Q & A - Keith R. A. DeCandido [27]
Leybenzon shrugged. “So?”
“Dilithium tends to come in bunches, and it also tends to be buried fairly deep, but this is all over everywhere. And topaline is always concentrated in single areas. But not here.”
Worf said, “We have encountered unusual dilithium deposits in the past.”
Miranda nodded. “Yes, but the Selcundi Drema dilithium deposits were still within the range of expected distribution—the far range, admittedly. This is nowhere near. And it’s not just that.” She pointed at the plants, and also at one of the insects that flitted about. “Those trees, those bushes, that fly—they’re all symmetrical.”
Again, Leybenzon said, “So? We’re symmetrical.”
“Not completely.” She looked at the security chief. “Your left eye is slightly above your right. My left thumb’s a bit shorter than the right one, and one of my breasts is larger than the other.”
“I don’t see how any of this matters,” Leybenzon said dismissively.
That’s because you’re not listening. “There’s more. I’m detecting no signs of bacteria or blight. All the leaves on the trees are perfectly healthy. I’m picking up a fruit tree at the top of the canyon, and all the fruits are ripe, with no blemishes or bruises.” She sighed. “Look, this never happens. Perfection does not occur in nature.”
Nodding, Worf said, “It happens only by design.”
“Precisely.”
Leybenzon frowned. “Okay. So you’re saying someone constructed this place?”
Miranda shrugged. “It’s the only conclusion that makes sense. And it’s not like there isn’t precedent. There’s Beta Omicron Delta III, an amusement park planet where everything was completely artificial. There’s Talos IV, where the natives cast illusions so sophisticated that early Starfleet instruments were fooled. There’s Ydriej, where they completely rebuilt their society with photonic energy—basically turning their entire planet into a holodeck.” At Worf’s slightly surprised look, Miranda added, “When we got the long-range readings, I did a bit of spelunking into the records. I was fairly sure it was a false alarm, but I wanted to be prepared just in case.”
“Admirable,” Worf said.
“Sir, I recommend we beam up immediately.” Leybenzon now sounded tense, having thought through the consequences of what Miranda was saying. Or perhaps, she thought with bemusement, he’s recalling that there used to be a death penalty attached to visiting Talos IV.
“No,” Worf said after considering for a moment. “At least not yet.” He tapped his combadge. “Worf to Enterprise.”
“Picard here. Go ahead, Number One.”
Worf almost flinched. “Number One” had been the captain’s designation for William Riker for a decade and a half, and the Klingon was still not accustomed to it being used for him. However, Miranda knew that it had also been what Captain Picard had called his first officer on the Stargazer.
“Captain,” he finally said, “Commander Kadohata has detected some disturbing readings.”
At a nod from Worf, Miranda proceeded to repeat her report, albeit in more condensed fashion.
“How do you intend to proceed, Number One?”
“We will continue to investigate the canyon. Recommend that Ensign Luptowski acquire a hard transporter lock on the away team.”
“Agreed. Picard to Luptowski.”
“Go ahead, sir,” said the ensign’s high-pitched voice.
“Maintain a hard lock on the away team and stand by to beam them up at the slightest sign of trouble—particularly if the lock wavers in any way. I’d rather err on the side of beaming them up without cause.”
“Understood, Captain.”
“Thank you, sir,” Worf said. “We will now proceed to investigate the caverns.”
“Very well. Keep this channel open.”
“Aye, sir.” Worf looked at Miranda. “Do you have a recommendation as to which cavern to investigate first, Commander?”
Kadohata peered down at her tricorder again. Unfortunately, it wasn’t forthcoming with much by way of answers. She shrugged. “One’s as good as another,