The Devil's Heart - Carmen Carter [25]
Stifling a groan of exasperation, the counselor said, “I’m on my way.”
According to the engineering schematics on file at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Ten-Forward was merely a spacious room designated as a crew lounge. All galaxy-class starships had a Ten-Forward with its standard-issue bar and curving transparent aluminum windows, but only the USS Enterprise had Guinan, which made this particular Ten-Forward uncommonly special.
Riker welcomed that difference when he pushed his way through the familiar double doors. Ever since his visit to the cargo bay, the first officer had been plagued by a vague restlessness, but now the urge to keep moving faded. No one rushed to leave Guinan’s company.
Her shapeless robes and fanciful headgear were flamboyant; Guinan herself was contained. She listened more often than she spoke, yet when she had something to say, the mellow tones of her husky voice were compelling.
“You look like a man in need of a little excitement,” said the hostess, setting a tall thin glass of a fizzing liquid on the counter.
Riker had never seen a drink quite like it before, but then Guinan had a fondness for experimentation.
“Is it that obvious?” sighed the first officer as he swung onto a bar stool. “We’ve only been in orbit around Atropos for two days, but I’m ready to leave again.”
“Odds are against it,” came a mocking voice from behind him.
Riker took a deep breath, then turned to present a forced smile to the angular Bajoran woman who slid into place next to him. Never turn your back on Ro Laren. “What’s that supposed to mean, Ensign?”
“Just that the ship’s pool is running two to one that we won’t make it to Luxor IV in time for a game of canasta, much less poker. Of course, the crew of the Telarius would probably win the championship again anyway.”
“O ye of little faith.” She was baiting him, and he knew it, but Riker still couldn’t stop himself.
“As it happens, our business here is almost finished, and a steady warp seven will get us back on schedule. Then the crew of the Enterprise is going to show the crew of the Telarius how real poker should be played.”
“Don’t waste your bluffs on me, sir,” said Ro with an incredibly infuriating and condescending chuckle. “Save them for the championship match … sometime next year.”
“I’m not bluffing.”
“A hundred says you are.”
“You’re on,” he snapped. “Guinan, you heard her.”
“I heard both of you,” said Guinan softly.
“In fact, everyone in the room heard both of you. Now will you taste that drink I poured for you? The flavor is very delicate, and it won’t last much longer.”
Riker reached his hand out for the glass.
“Data to Commander Riker.”
His hand moved up to his comm insignia instead.
“Riker here.”
“The captain has called an emergency conference for all senior officers.”
“Understood, Mr. Data,” said the first officer as he pushed away from the bar. “I’m on my way.”
“A hundred credits will come in very handy on my next shore leave.” The Bajoran was openly smirking.
To add insult to injury, Guinan slid his untouched drink over to the ensign. The bartender shrugged an apology to Riker, then turned back to watch Ro’s reaction to the beverage.
Heading out of Ten-Forward, Riker grudgingly admitted there was a high probability that Ro would win their bet. Unfortunately, the loss of a hundred credits would not hurt half so much as the loss of his pride.
Each of the chairs around the oval conference table would be filled soon, but for the next few minutes Picard and Crusher had the observation lounge to themselves. After the turmoil of the last few days, the captain welcomed this oasis of tranquillity.
Usually he would have resented sharing it with anyone else, except Beverly was not just anyone else.
“So,” asked the doctor, “when did you develop this fascination for the Ko N’ya?”
“As a child,” said Picard. “My brother was the one who introduced me to the legend. Although, since Robert was a bit of a bully, his aim was to terrify little Jean-Luc.”
“Did he succeed?”
“Oh, yes.