Mosaic - Jeri Taylor [86]
"Have you tried recalibrating the magnetic conduits and switching gates?"
"Several times. And I've run a diagnostic on the command processor, just to make sure the glitch isn't in the computer. Now we're remachining the nadion injectors, in case there's an undetected burr in the valving assembly."
B'Elanna looked over at Janeway. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this, Captain," she promised.
"I know you will. Keep me posted."
B'Elanna turned again to the schematics, and Janeway headed again for the bridge. Her shoulders ached with tension, and she kneaded first the right, then the left, trying to unloose the tightly knotted muscles. When the weapons were ready, she had to be at her best.
CHAPTER 18
"WOULD YOU CARE FOR ANOTHER BROWNIE, LIEUTENANT?" Gretchen Janeway smiled at her guest as she held the plate in front of him. Kathryn smiled as she saw Justin hold up a fending hand against the platter of rich desserts. He'd already had two, in addition to several helpings of corn stew and tomato salad. "Thank you, ma'am, but I won't be able to eat for several days as it is. I must say, I don't think I've ever tasted a meat like that."
"Mother cooks from scratch, Justin. We almost never had replicated food when we were growing up." This from Phoebe, now twenty-three and still in school, studying fine arts, painting, and generally enjoying life. She was a beautiful young woman, with a mass of dark, curly hair and her father's clear, gray eyes, and a personality that might have come from an alien planet. From this family of steadfast, responsible workers had emerged a free spirit, an irrepressibly buoyant individual who blew through life like a whirlwind, radiating energy and enthusiasm.
Edward Janeway sat at the head of the table, listening to the banter with amusement. Kathryn was ecstatic that he was here; he had actually canceled an important conference in order to meet the man he suspected would become his son-in-law.
"The girls didn't particularly appreciate it at the time," he offered. "Everyone they knew had replicated food, and they found their mother's cooking distasteful."
"Not all of it," said Kathryn. "I always liked the brownies." She turned to her mother. "Is there any coffee made?"
"You drink too much coffee," said her mother gently. "It's my only vice," Kathryn retorted, rising. "Would anyone else like some?" No one did, and Kathryn went into the kitchen to pour herself a cup. As she did, a warm presence lifted itself from the floor and rubbed against her legs. It was Blanca, Phoebe's dog, a fluffy Samoyed mix, belly noticeably swollen with pregnancy.
Kathryn leaned down and took the gentle face in her hands, nuzzling Blanca's cheek. "You shouldn't be banished to the kitchen, girl," she murmured. "Come out and be with us." She poured herself coffee and held the door open for the fluffy white dog.
"Hello, mamma," squealed Phoebe, spreading her hands wide to welcome the dog to her. Blanca waddled obediently toward her and laid her chin on Phoebe's knee. Phoebe scratched her head as she prattled on. "She's due in three weeks. The vet says there are four pups, two male, two female. I want to give you and Justin one as a wedding present. You'll have your pick of the litter."
"Phoebe, how sweet. I'd love to have one of Blanca's babies." Kathryn was genuinely pleased. She had been trying to develop a closeness with Phoebe that had eluded them when they were younger and seemed to be in constant conflict. The offer of a puppy was interpreted by Kathryn to be a welcoming gesture on Phoebe's part. She turned to Justin. "What do you think? Male or female?" But she saw hesitancy on Justin's face, and suddenly felt something unpleasant flutter in her stomach.
"I guess... either one. But how do you imagine we can have a dog, with both of us spending so