TNG 57 - The Forgotten War (c) by Star Trek

Author:Star Trek [Star Trek]
Language: deu
Format: epub
Tags: \Star Trek
Publisher: Pocket Books.
Published: 2011-01-02T07:59:38.954000+00:00

Chapter Six

“CAPTAIN PICARD, THE TARN flagship is hailing us.”

Picard stood up, studying the viewscreen closely. Three Tarn ships had entered the system an hour ago and were now moving into orbit above Torgu-Va. Their design reminded him of the old Romulan Bird-of-Prey configuration and he wondered if the Tarn had acquired some of their upgraded technology from the traditional rival of the Federation.

“I’ll take it in my quarters,” Picard announced. He sensed that this was going to be difficult, better handled alone for the moment.

He looked back over at Data.

“Data, as soon as you find out what is going on, call me at once.”

“Yes, sir.”

Picard wanted to explode with frustration. Everything, it seemed, had slipped out of control. Riker and Eardman could not be found. Apparently, they had moved so deep within the planet’s network of caves that their sensors could no longer be located. Karish’s location was even more mysterious; the signal had simply winked off as if his communicator had been smashed.

“Data, keep on Mr. Eddies. I want that transporter back on-line.”

The door slid shut behind him as he paused for a moment to look out the viewport to the world below. Most planets, when silhouetted by the darkness of space, looked warm, inviting, even if the surface was cloaked in liquid ammonia or boiling sulfur. This one, however, even when viewed from space, seemed harsh, foreboding, a place that, given a choice, he would pass by without a second look.

“I have Admiral Garu Jord of the Tarn Royal Circle, sir.”

“Patch him in.”

The screen on his desk flared to life. Garu Jord’s attention was elsewhere, his back to the screen as he spoke to someone standing behind him. It gave Picard several seconds to compose himself. The conversation seemed animated and Picard wondered if it was a bit of playacting for his consumption.

“Commander Picard?” Garu Jord finally asked, swinging his chair back around to look at Picard.

“I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship Enterprise,” he replied, concealing his annoyance regarding the slight in rank.

“I am Admiral of the Royal Circle Garu Jord, commander of this flotilla, sent to investigate events here on Torgu-Va. I expect a report.”

Picard stiffened slightly at the imperious manner in which Jord addressed him.

“Admiral Jord, I will be happy to share all ship’s logs with you. Once we have finished talking, my communications officer will download them to your ship.”

“Fine. I wish to speak with Commander Karish in private.”

“He is not back from the surface of the planet.”

“Not back? Is there something wrong?”

“Commander Karish went to meet with the Tarn commander on the planet’s surface. He has not reported back.”

“I wish to speak with him now.”

Picard hesitated for a moment. “Commander Karish is out of communication range.”

“Out of range? Maybe for your system but not for ours.”

“Sir. He is either too far below the surface or has removed his communications link. We have not spoken to him for nearly a day. I should add that the away team we sent to the human survivors on the planet has not reported in either.

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