Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [33]
Picard wheeled, outragedthen was stunned to silence by the knowing intensity in Sorans eyes. Soran leaned forward until Picards face filled his entire field of vision.
They say time is the fire in which we burn, he said softly. And right now, Captain, my time is running out.
Yes. He had sensed rightly. There it was again: the flames, the screams, the horror. Picard dropped his gaze, unable to meet the other mans eyes.
Soran released his grip on the captains arm. No need now; his words held Picard more tightly than his hands ever could. His features softened with unfeigned sympathy as he looked deep into the Starfleet officers eyes, thinking of the Borgs death rays dissecting a malachite planet. How many nights had he lain awake imagining that final horror for Leandra, Mara, Emo, as the fiery rays streaked down from the El Aurian heavens?
You see, I too know what it is to smell the flesh of my loved ones burning …
We leave so many things unfinished in our lives, Soran continued. Im sure you can understand.
Picard looked away and was silent for a long moment; when finally he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper. Ill see what I can do …
Without a word, he turned on his heel and left before the El Aurian could reply. Soran watched with relief and triumph; he had won. He rose, then carefully pulled out the antique pocket watch Leandra had given him, a name-day present in recognition of his fascination with temporal physics. For a moment, he stared into its gilded, crystal-clad face and saw reflected there his own.
He had come to both treasure and despise Leandras final gift to himtreasure it because it was all he had left of her, outside the nexus; despise it because it served as constant reminder of times cruelty. In the end, time annihilated all; what was the brutally apt Terran metaphor? Cronos, eating his children …
Time was his enemy, now; the only solution was to sidestep it altogether, in the nexus. And, cruelest joke of all, he had only twelve hours in which to do so.
Soran moved toward the exitthen froze at the sight of a familiar face across the room, behind the bar.
Guinan. She had been among the refugees on the Lakul the day they had encountered the Enterprise-B … and flirted with the nexus
And if she recognized Soran, she would at once sense his true intentions … and tell the captain.
Luckily she was distracted, smiling and talking with two crewmen; she had not seen him, and Soran was determined to leave before she sensed his presence. He wheeled about and, using the crowd as a shield, slipped out the far exit.
So, Guinan said. She bent slightly to retrieve a dust-covered flagon from beneath the counter, then straightened and allowed herself a small smile at Datas comical expression, which managed to convey both disgust and delight. Now that youve got hate covered, lets see if we can work on love. Aged Saurian brandy; not quite as old as I am, but a close second. Just a little taste, boys; this isnt synthehol, you know.
Geordi had finally relaxed enough to smile and peer at the label. That looks like the real thing, all right. He drew back slightly as Guinan blew off the dust and then began uncorking the bottle. Data, you should test emotion chips more often. Looks like were in for a treat.
Grinning, the android proffered his empty glass; Guinan began to pour. At the same instant, Geordis comm badge signaled; he set down his own glass and touched his insignia. La Forge here.
Commander Worf here. Is Data with you?
Yes.
Commander Riker requests both of you report to the transporter room immediately. I will meet you there. Worf out.
Geordi released a glum sigh. Cmon, Data. Lets go.
Data set down his glass and frowned. I believe I am having another emotional reaction.
Its called disappointment, Data. Guinan favored him with a grin as she recorked the brandy. Youll get over it. Dont worry, thisll still be here when you two get back.
Thanks, Guinan. Geordi waited for his now-despondent friend to rise; the two headed out into the corridor.
Guinan was watching them