The Sky's the Limit - Marco Palmieri [26]
“Actually, it does,” Crusher said. “Thanks.”
There was a pause before Yar said, “It’s good to hear that Gul Edal will be okay.”
“All thanks to you,” the doctor replied, opening her tired eyes and straightening her posture in her chair. Looking to Yar, she added, “Getting him to the shuttle and the organ stimulator made all the difference. How does it feel, saving your first patient?”
Yar tried but failed to hide a satisfied smile. Nodding, she said, “I’ll definitely be stepping up the field medicine training for my people, that’s for sure.” Her smile turned mischievous as she added, “I’m thinking I might also add something about the tactical applications of exoscalpels and other medical equipment. That was some fast thinking on your part, I have to say. In fact, I was amazed at how well you handled yourself during the whole incident.” She paused a moment, and her expression faltered as she added, “I have to admit I had my doubts when things started to go bad. I wasn’t sure how you’d react.”
“Well, I had my own doubts,” Crusher replied, “but not anymore. Jean-Luc was right about you.”
It took physical effort for Crusher not to smile at Yar’s shocked expression. “The captain’s talked to you about me?”
The doctor nodded. “A few times, most recently just before we left,” she said. “I wasn’t sure you were up for something requiring this kind of finesse, but he told me not to worry. He’s never doubted you, not once.” Leaning closer, she added, “And not for nothing, but impressing Jean-Luc Picard is no easy feat.”
Yar was silent as she seemed to let the affirmation sink in. “Thank you, Beverly.”
Closing her eyes again for a moment, Crusher wondered if their little adventure would do anything to further Federation-Cardassian ties as both sides lobbied for peace. The cynic in her said it was unlikely, but the healer and romantic in her wanted to believe that such acts of bravery and compassion might be just enough to make two societies look differently at one another and act for the greater good. After all, it had been more than sufficient for two individuals to alter their own perceptions.
Reaching out, Crusher tapped Yar on the forearm. “By the way, I’m still owed a shift on the bridge. Think you can handle it?”
Yar actually laughed at that. “Absolutely. I do have one request, however.”
“What’s that?” Crusher asked, her brow knitting in momentary confusion.
“Please, no more personal messages when you’re on duty.”
Redshift
Richard C. White
Historian’s note:
This tale is set during the second season of
Star Trek: The Next Generation.
RICHARD C. WHITE
Richard C. White’s first Star Trek story, “Echoes of Coventry,” was released in May 2006 as a part of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers series.
Other works include the novel Gauntlet: Dark Legacy #1—Paths of Evil, which was released by ibooks, inc., and became one of their bestselling tie-in titles for 2004. In addition, Rich contributed to the Ultimate Hulk anthology (Byron Preiss/Marvel Comics) in 1998, cowriting Assault on Avengers Mansion with Steve Roman. Additionally, he has a short story, “The Price of Conviction,” coming out in the 2008 Dr. Who anthology, The Quality of Leadership.
After graduating from the University of Central Missouri in 1982 with a degree in medieval history, Rich spent fifteen years in the army as an analyst, a linguist, and a cryptanalyst, which helped him land the Corps of Engineers job writing about Bart Faulwell, who is also an analyst, a linguist, and a cryptanalyst. He now works as a tech writer in the wilds of corporate America.
He greatly appreciates the support of his very patient wife, Joni, and daughter, Katie. His four cats are reasonably supportive, as long as this writing stuff doesn’t get in the way of their feeding times.
“LOOK, DOCTOR PULASKI, I’M NOT TRYING TO BE UNCOOPERATIVE, but you’re not giving me much choice. You’re asking an awful lot of the system.”
Katherine Pulaski took a deep breath to regain her