
And the fact that the Federation had chosen to ignore Zebros IV for so long? That was quite all right as
far as Picard was concerned. He and his crew would have an even better excuse to pick through the
ruins at their leisure, as the first sentient beings in a millennium or more to handle long-buried examples of
Zebrosian art and architecture.
But then, wasn't time one of the perquisites of lengthy deep-space missions like the Stargazer's? If Picard
and his people were really fortunate, they might even discover some bit of information that would cure a
disease or enhance a Federation technol-ogy.
But even if they didn't, Picard thought, even if all they did was gain an appreciation of Zebrosian cul-ture,
that would be all right. He would still be perfect-ly content with the result.
After all, he had been in love with archaeology for a long tune now. Since his days at the Academy,
actu-ally. And that love hadn't dimmed in all the years that had gone by since.
Yes, the captain thought, donning his helmet and locking it into place, it would be a rewarding day
indeed. And eventually, if Zebros IV was as intriguing as it appeared, it might be a wonderful month. It
was difficult not to smile at the prospect, but he managed.
His away team, he noticed, was less circumspect about its enthusiasm than he was. Tall, gangly
Lieu-tenant Cabrini, for example, was grinning almost ear to ear in the transparent dome of his helmet,
and dark-skinned Lieutenant M'ketwa was chuckling with pleasure. Ensigns Kirby and Moore
looked-and acted, Picard thought with a bit of a frown-like Academy cadets on leave as they joined him
on the transporter platform.
"I realize today's mission will be of extraordinary interest to all of us," the captain told them, his voice
muffled slightly by the confines of his helmet, "but let us conduct ourselves as scientists and not as
school-children, shall we?"
They sobered up at once, causing Picard to regret the sharpness of his words. These were some of the
brightest and most eager young people Picard had ever had the privilege of working with. Of course they
were excited. They relished the opportunity to get at those ruins, just as he did.
"After all," he added on impulse, "scientists are not compelled to come in from recess."
His quip was rewarded with a surprised but pleased smile from Ensign Kirby as they dematerialized.
Chapter Two
bin nedrach couldn't have asked for a better day.
The pale green sky that arched over Melacron V was clear and bright. The planet's two moons, Mella
and Melusha, were easily visible near the horizon. There was no wind to speak of, no precipitation, no
thermal inversions... and the dark cloud, the mete-orological phenomenon called Lai'bok that scoured the
surface of Melacron V from time to time, was not supposed to appear for several more weeks.
He had timed it brilliantly.
From his perch on the roof of a commercial edifice slated for demolition, Bin Nedrach shifted his