Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [83]
And Kirks sacrifice, offered so cheerfully, so easily, had freed Picard from any lingering desire to return to Robert and René, and his fictional wife and children. He recalled the anger on Guinans face:
I didnt want to leave … All I could think about was getting back …
But as he stood at attention in front of James Kirks grave, staring into the striking Veridian sunset above the darkening landscape, he felt only relief to have escaped back to reality. Kirk had understood; such an existence would have been meaningless in the extreme. Eternal, yes; real, no. And while life outside the nexus was a temporary, fleeting phenomenon, did that not give each moment more value, more poignancy?
Picard stood several moments in the cooling air, reflecting on the debt he and millions of others owed James Kirk. And then he lifted his gaze overhead at the sound of a droning engine, and spied something pale and blinking streaking through the deepening sky.
The Enterprise shuttlecraft. It settled gracefully, softly in a clearing at the far end of the mountaintop, without stirring up dust. Picard strode quickly past trees to meet it, and arrived just as the hatch slid open to reveal Worf and La Forge.
Worf jumped out first, narrowing his eyes at the growing dusk to study his commanding officer. Captain, are you all right?
Yes, Picard said wearily.
What about Dr. Soran? La Forge asked, lingering in the doorway.
Picard hesitated, thinking of the two graves behind him, hidden by trees and brush. No doubt in the future he would report the precise details of what had occurred to him here on the plateau, and in the nexus, with James Kirk and Soran … but at the moment, he wanted only to return to the ship, and rest. You neednt worry about the doctor anymore.
He moved to enter the shuttle … and paused, squinting in the failing light at the small bandage on Geordi La Forges brow, at the tear in Worfs uniform, at the scorched dents in the side of the shuttlecraft. Was there a problem with the Klingons?
La Forge shared an ominously reluctant look with Worf; for an instant, neither officer replied. And then Geordi said, with a gusting sigh, You could say that …
Captains log, Stardate 48650.1.
The Starship Farragut has arrived in orbit and has begun to beam up the Enterprise survivors for transport back to Earth.
Our casualties were light … but unfortunately, the Enterprise herself cannot be salvaged.
Picard paused in his recording to gaze out the open doorway at the stream of personnel moving pastsome carrying what personal effects they had rescued from their quarters, some hauling undamaged equipment, still others evacuating the wounded on stretchers. Lit by emergency beacons, the corridor led to an open hatch; beyond lay sunlit sky and the lush greenery of the Veridian jungle.
Computer, Picard said, swiveling in his chair to stare out the hatch at the distant mountains, end log. Id like a cup of tea. Earl Grey. Hot. He rested his elbows against the gleaming surface of the conference table. The ready room had been reduced to virtual rubble; he had had no time thus far to sift through the wreckage, but had instead been busy here, at one of the few places on the ship where communications and the computer functioned.
That selection is not currently available, the computer droned. Choice of teas is limitedbanchu, blackberry, or Thirellian mint.
Picard sighed. Never mind.
A sudden shadow fell across the table. He glanced up to see Guinan, smiling in the doorway.
Im glad to see you again. She seemed unharmed, unruffled, entirely untouched by the chaos surrounding her.
Im glad to see you, too. He returned the smile. I had a question to ask …
I know. Her expression grew teasingly enigmatic. And I wanted to apologize for underestimating you, Jean-Luc. For being afraid that you wouldnt come back.
I had good reason. Veridian Four. This crew … and you, Guinan. He hesitated. Why didnt you tell me about all this? He spread