Chapter 2
Chapter 1
Captain's Log, Stardate 57128.4
The Enterprise has arrived at Starbase Deep Space 9 where we will be joined by our new Tactical Officer. In addition to her expertise in security and tactical operations, Starfleet assures me that she has certain expertise and knowledge that will crucial to our upcoming peace mission in the Gamma Quadrant.
Personal Log: Jean-Luc Picard – Stardate 57128.4
I must admit to a certain insecurity with regard to our new Tactical Officer. The rumors I have heard about her, some from her former commanding officers, some from… other sources, all indicate that she is highly competent. But they also indicate an overly lax approach to the chain of command. In fact, although every one of her COs have officially (and unofficially) remarked on her abilities as a tactical and security officer, not one of them have shown any interest in working with her again.
To say the least, that makes me nervous.
Her file does not indicate any reason why other officers would be so reluctant to serve with an officer of her record. On the other hand, I find her personnel file to be quite lacking in detail of any sort. I have brought my concerns to Admiral Kowshinski, but was informed in no uncertain terms that this particular personnel choice was out of my hands. I've known Bill Kowshinski for a long time. He's not the type to force personnel down the throat of a commanding officer without a good reason. I trust his judgment.
But that doesn't make me feel any more comfortable with a Bridge Officer that no one seems to trust…
**********
Captain Jean-Luc Picard sat at the desk in his ready room, looking over the paperwork that every captain hated, when he heard a familiar voice over the comm.
"Captain,"
"Yes, Number One," he answered.
"You wished to be informed when it was 1400 hours."
"Thank you. Please have Commander Data contact our new officer and find out if she is available the beam aboard. And please join me in my ready room."
"Yes, Sir." Riker closed the circuit.
Riker arrived a moment later. "You wanted to see me, Captain?"
Picard gestured to one of the chairs across the desk and Riker took a seat. "Yes, Will, I did."
Riker watched as his captain gathered his thoughts. "It's about our new Tac Officer, isn't it?" he said.
"Yes," Picard answered with a grimace. "I'm still extremely uneasy about having an officer that no one seems to want to work with. And I don't know what to do about it. I don't want to seem prejudiced against an officer who has such an exemplary record… but the impression I'm getting is that she is not a pleasant person to work with. I'm worried about the potential disruptions to the rest of the crew."
Picard continued. "You know as well as I do, Number One, how important the synergy among crew members is aboard a Starship. Sovereign Class ships are big, in terms of Starships, but the fact is Starship crews are relatively small communities. And even minor disruptions can have huge consequences. If officers can't get along with each other, the effect could be disastrous, especially in an emergency situation."
Riker nodded. He'd had the same concerns himself, and he'd helped the Captain do some of the 'information gathering' that helped him form his opinion. In fact Riker pretty much agreed with his Captain's assessment of this new officer. On the other hand, it looked like the Captain needed to vent. And part of a first officer's job is to allow his Captain a good source to vent his frustrations.
"I can't say I disagree, Captain," he replied. "But as you said, she does have an amazing record. And even the officers she's worked with in the past say that she's good, real good. I have a feeling that it's more a case of personality than discipline. And if that's the case, well, after dealing with Worf for more than nine years, dealing with her should be a cinch. Worf's another difficult personality to get along with. We got along fine with him… usually. This'll probably be more of the same."
Picard thought about it for a moment. "Quite right, Number One." He grinned. "I probably shouldn't allow myself to get caught up trying to anticipate personnel problems."
"No, sir, you shouldn't. Especially since personnel issues are my problem, not yours," Riker responded with a smile.
Picard gave a short chuckle. "Touché. Alright, I'll leave it in your good hands." He checked his chronometer. "In fact, I'll leave you to greet her aboard. She should be arriving momentarily. Escort her here when she arrives, but take your time about it. I want you to formulate an impression of her. And have the other officers try to make her feel at ease. Maybe we can head off any problems before they occur."
"Well, they'll get the opportunity for it," said Riker. "Deanna and Beverly have to do the 'new crewman' thing. And I'm sure she'll want to interface with Geordie about any personal changes she wants to make to the security systems. Don't worry, Captain. We'll handle it."
"Very well. Make it so," Picard ordered
Riker nodded, and left the Ready Room. Picard sat silently for another moment. "Please make it so," he said prayerfully. Then he turned back to the computer terminal full of dreaded paperwork.
********
Riker arrived in Transporter Room One where he heard the transporter technician acknowledging Commander Data's report that the new officer was ready to beam aboard. The technician looked to Riker for orders. "Energize," he ordered.
The transporter platform sparkled with energy, which solidified into a human form, carrying a small carry-on bag of personal effects.
Riker watched as the woman looked around the room. Her muscles tensed momentarily, as if she were ready to pounce.
She was human, seemingly in her mid-thirties. She wore the gray-on-black uniform of Starfleet with a yellow collar. Her chestnut hair was pulled back in a regulation pony-tail. She was of athletic build, but not overly muscular. She was definitely an attractive woman, and Riker immediately saw in her a sense of self-confidence that few people possessed.
But what really caught Riker by surprise were the woman's eyes.
When Riker was young, his father had taken him on a vacation to the African wildlands for a safari, one of the few happy memories of his youth. He remembered watching from the protection of an air-car, and seeing a lioness as it hunted for food. There had been a thrill as he looked at its eyes. He felt as if he had seen into the soul of the hunting cat.
This woman's eyes were like the eyes of the hunting lioness. Hungry. Ready for the kill.
She relaxed quickly, still ready--- always ready--- but not sensing any danger. And she turned to William Riker.
"Permission to come aboard," she asked.
"Permission granted." She stepped lightly down the stairs. Her movements were cat-like as well. She moved with the grace of a big cat, ready to spring on its prey at any moment.
"Commander Katherine Pryde," she introduced herself.
"Commander William Riker." He shook her hand. She had a solid grip.
Riker noticed a long object sticking out of the opening of her bag. "Excuse me, Commander, but is that a sword?"
Kitty smiled. "Yes Commander, it is." She turned slightly to let him get a better look at the sheathed sword.
"Japanese," asked Riker.
"Yes, a Japanese Katana. It was worn by the Yashida Samurai family from the 16th century until the 20th century, old calendar."
"The engraving in the handle is beautiful," commented Riker.
"You oughta see the blade… magnificent. I'll show you some time," Commander Pryde offered.
"I look forward to it." He turned to lead her out the door.
As they stepped into the corridor, Commander Pryde grew tense again, until she was able to look about her and see that there was no immediate threat. She really takes her job seriously. Does she always enter a room assuming trouble's about to pop out at her?
The entered a turbolift and began heading for the bridge. Before they arrived, Riker said "Turbolift, hold," and the turbolift slid to a stop. He turned to Commander Pryde. "Commander, I think it is only fair for you to know that both the Captain and I have reservations about you serving aboard Enterprise. This is the flagship of the fleet, and despite your record--- which by the way is exemplary--- you are an unknown equation. Frankly, no one you have served with has anything good to say about you personally. They all give you high grades for your work. But they don't like you. And frankly, the Captain and I are worried that your… peculiar… personality might end up being a detriment to the ship."
Commander Pryde seemed to consider those words. She nodded in understanding. "I appreciate your frankness, sir. I know that you and Captain Picard are not the first CO and XO to have reservations about me. But you are the first person to come out and say so right up front. I appreciate that. And I understand what your issue is."
"I do have an abrasive personality. I fully admit it, and I do try to work at it. That's problem number one, and I'm trying to get it under control. Problem number two is that there are things in my past that I am not at liberty to discuss with anyone… including you and the Captain. That's regulations talking, not me. I have no choice in the matter. Starship crews are close-knit communities. I doubt that there are very many secrets aboard." She looked to Riker for confirmation, and he nodded, remembering how his relationship with Deanna was common knowledge to most of the crew. "As I thought, sir. Well, I have secrets. I can't tell those secrets. That automatically makes me an outsider. The result is that most people don't like me very much. And that is beyond my control." She shrugged. "A pity. I liked most of them. But the fact is that I'm here to do my job. If I make friends along the way, great. But if I don't, it won't affect how I do my job. Nevertheless, I'll try to keep the personality conflicts to a minimum."
Now it was Riker's turn to nod. He saw in Commander Pryde a person determined to do her duty, no matter the personal issue that may get in the way. She also seemed to recognize where her weaknesses lay and the cause for them. And she seemed to be on the right track towards fixing those problems. "That's all I ask, Commander. I'll reserve any further judgments until we get to know each other a little better."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
"Turbolift, resume," he ordered.
*****
Picard looked up from his terminal as the door buzzer sounded. "Come." Riker and Pryde entered Picard's Ready Room.
"Commander Katherine Pryde reporting for duty," she announced.
Picard shook the hand of his new Tactical Officer, and took the proffered computer memory chip. "My orders, sir."
"Yes, thank you," replied the Captain, taking the chip. "Please have a seat." She sat, and Riker excused himself.
"First of all, Commander," Picard said, "welcome aboard."
"Thank you, Captain."
"I trust you know that you have quite a reputation as a Tactical Officer. I expect you to live up to that reputation."
Kitty smiled. "I'll certainly do my best, sir."
"I know you will. You have some big shoes to fill, Commander. Your predecessors were all extremely good at their jobs. I expect you to maintain their readiness and efficiency levels."
"I will, sir."
Picard nodded. "I expect no less." He paused for a moment. Then he said, "I have been led to understand that you have a background in espionage, that you served in Starfleet Intelligence as a field agent."
Kitty looked uncomfortable for a moment. "Yes, sir."
Picard smiled. "I'm not trying to put you on the spot, Commander. I just wanted you to understand that I know just how difficult a position that puts you. I will try not to press you for any information that you can't give. I've done my share of undercover work as well. But I will ask you to be patient with those who are less experienced with such matters."
"I can be patient," Kitty answered. "The question is whether other people can be patient with me."
"I think you'll find that the crew of the Enterprise will accommodate you. We've been together a long time. The crew knows when not to press for too much information," Picard explained.
Kitty was somewhat relieved. "Then I don't anticipate any difficulties, sir."
"Excellent," replied Picard. "Why don't you get settled in. There's an executive staff meeting scheduled for 1600 hours in the main conference room to brief the crew on our next mission. That should give you time to settle in to your quarters, and relax for a while."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
"Dismissed." Kitty snapped a salute and left.
Kitty's thoughts mirrored those of Picard. Perhaps things will work out.
********
The executive staff of the USS Enterprise sat around the conference table in the main conference room. Outside the portholes, Starbase Deep Space Nine hung like a jewel in the night sky, and the stars sparkled in the distance as Picard brought the meeting to order.
"Our first order of business," he began, "is to welcome our newest crewmember, Commander Katherine Pryde aboard. Commander Pryde is our new Tactical officer. I'm sure you will all make her feel at home." Head nodded all around the table, and the officers smiled in welcome to Kitty.
"Now, on to our new mission." Picard leaned back in his chair. "We will be entering the Gamma Quadrant wormhole on a diplomatic mission to the Shi'ar Empire." There was a sharp intake of breath from Kitty. "Commander, you seem to know a bit about the Shi'ar Empire."
"Yes, sir, I do," she responded, "and it certainly explains why I am aboard. There aren't very many people in the Federation with experience with the Shi'ar."
Picard nodded. "The Federation has been trying for the past three years to establish diplomatic ties with the Shi'ar… to no avail. Team after team has met with nothing but frustration. And we have been chosen as the newest delegation to the Shi'ar Empire."
Riker asked, "Do we know why the earlier missions failed?"
"Apparently," answered Picard, "the delegation was unable to make any headway at all. The reports all indicate that the Shi'ar diplomats seemed to be unable to take any stance on even the most basic issues."
"Yes," commented Kitty, "that's exactly how I would expect them to handle things."
Picard and Riker glanced at each other. "Perhaps you can explain it to us," said Picard.
"The Shi'ar," said Kitty, "are led by a single leader, Imperial Majestrix Lilandra Neramani. Lilandra is a consummate politician. And nothing happens in the Shi'ar Empire without her knowledge. Nor are her subordinates known for being inept or stupid. So the only conclusion that I can draw is that Lilandra has no interest in making peace with the Federation. Which pretty much jives with what she told me years ago."
"But why not?" asked Riker. "Surely we have a lot to offer, and we'd be getting a lot in return."
Kitty smiled. "I know that and you know that, Commander. And frankly, Lilandra knows how much she would profit from diplomatic ties with the Federation. But that won't change her mind."
She continued, "A while back there was a war between Shi'ar's two neighboring empires, the Kree and the Skrull. When the war was over, both empires were devastated, and Lilandra acted to help both, both financially and through direct aid. She figured it would help to keep peace in the region, and give her two new allies. She was never a naïve person, but she truly felt that this was her chance to solidify peace in the region. In the end, the Kree and the Skrull teamed up to try and take over the Shi'ar Empire and dethrone Lilandra. And they used the financial support she had given them to do it. In the end, she won the war… but millions died in the process."
"Since then she's been gun-shy about peace agreements with those outside her empire, and with good reason. At the same time, she doesn't want to completely burn her bridges, so an outright 'no' to an offer of peace negotiations is out of the question. Her only available response, then, is to delay, and agree to nothing. The fact is, though, she's not negotiating in good faith, and she has no intention of starting now."
Picard nodded as he absorbed this new information. "I understand. But how do we get her to start negotiating in good faith?"
"We don't," Kitty relied curtly.
"Excuse me?" This was from Riker, but all the officers around the table seemed to have the same look of surprise on their faces.
"I said that there is no way to make her negotiate in good faith." She looked around the room. "We've been given a bum mission. There is no way to succeed. Lilandra has no intention of negotiating, and for all intents and purposes Lilandra is the Shi'ar Empire."
"But there must be something that we can offer that will change her mind," said Counselor Troi. "Everyone can be bargained with. It's simply a matter of knowing what the price is."
Kitty looked at Troi. "I thought you were a psychologist. You've never heard of irrational emotional reactions? We could offer her the universe on a silver platter, and it still wouldn't change her mind. She's been burnt once… badly. She has no intention of putting herself in that position again. Never mind that she knows intellectually that we have no intention of trying to take over the Empire. Never mind that she knows how much she has to gain by teaming up with us. She's scared. And that is all that matters."
Troi looked back at Kitty. "You mentioned that you've spoken to Majestrix Lilandra in person."
"Many times," Kitty confirmed. "I know her quite well. I've known her a very long time."
"Then perhaps you can use that personal relationship to help us further our cause."
Kitty shook her head. "I've been thinking about that too. As near as I can figure it, the best I can do is to get Lilandra to admit openly that she has no intention of bringing any negotiations to a serious conclusion. But there's no way I can get her to do something she doesn't want to do. She's stubborn as a mule."
"Then what do you suggest?" asked Picard.
"Do you really want my response to that question, Captain?" Picard nodded. "Then I suggest that we scrap this mission and stop wasting everyone's time, and put this starship to use where it will do some real good."
Picard stared at his new Tactical Officer for a long, silent moment. "That is not an acceptable option, Commander."
"Didn't think it was, Captain," she replied. "That's why I asked if you really wanted to hear it. But barring that, I can't make any suggestions until we see what the political climate is on Shi'ar. It's been a while since my last visit, and I'll need time to get a feel for the politics again. Until then, speculation would be fruitless." She turned to all the officers. "I have no intention of giving up on this mission. But you all needed to hear the political realities of the situation. Thinking that you'll be able to ride in like a knight on a white horse and have Lilandra sign a treaty with you is a mistake. I have doubts about our ability to accomplish our mission, but I do know that it will not be simple, and it will not be quick. But I intend to work towards a satisfactory resolution."
Picard nodded. "I think we can all appreciate that," he said. "Just as long as you aren't giving up on the mission before we even get started."
"I'm not," she assured him.
"Very well, then. Mr. LaForge, how soon will we be ready for transit through the wormhole?"
"As soon as you give the order, Captain."
"Excellent. Mr. Data, have you updated the astrogation records?"
"Yes, Captain. We have received the latest mapping upgrades from Deep Space Nine."
"Very well then. If you will all take your stations, it's time we got underway." Picard stood, and the rest stood up as well, moving towards the door to the bridge.