33 The Devil's Heart by Carmen Carter

Author:Carmen Carter [Carter, Carmen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Media Tie-In
ISBN: 9780671794262
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 1994-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

"Engage."

In Riker's mind, that simple word was inextricably intertwined with the basso pulse of the starship engines and a dazzling starburst of warp light on the viewscreen. A feeling of suppressed excitement was underscored by Picard's crisp declamation; he never issued that order in an offhand manner.

"At current warp speed," announced Data, "our estimated arrival at Vulcan will be in three point six days."

Picard never even slouched when he occupied the captain's chair. At his most relaxed, he might cross his legs and lean back. Today, Riker noted, the captain had adopted his most regal carriage, with both feet planted firmly on the deck and his head held high as he studied the viewscreen. The very mention of Sarek and T'Sara's homeworld seemed to trigger this unconscious show of respect; Picard's only departure from a formal posture was the crooking of one arm to hold the Heart.

"I've been to Vulcan several times," said the first officer, "but I've never had a chance to actually visit the planet surface. I'm looking forward to that opportunity now."

When the silence that followed this comment lengthened uncomfortably, Troi leaned slightly forward from her position on the other side of Picard.

"Yes, I'm also looking forward to shore leave there. It should prove to be very interesting, if rather warm." She spoke to Riker, but her eyes were on the captain.

Another silence.

"And I'm sure the Vulcan Science Academy will look forward to our arrival," said Riker, forging ahead des pite a growing self-consciousness. He had started this damn conversation, but he couldn't seem to stop it as easily. "The Heart is a most unusual--" "What did you say?" Picard turned to face his first officer. "What about the Heart?"

"Just that I'm sure the archaeologists at the Vulcan Science Academy must be very curious about it. As an historical relic, it should keep them occupied for quite some time."

Picard reacted to that admittedly banal statement with a frown. His one free hand tugged at the hem of his tunic. "Yes, I suppose it will."

"Isn't that the purpose of this trip?" asked Troi, and Riker wondered what emotion she sensed that made this request for clarification necessary.

"To return the artifacts of T'Sara's excavation to Vulcan?"

"Of course, Counselor," said Picard with a grimace of impatience. "I was under the impression I had made that clear during our last briefing."

Troi nodded, but made no reply.

"In the meantime, it makes a dandy conversation piece," said Riker with a grin. No one laughed.

"Although, I've noticed that it must be lighter than it looks. You don't seem to mind its weight."

This was a rather blatant ploy for a chance to at least touch the stone; except for Data, the captain was the only one who had held the Heart.

"I hadn't given it much thought," said Picard.

He did not proffer the stone to his curious first officer, and Riker wondered why Picard had bothered to bring the stone with him onto the bridge.

To Riker's relief, the next long silence finally signaled the death

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