Planet X - Michael Jan Friedman [48]
The transporter operator shook her head. “What the—?”
Suddenly, someone stepped out of the disabled grid section. Someone who, after Sovar got over his surprise, looked a lot like Shadowcat.
Looking a little puzzled, the mutant gazed at the two officers. Then she turned around and studied the place where the scenery was missing. At last, she turned back to Sovar and Robinson.
“Sorry about that,” Shadowcat said. “I was on my way to Deck Eleven. Lt. Barclay was going to show me the computer core—I’m kind of interested in computers—and …” She shrugged. “I guess I got lost and blew a few circuits. I mean, I do that when I pass through a system that uses electricity, so usually I’m really—”
Sovar held up his hand. He was filled with anger. After all, the mutant had intruded on a very personal conversation—whether by accident, as she claimed, or by design.
“We have heard your explanation,” he told her. “Now leave us.”
Shadowcat frowned. “Okay,” she said. “Be that way about it.” Without another word, she melted back through the section of exposed hologrid.
The security officer turned to his friend. “Do you think she overheard what I said about our mission?”
Robinson shook her head. “Hard to say. But I wouldn’t worry about it too much. The captain’s going to tell the whole crew soon, right? So it’s not exactly as if she uncovered a secret.”
Sovar thought about it. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Besides,” his friend said sympathetically, “it sounds like you’ve got enough to worry about.”
Captain Picard touched a pad on his keyboard and eyed the monitor just above it. Instantly, the screen displayed the shuttle diagnostics he had ordered several minutes earlier.
Right on time, he thought. But then, he had served with Commander La Forge for a long time, and he knew no one was more punctual.
Normally, Picard wouldn’t have been quite so concerned about shuttlecraft readiness. However, according to the information he had received from the Enterprise’s computer, Xhaldia’s atmosphere was rife with energy fields which would disrupt normal transporter operation—or subspace radio waves, for that matter.
The shuttles were by no means as efficient an option as the transporters would have been. The captain would be limited in terms of how many security officers he could deploy to the planet’s surface, and how quickly. However, he would have to make do.
Just then, he heard the chimes that signified the presence of a visitor outside his ready room. He leaned back in his chair and faced the door.
“Come,” Picard said.
A moment later, the door opened, revealing Commander Riker. But as the first officer entered the room, Picard saw the man wasn’t alone.
Storm walked in after him. Then came Banshee and Wolverine. One by one, the X-Men took up positions on the opposite side of Picard’s desk, each with the same determined expression on his or her face.
“They wanted to see you, sir,” said Riker.
The captain nodded. “Thank you, Number One.” He turned to the mutants. “Would any of you like a seat?”
Storm shook her head. “No. Thank you.”
Resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair, Picard made a steeple of his fingers. “All right, then. What can I do for you?”
Banshee looked to Storm. So did Wolverine.
“Go ahead, ‘Ro,” said the mutant in the mask.
Storm regarded the captain. “It is very simple,” she said. “We would like to help.”
Picard didn’t understand. “Help … ?” he replied.
“On Xhaldia,” said Banshee.
The captain nodded. “I see.”
However, it wasn’t clear to him how his guests had gotten wind of the situation there. His orders to the crew wouldn’t be posted for half an hour.
Riker looked at him. Obviously, he had the same question on his mind.
The first officer turned to the X-Men. “Tell me,” he said, “how did you know about that?”
Storm shrugged. “Shadowcat was on her way somewhere when she overheard two of your officers in conversation. However, she told me she was not eavesdropping and I am inclined to believe