Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [31]
He was clearly eager to be alone, but Riker decided against hiding his concern. Picard was a very private man, and Riker doubted his question would be answeredbut he had to at least make the offer to help, to listen. Sir, he asked gently, … is there anything wrong?
No. Picards answer was soft, but it was a softness that covered steel. Thank you.
Riker paused a moment, then surrendered, and left his captain to his solitary grief.
With a distinct sense of unease, Geordi entered Ten-Forward, sticking close to Datas side. Maybe he was overreacting, but he couldnt shake the sense of impending disaster, despite the fact that Data seemed to be quite relaxed and enjoying himself. So far, the chip seemed to be working perfectlyso well, in fact, that the android had insisted on going to Ten-Forward for a little test run.
Nevertheless, Geordi kept his gaze glued on Data, who was drinking in his surroundings with the wide-eyed delight of a child, gazing with hopeful interest at the bustling off-duty crowd, beaming faintly as someone at a crowded table guffawed at a joke. Even the androids movements seemed subtly alteredmore graceful, more fluid, more … human.
The two stepped up to the bar. Almost immediately, Guinan approached, and set a flask on the counter with a determination that allowed no refusal.
Her lips curved slyly into an upward crescent. You two just volunteered to be my first victims. She nodded at the crystal flask, which held a dark liquid aswirl with amber highlights. This is a new concoction I picked up on Forcas Three. Trust me, youre going to love it.
She set two glasses on the counter and poured; Geordi caught a whiff of potent spirits laced with something that smelled like broccoli crossed with eucalyptus. He struggled to keep his expression neutral, so as not to influence Data, who lifted his glass, sniffed the contents, then took a large swallow.
Geordi watched intently as Data frowned down at the glass in his hand. After several seconds, the engineer prompted, Well …?
The android glanced up, still faintly frowning, his expression one of puzzlement. I believe the beverage has provoked an emotional response. Really? What do you feel?
Data lowered the glass, clearly trying to turn his focus inward. I … He glanced up at Geordi with something very near dismay. I am uncertain. I have little experience with emotions. I am unable to articulate the sensation.
Emotions? Guinan leaned forward, elbows on the counter, to direct an amazed glance at Geordi.
The engineer cocked his head to one side in a gesture that was almost an affirmation, all the while managing to keep one eye focused on his charge. Ill explain later …
He watched as Data threw his head back and took another huge gulpthen set down the glass and curled his bottom lip in pure disgust.
Guinan turned to Geordi. I think he hates it.
Yes! Data leaned toward his friends, bright-eyed, near breathless with excitement. That is it. I hate it!
The androids enthusiasm was infectious; despite his concern, Geordi felt a broad smile settle slowly over his own features. Data … I think the chip is working.
As he spoke, Data rapidly drained his glass, then broke into a huge, triumphant grin. Yes. I hate this! It is revolting!
Guinan permitted the two men a moment more of celebration, then coyly lifted the flask, ready to pour again. Another round? she asked sweetly.
Aglow with happiness, Data held up his glass.
Please.
At that moment, Tolian Soran also sat in Ten-Forward, but the crowd and his tables location blocked any view of the bar; instead, he stared out an observation window at the starsthinking of one star in particular, the one named Amargosa. Bitter, the name meant in some Terran language or other. The bitter star; oddly appropriate, it seemed now.
Had he witnessed the exchange between the three friends, he would have sensed precisely what was occurringbut he would not have laughed, would not have wasted upon the incident even a faint smile. He smiled at