The Children of Hamlin - Carmen Carter [63]
“But you’ve been working hard, too,” Wesley said without resentment. “In fact, you look kind of tired.” Just a few months ago he wouldn’t have noticed.
“I haven’t had much sleep lately.” In fact, Wesley couldn’t even remember the last time his mother had been to their cabin. “But as soon as things calm down here, I’ll come see the farm.”
“The captives, they’re not doing too well, are they?”
She didn’t answer the question. “You’d better hurry or you’ll be late for your physics class.”
“Astronomy,” Wesley corrected her as he backed out of the office. He paused at the doorway. “Mom, if a friend asked you for a favor, one that maybe meant getting him into trouble with his family … “
“What was that, Wesley?”
“Nothing,” he said. ” ‘Bye, Mom.”
Dr. Crusher waved an absentminded good-bye to her son, then picked up her padd again. It seemed heavier every time she lifted it. She checked the next item on her agenda-a listing of those in the patient ward. Most of the beds had been cleared that morning.
She was especially looking forward to releasing the next patient.
“Get back to the bridge,” she ordered. “Your last exam shows you’re fine.”
“That’s what I’ve been telling you all along,” said Lieutenant Yar, jumping off the bed. “I never felt any effects from the drug.”
“Beyond fainting,” pointed out Crusher. Fortunately, Yar’s exposure to the narcotic had lasted just a few minutes. If only Jason could have recovered so easily, but he had spent the last fifty years aboard that ship and short of returning him to the Choraii … The glimmer of a solution began to form. “Did the drug affect your memories of the ship?”
“Oh, no. I’m not likely to forget that experience very soon.” Crusher was pleased by the lieutenant’s answer, but Yar was too elated over her medical release to ask why. “About Troi … “
“I know she’s tired. I’ve already chosen someone to help her out with the boy,” said Crusher. Too many details kept interrupting her thoughts, but Yar’s departure would reduce the interference considerably. “And, Tasha, stay out of trouble. I don’t want to see you in sickbay again for a long time.”
“Don’t worry,” said Yar, speeding toward the door. “I’m not coming back.”
Dr. Crusher stood in place, developing her sketchy idea into a more solid concept. Her next step was to sound out Data. He answered her com link call and listened patiently as the doctor outlined her requirements.
“Yes, technically the project is feasible,” said Data after due consideration. “I have access to most of the pertinent information.” He explained what else he would need to know.
“Tasha may be able to provide some of that,” said Crusher thoughtfully. “But Ruthe definitely can.” If the woman would agree to help.
“Do you wish to begin now?”
“Not yet, Data,” said Crusher. “I’ll let you know when.” She was still waiting to hear from Deelor about her first proposal. If Ruthe refused that one, she would never agree to the second.had procured a new suit of clothes, but the translator was always wrapped in the same worn gray cloak.
Picard found Ruthe in the back bedroom. “Dr. Crusher has some questions regarding Jason’s condition.”
“It’s nothing to do with me now.” She sat on the room’s single bed, hugging her knees to her chin. “I told you not to bring him on board.”
Her pose was not seductive, but Picard would have preferred conducting their conversation in the day area of the cabin. The informality of their surroundings implied an uncomfortable degree of intimacy. “And Jason’s death would prove your point. Is your pride worth a man’s life?”
“My job is to translate, nothing more. The Hamlin captives are not my concern.”
“You can’t simply deny responsibility because it is inconvenient or even distasteful,” argued Picard-but he could see that he was not getting through to her. Ruthe plucked fitfully at the disheveled covers of the bed as her initial defensiveness gave way to restlessness. “You said the Choraii value their humans, but they’ve harmed Jason.”
This accusation drew Ruthe’s immediate attention.