Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [43]
Soran may still be obsessed with getting back. And if he is, hell do anything to find that doorway again.
But why destroy a star? he asked, then fell silent. He rose. Thank you, Guinan.
As he moved to leave, she turned, her tone suddenly urgent. Let someone else do it, Jean-Luc. He paused to stare back at her.
There arent words strong enough to make you see, to make you understand. Its beyond any drug, any implant; it envelops people in the most potent narcotic there is: love and belonging. She paused, her dark eyes full of warning. Dont get near the ribbon. If you go into that nexus, youre not going to care about Soran or the Enterprise or me. All youre going to care about is how it feels to be there. And youre never going to come back.
Geordi La Forge woke with a queasy headache and the distinct realization that he was aboard neither the observatory nor the Enterprise. He stirred, and realized that he was sitting in an uncomfortable chair aboard a vessel of some sortthe floor beneath his feet vibrated, and he could hear the groan of aging engines. The air was warm, stale, none too sweet; he could feel it on the bare skin of his chest. Someone had removed his tunic.
And his VISOR, leaving him blind. He leaned forward and groped in the darkness.
A hand reached out and grasped his. Faint laughter, and then a familiar voice, very nearby: Looking for something, Mr. La Forge?
Geordi drew back. The voice was Sorans, the scientist from the observatory. He remembered now: Soran had struck himand apparently kidnapped him. But why …?
A remarkable piece of equipment, Soran continued in a cheerful, conversational tone. But a little inelegant, wouldnt you say?
Geordi did not reply.
Have you ever considered a prosthesis that would make you look a little more … normal?
The words angered him. Easy, he told himself. He is doing it on purpose. Dont let it get to you. … But he could not resist countering, Whats normal?
Normal, Soran said smoothly, is what everyone else isand what you are not.
Geordi tried to keep the heat from his own voice, and failed. What do you want?
A long pause. And then Soran said, As you may or may not be aware, I am an El Aurian. Some people call us a race of listeners. We listen. He hesitated. Right now, Mr. La Forge, you have my undivided attention. I want to listen to everything you know about trilithium … and me.
It made no sense; he knew little about either subject. But he saw no reason not to comply. He thought for a moment, then replied, Trilithium is an experimental compound developed by the Romulans. I think its a derivative of
He stopped at a sharp thrill of pain near his chest, and raised his hand to the spot. Almost as quickly, the sensation disappeared; but Soran had never touched him.
I dont want a science lecture, Soran said coldly.
You were on that observatory looking for trilithium. Why?
Geordi sighed. This wasnt going to be much fun; he clearly knew a lot less than Soran thought he did. I was ordered to by the captain.
Lets try to move beyond the usual prisoner-interrogator banter, shall we? You have information, and I need it. Soran paused. Did the captain explain his orders to you? Did he say why you were searching for trilithium?
Geordi shook his head. No.
Another long pause. What about … Guinan? What has she told you about me?
Guinan? He blinked in surprise. I dont know what youre talking about.
Sorans tone hardened. My instincts tell me youre lying. And I know that cant be easy for you … I can see you have a good heart. He gave a soft, ironic chuckle. Geordi tilted his head, puzzled at the sudden sound of tickinglike the sound of an antique Earth timepiece.
He forgot the sound as a spasm of pain gripped the center of his chest. A heart attack, Geordi thought, clutching his chest. He somehow induced a heart attack … He bowed his head at the agony, unable even to breathe.
And then the pain eased again. He drew in a great, gasping breath and began to pant.
Oh, Soran said cavalierly. I forgot to tell you. While you