Boogeymen - Mel Gilden [68]
“Which way?” said Wesley, though he already knew the answer.
“Up,” said Data as he studied the tricorder.
The three of them started climbing.
The holodeck became warmer from the heat rolling in through the open doorway. Nothing could be done about it short of closing the doors, and Picard had decided against attempting that. He had no guarantee the doors would open again. All he could do was request that Pilgrim discontinue the campfire, and he did.
Baldwin had finally stopped laughing maniacally, but he still looked like a bundle of rags and he still chuckled to himself occasionally, then fell into despondency again.
Worf and Ensign Perry returned with Dr. Crusher and Counselor Troi. All of them were dripping wet, and before Picard could ask Worf to report, Dr. Crusher said, “It’s raining down there, Captain.”
“Where? On deck twelve?” Picard said with surprise.
“Cats and dogs, sir,” Ensign Perry said.
“None of us will dissolve,” Worf said, but he did not sound happy.
“Where’s my patient?” Dr. Crusher said.
They showed her Professor Baldwin, and after a brief stare at Pilgrim, Dr. Crusher set to work with her medical tricorder. She said, “He’s under a great deal of stress, but nothing systemic is wrong with him. A shot of lidox will relax him, but in his condition it will probably also put him to sleep.”
Picard said, “We need to talk with him now, Doctor. Counselor?”
Troi looked at Baldwin warily and said, “I can no more force him to relax than you can, Captain.”
“Do what you can, Counselor. A miracle would be convenient, but I don’t expect one. I want to have a rational conversation with Professor Baldwin.”
Troi stood where the campfire had been and talked to Baldwin. It was soothing talk, but talk was all she did. Picard thought she was wasting her time, but Baldwin stopped chuckling, and his empty expression was replaced by a small smile. Then Troi knelt before him and held him the way Picard had seen her hold the little blond girl in sickbay. She hugged him and rocked him, all the time cooing into his ear. This was obviously a private moment, and watching it made Picard uncomfortable. Still, he watched. He had to speak with Baldwin as soon as he was able. The Boogeymen took over more of the ship all the time.
After a few moments, Baldwin began to cry. Heavy sobs came and then steady crying and then sniffles. Troi patted him on the back, and he gently pushed her away. She sat back on her heels and watched him.
“Eric,” Picard said.
Baldwin looked up at him. He seemed tired, but the madness that had forced everything else from his face was gone. He said, “Yes, Jean-Luc?”
Picard said, “Thank you, Counselor. You gave me a miracle after all.” She stood and went to watch from behind Riker. Picard sat in his overstuffed chair and said, “Eric, the combination of the Boogeyman program and the d’Ort’d virus has very nearly taken over the Enterprise.”
“Ah,” Baldwin said without surprise.
“How did you modify the d’Ort’d program? They don’t seem to know.”
“You’ve spoken with the d’Ort’d?”
“Yes. Pilgrim here is their representative.”
While Baldwin looked at him, Pilgrim said, “The d’Ort’d greet you, Baldwin. You must give what help “Yes. Of course.” He looked at Picard and said, “The d’Ort’d speak through this?”
“For lack of a better phrase, the d’Ort’d are a computer program,” Riker said. “They’ve created this persona for our convenience.”
“Amazing” Baldwin said quietly. “And Shubunkin thought we would understand them in two weeks.” He shook his head.
“Eric,” Picard said, “we must know.”
“Right.” He seemed to gather his thoughts and then said, “I’m not a computer specialist, but being alone on most of my expeditions I learned a few things for my own amusement.” He smiled. It was the old winning smile. Picard could not help smiling back.
“I did not know that the d’Ort’d were the program I found on the teardrop ship. I thought the program was just an artifact.”
Pilgrim did not react to this. He answered questions, but Picard never saw him express an emotion.
Baldwin said, “Anyway, I saw