Requiem - Michael Jan Friedman [20]
Geordi came out next, no less frustrated. “He was caught behind a bulkhead door in the station, sir. The shuttle’s emergency transporters got to us, but couldn’t reach him.”
“Commander,” Worf interjected. “Request permission to take another shuttle immediately to effect rescue. If we act quickly, we may be able to avoid the next power surge.”
Riker hit his communicator. “Data, do sensors show the captain on board the station?”
There was a brief pause as they awaited the android’s reply.
“Negative,” Data answered at last.
Riker cursed inwardly. “Any life signs at all?”
“Negative,” the android replied again.
Looking at Worf, the first officer didn’t need to guess how the security chief felt, because he felt the same way himself. Damned useless.
The swish of the opening door broke Geordi’s concentration. He looked up from his work to see Counselor Troi entering with Lieutenant Barclay in tow. They approached the engineering console where Geordi and Data were working.
To the engineering chief’s surprise, Barclay spoke first. “Sir, I’d like to help with the analysis.”
Geordi was taken aback. He hadn’t expected the counselor to put Barclay back on duty so quickly, if at all. The man had had his ups and downs on the Enterprise, and when he panicked on board the alien station, Geordi felt all of the old doubts about Barclay’s future in Starfleet rearing up again.
Over the past couple of years, Geordi had watched as Barclay overcame what had once seemed like crippling self-doubt. And to his surprise, he had come to like the tall, thin engineer.
However, that didn’t mean Barclay was cut out for starship duty. As much as Geordi didn’t like to admit it, there was a very good chance that the young officer wouldn’t recover from the day’s events—at least not enough to remain in the Fleet.
But one look at the counselor told the chief engineer that she approved of the idea. Otherwise, she would have approached Geordi in private later.
Without further thought, he said, “Sure, Reg. We could use a fresh pair of eyes.”
Turning to the main engineering console, he pointed to the data streaming across the terminal. “We’re trying to build a computer model of what happened on the station, using records from the Enterprise and shuttlecraft sensors as well as the limited tricorder readings we took on board. Commander Data can bring you up to speed.”
Geordi then turned his attention to Deanna. “Counselor, if you have a moment?” he asked.
Troi nodded, and the engineer led her into his office. Inside, he didn’t waste a second.
“Counselor,” he asked, “do you really think Barclay is ready for duty? I assume he told you what happened on the station.”
“Yes,” she replied. “He said he panicked when Mr. Varley was killed, and failed to respond to orders. He feels responsible… .”
“Look,” La Forge interjected. “I don’t have time to hold his hand right now. I’ve lost one of my staff and the captain is missing. I can’t take any chances on Barclay falling apart.”
The counselor kept her voice conversational. “Geordi, you’ve said more than once that Barclay often has good insights.”
“Yes, but—”
“And,” Troi added, “I’m not suggesting that you subject him to any pressure or make him part of another away mission. I’m merely hoping that you will make use of Barclay as a resource, just as you would have if today hadn’t happened. It may help the investigation. And it would certainly help Lieutenant Barclay.”
Geordi felt a response rising up in his throat, but he knew there was no sense behind it—only frustration. “Okay,” the engineer said finally, “you’re right.” Nodding, he secured control of his emotions. “Right now,” he admitted, “I can use all the help I can get.”
Riker drummed his fingers on the conference-room table. Damn it, he hated waiting around at a time like this. ‘
He tapped his communicator. “Lieutenant Burke, this is Commander Riker. Any change on the station?”
“No, sir. No change in power levels.” And then the answer to the question the