Mirror Universe - 001 - Glass Empires by Star Trek

Author:Star Trek [Star Trek]
Language: deu
Format: epub
Published: 2011-02-06T10:07:15.489000+00:00

"Well, that depends on how you define importance," Picard hedged. If only he could convince Gul Madred of the magnitude of such a discovery! "Just observing their way of life could be of incalculable value in illuminating the past, not only of the human race, but of other early tribal cultures."

Madred shook his head. "I sincerely doubt that there is anything of value to be learned from some debased remnant of Terran civilization." He sighed wearily. "Luc, Luc, we've had this conversation before. Nobody's interested in the failed history of your undistinguished breed. The Vulcans, at least, gave birth to the Romulan Star Empire, but the human race has left no legacy worth noting. And I certainly do not employ you to go digging through the dirt for crude beads and stone knives." Picard started to object, but Madred raised his hand to forestall any further discussion. "I admire your persistence, but better that you focus your energies on recovering legitimate archeological treasures." He fondled the Stone on his desk. "Like, perhaps, the third component of this intriguing little item?"

Picard's shoulders sagged in defeat. I should have known better than to raise my hopes, he thought bitterly. Madred had never shown any interest in the history of mankind and its short-lived Empire. I was wasting my breath.

"I'll get right on that," he acquiesced. "Let me get back to my research."

"That's the spirit, Luc," Madred said. The Stone of Gol component disappeared into a drawer beneath the polished black desktop. "Make it so."

* * *

Picard's mood was dark as he trudged back to the spaceport. This was hardly the first time that Gul Madred had shot down Picard's own archeological agenda. The acquisitive Cardassian had also consistently refused to sponsor any investigation into the theories of the late Richard Galen, Picard's deceased mentor. Although entirely self-educated and lacking any academic standing within the Alliance, Galen had known more about galactic history than any expert Picard had ever met, human or otherwise. Buried anger simmered deep inside him as he recalled how Galen had been executed years ago because of his "seditious" theory that the Cardassians and the Klingons shared a common genetic heritage with the human race. Part of Picard had never forgiven the Alliance for Galen's death... and for the way they had stonewalled any further research in that direction.

No wonder Madred vetoed the Mohican expedition, he thought. I was a fool to ever think he would do otherwise.

No overbearing Klingons accosted him upon his return to Stargazer, for which Picard was grateful. Wesley, who was camped out in front of the ship, sprang to his feet as he approached. "Everything's just the way you left it, Luc," he proclaimed loudly. "Nobody's going to mess with Stargazer while I'm around."

"Thanks for looking after her for me." Picard tossed the teenager another coin, as was their tradition. "Now go find yourself something to eat... and don't spend it all on Thalian chocolate."

Wesley licked his lips. "Chocolate. What a great idea!" He scurried away before Picard could lecture him on the importance of proper nutrition.

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