Possession - J.M. Dillard [9]
“Yeah, that’s the truth. Grief is a process. It takes time for the living to accept and adjust. The memorial service allows us to begin doing that.”
Data gave a single approving nod. “A concise explanation. Now, about the concept of the afterlife …”
Geordi plugged Data’s figures into the main computer and initiated the program. “Hold on, Data. Discussions about the afterlife have been going on for thousands of years. You and I don’t have time to explore that right now. We’re supposed to help set things up for the TechnoFair scientists. Now that we’ve got this recalibration going, that’s next on the agenda. The afterlife will just have to wait!”
Data drew back with his quizzical “analyzing” expression, which quickly resolved into a look of satisfaction. “Ah! ‘The afterlife will have to wait.’ Because, of course, that is what the afterlife—if there is one—does. It waits for the living to transcend this life and join the afterlife. Sophisticated humor bordering on pun. Very clever, Geordi.”
“Thanks, Data.” La Forge took his analytical friend’s arm and steered him into the nearest turbolift. “Ten Forward,” he told the ‘lift, then turned to Data again. “Look, we’ve got a lot to do. We’ve got to provide portable power packs for each bolo display, make sure each scientist gets enough room for his or her setup, and decide if we’re going to have to set up more space in the auxiliary lounge next to Ten Forward.”
“I have already arranged for extra power packs,” Data answered smoothly, without a shift in tone, as if they had been discussing business instead of the afterlife all along. “And, based upon the information the scientists have offered me, at least eight will need to be set up in the auxiliary lounge.”
“Excellent, Data, thanks!”
The turbo doors opened silently onto the large expanse that, a day before, had been the crew’s observation lounge and relaxation area; a few hours before, it had been the scene of Janice Ito’s memorial service. But the arrangements for the service had been simple and had already been cleared. Now there was nothing but vast open expanse.
“Good thing Guinan stopped off at Andoria to attend that bartenders’ convention,” Geordi said. “She hates it when they move all her stuff.”
“Bartenders’ convention?” Data tilted his head and actually managed to look startled. “I though it was a spiritual retreat. She called it a ‘relaxation seminar.’ “
“Same thing,” Geordi insisted with a small smile, as he walked across the vacant lounge, trying to decide who should be set up where. “She said she’d be useless here, since scientists don’t believe in being ‘off duty.’ Well, let’s start arranging tables and defining areas.”
Data moved to a wall computer and used it to tap into the console in his quarters. “Here is a list of the dimensions of space the scientists have said they will require for their displays. I compiled that information along with the dimensions and parameters of Ten Forward, and the subject matter of the displays, and have come up with a tentative arrangement that best utilizes space and takes topic matter into account.”
Geordi grinned broadly for the first time since Janice Ito’s death. “That’s great, Data. You’ve thought of everything! That’s why I volunteered us for the setup when we could have had a few ensigns do it. I wanted it done right.”
To his surprise, Data frowned. “Geordi, I could not possibly think of ‘everything.’ That is too broad of a concept, even for me. For example, I am not sure the aesthetics of my arrangement will be satisfying for the less technical crew members. Would it be best to place the display of forcefield technology next to the particle physics hologram, or—”
“Aesthetics be damned, Data,” Geordi said, scanning the list. “We’re in a hurry. That’s something the TechnoFair designers can worry about. Your plan looks fine; I like the way you set Dr. Tarmud between that surgeon, Dr. Ellis, and the ocular specialist, Dr. Dannelke. Their work complements each other’s.”
Data straightened with something suspiciously similar to pride. “Thank you.