Star Trek TNG - 19 Boogeymen by Mel Gilden

Author:Mel Gilden [Mel Gilden]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Star Trek Fiction
ISBN: 9780671709709
Publisher: Star Trek
Published: 2014-01-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

DATA SAID, “I am incapable of forgetting anything.” He noted the worried expression on Picard’s face. “Have I forgotten something, sir?”

“It would seem so.”

“Forgetfulness is a most interesting sensation,” said Data. He stood motionless, a half smile on his face.

Picard had seen Data like this before. Riker had once called him Pinocchio, and that appellation was not far from the truth. Data was fascinated with humans and humanity. Picard feared that instead of being dismayed by his defect, Data was intrigued by it.

“Lieutenant Commander,” Picard said in a purposely harsh voice.

Data looked at him. “Yes, sir?”

More kindly, Picard said, “Given your recent linking with the main computer of the holodeck Enterprise, I am concerned that your memory failure may be a symptom of more serious matters.”

“It is certainly possible, sir.”

“I suggest you run a diagnostic program on yourself immediately.”

“Ah. Might I suggest, sir, that by your same reasoning, my internal diagnostic programs are not to be trusted. As indeed, I am not.”

Worse and worse, Picard thought. What did Data expect Picard to do, throw him in the brig? Picard was distressed to find that he considered this a real option. Hoping for something better, he said, “What do you suggest?”

“It is not likely that the main computer has been contaminated by the Boogeymen. Therefore, I suggest that I allow the main computer to diagnose me. I suggest further that you ask Mr. La Forge to supervise this procedure.”

“Done.” He tapped his insignia and said, “Mr. La Forge.”

“Here, Captain.”

“Meet me in the computer center on deck ten immediately.”

“On my way.”

Baldwin and Shubunkin did not entirely appreciate the seriousness of Picard’s problem, but they took time out from their quarrel and wished him well.

Picard and Data hurried to deck ten, and Picard went through the identification process that had not worked for him on the holo-Enterprise. As the doors to the computer core control center slid open, La Forge arrived with Wesley. Picard glanced at Wesley but did not object to his presence. He might have something valuable to offer.

The doors closed behind them, and they were alone with the main access to the brain of Enterprise. La Forge walked to the situation wall and studied it for a moment. “Everything seems normal, sir. What’s the problem?”

“It’s Mr. Data. He’s forgotten Professor Baldwin.”

Wesley started to speak, then thought better of it.

La Forge raised his eyebrows and nodded. He said, “You’ll want a full diagnostic on him. Come on over here, Data. This won’t hurt a bit.”

“I didn’t expect that it would,” Data said as he crossed to the wall of electronic ports. La Forge used an optical cable to plug him in, then sat down at one of the four central terminals and brought it up. Picard and Wesley backed off, watching as if La Forge and Data were performers in a stage play.

“Put yourself into passive mode,” La Forge said as he made adjustments on his board.

“Done,” said Data in a strange, flat voice.

La Forge said, “We don’t have enough

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