Part 9 (1/2)

Before Scott could respond to the ensign's impertinence, Lieutenant Worf had arrived with a couple of his security officers. The older man braced himself for some typical Klingon heavy-handedness.

But it never materialized. Worf's manner was almost gentle as he said ”Will you come with me, sir?”

Scott harrumphed. ”Wel l,” he replied, casting a withering look back at Ensign Kane, ”when ye ask so nicely, lad, it's difficult to refuse.”

And surrounded by security officers, he made his way back to his big, empty suite. But he was already planning his next escapade. Now that he'd gotten a taste of what was out there, he wasn't about to sit and stare at four walls, no matter what Dr. Crusher said.

For a couple of hours, he decided, he'd lie low. Then, when no one expected it, he'd take another little trip. And this time, it would be to the place he really wanted to visit.

Chapter Six.

DOWN IN ENGINEERING, a handful of engineers were working at consoles and checking displays, each man and woman intent on carrying out the series of tests a.s.signed to him or her. Geordi was all but oblivious to the activity, however. He'd been given a task of his own, for which he was laying the groundwork on his desktop monitor.

”Commander La Forge?”

He looked up and saw Kerry Bartel standing at the entrance to his office. ”Come on in,” said Geordi. ”Just don't get too comfortable. I've got a job for you.”

”And that is?” asked Bartel, a tall, blond woman-and a real go-getter, in Geordi's estimate.

The chief engineer swiveled his monitor around so Bartel could get a look at the graphic on it, ”The bridge wants a complete spectrographic scan of the sphere and we'll need all the sensors to be synchronized. Unfortunately, I can't recalibrate the aft array with the warp engines in operation.”

The woman nodded. ”I get it. You want me to shut them down.”

”That's exactly what I want you to do.”

Bartel smiled. ”Aye, sir. Consider it done.”

As he headed for the engine core, Geordi went back to work on his terminal. Truth to tell, he was eager to perform this spectrographic a.n.a.lysis. He was as curious about the sphere as anyone else.

The chief engineer was so intent on setting up the scan that he barely heard the sudden outbreak of conversation outside. It registered only on the periphery of his consciousness-an unusual occurrence when there was so much to do, but nothing that really required any action from him.

His people were highly trained professionals. The conversation would end in a moment or two, and the men or women involved would get back to work.

At least, that was the way it was supposed to happen. Unfortunately, it didn't. Not only did the conversation not stop, it seemed to be getting closer to his office-and involving more and more people as it approached.

A little exasperated, Geordi listened more closely. This had better be something interesting, he thought, or heads will roll.

”Can I help you, sir?” asked one of the voices. He recognized it as Bartel's.

”I dinnae think so, la.s.s. But I'll let you know if you can do something for me later-I promise ye that.”

Geordi scowled. He recognized that voice too.

Getting up, he moved to the threshold of his office and peered around the corner.

His suspicions were confirmed. Captain Scott had cut a swathe through engineering and was now making his way toward the warp core-accompanied by a very concerned Kerry Bartel.

As Geordi approached them to intervene, the older man was regarding the pulsating core with genuine pleasure and affection. A distinctly paternal pleasure and affection.

”Sir,” Bartel argued, trying to interpose herself between Scott and the core, ”this area is off-limits, restricted to-”

”It's all right,” said Geordi, cutting the young engineer short. ”I'll handle it, Bartel.”

The engineer frowned. ”If you say so, Commander.”

Geordi nodded. ”I say so.”

Acquiescing, Bartel left. Geordi considered his unexpected visitor, who was slowly walking around the warp core, taking everything in. He sighed.

Be diplomatic, he told himself. Be gentle. He means well. And remember, he's been through a tough experience.

”Captain Scott,” he ventured, ”this ... uh, really isn't a good time-”

The older man turned to him and smiled affably. He was now wearing an Enterprise combadge. ”We're in engineering, lad. And in engineering, ye've got to call me Scotty.”

”Okay. Scotty then. This really isn't a good time for a tour. We're in the middle of-”

Scott seemed oblivious to what he was saying-or trying to say. ”Are ye still using cobalt lathanide for the constrictor coils?” he asked.

”Uh, right.” Geordi thrust his chin out. ”Sir. Scotty. We're running a phase seven survey of the Dyson Sphere. I really can't take the time for a tour right now.”

Scott turned and looked at him as if he'd just offered him a cup of antimatter. ”I'm not here for a tour, lad,” he explained. ”I'm here to help.”

Geordi was surprised. It showed, he was afraid.

”That's, er... very kind of you. But I think we can handle it.”

Scott moved quickly to the pool table-like situations monitor. Geordi followed, wondering what the man was up to now.

”I figured,” said the older man, ”that since I'm the only one here who's had any experience at all with the Dyson Sphere, I could be of some a.s.sistance. You know, in getting yer investigation off on the right foot.”

Geordi hesitated. ”Well...” For a moment, he considered that Scott might be right. He was the only person alive who'd done any real research on the sphere.

Scott looked at him askance. ”I was a Starfleet engineer for fifty-two years, Mr. La Forge. I think I'm still of some use-am I nae?”

”You're right, Captain Scott. We'd appreciate any help you can give us.”

Scott beamed. Was that a twinkle of surprise in his eye-surprise that he had actually been allowed to remain here? Geordi couldn't be sure.

”Good,” said Scott, rubbing his hands together eagerly. ”Let's get to work then, shall we?” And he turned to the situations monitor to do just that.

As Geordi joined him, he had a feeling he was going to regret this.

Captain's Log, Stardate 46125.3 At my request, Starfleet Command has dispatched three science vessels to make a lengthy study of the Dyson Sphere. Until they arrive, however, the Enterprise will continue to gather preliminary data on this remarkable construct.

Standing at the aft science station where he'd spent the last several hours, Data pointed to his monitor, which displayed a cross section of the Dyson Sphere. The section revealed a captive star and a thin atmosphere adhering to the inside of the sphere. Computer information on the object's vital statistics was visible in list form off to the side.