Riker tapped his combadge. “Geordi, did you get all that?”
La Forge answered from engineering. “Sure did, Captain.”
“Think it’ll work?”
“Could get tricky if they try to board us while we’re attacking. But if Starfleet’s tested it, I’m ready to give it a shot.”
Riker was tempted to remind La Forge that Picard had said the artificial-gravity distortion techniques had been tested “in simulation,” but he decided not to add any additional distractions to what was already a complex situation.
When Spock had returned from the realm of dark matter with the knowledge that gravity was what kept the Totality away from the stars and galaxies, he had provided the key to the new strategy. Then Starfleet’s Department of Advanced Research had demonstrated proof of concept at Mercury, for using projected gravity fields as a weapon. Now Admiral Janeway was spearheading the crash program to use the new technology to engage the Totality at Vulcan, and, if need be, drive them from the Federation one world at a time.
Somehow, Riker wasn’t surprised that in the midst of such an enormous undertaking, James Kirk had found a way to apply it to a personal mission. He had also been heartened to learn that Picard really had been kidnapped by Kirk. But he was even more pleased that Picard had since made up his mind to do anything he could to help his fellow captain recover his son. And if Kirk’s personal quest offered the chance that the Totality could be defeated at the same time, so much the better.
“We are being hailed by the Vulcan cruisers,” Worf announced.
Riker exchanged a look with Troi, gratified to have her at his side again. He saw that she was ready, straightened his jacket, and told Worf to put the signal onscreen.
A sallow young Vulcan in a combat helmet appeared.
“U.S.S. Enterprise,” the Vulcan said coolly, “you are infringing on Vulcan territory. Drop from warp and prepare to be taken in tow.”
Riker knew he had to appear to surrender for Picard’s plan to work, but he had to make it look good. So with practiced offense, he refused the demand. “We’re well outside your system’s territorial boundaries.”
“In the current situation, new rules apply. All ships traveling at warp are presumed to be enemy vessels. Drop to impulse or be fired upon.” Despite the deadly threat he made, the Vulcan’s tone remained crisp and uninvolved.
Riker feigned annoyance. “We’re on a rescue mission.”
“Provide details.”
“We’ve been asked to rendezvous with a private vessel, the S.S. Belle Reve.”
Riker was certain he saw the Vulcan’s face tighten. He caught Troi’s eye. The nod she gave was imperceptible to anyone but him.
“The Belle Reve and her crew are guilty of criminal actions within the Vulcan system. If you persist in aiding them, you will be considered accomplices.”
Riker gave an impression of shifting uncomfortably in his chair. Adopting an air of extreme reluctance, he addressed his conn officer.
“Ensign Choyce, take us to impulse.”
Riker returned his attention to the viewscreen and the Vulcan. “I take it you want to scan us.”
“You will be boarded and searched,” the Vulcan said.
“I will file a complaint with Starfleet Command,” Riker threatened.
“That entity no longer exists.”
“Captain,” Worf interrupted, following his script. “The Belle Reve has been hit.”
“Damage?” Riker asked, as if it were of utmost concern and not part of Picard’s plan.
“They have lost warp engines,” Worf replied. “Shields are fluctuating.”
“There’re Starfleet personnel on board that ship,” Riker said with a hint of anger, knowing how that typically human emotional display would annoy a real Vulcan.
“They are reporting injuries,” Worf said loudly. “Severe burns. They are requesting emergency medical aid.”
Riker stood to face the nameless Vulcan on the viewscreen. “I’m responding to that request. If you want to board and search this ship, you’re going to have to do it when we reach the Belle Reve. Enterprise out.”
Riker gave a quick cutting gesture and the viewscreen returned to showing the stars at warp. He looked over at Troi and she applauded lightly. “Bravo. He believed every word.”
Another time, Riker might have taken a bow. But he was about to take the Enterprise into battle.
“Ensign Choyce, set a course to the Belle Reve. Maximum warp. Hold station at five kilometers when we arrive, and so the Vulcans don’t get suspicious if they scan us, alert transporter control to operate as if they’re preparing for medical evacuation.”
“Aye, aye, sir.”
Riker turned to Worf. “What are the Vulcans doing?”
“Following. Weapons are armed, torpedoes are loaded.”
Riker waited a few moments, then, “If they haven’t shot at us by now, they’re going to wait to see if we follow through on what we said.”
Worf bared his teeth in an unsettlingly predatory smile. “Then we have them.”
Riker wasn’t as convinced as Worf, but he had long ago learned the folly of arguing with a Klingon.
“Th’Enterprise is droppin’ from warp,” Scott said.
Picard watched the viewscreens carefully. A moment after the Enterprise streaked to relative stop, the two Vulcan cruisers completed the same maneuver.
“Distance to targets?” Picard asked.
“Five kilometers port and starboard,” McCoy answered. “They’ve sandwiched us.”
Picard tapped his finger on the arm of his chair. “We have to turn that around.”
“We’re being hailed,” McCoy announced. “It’s the Vulcans.”
Picard looked at Spock, standing at his side. “Any suggestions?”
“Resume laser communications with the Enterprise,” Spock said.
“This close,” Picard cautioned, “the Vulcans will detect the transmission.”
“Correct,” Spock agreed. “But they will not be able to decipher its content unless they intercept it.”
Picard grinned as he saw the end result. Lasers were a line-of-sight communications method. “One of those two ships will have to position itself between us and the Enterprise.”
“Captain,” Scott said, “the Vulcans are gettin’ a wee bit peeved. They want us t’ open a channel or they’ll fire.”
Picard stood to be better prepared to play his part for the Vulcans. “Doctor McCoy, establish a laser com link with the Enterprise. Transmit sensor data, anything in the library… just be sure to encrypt it to make certain the Vulcans will be curious.”
“Vulcans do not need to be ‘made’ curious,” Spock observed.
“If those are Vulcans,” Picard said. “Onscreen, Doctor.”
A stern Vulcan appeared on the center screen. Picard was surprised to see that he wore a battle helmet, as if he expected to take part in personal combat at any moment.
“I demand to know why you fired on me,” Picard said angrily.
“Demand?” the Vulcan replied. He almost smiled. “Drop your shields and prepare to be boarded.”
Picard continued playing his role, wondering how long it would be before the Vulcans noted the laser link.
“I will do no such thing. You have no authority in open space.”
The Vulcan was about to respond to Picard’s challenge when he abruptly looked offscreen as if someone had just arrived with an important message.
It was the right message.
“Belle Reve, you will cease all laser communications with the Enterprise at once.”
Picard hoped Spock’s logic was sound as he forced an escalation. “We don’t have any laser-communications capability.”
