What's Past_ The Future Begins (Book 2) - Michael Schuster [2]
Captain Montgomery Scott, head of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, shook his head mournfully. “Lassie, do they not teach you anything? Always multiply your estimates—your maximum estimates—by a factor of four.”
La Forge cut in as he drew closer to the arguing pair. “He’s right, Ensign. That way you look like a miracle worker.”
Abruptly, Scotty turned to see the new arrival. “Geordi lad! ’Tis good to see you.” He grabbed La Forge’s hand and shook it most vigorously, then turned back to face the Vissian. “When I first met this lad, he was as bad as you. But I taught him how a real engineer works, so there’s hope for you, too.”
La Forge managed a weak smile at the Vissian. He admired and respected Scotty, and considered him a good friend, but the man’s philosophy on reporting to one’s superiors left something to be desired, in his mind.
“Now go on, and get back to work.” The Vissian ran off for parts unknown.
Scotty turned to face La Forge once more. “What are you doin’ here, lad? Not that I’m unhappy to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too, Scotty.” It had been a few years since they had last encountered one another, aside from the occasional subspace communication. “The Enterprise is here for some repairs after that whole gateways mess, but I decided I needed some time off.”
Scotty sighed. “I wish I could get some time off.” He set off for one of the lifts at the far end of the lobby, indicating La Forge should follow him. “I thought the reconstruction work had us spread thin enough, but the gateways crisis has made everythin’ twice as bad. Every one of my teams is tied up somewhere, and I’ve got a dozen admirals askin’ me to move each of them to two other places, at the very least.”
They entered the lift, which Scotty ordered to the appropriate destination. “How are things with you, lad?”
“Not much better,” said La Forge. “It’s been one crisis after another ever since the war ended, from Gemworld on.”
“Captain Gold said you spent some time on the da Vinci.”
La Forge nodded. “I joined them for a few missions. It was certainly different from what I usually do, and I enjoyed it, but I was happy to return to the Enterprise. Sure, both ships were just as hectic, but at least on the Enterprise I’m not horning in on someone else’s turf.”
“Gold and Gomez both said you were a wonderful addition to the team,” said Scotty as the lift doors opened, depositing them in a nondescript corridor. Scotty led the way down it.
“I suppose so,” said La Forge. “But anyway, working with an S.C.E. team made me think of you, so I decided to drop in next time I was in the area.”
“It’s good that you did, lad,” said Scotty. “I could use a break.”
The two reached a door marked COMMAND LIAISON which opened as they approached to reveal a small office. “Good mornin’, Deg,” Scotty said to the Blood Many male sitting at the desk.
“Good morning, Captain Scott,” replied the aide. “Good to see you in the office today.”
“Ah, be quiet, lad, I have a guest.” Scotty gestured unnecessarily at La Forge. “Do I have any appointments today?”
“Only your interview with Dr. Ven this afternoon,” Deg replied immediately.
Scotty frowned. “What’s that about, again?”
“He’s looking for a medical position on an—”
Scotty waved off the rest of the sentence. “Tell him I’m sorry, but I’m out for the day, and I’ll have to reschedule.” Deg nodded, and began typing into his computer console. “Oh, and hold all my calls.” Deg nodded again, and Scotty gestured at the bright red door at the back of the room. “After you, laddie,” he said to La Forge.
La Forge stepped up to the door, somewhat out of place with its drab surroundings, and it slid open automatically. What it revealed was no ordinary office.
Scotty’s office had been thoroughly redecorated in the style of a twenty-third-century Constitution-class vessel. There were bright primary colors everywhere, including the red grate dividing the portion of the room with the desk from that with some antique chairs. The desk itself was topped with a period-authentic