The Farther Shore - Christie Golden [49]
“Have you been able to find anything yet?” asked Kaz.
The Doctor scowled. The expression did not suit the younger, pleasantly featured face of the present EMH.
“Not a thing. Well, nothing useful anyway. Commander Data has been useful in sifting through the ... ah ... data.”
“I imagine you would be,” said Kaz. “I was able to download almost everything I know about the virus thus far. If anyone checks, they’ll see that there has been a download, and that will alert them that there’s been a leak. Which will probably lead them right here.”
“The entire operation is risky, Doctor,” Data said. “I am certain you did everything you could to minimize the chance of discovery.”
“I hope so,” said Kaz. The door hissed open. All three of them turned quickly to see a tall, dark-haired woman enter.
“I’m Lieutenant Commander Susan Taylor,” she said. “You’re obviously Commander Data. It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” She extended her hand and Data shook it politely. “And you must be Dr. Kaz. I’ve heard of you as well.”
Numbly, Kaz shook her hand. He noticed that she completely ignored the EMH.
“Commander Watson alerted us that you were on board, and I thought I’d render what assistance I could.”
Kaz felt the blood drain from his face. Fortunately, Data stepped in smoothly.
[146] “We appreciate the offer, Lieutenant Commander. However, our work is highly classified. It is doubtful the regulations even permit your presence here, considering the nature of the data presently on the computer screens.”
Kaz saw her eyes instinctually dart toward the screen, and then she deliberately averted her gaze.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” said Kaz gently. “If there’s anything that we do need, we’ll be sure to let you know.”
“I’m here to serve, sir.” With a quick smile, she turned and left. The door hissed closed behind her.
“She didn’t even look at me,” said the Doctor, bridling. “Did you see that? I might as well not have been activated. Hmph. And you wonder why Baines gets hot under the collar on behalf of holograms.”
“Don’t take it personally, Doctor,” said Kaz. Something was nagging at him. Something wasn’t right here. He began the transfer of data from his padd to Voyager’s computer.
Lieutenant Commander Susan Taylor had been in Security for eight years now. She was no starry-eyed ensign who could get bowled over by celebrities. And yet, when Watson had informed her that no less a personage than Commander Data was on board ... well, she had to find an excuse to meet him.
She was disappointed but not surprised that they wouldn’t let her assist them. The Trill doctor also seemed very pleasant, and easy on the eyes. It really was a pity she couldn’t stay and help. Not the mention the fact that all eight of them here were getting a bit [147] bored. It would be good to be actively involved in helping the Federation fight the newest threat.
Ah, well. She supposed that with Data, who could process information as fast as any computer, Dr. Kaz, a leader in his field; and an EMH, they had all the hands they needed.
Taylor slowed, came to a stop in the corridor.
An EMH ...
“Oh no!” cried Kaz.
“What is wrong?” asked Data.
Kaz turned frantically to the Doctor. “Doctor ... Because of your portable holographic emitter, you were able to leave Voyager.”
“Yes, so?” said the Doctor.
“They never replaced you,” said Kaz. “There is no EMH on Voyager!”
It took a second for the import of his words to register on Data and the Doctor. Then the Doctor’s eyes grew huge.
“Computer,” the Doctor said, “deactivate EMH.”
Just as he disappeared, the doors to sickbay opened and Taylor stepped in. Gone was the pleasant, attractive woman they had just spoken to a moment ago. This woman was all business, and had a phaser leveled at them. Slowly, they put their hands in the air.
“Status report,” asked Watson. He was eating a replicated breakfast of steak and eggs while Lieutenant Janssen stood rigidly at attention.
“Team B has been notified and will report for duty within the hour.”
[148] Still chewing, Watson