Star Trek TNG - 16 Contamination by John Vornholt

Author:John Vornholt [John Vornholt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, General, Science Fiction, Media Tie-In, Space Opera, Picard, Jean-Luc (Fictitious Character), Science Fiction/Fantasy
ISBN: 9780671705619
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 2014-01-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

WITH RELIEF, Captain Picard spied his first officer leading the Kreel contingent into the cavernous shuttlebay. He suppressed a smile to see that Riker had to slow his usual striding charge to a gait more in step with the Kreel, who swayed awkwardly on their bandy legs. The captain couldn’t afford a real smile, because Data’s presence beside him was a reminder that the shuttlecraft should have left six minutes ago. Data’s intricate schedule for the shuttle landings on Kayran Rock was dependent upon their shuttle getting a timely start, which it wasn’t. Jean-Luc Picard hated to be late.

“Captain!” called Riker with equal relief. Picard and Data strode forward to meet the party. “May I introduce the Kreel delegation,” said the first officer. He smiled charmingly as he indicated each muscular humanoid in turn, “Admiral Ulree, First Assistant Kwalrak, Ambassador Mayra, Colonel Efrek, Orderlies Akree and Efrek.”

Picard nodded in appreciation at the difficulty of Riker’s task in remembering all those names and titles. “Captain Jean-Luc Picard,” he replied with an abbreviated bow. “Welcome to the Enterprise.” He motioned to the tall sallow-faced android. “This is Commander Data.”

Admiral Ulree leaned into Data’s face and sniffed him suspiciously a few times. “It’s not a joke,” he observed. “You really have made a lifeless machine that looks human.”

“That’s not how we look at it,” remarked the captain. “To us, Data is a living being whose physiology and intellect are quite different than ours—but in many ways superior. As far as being a machine, we are the ones who are mass-produced, while Data is unique.”

Picard smiled warmly at the android; then he motioned toward the gaping entry of the personnel shuttlecraft Ericksen. “I am sorry we have to leave so quickly, but the ceremonies await. We can become further acquainted en route.”

“Yes, indeed,” purred Kwalrak into Riker’s ear.

Rolling his eyes slightly to Picard as he passed, Riker led the Kreel into the passenger section of the Ericksen. The full-sized shuttlecraft was outfitted with four rows of plush seats, each row accommodating two passengers luxuriously and three comfortably. Kwalrak took Riker’s arm and dragged him to the rear of the vessel, while the rest of the Kreel scrambled for window seats.

Outside the shuttle, the captain’s cordial smile twisted into a scowl. “Now where is Emil Costa?” he whispered.

“He would seem to be late,” the android agreed. “Shall I find him?”

A female voice sounded crisply over Picard’s communicator badge, “Ensign Hamer to Captain Picard. All luggage has been stowed, all systems have been checked, and the course has been set for Kayran Rock. We can leave on your order, sir.”

“Thank you, Ensign,” replied Picard. “I would like to give that order, but we are waiting for a final passenger. In the meantime, Commander Data and I will take our seats.” He turned to Data with concern. “Let’s sit down, then we’ll try one last time to contact Emil Costa.”

“No need, Captain,” replied the android, blinking his pale golden eyes toward the doorway. “I hear him approaching.

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