Homecoming - Christie Golden [38]
“We’re just teasing you, Mr. Kim” said the Doctor. “We merely wish for you to be happy, and it seems as though you are.”
“Yeah,” said Kim. “I am. But it’s hard. On the one hand, you’ve been so close, and on the other, you don’t [111] really know who each other is now. Libby’s different—much more assertive and to the point.”
“I’ve listened to several of her recorded concerts and she’s quite magnificent,” said the Doctor. “She has every reason to be confident of herself.”
“Of course she does. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, in fact I like it. But it is different and it takes some getting used to.”
Miral burped. The rag Tom had put on his shoulder for this express purpose was quickly soaked. “So does this,” he said, grimacing.
After lunch, they finished putting things away. By the time everyone was ready to leave, the small apartment was completely set up. Tom tried to encourage them to stay, but Harry had a date with Libby and Lyssa had to hit the sack in order to be rested for a big day of hiking along the Continental Divide. Only the Doctor lingered for a while longer. Miral had returned to sleeping for an hour or two, but now was awake and fussy. The Doctor immediately took her from a tired Tom, and to Tom’s astonishment, she quieted down at once, her eyes fastened on the Doctor’s face.
“You really would make a great baby-sitter,” Tom said, marveling. “You’re amazing with her.”
“As I told you the day she was born, I’ve downloaded everything there is to know about the care, feeding, and handling of both human and Klingon infants,” said the Doctor.
Tom replicated another beer and sat watching the Doctor. An idea began to occur to him. Feeling his way [112] tentatively, he said, “So, do you have a year’s worth of speaking engagements lined up?”
The Doctor wrinkled his nose. “Hardly. This complete and utter lack of interest on Starfleet’s part in what I have achieved over the past seven years is quite unexpected. If anyone wants to speak to me at all, it’s about Photons Be Free.”
“Well, isn’t that a compliment?”
“Yes and no. I’m proud of my creative work, of course. In fact, I’m considering a sequel.”
Tom tried not to let his apprehension show.
“And yet, while that is a significant achievement, and obviously far-reaching in its consequences, I want to be recognized for my excellence in my field.”
Tom thought about how he’d feel if he were known for creating Captain Proton instead of for his piloting skills. “I can understand that,” he said.
“So the short answer is no, nor am I likely to.” He hesitated, and Tom sensed there was something more.
“You’re lonely,” Tom said.
“Yes, Mr. Paris. I’ve no purpose anymore. I suppose I should be grateful I haven’t been farmed off to Lynarik Prime to serve in the dilithium mines like the other EMH Mark Ones. Mr. Barclay is kind, but he has other things to do than entertain a bored and lonely hologram.”
“I don’t,” said Tom affably. “My wife’s out of town and it’s just me and the kid. How’d you like to share quarters for a while? I’m sure Miral could only benefit from spending some time with her godfather.”
The Doctor brightened, and Miral cooed happily.
* * *
[113] Icheb heard the excited whispers and giggles. He felt heat rise in his face and tried to ignore it.
“It’s him! It’s the Borg kid!”
“He’s kind of cute.”
“That’s so cool ... wonder what it’s like to be a former Borg. Think he’ll be allowed to compete in track?”
He adjusted his pack, filled with a couple of padds and some nutritional supplements, and continued looking at room numbers. He had been living on the grounds since departing Voyager, but only in the last two days had other students begun to arrive.
“Um, hi,” a voice beside him said. He looked down to see an attractive dark-skinned cadet keeping stride with him. Her curly black hair was cropped sort. Large, liquid brown eyes were fastened on his. He felt his blush growing.
“Greetings,” he said.
“I’m Eshe Karenga,” she said, sticking out her hand.
Awkwardly, he shook it. It felt small and warm in his own. “I am called Icheb,” he said.
“Yeah,