Boogeymen - Mel Gilden [2]
” ‘Curiouser and curiouser,’ ” Picard said. “Any evidence of warp engines?”
“Sensors show a large output of energy from a structure that fills the tail of the ship, but how the energy is being generated and what is being done with it is unknown. However …”
“Yes, Mr. Data?” Riker said.
“Small fluctuations in the energy output match within two percentage points similar fluctuations in the brain activity of the humanoids.”
Lieutenant Shubunkin said, “Very interesting.”
They had picked up Shubunkin at Starbase 123 a month before. Since that time, Picard had come to sympathize with Riker’s dislike for the man’s attitude of smug superiority. There was no question he knew his subject, but Shubunkin got on Picard’s nerves. The crew of a starship was a family. Each had to act for the benefit of all the others. There was no room for purposely ostentatious displays of any kind. Politely, Picard said, “You’ve seen this sort of thing before?”
“No, never. It is interesting nonetheless.”
“Quite true,” Picard said. He allowed himself to be pleased that there was a limit to Shubunkin’s knowledge.
“Telepathic control is a possibility,” Shubunkin said without certainty.
Troi said, “I am receiving no impressions of rational thought.” She put a hand to her forehead. “The feelings are confused, but I am certain the beings aboard the ship mean us no harm. I feel curiosity, perhaps, and some fear—probably of us.”
“How can they fear us?” Worf said. “If they have no sensors, they can’t even know we exist.”
“I remind you they are going at warp speed without warp engines,” Data said.
Riker nodded and said, “Where are the other aliens?”
“Sensors cannot pinpoint them exactly,” Data said. He sounded confused and a little dismayed.
Picard said, “Opinions, Lieutenant Shubunkin?”
“I don’t have enough data at the moment to make an informed guess. I suggest we wait and see what is done by the ship or its crew. Doing nothing is frequently our wisest action.”
Riker looked at Picard, eyebrows up. Picard said, “All stop, Mr. Crusher.” To Riker he said, “Let them come to us. If we must do nothing, let it work in our favor.”
“Shall I ready phasers, Captain?” Worf said.
Shubunkin said, “If they have sensors after all, that would not be considered a friendly act.”
“Stay alert, Mr. Worf,” Picard said.
Worf growled and said, “Aye, sir.”
As the alien ship approached the Enterprise, it slowed to sublight speed and soon was creeping along at a few thousand meters per second.
“I guess this is about as unexpected as it gets,” Wesley said.
“At any rate,” Data said, “I was not expecting a ship such as this. Of course, the nature of reality is such that expectations are frequently dashed. For instance, I did not expect to meet Lieutenant La Forge in the corridor this morning. I did not expect Commander Riker to win at poker last night. I did not expect him to—”
“That will be all, Mr. Data,” Riker said.
“Aye, sir,” said Data, looking as if he had not expected that interruption.
The alien ship slowed even more and stopped little more than a kilometer away. It did all this without Data being able to detect a propulsion system of any kind or a way to navigate. Time went by. Picard realized that he was leaning forward in his chair. He relaxed against the backrest and settled his hands in his lap. Air circulated in a whisper. Machines made their small birdlike noises as they worked. His command crew