The Children of Hamlin - Carmen Carter [25]
“Some sort of political squabble,” explained Deelor. “It seems the ships with mining capabilities have withdrawn from the local cluster. Choraii social structure is rather complicated and we know very few details of its workings.” He proceeded with his instructions before Data could delay him further. Deelor had other more pressing duties than to satisfy an android’s curiosity. “Mr. Riker, keep the chest in a secure location near the transporter chamber so the bars can be pulled out at a moment’s notice.”
“What do I do with this?” asked Data, lifting up the instrument he had caught.
“The vocoder contains a record of the Ferrel’s sensor readings on the Choraii. Examine it for any information that can explain their unusual weapons technology. I’ll expect a full report as soon as possible.”
Riker stiffened in place. “Is Captain Picard aware of these assignments?”
“Feel free to inform him,” said Deelor, executing his second abrupt departure of the day.
Chapter Six
“THE BOY NEEDS an uncle,” declared Dolora as she folded another shirt and tucked it inside the open trunk on the cabin floor.
“Well, he doesn’t have one,” answered Patrisha. From the depths of a cushioned chair, she watched the older woman’s efforts. Under different circumstances she could have enjoyed her accommodations aboard the Enterprise. Farmer principles had never ruled against plush furniture and airy spaces, but the community could rarely afford such amenities. However, a week of sharing quarters with her aunt had made the trip nearly unbearable, despite the physical comforts. “Another example of my mother’s thoughtlessness in dying young.”
Dolora pursed her thin lips. She found Patrisha’s sense of humor to be quite distorted at times. “Tomas would serve as his uncle if only you would ask.”
“Tomas already tries to act the part of my brother without being asked.”
“He’s your cousin.”
“He’s-” Patrisha bit back her reply. Tomas was a pigheaded ass, but he was also Dolora’s son. He came by his aggravating nature honestly. “He’s kind, to be so interested in our welfare, but I can deal with Dnnys on my own.”
Dolora probed fitfully at the contents of the trunk, considering whether to pull everything out and start over again. “Being an only child has made you very headstrong.”
“Thank God.” The curse slipped out before Patrisha could stop herself. “I’m sorry, Auntie Dolo.” She shamelessly plied the old endearment, so little used now. “It’s just that the news Dnnys brought has upset me.”
Two bright spots still colored her aunt’s cheeks, but the woman accepted the apology. “Do you believe what the boy says?”
“Oh, yes,” said Patrisha. “He’s quite certain the ship has changed course away from New Oregon.”
“Which shows Dnnys hasn’t learned a lesson from his last censure,” sniffed Dolora. “He’s still sneaking away from the community.”
And they were back to their first argument all over again. Patrisha took her son’s part as before, carefully linking her defense to the Farmers’ best interests. “We need his knowledge of the Enterprise to protect ourselves. And our cargo.”
The practical aspects of that argument could not be denied, even by someone as irrational as Dolora, but she easily found another focus for criticism. “I’d feel much better if he were a girl. Boys are too susceptible to the false attractions of the nonliving environment.”
“If he were a girl, then Krn wouldn’t have a brother,” pointed out Patrisha.
“About Krn, began Dolora with an ominous look. She had lost all interest in the packing.
The fight would have escalated on the next round if not for the arrival of Dnnys. Patrisha tried to send the boy back out of the room with a warning glare, but he saved them both from a direct attack from Dolora.
“Captain Picard is here to see you, Mother.”
Patrisha rose from her seat and Dolora quickly announced she had left her best sweater in