The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [89]
Ill contact you immediately, the Pandrilite told him.
There was a pause. Someday, the commander said, you and I will have more pleasant matters to talk about. But if its all right with you, Lieutenant, we wont talk quite as often.
Vigo smiled. Ill be sure to remind you, sir.
For the second time in seventy-two hours, Jean-Luc Picard found himself approaching the ships brig.
This time, it was Lieutenant Garner who was standing inside the open doorway, keeping an eye on the mutineers. And she wasnt the least bit surprised by the second officers appearance, because it was she who had communicated with him at Hans Werbers request.
As before, the weapons chief was sitting on his cot. When he saw that Picard had arrived, he stood up. His expression was more thoughtful than belligerent for a change.
Leave us, please, said the second officer.
Garner did as she was instructed. Then Picard touched the bulkhead controls and saw to it that he and Werber had some privacy.
Here I am, said the commander. Have you thought of something?
Werber nodded. I think so.
Picard expected him to say Santana was the guilty party, and attempt to lay out some proof of it. But he didnt. In fact, the weapons officer was no longer quite so sure that the colonist was involved.
Then whos the saboteur? asked the commander.
I dont know, said the prisoner. But I know how to find him. And he went on to elaborate.
Picard considered the information. I appreciate your help, he said at last. If it leads us to the saboteur
The mutineer preempted him with a gesture. Dont make me any promises, Commander. Just get the sonuvabitch.
Picard nodded. I will certainly try.
17
CHAPTER
eyhorse pressed the hypospray against Armor Brentanos arm and released a full dose of psilosynine into the mans system.
The Magnian looked at him. Thats it?
Thats it, the medical officer confirmed.
When will I start feeling different? Brentano asked.
In the next two to three hours, said Greyhorse. And you will continue to feel that way for anywhere from four to five hours.
So were not far from the depot? the colonist concluded.
So Ive been told.
Reaching into the pocket of his lab coat, Greyhorse removed a metal disk about the size of his fingernail. Positioning it between thumb and forefinger, he placed it against Brentanos temple where it remained.
Whats this? his patient wanted to know.
A monitoring device, he said. If your brain waves start to change, I want to know about it.
So you can shut me down? asked Brentano.
Exactly right, said the medical officer. For the sake of everyone on this shipyou included.
What if I snap and rip it off? he asked, smiling.
Greyhorse didnt feel compelled to smile back. Then Ill know it and the result will be the same.
Ill remember that, Brentano promised him.
I assure you, the doctor added silently, at least one of us will.
Gerda Asmund had hoped that her mood would improve. However, it had gotten worse with each passing day.
Finally, as the Stargazer came within sensor range of her target, the navigator found herself looking forward to the battle ahead. However, the prospect wasnt the blood-roiling elixir it should have been.
Whats more, her sister knew it. Idun had been watching her like a mother starahk ever since their talk in the turbolift, trying her best to gain some insight into Gerdas feelings.
But how could Idun understand her lack of enthusiasm when Gerda herself didnt understand it?
Abruptly, she was drawn out of her reverie by a beeping sound a sensor alarm she had set earlier. Looking down at her monitor, she saw that visual information was available on the depot.
Her sister, who had heard the alarm as well, turned to her. Idun, at least, was eager to engage the enemy, and had been for some time. Gerda could see it in her eyes.
The navigator glanced back over her shoulder at Commander Picard, who was discussing something with Lieutenant Ben Zoma in front of the captains chair. Were in visual range of the depot, she announced.
Picard regarded her. On screen, he said.
Working at her controls, Gerda