Metamorphosis - Jean Lorrah [62]
“I do not begrudge this past hour,” Data said.
“Thank you, Dare. At least now, with practice, I have some hope of having Lieutenant Worf clear me. Perhaps after my duty shift-was “No more today, Data,” Dare told him.
“You’re going to feel that workout in a few hours.
Hell, I may feel it. I don’t often go a full hour like that anymore.”
Data was hot and sweaty again. He hadn’t antici pated that when he made the holodeck appointment; he barely had time to shower and change clothes again, appeasing his stomach with a simple chicken 171 sandwich, apple, and milk. Even so, he was fascinated by how different the flavors were, and had to pull himself away from savoring the meal. He had hardly left the turbolift, though, when Picard turned and said, “In my ready room, Mr.
Data.”
When they were in the captain’s ready room with the door closed, Picard said, “Sit down, Data.”
Data sat on the couch, his hands folded in his lap. The captain, however, remained standing, neither taking the armchair nor retreating behind his desk.
“You assigned Wesley Crusher to help your friends with their computer.” “Yes, sir. Wesley is not cleared for priority duty, and so does not come under your proscription.”
Picard shook his head. “You did not break any regulations. I am concerned about the effect on the boy’s progress.”
“Practical application of his lessons can only enhance his education. As a matter of fact, he discovered a formula for computing geodesics that I intend to test myself. If it proves as useful as it appears, I will incorporate it into our own navigation program.”
Picard folded his arms, then lifted one hand to rub his chin. Data recognized the gesture as indicating that the captain was debating as to whether to say something unpleasant.
A movement caught Data’s eye. He looked down, to see his fingers twitching nervously.
Deliberately, he forced them still.
The captain said, “Mr. Data, I have no doubts about your judgment concerning the boy’s education.
Under your tutelage he has made remarkable —
progress. What concerns me is his exposure to … certain personality types.”
“I … beg your pardon, sir?”
Picard sighed. “I have no objection to Wesley’s interaction with anyone who comes aboard the Enterprise, provided other crew members are present. However, he has come to the bridge today full of the most outrageous stories of what he appears to consider high adventure.”
“Ah,” said Data. “He was working with Sdan and Poet. They were quite impressed with Wesley, as well.”
“That,” said Picard, “is precisely what concerns me.”
For a moment Data didn’t understand. Then he realized, “You cannot fear Wesley might run off and become a mercenary?”
“Adin’s people have seen his potential, they are flattering him, and they are filling his head with tales of intrigue and heroism. What do you think they have in mind?”
“Providing him with an enjoyable experience in exchange for the help he is giving them,” Data replied. “Captain, I know these people. Even if Sdan or Poet thought it a good idea to tempt Wesley to join them, which I do not believe is the case, Darryl Adin would not hear of it.”
Picard nodded. “Yes, I am sure you are right about that. I am more concerned about Wesley’s feelings.”
“We cannot protect him forever. He lives among people he respects and admires. If he even thinks of joining Dare’s gang, they will quickly disabuse him of the idea. That may hurt him, but he has weathered 173 disappointments before. If we do not let him grow up, he will be severely handicapped when he enters Starfleet Academy.”
Picard stared at him. “You’ve developed tremendous wisdom in one day as a human.”
“I would have said the same thing as an android,” Picard nodded. “Of course you would. Perhaps I am being a bit … overprotective. Still,” the captain said, turning to face the stars visible in the viewport beyond him, “if anything happens to Wesley, I will have to answer to Beverley Crusher.”
“I would not envy