Star Trek: The Fall: The Poisoned Chalice Read Online Free PDF

for him, however. The more vociferous political commentators in the Federation news media spoke about Velk as a “hatchet man,” and it was true that in his corporate career as well as his political one, the Tellarite often made decisions that some might have called callous, even ruthless.
    â€œHow can I help you?” Riker asked, tamping down his irritation at the Tellarite’s uninvited intrusion.
    â€œThe role you are going to fill,” Velk began, his gaze still ranging around the room, “it is fluid. You’ll come to understand that quickly enough . . . Admiral.”He lingered on the cityscape across the bay, adding the rank as if it was an afterthought.
    â€œDoesn’t look that way from this side of the desk,” Riker replied, waving a hand at the padds. “But I’m a quick study.”
    â€œSo I’ve heard.” Velk put down the glass and at last he looked directly at Riker. “I have a lot to occupy my time at the moment. The Federation’s resolve is being tested, and it is imperative that we do not buckle under the pressure. As such, when outside elements are introduced that cause additional concerns, I am greatly perturbed.”
    â€œI don’t follow you.” But he had an idea of what the Tellarite was implying.
    â€œI opposed your recall and promotion.” Velk said it without any shade of emotion to the statement. “I felt you were unsuitable, a view shared by many members of the cabinet. You’re not a diplomat. You have little experience of . . . what is that human word? Realpolitik. ”
    Riker’s lips thinned. He hadn’t even moved in and already he was being challenged. “Your candor is quite refreshing, Mister Velk, and I appreciate it. But as you can see, I’ve got a fair bit of reading to catch up on. So do you have a point to make, or did you just come up here to enjoy the view?”
    â€œAkaar promoted you; that’s done.” Velk continued as if Riker hadn’t spoken. “So now you’ll be working with the members of the cabinet, and we have to make the best of it. I wanted you to understand my outlook at the earliest opportunity, so that there is no room for misinterpretation. I don’t have time for such things.”
    â€œWe agree on that, at least. So let me show youthe same courtesy.” Riker leaned forward. “I’m sure there’re a dozen other officers who would be better suited to wearing this.” He tapped at the rank pin on his collar. “Frankly, I’m a little surprised Akaar didn’t give it to Jean-Luc Picard—”
    â€œPicard?” Velk said the name with cold disdain. “In my opinion, a man unable to follow orders. But the president pro tem is more tolerant than I. He has ordered Picard and the Enterprise on a mission to Ferenginar to deal with a developing diplomatic situation there.”
    This was the first Riker had heard of it; the day’s intelligence reports were the first documents he had read, and nothing had been mentioned about problems with the Ferengi Alliance. “What situation would that be?”
    â€œThere is a possibility that the Typhon Pact may be making overtures to the Ferengi, regardless of their membership in the Khitomer Accords. Picard is there to keep them from accepting the offer. I would hope he’s capable of accomplishing that, at least.”
    Riker ignored the jibe about his former captain and went on. “Mister Velk, you might have a negative opinion about me and my fellow officers, but let me make this clear. If Starfleet calls me to duty— any duty—I will serve to the best of my abilities and in the best interests of the United Federation of Planets. Do you understand me ?”
    â€œI believe so.” Velk turned to leave, but Riker rose from his chair. He wasn’t willing to end this confrontation just yet.
    â€œAs you made the trip, Mister Velk,