Immortal Coil - Jeffrey Lang [114]
“Thank you, thank you all,” Rhea said, flushed and beaming. ” ‘I’d like to thank all the little people …’ “
Barclay and Maddox glanced at each other, confused and slightly abashed, perhaps in part because Rhea was easily the smallest person in the room.
“You guys have no sense of humor,” Rhea said. “Or no sense of history. Which is it?”
“Humor,” Data said.
“History,” the captain said.
“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about,” Bruce Maddox sniffed.
“Commander,” Rhea said. “I’m sorry. That was cruel when you’ve been so kind. I apologize. Here.” She stepped close, stretched up on her toes and pecked him on the cheek. “I think I’ll call you Uncle Bruce from now on.” She took his hand between hers, then turned toward Barclay. “And you’re Uncle Reg.”
“Preposterous,” Maddox replied, but he was smiling.
“I … I didn’t get a kiss,” Barclay stammered, a complaint that Rhea addressed immediately, much to Uncle Reg’s delight.
Maddox said, “I can’t help but note that you chose to wear civilian clothes. Starfleet won’t let you continue to serve?”
Rhea smothered a smile. “I’m lucky Starfleet didn’t stick me in the brig and throw away the key. There are laws about impersonating an officer.”
“But under the circumstances,” Picard inserted, “Admiral Haftel felt we could waive the charges. For services rendered.”
” ‘For helping to prevent valuable assets from falling into the hands of a potential threat to the Federation and its allies,’ ” Rhea recited brightly. “Which would be me, of course. I’m the valuable asset.”
“Don’t take it the wrong way,” Maddox replied. “There had to be a record, but it was important to keep it ambiguous. But, please, understand that we understand: you are no one’s property.” He looked meaningfully at Data. “We’ve covered this ground before and the decision was the right one.”
Data smiled in reply. “But there may have been room for some discussion, Commander. If you would like to take up the topic of your studying my brothers later …”
But Maddox shook his head. “It’s not necessary, Data. I believe I have accomplished what I set out to do. Here she is,” he said, indicating Rhea. “My ‘niece.’ “
Data nodded. “I understand. I believe Dr. Soong would have been impressed.”
Maddox smiled broadly at that, the first time Data could remember seeing him do so. “But now, you’ll excuse us. I believe you have other matters to attend to, as do we.”
Data bowed in gratitude as Maddox and Barclay left. The captain hung back, then turned to Rhea before heading for the door himself. “Admiral Haftel asked me to tell you that your personnel files will be purged from Starfleet records. It will look like a ‘clerical error.’ ” His mouth curled into a sardonic smile. “Apparently, this isn’t the first time this sort of thing has happened. In repayment, perhaps you could explain how you got those files in there in the first place?”
“Seems the least I can do,” she replied. “I’ll write up something for you later. And, sir …” She seemed prepared to add something, but then let it drop. Picard sensed her indecision, but then felt the moment pass and so only nodded his thanks. The door closed behind him.
Rhea stepped forward and slipped her arms around Data’s waist and they stood close together for several heartbeats. When she pulled away, their hips and legs still touching, he reached out and caressed her cheek, enjoying the warmth of her skin. He had, quite literally, memorized every plane of her face and detected some minor differences, but only a few. Even now, even when he was looking for telling details, it was impossible to distinguish the sheath from living flesh. As before, Rhea had a tiny mole under the left side of her nose. Data felt an impulse to kiss it, but he resisted.
Then, he asked, “Are you all right?” “I’m fine,” she said.