Dragon's Honor - Kij Johnson [28]
“Understood, Captain,” the Emperor replied, “but if he were somewhere else—a royal court, say—then one might think of such a thing, don’t you think?”
Oh, no, Picard thought as the full implications of the Dragon’s interest in Data sunk in. Naturally, an unquestioned ruler such as the Dragon would not consider it necessary, or even good form, to actually ask for any object he desired. It would usually be enough to simply state his admiration for a specific item and he would, as surely as if he had commanded it, be presented with the item. Certainly, the Dragon had more than expressed an interest in Data, who in his eyes must simply be just another manmade artifact. He’s probably wondering, Picard realized with dismay, why I haven’t offered Data to him already. Unless he thinks Data is a wedding gift for tomorrow.
“In the past,” Data commented, attempting to fully satisfy the Dragon’s curiosity, “my features have been modified for tactical reasons, such as impersonating a Romulan. I suppose, in theory, there is no reason why my appearance could not be altered to suit a more aesthetic agenda.”
“Precisely!” the Dragon agreed enthusiastically. “That’s exactly what I was thinking. Captain Picard, you must allow me to compliment you on this amazing creation here. Even with its current plain exterior, it can only be an ornament to any ship or court.”
His mind racing, Picard could not think of any graceful way to extract Data from the Dragon’s covetous grasp. As a matter of fact, the Federation had provided the Enterprise with a generous assortment of gifts to extend to the Dragon Empire, but, at the moment, the Dragon appeared unlikely to accept any substitute, no matter how attractive or well intentioned, for Commander Data. It was clearly essential, therefore, that he separate Data from the Dragon as fast as possible, before it became absolutely impossible to avoid offering the android without offending the Emperor. Out of sight, out of mind. Picard hoped the old maxim held true in this case.
“Mr. Data,” he said sharply. “Have you forgotten? Commander La Forge requires your presence on the bridge immediately.”
“Excuse me, Captain,” Data began, “I was not aware …”
The Dragon’s gaze shifted from Data to Picard. A wary expression came over his face. There was nothing to do, Picard decided, but to press on and deal with the consequences later.
“The bridge, Mr. Data,” he repeated. “Return to the Enterprise at once.” Come on, Data, he thought. You’ve played enough poker. Recognize a bluff when you see one.
“But what about accompanying Commander Riker to the Heir’s party?” Data asked.
“Belay that order,” Picard said. Riker would have to chaperone the princes on his own. Picard didn’t want Data on the same planet as the Dragon. “Do as you’re told, Commander.”
Comprehension of some sort dawned on Data’s face. “Of course, sir,” he said, beneath the probing stare of the Dragon. “I had forgotten about Commander La Forge.” Rising to his feet, he tapped his comm badge, which chirped in response to his touch. “One to beam up,” he said.
A second later, a familiar golden glow surrounded Data. The android’s form flickered briefly, before dissolving entirely into a shimmering column of light. “Wait!” the Dragon protested, but he was too late. The glow vanished, taking Data with it, and leaving only a few lingering sparks floating in the air. The sparks themselves faded away before the Dragon could say another word.
“Forgive Mr. Data’s sudden departure, Your Excellence,” Picard said. “But he had urgent business aboard the Enterprise, business vital to the completion of our mission.”
“I don’t know about this, Picard,” the Dragon said, pouting beneath his bushy white beard. “You Federation sorts seem to have far too much urgent business for my taste. Always running off just when I’m trying