Boogeymen - Mel Gilden [24]
Data removed a patch of his scalp to reveal an intricate web of thin silver paths and tiny blinking lights. In the center of the web was a complex computer outlet. He took a short optical cable from a storage locker and plugged one end into the outlet. To one side of the flow chart was a panel of ports into which one could plug anything from a tricorder to a single isolinear chip. Data found a port that would fit the off-end of the optical cable, and looked back at Picard and Wesley.
“When ready, Mr. Data,” Picard said.
Data nodded. Like a man delivering the final thrust of a sword, Data plugged himself into the wall. His eyes got wide, but he stood without moving.
“Do you think—” Wesley said.
Picard interrupted. “I don’t know.”
A low hum began. It grew in pitch and intensity. Data started to shiver. As the hum grew, he shook harder until his boots beat against the floor. Without thinking about the danger to Data or himself, Wesley rushed him and hit him hard with his shoulder, knocking him loose from the port. At the moment of impact, Wesley felt an electrical charge shoot through his body. For a moment Data lay beneath him as still as death. Wesley was not certain that he could move either.
Then Wesley felt hands under his arms, and Picard helped him to his feet. Wesley was relieved that the residual shimmer of the lightning bolt was fading. He and Picard looked down at Data. His eyes were open, but seemingly sightless, focused on nothing.
Picard knelt and called to Data. Without moving anything but his mouth, Data said, “Most interesting.”
The captain shared a smile with Wesley and said, “What is most interesting, Data?”
“I believe I have just experienced a sensation humans call ‘stunned.’ To be dazed or bewildered. To be shocked, startled, jolted—”
“I think he’s all right, sir,” Wesley said.
He and Picard helped Data to his feet. Data slid the covering tip back onto his pinky and said, “Most interesting, Captain. Our analysis of the situation is correct in all important aspects. Wesley’s Boogeymen have taken control of the holodeck satellite of the real Enterprise’s main computer. This computer”—he indicated the holodeck simulation of the main computer—”has no knowledge of any ship outside the simulation we are trapped in and therefore refuses to communicate with anyone or anything outside.”
Data and Wesley looked at Picard. He appeared grim, but he shrugged and almost smiled when he said, “Then let us hope Commander Riker is taking measures to rescue us. Meanwhile, I, for one, do not propose we sit around waiting for him.” He called out, “Exit holodeck.”
A doorway appeared in the middle of the room, cutting into the central column. Outside was an apparently normal Enterprise corridor. Wesley and the others knew better, of course, but that was what it looked like.
Picard walked to the doorway and turned. “Coming, gentlemen?”
Wesley and Data followed him through the doorway.
Chapter Five
RIKER WAS HAVING a drink with Baldwin in Ten Forward when the call came through from La Forge. They sat on the highest level, the one farthest from the bar, and Baldwin was staring out the window at the rainbow streaks of stars falling toward them.
Riker sipped his transporter, a silver drink whose shimmering bubbles gave it its name. He said, “You must have formed some conclusions about the Tantamon Four natives, having been there for six months.”
“Am I still on company time?” Baldwin said without turning his head.
“Sorry,” said Riker, obviously a little miffed. “I was just making conversation.”
Baldwin looked at him and smiled. “That’s okay. I don’t really mind. Exology is my life.”
“You don’t sound serious.”
They both watched a pretty yeoman cross the room and sit down at a table with a friend.
“I almost never do. A playful attitude protects me from the stuff that really bothers me.”
The pretty yeoman laughed. Light caught in her blond hair glowed.
When Riker looked back at him, Baldwin was frowning. “Thinking about Mont?” Riker said.
“I guess I was, at that. I was thinking that it’s funny