Star Trek: The Next Generation - 000 - Encounter at Farpoint by David Gerrold

Author:David Gerrold [Gerrold, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, General, Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780671743888
Google: HNk3PBMi7J0C
Amazon: 0671743880
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 1991-04-15T04:00:00+00:00

"We had Mount Everest yesterday," Craig put in. "The program won't let us put in an avalanche, but there's a real good Yeti to track."

"Yeah, with the programmed random factor, sometimes we even get to catch it."

Wesley felt hunger rumbling in his stomach and glanced at his chronometer. "I can't now. I have to get back for dinner. How about after that?"

"Sure," Adam said. "We can show you the ecology deck, too. Nobody minds if we go there to look at the birds and animals."

Ecology decks were nice, but Wesley had seen those

before. Sometimes the techs let the children help feed the tame animals. But Wesley had his heart set on visiting somewhere else. "I want to see the bridge."

Craig shook his head. "Can't, Wes. Strictly off limits."

"Don't they run tours or something?"

"Not on Captain Picard's ship," Adam replied. "Our dad says ninety percent of the crew never get onto the bridge. They don't have any business there."

"Huh. Well . . . I'll see you guys later. Ecology deck at 2015, okay?"

Craig and Adam nodded, and Wesley splashed through the rain toward the portal that led out of the holodeck. He tapped the panel beside the door, and the door slid open to let him into the corridor. As he ran down the hall, he left a sloppy trail of mud and water behind him.

A passing crewman came across the messy deck, paused to glance at the holodeck entrance, and shook his head. "Monsoon season again," he observed wearily.

Riker stood before the huge main viewscreen watching the Hood slowly push out of orbit. He knew the rest of the station keeping bridge crew was busy behind him while he waited there, saying goodbye in his thoughts to the ship he had served aboard for three years. The Hood was a fine Fleet vessel, and Captain DeSoto had given him every opportunity to grow and learn as a first officer. He would miss them both. He heard the turbolift doors open behind him and turned to face Picard.

"Getting the feel of her, Commander Riker?"

Riker met him by the captain's chair. "I'd like to take her out of orbit and step her up to warp five to see how she runs." He nodded back toward the viewscreen. "We could race the Hood back toward Earth for a few parsecs." He grinned cheerfully. "If you don't mind."

"I'm afraid that will have to wait for a while," Picard said drily, "though I understand the impulse perfectly. Have you signaled the Hood?"

"Yes, sir. Your exact message. Bon voyage, mon ami."

The captain smiled briefly but warmly. "Captain DeSoto is an old friend." He stepped toward the main viewscreen as he addressed the computer. "And what was the reply, computer?"

The big viewscreen flickered and then flared blind-ingly with a flash of light. It dwindled into an image of Q, still dressed as a judge, as his voice thundered around the bridge. "You're wasting time! Or did you think I was gone?"

Picard and Riker both jumped, startled; but Picard collected himself almost immediately.

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