Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Devil's Heart by Carmen Carter

Author:Carmen Carter
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science Fiction, Star Trek, Fiction
ISBN: 9780671794262
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 1976-01-02T08:00:00+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 of this particular topic of

conversation; but his trepidation returned when he saw

Data swivel around in order to face the command

center.

"Captain, I have completely reassembled and

recalibrated all testing units in my

laboratory, and I have certified that they are in

excellent working order. If I could continue my

examination of the Heart, we could provide the

Academy scientists with valuable baseline

information as to its nature.

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