Available light, p.19
Available Light, page 19
“Indeed, Captain. The Osijemal’s defensive capabilities are hampered by the damage it has sustained during our voyage, and were exacerbated by the arrival of the individuals looking to plunder our vessel. It is our hope we can address those issues in short order. As you might imagine, a great deal of power is necessary to sustain this ship. We never anticipated a journey of this duration, and the damage inflicted by the ion storm has only added to our problems. Our battery storage arrays are being taxed to their limits, and our solar energy collectors have been unable to draw in energy on a consistent basis. Once the Osijemal is returned to full operational status, these concerns will be nullified.”
Chen added, “Repairing or rerouting damaged systems will require more power than is available, sir. I suggested we might be able to set up a power transfer from the Enterprise.”
Shifting in his seat, Picard regarded La Forge. “Geordi?”
The engineer nodded. “In theory it should be easy enough. We’ll have to make sure there are no compatibility issues, but I’m sure we can figure out a workaround if something comes up during our check.”
“Will this impact our own repair efforts?”
“We can handle both, sir. My team’s making good progress and we’re still on schedule. I can delegate overseeing the repair duties long enough to tackle this. We’ll get it done, Captain.”
Picard knew better than to press La Forge for too much detail or explanation. None was needed. When it came to his estimates and evaluations of anything pertaining to the Enterprise’s operation, the chief engineer’s word was his bond and it was a level of trust he had earned long ago.
“Once the power situation is stabilized and they guide us through the necessary initial repairs,” said Chen, “the Nejamri can transfer enough engineers and technicians out of the Haven to finish the work. That’s what they would do under normal circumstances if it was something they couldn’t deal with from inside the Haven, but that ability was cut off after the damage inflicted by the ion storm.”
La Forge perked up at this. “So, what we thought were simply automated processes were actually tasks being carried out by your people from . . . from within your computer?”
“To a certain extent, yes.” Alehuguet smiled. “Many of the minor processes overseeing regular operations are indeed left to autonomous oversight systems, but even those could normally be overridden by one of our technicians if necessary. After the ion storm, that ability was severely compromised. However, our matter-energy conversion technology allowed us to direct a crude manifestation of some of our technicians into controlled energy streams, which allowed them to carry out some simple repairs outside our data matrix.”
On the other side of the screen, Worf added, “We observed this phenomenon ourselves, Captain. Based on Alehuguet and Lieutenant Chen’s descriptions, it is also a very dangerous undertaking for the Nejamri.”
“Quite right, Commander,” replied Alehuguet. “It risks neurological damage to the individual carrying out that task. We only undertake such risky ventures when absolutely necessary. Your presence here is an enormous gift to us, Captain.”
From where she sat to Picard’s left, Doctor Crusher said, “Speaking of risks, I’m concerned about Lieutenant Chen. According to her report, you brought her into your computer matrix not through your normal transfer procedure, but rather something similar to what you’ve been using to make your repairs. I’m worried that this transfer may have unintended side effects.”
“I feel fine, Doctor,” said Chen. “Some initial disorientation when I arrived, and an occasional bit of dizziness when Alehuguet has moved us around, but otherwise, I’m okay.”
Crusher glanced at Picard before replying, “That’s good to hear, but I’ll still want to give you a thorough physical once you’re back aboard ship.”
“Understood.”
“There is another issue,” said Picard. “The salvage merchants. They sent a distress message before their ship was destroyed. Our long-range sensors show no other vessels within scanning range, but they’re still inhibited by our proximity to the Osijemal. We have to assume other ships will be coming to investigate.” He was not comfortable with the Enterprise, still dealing with its own repairs, facing another possible confrontation while not operating at full strength. Likewise, the Nejamri vessel remained vulnerable until its own systems were restored.
“Captain,” said Chen, “if it helps, the people they sent aboard to inspect the ship? They didn’t die in that firefight. The Nejamri brought them into the Haven too. They’re in a sort of brig, ready for release back to the Torrekmat if other ships come calling.” She paused before adding, “And assuming we can all be transferred out of here.”
“And if we’re not able to retrieve you or that boarding party, whoever comes looking for the Zetoq will still be very unhappy. We need to be ready for that.” To La Forge, Picard said, “Geordi?”
The chief engineer replied, “If we can prioritize getting the Osijemal’s defenses ready while we’re conducting the power transfer, that should give us an extra advantage if someone else shows up.”
“There are tasks we can perform to aid in that effort, Captain,” said Alehuguet, “and that ability will only expand as we regain power. However, we regret the destruction of the other vessel, and we do not wish to cause them further harm. I am hopeful this can be avoided.”
Nodding at the suggestions, Picard said, “We’ll set to work immediately. Mister Worf and Lieutenant Chen, provide whatever assistance you can from . . . from where you are.”
Once everyone on the viewscreen offered their acknowledgment and the communication was ended, Picard rested his hands on the conference table. The silence was fleeting, however, before Crusher spoke.
“I’m worried about Chen. Without being able to compare Nejamri physiology to ours, there’s no way to know if whatever they did to her will have any sort of debilitating effects.”
“I agree with your concerns,” replied Picard. “For the moment, however, she seems fine, and she’s now our liaison with Alehuguet and the others.” He had not begun the day expecting to find himself and his crew in another first-contact situation. Though he welcomed the opportunity to meet representatives of a newly discovered civilization, doing so in a manner that placed any of his people at risk wore on him. “The fastest way to get Lieutenant Chen back to us is to help the Nejamri, so for now that’s the priority.” Once more, he looked to his chief engineer. “Geordi?”
The engineer’s confidence was unwavering. “I’m on it, Captain.”
“Very well, then.” Picard rose from his seat, signaling an end to the meeting. “Make it so.”
21
The conference room doors slid aside, and Phillipa Louvois walked in to see William Riker rising from his chair. He was the room’s lone occupant, and she knew he had been waiting for nearly thirty minutes, but if that bothered him he offered no outward sign.
Remember, he’s a hell of a poker player.
“Madam Attorney General,” said Riker, his voice crisp and commanding. There was no particular warmth in his greeting, much as she expected. “I heard about Admiral Ross. I’m happy to see you’re all right.”
“Nothing a few stiff drinks and an enhanced security detail won’t fix.” In the wake of the attack on William Ross at the Federation Security Agency detention facility, security around all Section 31 suspects had been augmented and installations where they were being housed had been placed on heightened alert conditions. Access to any of the suspects, particularly those perceived as high-value targets, was now strictly controlled subject to approval only by her and Admiral Akaar.
Changing the subject, Louvois said, “Thank you for meeting me, Admiral. I know it was short notice, and you’re very busy.”
“I wasn’t aware I had a choice. Admiral Akaar’s invitation seemed rather clear on that point.”
Years of ingrained Starfleet habits made Louvois take a quick appraisal of his uniform and general appearance. She was not surprised to see he presented himself as the epitome of a spit-and-polish officer, from the tips of his boots that reflected the overhead lighting to the tailored uniform and the precisely trimmed hair and beard. She noted there appeared to be more gray in his beard and at his temples than the last time she had seen him, which was not unusual for a man of his age. Still, the uniform suited him. She suspected that, like her, Riker would never be truly at ease when wearing civilian attire. When she dressed for work, her clothing was on par with a Starfleet duty uniform. Even her current ensemble of blue pantsuit, white blouse, minimal jewelry, and shoes designed for comfort was intended by her to feel somewhat like a uniform.
Old habits.
Louvois decided an attempt to lighten the mood was in order. Even with the possible directions their conversation might take in the coming minutes, it was her hope their meeting would not turn toward the adversarial. She offered a small smile, gesturing with the padd in her left hand for Riker to retake his seat. “Blame me for that, and I apologize for coming off as abrupt.” She opted for the chair directly opposite Riker’s at the table. “I can be a bit demanding when I’m pressed for time or resources.”
“That, I remember.” He returned her smile, and she recalled that wordplay and a natural charm were talents he wielded with formidable skill. “You made that abundantly clear the first time we met.”
“Yes, I suppose I did.” Louvois settled back in her chair, recalling her first memorable meeting with Riker, twenty years earlier. She was just beginning her assignment as a Starfleet Judge Advocate at Starbase 173, while Riker was first officer of the previous Starship Enterprise. What began as a routine stop for Captain Picard and his crew quickly morphed into her first true test as a Starfleet JAG, when she was forced to preside over the case that ultimately decided the android Data was not Starfleet property but instead a sentient being entitled to the same civil rights as any other Federation citizen.
It was a landmark ruling that looked good on her résumé, but one that had always made her feel uncomfortable. While she was impartial and even ambivalent to the case at its beginning, the trial as prosecuted by then Commander Riker and defended by Picard had been eye-opening in every conceivable sense of the term. That she had come so dangerously close to summarily ruling on Data’s fate without that trial, if not for Picard’s full-throated argument for his officer and friend, still made her uneasy whenever the topic was mentioned. In many ways, that single case had altered her attitudes and perceptions as a lawyer and—she hoped—a person.
“You and I never had a chance to talk after that business was concluded and the Enterprise left,” she added. “And I never followed up. It’s been a long time coming, but I apologize for putting you in that position. Even though the rule book was on my side, it was still a tremendous and unfair burden to put on you. And yet you were able to set aside what I only later understood to be deep personal feelings and carry out that assignment with complete professionalism. Your commitment to your oath is one of the things I’ve always respected about you, Admiral.”
For a moment, it looked as though Riker would maintain his composed bearing, allowing no emotional response to what he likely considered unanticipated praise. Then, he visibly relaxed in his chair, and he nodded. “Thank you, Madam Attorney General. I appreciate that.”
With that out of the way, Louvois knew it was time to get down to business. “As was the case then, the issues we’re currently facing are equally unpleasant, if not more so. I think you’ll agree we’re dealing with nothing less than a full-blown crisis of confidence within Starfleet and Federation leadership. Everything we’ve been taught to believe and encouraged to trust has been called into question. Do I think we can survive this mess and push forward, perhaps learning valuable lessons along the way and discover how to do things better from now on? Absolutely. Will that be a painless process? Not at all. We’ve already seen how bloody things are going to get, Admiral, and it will all get much, much worse before it even thinks about starting to get better.”
“I agree,” replied Riker. He offered nothing else, and Louvois saw he had in subtle fashion resumed his former, reserved posture in his seat. The poker face had returned. He was no fool, she knew. Riker would wait and see where the conversation looked to be heading, weighing his responses and giving away nothing for free. These were not the actions of a man trying to hide guilt or anything of that nature. Instead, they were the practiced maneuvers of a skilled negotiator and an accomplished tactician.
“Before we get into this,” she said, “I want you to know you’re not considered a suspect in any of the allegations made by Ozla Graniv’s report. I asked for this meeting as part of a fact-finding mission because of your relationship with one of the people who is implicated.” She let the sentence hang in the air, allowing him to reach his own conclusion. It was a short wait.
“You mean Captain Picard.”
No sense sugarcoating it.
“Yes,” she replied. “Captain Picard.” She tapped the table with one fingernail. It was time to start zeroing in on where she wanted this discussion to go. “How long were you his first officer?”
“Fifteen years.” The reply was immediate, almost curt. While Riker maintained his bearing, Louvois did not miss the slight narrowing of his eyes and tightening of his mouth.
She said, “During your tour on the previous Enterprise, you were offered promotion and your own command. Twice. You were made such an offer even before you reported for that assignment. You declined each of those opportunities in favor of a lateral move from your previous role as first officer of the Hood. Why?”
For the first time, Riker frowned, allowing a hint of suspicion. “At that point in my career, I thought the Enterprise first officer’s job would be more interesting.”
“Any regrets?”
“None whatsoever.” Leaning toward her, Riker clasped his hands before him and rested them on the table. “And before you ask, I don’t have any regrets about passing up command of the Aries or the Melbourne, either. At that time, learning how to command a ship—how to inspire a crew to follow you anywhere you might lead—from a man like Jean-Luc Picard was an unparalleled opportunity. If I had it to do over again, I’d make the same choices without hesitation.” He held her gaze after he finished speaking, and Louvois suspected another interviewer might have looked away or even flinched beneath his cold, penetrating eyes.
I’m a pretty good poker player too, Admiral.
“Your relationship with Picard—”
“Captain Picard.”
Now we’re getting somewhere, she thought.
“Your relationship with Captain Picard is well known. No one in their right mind would question your loyalty. Do you think he feels the same way toward you?” She suspected he might now be anticipating something along these lines, as evidenced by his once more relaxing just the slightest bit.
“I like to believe so,” he replied.
“I’d think it was obvious.” Louvois reached for the padd that until now had sat undisturbed on the conference table. She tapped a control and the device activated, and she called up a copy of Riker’s Starfleet personnel record.
“Fifteen years working together,” she continued, her eyes still scanning the file’s contents. She had already familiarized herself with it, of course, as part of her preparation for this meeting, but having the text in front of her helped jog her memory with respect to details. It also provided her an easy means of controlling the conversation’s tempo as she paused every so often to review a particular passage. “Putting your trust in one another, even putting your lives in each other’s hands. It stands to reason you were his confidant on any number of matters. His sounding board; even his conscience. There likely would be a great many things he told you that he might not tell anyone else. Not even the ship’s counselor. As captain, there would be precious few people with whom he would feel that sense of comfort and trust.”
Riker’s frown returned. “Begging your pardon, Madam Attorney General, but is there a point to this?”
“What can you tell me about his involvement in President Zife’s removal from office?”
“Nothing. Like pretty much everyone else who wasn’t in on it, I had no idea he was involved until I saw the news reports and read Graniv’s exposé.” He paused, glancing at the conference table separating them. “I admit it’s pretty damning on the face of it.”
“On the face of it?”
“Meaning you and I both know this wasn’t just some power-hungry rogue group trying to usurp power for their own ends. There’s no way Captain Picard would ever be a party to something like that. I think we both understand what he and the others were thinking at the time, given the shady deals Zife had conducted. What he did posed a direct threat to Federation security. I can’t condone the methods and I hate to say it, but in this case the ends all but justified the means.”
Louvois waited a beat before saying, “You seem rather certain of him. Captain Picard, I mean.”
“I am.”
“But he never confided in you about any of it.”
Before answering, Riker drew a long breath, another indication he was growing annoyed with how the discussion was evolving.
“As I said, Madam Attorney General, he never said a thing.”
“Why do you suppose that is?” asked Louvois.
As though realizing he needed to keep himself in check, Riker removed his hands from the table and rested them on the arms of his chair. “You’d have to ask him, but if it were me, I’d want to insulate my people from any fallout resulting from my actions. We both know what happened to President Zife was wrong, by any legal definition. What he did to precipitate all of that was also wrong, but exposing him publicly at that time would’ve only been disastrous for the Federation.” His expression hardened. “But, there’s no way Captain Picard would ever sanction Section Thirty-One killing Zife.”
Louvois returned her gaze to her padd. “Still, it was his report to Admirals Ross, Nechayev, Jellico, Paris, and Nakamura that set the entire thing in motion. At best, he’s an instigator of illegal activity. At worst, he’s an accessory to murder.”
