Star Trek: The Next Generation - 119 - Armageddon's Arrow Read Online Free PDF Page B

worlds of the Federation and her allies, were just a few of the challenges faced by the new president, Kellessar zh’Tarash, and Starfleet.
    And yet, here we are, heading for the far end of nowhere .
    The Enterprise had spent weeks traveling at high warp, with the most exciting part of the transit for Chen being the deployment of subspace buoys that would aid in communicating with Starfleet Command. Now the starship was closing on the first of the star systems it was assigned to explore in this region beyond Federation territory, which until now had only been reconnoitered by automated survey drones. According to data collected by the probes, the system—designated as System 3955 in the stellar cartography database—contained two planets capable of sustaining life, as well as indications of intelligent, even advanced civilizations on both worlds. If they possessed faster-than-light propulsion technology, then chances were good that Captain Picard would initiate first contact procedures. This meant that Chen would be assigned to any away team sent to the surface to meet with representatives of whatever government or authorized body was honored to be the first to greet visitors to their world from beyond the stars. Chen could feel anticipation mounting at the prospect.
    “You appear preoccupied,” Taurik said, and when Chen looked up from her breakfast, she saw him studying her. How long had she been lost in thought? A glance to Taurik’s plate told her that it had been at least a few moments, as the Vulcan had finished his meal.
    “I’m sorry,” Chen replied. “I was just thinking again how it feels so odd for us to be out here when there’s still so much to do back home.” In truth, not a single day had passed since the Enterprise ’s departure from Earth that she did not ponder their new assignment, and whether the ship, its crew, and in particular its captain were not better utilized elsewhere. Following the arrest of Ishan Anjar, Picard had notified Admirals Leonard James Akaar and William Riker of his concerns with Starfleet’s role as an instrument of Federation policy, and how more martial endeavors—though necessary—had threatened to supplant its primary charter of exploration and the expansion of knowledge. To the surprise of many, Picard had returned to the Enterprise not to announce his retirement or promotion and reassignment, but with orders directing the ship to a new region of space. After a few brief delays, owing mostly to requests from Admiral Riker for the Enterprise to assist in tasks requiring the special expertise of its captain and crew, the starship had departed the familiar cradle of Federation space in search of the unknown.
    “There are those who would say that the ideals upon which the Federation and Starfleet were founded have been tested,” Taurik said, “and that our ability and even willingness to honor those principles has fallen short. I believe that dispatching ships to undertake missions such as the one assigned to the Enterprise , along with the other initiatives President zh’Tarash has set into motion, will do much to dispel such perceptions.”
    Chen nodded. She had entertained similar thoughts, and it was comforting to hear Taurik give voice to them. If a buttoned-down, ever-logical Vulcan could see the good in what they were doing, then it had to be the correct course, right?
    I guess we’ll find out .
    The lounge’s casual atmosphere was interrupted by the familiar sound of an alert, and indicators mounted around the room began flashing in time to the new signal. Both Chen and Taurik, along with everyone around them, straightened in their seats and all of the various conversations died as a high-pitched tone was piped through the ship’s internal communications system.
    “This is the first officer,” said the voice of Commander Worf over the intercom. “The ship is now on yellow alert. This is not a drill. All personnel report to your stations. Captain Picard