The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [84]
At first, Slattery had beaten him every time. Then, little by little, Greyhorse had given him more of a run for his money. Finally, just before spring break, he managed to checkmate Slatterys Icing.
He remembered the mans reaction with crystal clarity. Damn, Slattery had said with undisguised wonder and admiration, when did you turn into a mindreader?
The doctors eyes were drawn to the series of chemical reactions represented on his computer screen, each of which played a part in the creation of psilosynine. If he had been born with such a neurotransmitter in his brain, he might have been a real mindreader.
Of course, back at the Academy, Greyhorse had never met a real mindreader. Now he could actually say he had treated one in his sickbay. What would Slattery have to say about
He stopped himself, his brain suddenly ranging ahead of his recollection. He was making connections that he hadnt made before, connections that seemed so obvious now that he felt mortified.
A real mind reader , he repeated inwardly.
The medical officer studied the screen again, staring at the complex chains of molecules that had figured in his re-creation of psilosynine. If he had been born with such a neumtransmitter
Greyhorses heart was pounding. He had to speak with Commander Picard, he told himself, and he had to do it quickly.
Picard gazed across the captains desk at the hulking, stony-featured form of Carter Greyhorse. You made it sound as if this were a matter of some urgency, he told the doctor.
Greyhorse leaned forward in his chair. It is. Or rather, it might be. All I need is a chance to find out.
The second officer wasnt in the mood for riddles. Perhaps we should start at the beginning, he suggested.
Of course, said the doctor. He drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. Ever since we left Earth, Ive been attempting to duplicate the work of a Betazoid scientist named Relanios.
Picard nodded. Ive heard of him.
Greyhorse looked at him, surprised. You have?
The commander smiled. I have other interests beside beating the tar out of hostile aliens, Doctor. As I recall, Turan Relanios was synthesizing the neurotransmitter that give Betazoids their
He stopped himself in midsentence, grasping the import of what Greyhorse must have done. Youve synthesized psilosynine?
Yes, said the doctor, his dark eyes bright beneath his jutting brow. Then you see the possibilities? You see how important this substance might be to us?
Picard nodded. Indeed.
In a human being, the neurotransmitter might create a fleeting capacity for telepathic communication. But in a mind already developed along such lines a mind like a Magnians
Then something occurred to him.
Theres a danger here, said the second officer.
That the psilosynine might trigger a reaction in the colonists brains, Greyhorse acknowledged, dismissing the idea in the same breath. That they might develop even greater powers along with the personality aberrations experienced by Gary Mitchell.
Picard regarded him. You dont seem especially concerned.
I am concerned, said the doctor. Deeply concerned. However, I made a study of Serenity Santanas neurological profile before I came to see you. And on a preliminary basis, at least, I would have to say there isnt anything to worry about.
But you cannot be certain?
Greyhorse shook his massive head. Not until I have had a chance to conduct clinical tests.
Which would have to be conducted under the most closely monitored conditions, Picard maintained.
After all, he already had a faceless saboteur to contend with. He didnt need a burgeoning superman prowling his ship in the bargain.
You mean guards, said the doctor. In my sickbay.
Yes, the second officer insisted, refusing to yield on this point. Several of them. And all armed.
Greyhorse obviously didnt like the idea. But given what was at stake, he seemed willing to acquiesce. All right, he told the second officer. But we need to begin as quickly as possible.
As quickly as