Read Online Ghost of a Chance by Charles G. McGraw, Mark Garland - Free Book Online Page B

misunderstanding, Commander,” the Televek’s increasingly calm voice responded.
    Chakotay balled his fists again. “You seem to have a lot of those.”
    “Only when we are uninformed.”
    “We have people aboard that shuttle!” Chakotay snapped.
    “We regret any injuries, of course. It is quite possible there are survivors.”
    “Then I trust you won’t mind if we send another shuttle down after our people,” Chakotay replied. “Immediately.”
    “That will not be possible.”
    “Why not?” Paris said, nearly rising out of his seat at the helm.
    “You can’t expect us to leave them there!” B’Elanna injected.
    Chakotay clenched his fists once more. “We intend to launch a rescue attempt. Do you intend to try to stop us?”
    For a moment dead air filled the communication bands. Finally Gantel said, “There is much to explain. We are creating yet another misunderstanding, I think.”
    “Agreed,” Chakotay said.
    “Did Jonal and the others arrive safely?” Gantel asked then.
    “Have you spoken with them?”
    “Yes,” Chakotay said, still trying to control a sense of exasperation that threatened to overwhelm him. “And they seem to have almost as much trouble getting to the point as you do. Now, I want some answers.”
    “Of course, but first, may we speak to our advocates?”
    “Right now?”
    “Yes. I believe that may be the best way to proceed. Confusion serves no one. Direct communication serves best. They can help us both, I assure you.”
    “I can think of at least one other option,” Chakotay told him, glancing first at Paris, then at Torres, aware even before he saw their faces that he was speaking for them as well.
    “And if we obliterate each other, all is lost,” Gantel said. “In the interest of cooperation, and the well-being of those in the shuttle, you should summon our people.”
    “Very well. Mister Rollins, have our Drosary visitors brought directly to the bridge. They are to be kept under full security at all times.”
    “Commander,” Rollins began, “if I may say so, sir, I don’t see where that will help. In fact, it might confuse—” “No, we are going to have this out, here and now,” the commander replied. “Mr. Paris, maintain surface scans. Keep trying to find a way through that EM-field interference. If you get anything at all, speak up. That goes for everyone.”
    Chakotay paced silently as his orders were carried out. Within moments the three Drosary advocates stepped onto the bridge. Two armed security officers preceded them, while another two followed behind. As soon as the channel to the Televek was reopened, Jonal began a rapid discussion, which was quickly joined by Mila and Tassay. The content, however, was difficult to determine; it was as if they were speaking in a code.
    Clearly, however, there was some disagreement or other, and it centered around Voyager—specifically, around “a class-nine joint venture,” in Gantel’s words.
    “And what of the salvage?” Jonal asked.
    “There can be no argument on this,” Gantel replied.
    “That was our original position,” Tassay said.
    “I have always advocated continuous evaluation,” came Gantel’s answer.
    “Especially when it is most opportune,” Mila said with what could only have been a touch of sarcasm.
    “I can only recommend that we grant them the right of applied incentives,” Jonal said emphatically. “Second tier, of course.”
    “How generous,” Gantel replied, biting back. “I’m sure the first director will be pleased with that.”
    “And she will be more pleased, I suppose, with all of nothing,” Mila chided, more sternly than Chakotay would have expected. Yet another long silence followed. The three Drosary stood calmly about, waiting patiently, as if they knew exactly what was to come.
    “Agreed,” Gantel said at last, “contingent on the first director’s decisions, which are, we expect… imminent.”
    “Indeed,” Tassay muttered, while the three of them