Star Trek: Myriad Universes - 002 - Echoes and Refractions by Keith R. A. Decandido;Chris Roberson;Geoff Trowbridge

Author:Keith R. A. Decandido;Chris Roberson;Geoff Trowbridge
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Star Trek Fiction, Space Warfare, Space Opera, Interplanetary Voyages, General, Science Fiction, American, Adventure, Fiction
ISBN: 9781416571810
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2008-01-02T08:00:00+00:00

Picard kept his composure, but was no more pleased with Ro’s bloodthirstiness than he was with O’Brien’s, though it came from the same source. As a Bajoran, Ro had grown up under Cardassian oppression, after all.

To Krajensky, the captain said, “Mister Ambassador, if you would please report to Transporter Room 3. I believe we shall have to beam our refugees aboard, and you’re best qualified to greet them.”

Nodding, Krajensky said, “Of course, Captain.”

“Lieutenant,” Picard said to Ro, “have a security detail meet the ambassador there.”

“Sir,” Kadohata said, “the Reklar is coming around-they’re crossing the border now, sir.”

Shelby’s voice sounded over the speaker. “I’ll take care of Lemec, Captain.”

“Very well, Captain Shelby. Godspeed.”

The Excalibur veered off onto an intercept course with the Reklar. Ro put the tactical display back up, showing the two ships engaging.

Picard was pleased to see that the Reklar’s weapons fire-which had the same energy signature as the phased polaron beams that destroyed seven Federation ships days ago-were stopped by Excalibur’s shields. He gave silent thanks to Voyager and her crew for managing to send off the specs for the weapon before they were lost.

However, Excalibur’s shields were down to eighty percent.

“Ferengi yacht now across the border,” Perim said.

“Sladok right behind,” Kadohata added.

Worf said, “Prepare to fire on the Sladok as soon as it enters Federation space.”

“Aye, sir.” Ro said the words with relish.

Picard tapped his combadge. “Bridge to transporter room-can you get a lock on the occupants of the yacht?”

“Stand by, sir,” Chief Mun Ying said. After a brief pause, he added, “Reading a Ferengi and a Bajoran on board, sir. I’ve got a lock and can beam them up whenever you lower the shields.”

“Captain Amalfitano, if you would please cover us while we beam aboard our defectors…”

“We’re on it, Captain,” Amalfitano said.

The Sentinel took up position between the Sladok and the Enterprise.

“Lower shields,” Picard said.

Sounding disappointed that the Sentinel was getting first blood, Ro said, “Yes, sir.”

“Chief Mun Ying, beam them aboard.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Captain!” Kadohata shouted.

Looking over at the viewer, Picard saw two of the ships on the tactical overlay wink out.

“My God.”

The Excalibur and the Reklar had destroyed each other.

“Any life signs? Escape pods?” Picard asked Kadohata, hoping for an affirmative answer.

Shaking her head, Kadohata said, “I’m sorry, sir. Sensors picked up some pods from both ships, but they were vaporized by the explosion. There are no life signs in the wreckage.”

Picard closed his eyes. He was tired. Tired of death, tired of war, tired of all of it. Except for the three-day respite he’d forced upon himself, he’d been going nonstop since the battle against the Borg, stumbling from one battle to another. Even this, which was supposed to be a proper diplomatic mission, was turning into yet another bloodbath.

And he’d had enough.

Opening his eyes, he looked to his first officer. “Mister Worf, you have the bridge. Work with the Sentinel to do whatever is necessary to keep our defectors safe.”

“Aye, sir.”

“I’ll be greeting our guests.” With that, Picard entered the turbolift. As soon as the doors hissed shut, he whispered, “Transporter Room 3.

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