Boogeymen - Mel Gilden [55]
“I would like to suggest that the humanoids are used as pushers, to push the teardrop ship into warp.” Shubunkin was embarrassed. “Professor Baldwin was correct when he insisted that the d’Ort’d think of the humanoids the same way they think of their tools. Well, that’s the reason why.”
No one liked the idea very much. It made Picard uncomfortable to think of people being used as tools, no more important than wrenches or dilithium crystals. It was even worse than thinking of Data as just a machine. But the captain could concoct no argument against Shubunkin’s theory. No one else spoke up, either. Picard said, “Is it possible, Doctor? Could stimulating the Martinez nodes push a ship into warp?”
“I wouldn’t have thought so, but given the evidence—the timing of the fainting and the boost into warp, the high activity of the Martinez nodes—it seems likely. On the other hand, we’re on dangerous ground here. Could you look at a human foot and predict ballroom dancing?”
There were guffaws all around the table, in which Shubunkin did not join.
Riker said, “If Lieutenant Shubunkin’s theory is correct, it would explain the signal from Tantamon Four. Maybe its purpose is to stimulate people with high telepathic indexes into becoming pushers and to guide them back to the planet.”
La Forge said, “What I want to know is how a signal coming all the way from Tantamon Four can cause an effect of that magnitude.”
Everyone looked at Dr. Crusher, and she shifted in her chair. “I have a theory almost as strange as Shubunkin’s.”
“This seems to be the day for it,” La Forge said.
Dr. Crusher plunged ahead. “We know from sensor scans that the creatures the d’Ort’d use to push their ships are within two points of being human. Maybe we and they come from the same stock. Maybe the Martinez node has been a hair trigger waiting millennia for something that would set it off, something like the signal coming from the teardrop on Tantamon Four. The effect of the signal is actually very small, like the pebble that starts the avalanche.”
“You mean,” said Riker, “the signal set off a reflex?”
Not very happily, Dr. Crusher nodded.
After a moment of silence, Picard swallowed and said, “What you suggest will cause historical and philosophical earthquakes all through the Federation.”
Dr. Crusher shrugged and said, “It fits the facts as we know them. I, for one, would be delighted to hear a less bizarre theory.”
“We will work on a new theory when we have the time,” Picard said. He turned to Shubunkin. “There are no humanoids aboard the teardrop on Tantamon Four?”
“That is right,” said Shubunkin. “None of the other creatures, either, if Professor Baldwin is correct.”
“Then who is sending the signal?” Data said.
“It could be automated,” said La Forge.
Riker shook his head. “But why send the signal now?”
“Because,” said Picard, “now the ship has found new pushers.”
It took a moment for Picard’s statement to sink in, and then Dr. Crusher said, “You mean the teardrop plans to re-man itself with members of the Enterprise’s crew? Members selected because of their aptitude to be pushers?”
Everyone looked at Shubunkin. He waited, milking the momemt for its drama. And then he said, “I believe Dr. Crusher has, as you say, hit the screw on the head.”
“But how did the d’Ort’d know when to start signaling?” Riker asked.
Dr. Crusher said, “Maybe Baldwin acted as an antenna for their sensors—they must have them even if the sensors are not like ours. The d’Ort’d knew the Enterprise was loaded with potential pushers.”
“Another bizarre theory,” Shubunkin said.
“I’ll be damned,” said Picard. He slapped the arms of his chair and stood up. “Very well,” he said. “Mr. La Forge and Mr. Data, continue your analysis of the Boogeymen-d’Ort’d virus. Draft Ensign Crusher if you believe he would be of use to you. I do not think I need to remind you that time is very much of the essence.”
“Yes, sir,” La Forge said. He and Data hurried out.
“Dr. Crusher, find a way to deactivate the Martinez node without killing the subject.”
“Aye, Captain.” Dr. Crusher was on her way