The Children of Hamlin - Carmen Carter [59]
“By the way, Captain. Professor Butterfield requested a caudifera salad for his lunch.”
Although Data had been assigned a cabin of his own like his human companions, he was more often found in Geordi’s quarters or the ship’s library. Both places fed the only hunger of which he was capable: curiosity. The android was free from the demands of a human body, but he delighted in the search for knowledge and acquired facts with the same relish some people experienced when they encountered a new culinary delicacy.
Since Geordi was still in command of the bridge, Data chose to spend the remaining hour of his off-duty shift pursuing his most recent line of research. He had mastered the texts explaining the physiological necessity for sleep among organic life forms, but certain psychological aspects still puzzled him. Upon entering the ship’s library, however, Data was distracted by unusual activity in one corner of the room.
“Oh, hi, Data,” sighed Wesley when the android approached the print terminal. He tried to gather up the hardcover books that covered the table, but Data had already picked up one of the volumes.
“Very interesting,” said Data, inspecting the title on the spine. Personally, he found the printed format to be somewhat clumsy and time-consuming, yet its close association with humans lent the medium a certain charm. “Basic Engineering Principles. Is this for archival purposes? You have already mastered this material”
“I’m doing a favor for a friend.” Wesley removed the final bound volume from the printer assembly. “And, Data, I’d appreciate it if you’d keep this to yourself.”
Data frowned. The phrase was unfamiliar to him. “You wish me to have a copy as well?”
“No, I mean”- Wesley took a deep breath-“well, don’t tell anyone about what I’m doing. You see, it’s, uh … “
“A secret?” asked Data.
“Yes,” said Wesley.
The android smiled and recited enthusiastically, “Secret: a clandestine operation, a sub rosa endeavor, a-“
Wesley interrupted his recital. “Sorry, sir, but I’m running late for class.” With an apologetic smile the boy gathered up his printed materials and hastened toward the exit.
Data stood lost in thought, pondering the mystique of secrets.
Now that he had one, he wasn’t entirely sure what to do with it.
Each time Riker met with Farmer Patrisha, the woman greeted him with greater civility. On this occasion, when he came to her suite, she offered the first officer some tea and he accepted. They sipped the bitter herbal brew in companionable silence before moving on to business.
Riker hoped Patrisha’s cordiality would stand the test of his tidings. Setting aside his empty cup, he began. “I have good news. We’re back on course to New Oregon.”
“Will we arrive in time for the decanting?” asked Patrisha.
“No, I’m afraid not.” Riker was frank about that aspect, then launched into his deception. “Our warp engines are undergoing some routine maintenance work that will slow our progress.” Fortunately, Logan wasn’t likely to come in contact with the Farmers. The chief engineer wouldn’t appreciate having his department maligned.
“How long will we be delayed?”
Smiling, he tried to downplay the answer. “Only two weeks.” His bravado was unnecessary; Patrisha accepted the news without comment. Riker wondered if her composure was influenced by Dolora’s decision to live full-time on the holodeck farm. That thought brought a second issue to mind. “About the decanting. The easiest way to move the stasis machinery to the holodeck is to use the transporter.”
“My people will never agree to that,” said Patrisha immediately. Her brows flew upward at the heretical proposal. “Transporters are definitely against Farmer creed.”
“I was afraid that would be the case.” The entire community and their belongings had come aboard the Enterprise by shuttlecraft, a process that should have taken only one hour but lasted for five instead. Shuttles had flitted back and forth between the starbase dock and the hangar