"Computer, activate the EMH," said Data, placing Spot on the medical bed.
Immediately, an image of a bald man wearing a blue uniform appeared.
"Please state the nature of the medical emer-" he paused.
Once the EMH saw the orange feline, he rolled his eyes.
"I am a medical doctor, not a veterinarian! " he told the android.
Data stood erect and met the hologram's eyes. The expression on his face suggested that he would delete his program if he did not take the matter seriously.
"Doctor, you are programmed to assist as needed. Spot is your patient. You will perform the assigned task," he informed.
Snorting, the EMH retrieved a medical tri-quarter and replied, "Of course, how silly of me! I am your servant."
Zoe nudged Data's arm.
"I've never been overly fond of medical holograms," she murmured. "They have a terrible bedside manner!"
"This is my first experience using one," said Data. "But Spot requires immediate attention. I can only assume the others are busy since no one else is here."
Ignoring the duo, the EMH continued his scans. It wasn't that he was unfriendly, merely undervalued. He was a qualified physician, but he was only ever activated for bumps, bruises, and the occasional hangover. Now it seemed that he was reduced to treating furry felines!
"Your pet has suffered an injury to his side and a deep laceration on his front paw," the Doctor stated, scanning still. "I detect no broken bones, just some bruising along the rib cage. As for his paw, it's possible that he stepped on something."
"I cannot imagine what Spot could have encountered that would have caused such an injury," Data replied. "There are no sharp objects in my quarters."
Spot meowed when he felt the hand of his owner stroke him.
"Doctor, is he in pain?"
The EMH wobbled his head sardonically. Of course, he was in pain.
"He won't be for much longer," the hologram wisely assured.
"Data," Zoe tugged. "We need to see Lombardi. He needs to know what we saw in your quarters."
"Agreed, but I am not yet certain what we saw. It would seem that you are the only person that witnessed anything significant."
The EMH reached for his tissue regenerator and listened. He rarely had the opportunity to overhear official business. He was always confined to the computer. After a summons, he was routinely banished to that colorless existence until needed again. Eavesdropping was the only form of entertainment he had between long bouts of inactivity.
"What exactly did you see?" Data asked.
Zoe hesitated. She wasn't sure how to describe it. What if everyone thought she was crazy?
"I saw ..." she said, trying to recall. "... a figure - a human female, I think. Only it had grayish skin and long dark hair. And the eyes ... the eyes were solid black!"
The android maintained a thoughtful expression contrary to the hologram eavesdropping a short distance away.
"Honestly, it was terrifying! Like something from a bad dream. It just sat there leering. Now that I think about it, it may have been smirking," she shivered. "Very creepy!"
"Perhaps, you were hallucinating," the Doctor suggested.
Although his tone was void of any sarcasm, the suggestion wasn't well received.
"That seems unlikely," Data said. "What happened earlier marks the second strange occurrence that I have experienced in recent days. Spot also encountered something just before the lights activated. It is possible that whatever he encountered injured him. That alone is reason enough to support Ms. Duchovny's account."
"I see," the EMH said, positively enthralled as he reached for the tri-quarter again.
He wanted to know more, but he had to tread softly if he wanted to avoid being deactivated the moment he finished treating the feline.
"So, you believe that something attacked your cat?" he put forth.
"I am not certain, but that is a possibility," said Data.
Nodding to himself, the Doctor muttered, "Interesting. Very interesting," while studying his readings again. "Lt. Commander, after close examination of your pet's injuries, I must concur."
Data and Zoe observed the EMH with surprising interest, which served to boost the hologram's ego. It wasn't everyday that he had a chance to assist in a meaningful way. Participating in an investigation, even one involving a cat was certainly better than going back to EMH oblivion. Maybe if he impressed the Commander and his lady friend, they might consider leaving him switched on!
"Please continue, Doctor."
The EMH lowered his tri-quarter and stood up straight. He would need to adopt a more professional tone for such an important analysis.
"It appears that your feline received a blow to his right side, probably in the form of a kick or forceful push. The bruising is consistent with that sort of action. It's not the sort of injury an animal might sustain in a fall. It's too exact. As for the laceration on his paw, it doesn't seem to match any known glass or metal composites. Not only is there no debris, but the cut is more of a tear than a slit. This type of injury might occur if a sharp claw swiped around the same time he swatted, presumably in self-defense."
Data frowned. The thought of someone inflicting harm on his small companion displeased him greatly.
"We should advise the senior staff immediately," he told Zoe.
"As soon as we're finished here, we'll go," she agreed.
The EMH was quick with a solution.
"I can look after your animal while you do that," he offered, toying with his tri-quarter suggestively. "It's no trouble! I can manage alone."
"Thank you, Doctor," Data said surprisingly. "Are you sure you do not mind watching him until I return?"
"Not at all!" he smiled. "I would be delighted!"
Zoe scoffed. The hologram's sudden change of heart probably had more to do with remaining active than helping.
"Very well, Doctor. I shall return for him later," said Data, gently stroking his cat's head. "Spot, be a good kitty for the Doctor."
The hologram waved the Commander off.
"Oh, he'll be fine! He's in capable hands. The best hands! Now, you two run along. There are monsters afoot!" the EMH said gleefully.
The drastic change in attitude and inappropriate adage drew a slow, puzzled look from the android. Dismissing it, he soon turned to Zoe.
"We should hurry," he told her.
The duo quickly exited sickbay leaving the Emergency Medical Hologram alone with the orange feline. Smiling, the Doctor resumed his treatment no longer bothered by the fact that he was attending an animal. He was active and that's all that mattered! Perhaps, he would listen to a bit of music while he worked.
"Would the nice kitty like some warm milk? Perhaps, some Mozart?" he asked.
The EMH's smile quickly dissolved when he heard Spot growl.
Ensign Avery Potts and Val Tal-Mae exited the turbo lift just outside the first construction port. Both had been assigned as runners for the lead team handling the saucer section of the new Enterprise. Although it was only partially complete, the Enterprise-E was a sight to behold. Potts felt honored just to be there.
"Damn fine ship," he breathed, leaning over the balcony.
The Vulcan beside him raise a speculative brow.
"You said that yesterday," he replied.
"And it's just as true today!" Avery smiled. "Just look at it!"
"I am looking. However, I do not understand what it is that you find so fascinating about an exterior hull."
"C-mon roomie! Use your imagination! Envision a ship with the best technologically, sweetest rooms, and most advance holodecks in the fleet! Just picture her sweeping through star system after star system at top speed; all the battles she'll encounter, the stars she'll explore, and the species she'll meet! Just think about all the people who will fall in and out of love under her magical bulkheads," he said dreamily. "Yep. She's a sexy ship and we lucky men are her adoring space-sailors."
Val observed his colleague doubtfully. Avery was his teammate as well as his roommate, but he was also a young, sentimental human with few reasoning skills. He only saw a primary hull in need of refitting and design work. More noticeably, the Enterprise-E wasn't a Galaxy-class starship, but instead a Sovereign class. While impressive and incredibly advanced, it would not possess the same endowments. It's design was more efficient and battle-worthy than luxurious.
"Captain Picard may find a Sovereign-class starship more confining," he put forth. "But 'she' will serve him well, I'm sure."
Avery ignored his pointy-eared friend. It didn't matter that she was smaller. She was a beauty!
"Do you think we'll be assigned to her?" he asked.
"Unlikely, considering that the manifest is full," Tal-Mae answered. "It is more likely that we will be expelled from our current assignment if we are late. Lt. Belle is waiting for us."
The young Ensign rolled his eyes. He only volunteered to be the team's errand boy so he could be closer to the construction site. This was his first Enterprise! If luck prevailed, he might run into a few old crewmembers. Maybe one of them could help him get his foot in the door!
"Fine. Let's go lug some parts and fetch some ionizers! he said, pretending to sound excited.
The pair made their down the promenade to the secondary catwalk.
"Don't look down," said Avery, glancing back at his Vulcan friend mischievously. "It's a long way to the bottom!"
"A fear of heights is not all together illogical, but in this case pointless. If I were to fall, Alpha's safety net would activate."
"Yeah, but force fields can fail," he countered. "It's been known to happen."
Avery turned and began walking backwards, adding some fancy footwork in a display of agility and fearlessness. The Vulcan passively observed his teammate and followed, seemingly unimpressed by his daring. It wasn't until he spotted something behind him that he paused.
"Ensign," Val said calmly. "Behind you."
Avery spun back to find a little girl with long, auburn curls obstructing his path. She was wearing a nightgown and clutching a small teddy bear. If he had to guess, she was around five or six years old.
"Will you help me?" she said confusingly.
"Sweetheart, what are you doing here?! How did you get here?" Avery asked.
"I'm lost. Will you help me?" she said again.
"Potts," the Vulcan cautioned. "We should call for help."
"Help?" he scoffed, half-turning to his colleague. "We are the help!"
"I'm lost. Will you help me?" the girl repeated.
"It's okay, honey. My name is Avery and that stiff fellow behind me, that's Ensign Tal-Mae. We're both officers. We can help you. Take my hand," he said softly, easing towards the little girl.
The girl took a step back.
"No, no. It's okay! I want to help you," he told her.
Avery eased closer, but every step he took prompted the little girl to move closer to the edge.
"Help me," she whimpered.
"Stay where you are, sweetheart! Don't get too close to the edge! Just take my hand!" he said worriedly.
Tal-Mae tapped his com badge.
"Operations. This is Ensign Tal-Mae."
"Go ahead, Ensign."
"We have an unexpected guest on the secondary catwalk in Port-1. It's a young girl, approximately five or six years old, claiming to be lost. Advise security."
"A little girl? Did I hear you correctly?" the voice replied.
Avery eased himself within reach of the girl. She was peering over the edge.
"Affirmative," said Tal-Mae. "Tell them to hurry!"
"C'mon, sweetheart ... go on, take my hand... go on," he said, positioning himself closer.
The Ensign's kind face changed when the little girl whipped around and looked up. Her eyes were now pools of darkness, devoid of anything human or innocent. Before he could respond, a cold smirk formed on her face followed by a haunting voice that only he could hear.
"Don't look down," it darkly replied.
Scrambling backwards, the Ensign lost his balance and titled sideways, teetering briefly before falling over.
Val lunged forward and reached for Avery's arm.
"Avery!" he called out, missing him by inches.
Potts spiraled from the catwalk, smacking his head on a beam just before bouncing forward and landing on the safety force field. He was several kilometers from the main catwalk, just above the heads of several workman who heard him scream.
Hitting his com badge, Tal-Mae said, "Emergency medical team to Port-1 now!" before turning back to discover the little girl was gone.
Data and Zoe entered the Officer's Suite to find Captain Picard and Commander Lombardi engrossed in one of Commander Riker's tales. Judging by the shifting expression on the Captain's face, it was likely that Riker was regaling one of his naughtier stories.
"The look on ole Bob's face was priceless! He just sat there ... wobbling!" William laughed. "After that, he was known as Wobble Bob the Security Guard!"
"Commander Lombardi, sir," said Data approaching. "I apologize for the interruption, but we must speak with you."
A look of relief overcame Jean-Luc. It wasn't that he disapproved of Wil's adventures at the Academy. He simply wished they were a little less colorful.
"Of course, Commander Data. Please sit," said Lombardi, noticing Zoe standing behind him. "And please, invite your friend to join us."
Picard offered the young woman a kind smile that Riker tried to match. He clearly recalled the tongue-lashing she gave him a few nights before.
"Ms. Zoe," he acknowledged.
Zoe took a seat next to the Captain while Data positioned himself next to Lombardi. Although she was careful not to appear focused on her surroundings, Zoe was a little taken back. The Officer's Lounge was lovely, much nicer than Nook's. The oversized windows provided a full view of the planet and the furniture was dressed in linen. There was a candle boat that doubled as a centerpiece on all the tables. A live pianist played in the corner and there was a circular bar in the middle of the room. She could only assume the graying bartender polishing his glassware was the infamous Albert. It was all very elegant looking. She silently wondered why Data visited Nook's at all!
"Sirs, I believe the anomaly has returned," Data announced.
"W-what?" said Lombardi. "I thought we determined that it was a mechanical failure!"
"No, sir. That was never verified. It was only one possibility," the android clarified. "The disturbance Ms. Duchovny and I experienced a short while ago suggests that it was not an isolated incident."
All three men sat up. Picard appeared the most intrigued, while Riker seemed a bit confused.
"Are you saying that the void reappeared?" he asked.
"Not a void per se," said Data, pausing to compile an adequate description. "But rather a darkness similar to the darkness I experienced in the corridor. Unlike before, the distortion was experienced by both myself and Ms. Duchovny. It did not consume anything. It merely appeared in the room adjacent to my personal work station. Moreover, the nature of it had changed. It was cold, lifeless, and ..."
"And eerie!" Zoe finished.
The others raised a speculative brow. Data was going to say inexplicable, but eerie also applied.
"So this happened in your quarters?" Picard asked.
"Yes. Shortly after you left, sir."
"Why didn't you call someone?" Lombardi questioned.
"I was uncertain until the last moment that anything was wrong," Data answered. "First, I heard Spot, my cat, howling from the next room. He sounded as if he was upset. When attempted to activate the lights, the computer did not comply. When I heard him howl again, I entered the room only to find it absolutely dark and seemingly distorted."
"Distorted?" Riker said.
Zoe quickly chimed in.
"Yes, sir. It felt as if we had been transported a distance away from the door after we entered," she said.
Riker turned to the woman.
"So, you entered with Mr. Data?"
"Yes, just afterwards. I saw him disappear so I followed," she told him. "It was unnaturally dark inside, much darker than it should've been. I recall an eerie feeling all around ... like ... like we had entered another place or something!"
Lombardi regarded Zoe's account with more scrutiny. She wasn't an officer. He knew he could rely on Star Fleet men and women, but a server? She obviously worked in Nook's. He recognized her uniform. She was also young and probably given to exaggeration.
The android observed the senior Commander closely. He didn't care for his facial tone, but refrained from commenting.
"A darker, larger place?" he slowly repeated.
Zoe looked between the men. Picard seemed fascinated. Riker appeared to be giving her the benefit of the doubt, but Lombardi was skeptical.
"Yes," She answered with more zeal than she intended. "That's what we saw!"
Amused, the aging Commander relaxed.
"Mr. Data. It sounds like another mechanical failure," he offered.
Data did not wish to appear disrespectful, but Lombardi was testing even his patience. It was one thing to doubt him when it initially happened, even proper to insist on an investigation, but now it seemed that he was disregarding their claim in the face of a second occurrence.
"I must disagree, sir. When the lights reactivated, I discovered that my cat was injured. According to the EMH, his injuries were consistent with an attack. Something or someone was there," he told him.
"Did you see anyone, Data?" asked Picard.
The android shook his head.
"I did," Zoe answered. "It appeared to be human, possibly female or something close, only ... only it was grotesque looking! I saw it sitting in the same chair I had been sitting. The figure was grayish looking, kind of thin with long dark hair..." she paused, resisting the urge to shiver. "She had black eyes. Dead black eyes. No whites around them! And she was smirking, like she was mocking us or something. I tried to get Commander Data's attention, but when I looked back she was gone!"
Lombardi surveyed the table. Captain Picard was absorbed. So was Commander Riker. Although he genuinely believed that it had been a trick of lighting in the beginning, it was becoming clear that something was indeed wrong. He needed to speak up and fast if he wanted to avoid a real investigation. He intended to retire with honor and dignity, not amidst scandal if what he suspected was true.
"I will assign Alpha-3 security to investigate the matter thoroughly," Lombardi suggested, appearing fully supportive. "If something is afoot, my team will find it!"
Data looked between the Captain and Commander Riker disapprovingly. Lombardi was the ruling authority on Alpha Spacedock, but the junior team was ill-equipped to handle two investigations. Moreover, they were not performing to standard on the current investigation. The team's reports lacked ingenuity, resourcefulness, and often repeated the same findings without documenting the measures taken.
"Sir, may I request a senior investigation?" he carefully interjected. "I could assist ..."
Lombardi interrupted.
"That won't be necessary, Commander Data. Alpha-3 is more than capable of handling it," he replied. "Besides, you're too busy assisting La Forge with system tests. I would not want to stretch you too thin."
Picard frowned.
"Commander, I feel compelled to point out that Mr. Data is incapable of being stretched too thin! May I remind you, he is an android and one of the finest officers under my command. He doesn't require rest and can process information in a way that would dizzy most officers. An investigation of any sort would benefit greatly from his expertise," he defended.
A jolt of appreciation shot through the android, which emerged in the form of a pleasing smile. Zoe looked on seemingly amazed that a Captain would regard one of his own so passionately. No wonder people spoke so fondly of him.
"Of course," said Lombardi, back peddling a bit. "I meant no offense. I only meant that ..."
Before he could finish, his com badge interrupted.
"Commander Lombardi, sir," a voice said.
"Lombardi, here. Go ahead."
"There's been an accident in Port-1. Ensign Potts has been injured."
Port-1? Picard thought, turning to Riker.
"Isn't that where construction on the saucer section is being conducted?" he whispered.
William nodded.
"What happened?" Lombardi asked.
"Sir, it would better if I let Ensign Tal-Mae explain. He is in sickbay. Should I advise him to report to you?"
"No, no. I will go to him. Advise him that I'm on the way and to stay put. Lombardi out," he rose. "Gentlemen, duty calls. Please excuse me."
"Sir," Data said standing. "May I accompany you?"
Although annoyed, Lombardi avoided appearing unprofessional. Instead, he offered the table a reassuring smile.
"It's a space dock, Mr. Data. Accidents are bound to happen. I can manage alone, but please stay and enjoy the atmosphere. I will advise you of anything concerning the Enterprise should something arise," he cleverly responded.
With that, the aging Commander turned and exited the establishment. Data's new gut feeling was telling him that something was wrong. Lombardi's behavior was inconsistent with most Star Fleet personnel. He seemed almost resistant to the idea of outside help or interference.
"Well, that was weird," Riker spat. "Are we just supposed to sit here and eat?"
Picard regarded the question with an impotent sigh.
"I don't see what other choice we have Number One. Lombardi is in command."
Puzzled, Data retook his seat.
"Cheer up," said Zoe, nudging the android supportively. "We got his attention at least."
Riker smiled. It would seem that their budding friendship was getting closer and judging by the look on Data's warming expression, he liked it.
"Well, Ms. Zoe," he said, studying the pair closely. "I see you're dressed for work. Did you just get off or do have to go in?"
Zoe turned towards the Commander. Was he hinting that she should leave now that her services as a witness were no longer required?
"I was so caught up in everything, I guess I forgot about my shift. I'm sure Mr. Data will vouch for me."
"I'm sure he will," Riker said playfully.
His tone wasn't lost on the android who shot him a 'not now' look. Amused, Jean-Luc also picked up on the hint. Perhaps, there was more to his new friend than mere friendship. The only question was, did Zoe know?
"I sense that Commander Lombardi doesn't want anyone butting into his affairs," said Picard, redirecting the conversation.
"I suspect that as well, Captain," Data replied.
"Frankly, I would feel better he'd allow Data and Geordi to assist with the investigation. Maybe we should notify Star Fleet Command," Riker suggested.
Jean-Luc shook his head. The last thing he wanted was to insult Lombardi by inviting suspicion.
"No, no. That's a bit premature. Lombardi should be allowed to make that call. I just wish there was some way to know if the accident in Port-1 was somehow related."
Sitting there, Zoe had an idea.
"We could ask the EMH," she said. "He is there right now treating Data's cat!"
The officers turned to the woman.
"Intriguing thought," said Data, fully considering the idea. "While the Emergency Hologram is active, he is still programmed to abide doctor patient confidentiality. I am unsure how much information he will be able to provide."
"Please," she said with a wave. "I know a nosy parker when I see one and he's as nosy as they come! Maybe he won't tell us everything, but he'll cooperate. Besides, I saw how grateful he was when you accepted his offer, which allowed him to remain active. Everyone else treats him like a tool to be used and discarded when they're done with him. He'll definitely talk!"
Data and the others met Zoe's idea with enthusiasm. It was certainly worth a try.
Little did anyone realize or notice that a short distance away, Albert, the bartender, had disappeared. In in his place, mixing drinks and suffering through the various dull conversations, was an all-powerful and all-annoying self-appointed friend of the Captain. He busied himself serving glasses of vintage wine and colorful cocktails while maintaining a watchful eye on the table. His mortal, barely competent friends, if one could say that, were standing on the very cusp of horror and all they could do was squander precious time worrying about Lombardi's feelings!
"Humans," Q snorted.
The EMH was treating his feline patient in a neighboring room when Commander Lombardi entered. He hadn't been invited to participate in the surgery going on next door, but he could see that it was serious. Ensign Potts had fallen from a catwalk and sustained a head injury; however, it wasn't just any fall. From what he discerned, he and the Vulcan came upon what could only be described as an intruder! The eavesdropping Doctor continued to listen as he slowly scanned the creature's mended paw.
"Yules, a word," he told the sub-Chief, drawing him away from Ensign Tal-Mae and the security officers.
Yules followed Lombardi into the research lab, which was near the examination room where the EMH was working.
"What really happened?" he asked in a hushed voice.
"I'm uncertain, sir. Tal-Mae described the intruder as a little girl claiming to be lost. He called it in just before the accident. Chief Dobie and I were on duty."
"A young girl?" Lombardi said curiously, but not surprisingly.
"Yes, sir. At first, they didn't know what to think. Potts tried to assist her by offering his hand, but the girl kept moving away. That's where things become a little fuzzy. As he reached for the little girl, Potts suddenly leaped back, lost his balance, and fell from the catwalk! Tal-Mae didn't see exactly what happened and Potts has yet to regain consciousness, but something startled him. Ensign Tal-Mae notified medical and Operations, but when he turned around the girl had vanished. We have two security teams searching for her now."
The EMH listened carefully. It was difficult to make out everything they were saying, but from what he could tell Commander Lombardi didn't sound all that surprised. He seemed more occupied with who had been assigned to the security teams.
"Lt. Commander Data to the EMH."
Tapping the com link, he replied, "Go ahead, Commander."
"Are you somewhere we can speak privately?"
Tilting his eyes down, the Doctor adopted an odd expression. The animal was bathing himself. Was he concerned that he might overhear?
"One moment please," he sighed.
The surly EMH reluctantly tore himself from the conversation next door in search of a secluded communications panel. After finding one, he opened a channel.
"Your privacy is assured, Commander. You may continue."