Boogeymen - Mel Gilden [75]
Perry started to cry with relief, and Troi comforted her. They all comforted one another. With some embarrassment, Picard found himself hugging Dr. Crusher. He patted her on the back and pulled away. She smiled at him. He gave her back a quick professional smile and turned to watch La Forge and Data study the schematic and point things out to each other. Then La Forge sat down at one of the terminals and began to type.
While watching the schematic, Data said, “Interlocks now in place and functioning normally.”
“Technology,” said La Forge. “I love it.”
Picard said, “Thank you, Mr. Data, Mr. La Forge, Mr. Crusher. Thank you all. Every one of you contributed to our success.”
Wesley said, “I guess the Boogeymen didn’t win after all.”
“You needn’t sound so smug, Mr. Crusher,” Picard said. “It was a very near thing for us.”
“Yes, sir.”
Riker said, “How does it look, La Forge?”
“All systems apparently nominal, sir.”
“Apparently?”
“According to the instruments,” La Forge said.
Riker did not appear pleased with this answer, but he said no more.
“What about the d’Ort’d?” Baldwin said.
La Forge said, “Computer, what is the condition of Pilgrim, the d’Ort’d persona on holodeck three?”
“Program running.”
“Continue program,” Picard said. “Let’s find out if systems are nominal in reality as well as in appearance. All bridge personnel please join me on the bridge.”
“We’re going to take the turbolift, aren’t we, sir?” Wesley said, sounding a little worried.
“Have you another suggestion?”
“Uh, no, sir.”
Picard said, “The rest of you wait here till we contact you.”
“Aye, Captain,” La Forge said.
They walked to the turbolift and the doors opened. All seemed normal, but Riker said, “I suggest that you and I take separate cars.”
“If you insist, Number One. Wesley, Mr. Worf.”
The three of them got into the car. The doors shushed closed, and Picard said, “Bridge.”
The car began to move immediately. The sound and smooth ride seemed normal to Picard. He smiled at Worf and Wesley. They nodded back, but without confidence. The car slowed and stopped, and the doors opened onto the bridge. On the viewscreen, Tantamon IV turned placidly. Worf and Wesley seemed surprised they had arrived at the right place, and the truth was, Picard was surprised himself, though pleased.
Picard found Ensign Winston-Smyth pacing. “Sir!” she cried when she saw Picard and Worf and Wesley, and ran toward them. Her joy at seeing Picard again was obviously real, but he was certain her feelings were more professional than personal. An ensign could be no more comfortable commanding the bridge—even if the Boogeymen made the job largely honorary—than Picard had been asking her to do it.
“Anything to report, Ensign?” Picard said.
“The life craft are all gone, sir, but we still have our airlocks in place.”
“That’s the spirit,” Picard said. “Ensign, you are relieved.”
“Thank you, sir.” Winston-Smyth walked quickly to the turbolift. The doors opened and Riker got out with Data and Troi. The ensign ducked into the turbolift and was gone.
“No adventures I trust, Number One?”
“None, sir.”
Picard raised his voice and said, “Mr. La Forge?”
“Here, sir.”
“Please escort Professor Baldwin to holodeck three and wait for me there.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Dr. Crusher, it is safe for you to return to sickbay. Ensign Perry, return to your post.”
Perry and Dr. Crusher acknowledged, and Picard said to Riker, “Much more convenient than running messages through the gangway.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Lieutenant Shubunkin,” Picard called.
“Is that you, Captain?” Shubunkin said over the comlink.
“Indeed it is, Lieutenant. Please meet me on holodeck three.”
“Is that possible, sir?”
“It is. Please comply.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Number One, you have the bridge.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Ensign Crusher, please join me.”
Wesley beamed as the two of them got onto the turbolift. He said, “Sir, I’d like to try the Boogeyman program mark two.”
“You do not astonish me, Ensign.”
“Yes, sir. Do I have your permission?”
Picard knew he could not deny Wesley permission to experiment with the holodeck any