Foreign Foes Part 44

Riker spun.

Data inched forward, toward his weapon.

One more blastRiker fired.

Electrical filaments gripped Datas form for a moment ... then he stiffened and finally lay peaceful.

Riker let out the breath hed held, allowed his weapon to drop to his side.

He sighed again and looked from the captain, still crumpled into a heap up the corridor, back to Data, board straight at his feet.

Epilogue.

MY PEOPLE ARE STILL RETICENT, Captain, but I a.s.sure you the agreement will be signed. Ill see to it myself.

A line of static flickered across the screen, bisecting Urosks face.

Kadar had expressed the same sentiment when hed left orbitas furiously as they had both been against the accord, they now were vigorously for it.

Testing the strength of his stiff right arm, Picard leaned back into his desk chair.

Youre an individual of strong will, Captain. I have no doubt youll be listened to.

Urosk nodded his appreciation, and the screen when black.

Picard tapped the desk console.

Im waiting for that report, Mr. Riker.

Riker rose from his bed and tapped his comm badge.

On my way.

He jabbed it off again, then grabbed Barbaras shoulders softly and pulled her closer.

I have to go.

She looked up at him, those green-hazel eyes still seeming to flash, even now.

I should be getting back too, she said.

Im sorry, he said softly, wis.h.i.+ng he could make it sound like he actually felt, and not like something he always said. Which he did.

Barbara smiled.

For what? I only told you how I felt while you were missing because I wanted to be honest with you.

Riker frowned.

But, Ill be gone in a few hours and the honest chances of my return are Not important, she said, shaking her head.

Istarted this, Will. Not you. And I knew and expected it would only last a few days.

She caressed his face.

I didnt tell you I was worried about you to make you feel guilty. I told you so that youd know you had an effect on me, and that youre a special person.

She stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek, then pulled toward the cabins door.

Youre a great guy, Will, and Im glad youre safe. Thats all.

The corners of his mouth turned up and Riker returned her smile. Somehow hed heard this before. Usually from his own lips. He and Barbaradid have a lot in common.

Well, maybe Iwill get out this way again.

Maybe we can ...

Maybe, she said, winking. She stepped through the door.

But call first, okay?

Data?

Geordi stepped into Datas cabin.

Im here, Geordi.

He turned toward the androids desk, Datas voice being the only clue as to his location. He was probably sitting.

How are you, Geordi asked.

I am ... very sorry, my friend. Not only did I injure you, but I nearly began a war.

Geordi shook his head and tried to smile.

Dr. Crusher explained about the grain. Chances are you would have never gotten into Klingon s.p.a.ce. The grain is only effective for a few days, and it takes longer than that to reachQonoS . You have nothing to be ashamed of.

He heard Data rise and the proximity vest told him the android was stepping closer.

That is not entirely correct, Data said.

The grain could not metabolize from my system. Its effects would not have worn off as they did with you. Had I not been stopped and treated The point is, you werent in control, Data. You were under the same influence I was. You werent responsible for your actions.

Are we not always responsible for our actions?

Datas question, in that almost childlike tone, seemed self-chiding.

Geordi sighed.

Its not that easy, Data. Not when there are outside influences forcing us to act against who we are. You were, as far as we can tell, caught in a logic loop caused by what is essentially a drug. You didnt know that would happen, and you couldnt think clearly when it did.

There was a pause, then Geordi felt Datas hand on his shoulder.

I am still sorry.

Geordi smiled.

I know. But look at it this way. Of all those beings who arent rational, you had the best excuse of allyouwere only sick, and you recovered.

That is small consolation, considering that it cannot change what I have done.

Data, Geordi said, reaching out and patting his friends shoulder, thatis consolationbecause it means youll be more careful next time, dont you think?

Indeed, Data said.

I will. By the way ...

What?

I just nodded. I thought you should know.

Data, Geordi laughed, its good to have you back.

Picards office door swished open.

Sporting a fresh uniform, Riker looked one hundred percent better. He stopped before the captains desk and handed him a computer padd.

Most of the crew is duty ready, sir. A few have reacted badly to the anesthetic and are being treated.

Repairs will take another day, and Mr. La Forge a.s.sures me hewill remember the longer pa.s.sword.

Nodding, Picard glanced over the padd.

How is Mr. La Forge doing?

Dr. Crusher said h.e.l.l be fine. Shes already contacted the hospital that can re-implant the VISOR interface. We can drop him at Starbase Eighty-seven for transport, and h.e.l.l be back on duty within the month.

Excellent.

The captain looked up.

And Data?

Riker hesitated.

Better. He wont stop apologizing. To me, to Geordi ...

Picard almost smiled.

Bioengineering is clearing his system, Riker continued.

We think his systemwas trying to fight the grain as well. Dr. Hollitt has had access to the computers below the surface and informs me that the grain breaks down after a few days.

No miracle cure, Picard said as he set the padd down on his desk.

No. Dr. Crusher is in no danger of being replaced.

Riker smiled and loosened his stance.

Barbara is a little disappointedseems the grain cant be taken for any great length of time without taxing the bodys normal immune system. Shes think ing of suggesting it to her company as an occasional diet supplement or medicinal herb. She said you were very lucky you didnt eat any at the dinner.

Picard knitted his brows.

Your artificial heart, sir.

The captain huffed.

Why? I can see why the grain wouldnt restore Geordis eyes or allow Zhad to breath since those werent natural conditions for thembut Idid once have a heart.

Riker chuckled.

Ibelieve you, sir. But even if the grain were that sophisticated, and theres no evidence it is, it would reject your artifical heart first and youd die.

Ah, I see. Most fortunate then. What about the planets history?

Picard asked, gesturing Riker toward a seat.

The first officer only stepped toward the chair and leaned his arm against it.

Nothing specific about the ancient civilization that she could find, he answered.

The grain is well describedpowered by pa.s.sive energy, usually the sun, but from our white-noise transmission for a while.

In fact, that planetwide tremor was the reaction of hundreds of thousands of machines suddenly having to shut down production once the white-noise jammer was gone. These machines learn well, thoughthere was no quake the second time we disengaged.

Any specifics as to the grains main function?

Seems to be toxin removal and minor cellular repair. Barbara wont be worrying too muchone way or another her company cleans up. Either theyll develop the grain as a cost effective medical tool, or theyll rent out plots to archeologists interested in the ancient Velexians.

Picard nodded. He wouldnt mind a look himself.

How soon can Commander Data report for duty?

Riker swiveled the chair under his palm.

Dr. Crusher says a few days, Bioengineering wants to wait a few extra until the grain-machines are definitely deactivated. As well, the nanites theyre using to do that will have to be purged.

With a glance down at the padd and its casualty report, Picard sighed.