Dark Mirror - Diane Duane [82]
He was filled with pity and horror for all the innocent lives in this universe that suffered from the result of the difference; and pitied, too, the “conquerors,” the Empire and its allies, who imagined that they rode this whirlwind and were its masters. There must be something that can be done, he thought. Something to stop all this, the suffering, the wanton destruction.
But what …? He would have to try to find a way. Meantime, there was other business more desperate still. Picard went back to the desk and sat down at the computer again. “Computer, read mission instructions.”
“Retinal scan required,” said the computer voice. He leaned close, hoping against hope that his counterpart hadn’t had any injuries or surgery that he hadn’t also had. The light flashed red in his eye.
“Retinal scan confirmed,” said the computer, and the first screenful of data came up—
—and then the door opened, and Beverly Crusher walked in.
I thought I locked that, was the first thought that went through his head, closely followed by, Do I want anyone to see me looking at this? He brought his hand down on the console and cleared the screen. “Stop run,” he said to the computer.
He was annoyed enough to be about to ask the doctor when knocking had gone out of style, but something about her look restrained him. She came slowly over to his desk, wearing the expression of a tired woman, and looked at him. “You did get a good one there, didn’t you?” Beverly said, sounding slightly annoyed.
He shrugged. “I cleaned it up.”
“Yes, you saved me that much trouble. Well, come on down to sickbay and we’ll get you put right.”
They went out together. As they passed Barclay, Picard threw him a later-for-you look; in return, Barclay made an expression that seemed to say, “Nothing to do with me.”
“You’ll have heard how I got this, then,” Picard said to Dr. Crusher as they came to the turbolift.
“I heard, all right. Not that he hadn’t been thinking of it for a good while, under the circumstances. I suppose he had to try it eventually.”
They got into the ‘lift and it closed and took off. Picard looked at Beverly in slight disbelief, while Barclay carefully examined the ‘lift’s ceiling. “You mean you’re not—concerned?”
“He knew the risks,” Crusher said, looking resigned. “If he’s going to try stunts like that … there’s nothing much I can do about it. And I’m not fool enough to try to save him from the consequences.”
You’re .his mother! Picard was tempted to shout. He restrained himself. This place tended to bring out the desire to shout more strongly than usual. Instead, he said, “I’ve told Troi not to do anything further without my authorization.”
Beverly breathed out, a little laugh. “You think that’ll work this time? Well, you can never tell. I admit, I had a feeling you might not simply let her go ahead and kill him. He is of some value as an officer: he has a gift with the helm, and math, that’s true enough.” She breathed out and looked over at him. “But I think you’re just storing up trouble by letting him off. Eventually, he will come after you again.”
“Doesn’t the thought that he might succeed concern you?”
She shook her head slightly. “Well, granted, my own position would be affected. But I have a fair amount of goodwill stored up, and the ship can’t do without a chief surgeon. … Anyway, he won’t get another chance. It’s a surprise he got even one. What got into you? What on earth were you thinking of? Especially with Riker hot at your heels all through this to get his hands on your position, to get the credit and the glory for this mission? Did you think he was going to try to stop any attempt to assassinate you at this point?”
“I suppose it was foolish,