way the ships shields had dropped without notice during the second battle for Magnia. And he spoke of Vigos second discovery, which only served to corroborate the first.
The prisoner considered the information, his eyes narrowing as he turned it over and over in his mind, inspecting it from different angles. But after a while, he shook his hairless head.
I need more to go on, he said.
The commander was disappointed, but he didnt show it. Right now, Im afraid I havent got anything more. But if additional information turns up, you will have it as soon as I do.
Werber grunted. I cant wait
I will speak with you soon, I hope, said Picard. Until then, I hope you will keep what Ive told you confidentialso as not to diminish our chances of catching the saboteur. And he reached for the control panel that would open the doors to the corridor again.
But before he could press the padd, he heard the mutineer call his name. Turning again, he said, Yes?
Werber was on his feet, approaching the barrier. Im not surprised that the ship was sabotaged, he remarked, considering how trusting you are of people like Santana.
The second officer allowed himself an ironic smile. Interesting that you should say that, Chief. Mr. Ben Zoma is of the opinion that Im placing too much trust in you .
And with that, Picard opened the doors and emerged from the brig, allowing Pierzynski to resume his lonely vigil.
Gerda Asmund entered the turbolift ahead of her sister and punched in her destination on the control panel. Then, as Idun joined her in the compartment, Gerda watched the doors begin to slide closed.
The end of another shift, her sister commented.
And an uneventful one, said Gerda, as the turbolift began to move.
Idun glanced at her, her lip curled in amusement. Another three such shifts and well have reached the Nuyyad supply depot. That promises to be far from uneventful.
Gerda nodded. True.
And, her sister added, we havent exactly been idle for the last week and a half. We were hoping for just one battle, remember? And so far, weve gotten three of them.
I know, said Gerda. Still
What? asked Idun.
I dont know, the navigator told her. It still feels to me as if something is missing.
Something? her sister echoed.
Gerda shrugged. I cant put my finger on it. Its just not as satisfying as I thought it would be as I wanted it to be.
Idun rolled her eyes. Some saber bears arent happy until theyve eaten the entire targ .
Gerda