Author note: My first attempt at fanfic here, so reviews appreciated. Not
focused so much on plot as getting the feel of the characters and the
process.
Disclaimer: It's my understanding that there needs to be some sort of perfunctory acknowledgement that, like Q, Paramount is omnipotent, and I would never do anything to break the rules. So this is for fun and obsessed fans only.
Sabotage Chapter Two
*********
"Surely, Captain, some woman has captured your heart."
Picard eyed Dumonde suspiciously, her features alight with mischief. "If so, Lieutenant, that information remains classified," he commented. She had boldly invited him to lunch in 10-forward yesterday, and he had been looking forward to the "date." Emma was a delightful conversationalist, open in her expressions, and had made no illusions about her intentions toward the Captain. She had pursued him unabashedly, and he had to admit the advances were flattering, and not unwelcome.
"In that case, captain, I will operate with no assumptions regarding your availability - except one - that you are." Dumonde smiled suggestively and leaned forward. "Given that particular set of data, my prognosis is positive, and my course of action will be aggressive." Her smile broadened. "And I don't feel that 10-Forward will be appropriate for our next rendezvous."
"Oh?"
"No. My, um, schedule, is somewhat restrictive. But I have a reprieve tomorrow. We're arriving at Hepa III, and Dr. Crusher will be planetside, so I'll be covering the day shift. I would be delighted if you would join me for dinner. My quarters."
"Well, Emma, I'd better take advantage. Given your schedule, the opportunity may not arise again soon."
"Please Captain, I'd be delighted if you took advantage." She leaned in and brushed his hand, as Crusher and Riker came through the door, stopping by for a late lunch. Dumonde's intimate touch was not lost on Beverly.
"Will, grab a table, will you? I'll be right over."
Riker smiled wickedly, and settled at a nearby table, in plain view of the Captain and his lunch companion. Knowing Beverly, he'd picked a prime location for what promised to be quite a floor show.
Beverly arrived at the table, and placed her arm on Picard's shoulder. "Hello, Jean-Luc, Lieutenant." Her tone was breezy, confident, and dismissive.
Dumonde, looking a bit like the cat who swallowed the canary, stood. "I was just heading out, Doctor."
"Not on my account, I hope."
"Oh no - we're done with lunch. I was just wrapping up our dinner plans for my quarters tomorrow night."
Riker's smile stretched from ear to ear, and he stroked his beard as the play unfolded. Crusher had lobbed a softball, and Dumonde had hit it out of the park. The Doctor was never one to be outdone, however, and he waited with baited breath for the next move from Beverly.
"Dinner - how charming. Well, it's nice to see that you and the Captain have found time in your busy schedules to get better acquainted." Crusher smiled sweetly at the other woman and patted Picard's shoulder like an old buddy.
Riker's smile turned to an expression of shock as his jaw hit the floor. This was not the show he expected. Neither had Dumonde. Thoroughly off- balance, the Lieutenant stammered goodbyes and headed for the door. A stunning turn of play. Beverly proved a brilliant physician and, when her cool prevailed, a brilliant tactician. Now, she encircled Picard's shoulders, bent down, and whispered into his ear, a puckish expression touching her lips.
Picard had been immediately uncomfortable when he realized Beverly and Will had entered 10-Forward. He had been caught in the act, though he was unsure as to why he should feel guilty. As Crusher drifted over to the table, a light perspiration had broken out down his back. As the women had squared off, he felt blood rush to the tips of his ears. He too, had been prepared for a storm from the volatile Doctor. His confusion had been as apparent as Will's when Crusher failed to deliver a tirade, but instead appeared unruffled. His consternation grew as Beverly bent down, and, centimeters away from his temple, whispered in his ear. The effect was far from chilling as her soft hair tickled his neck as she spoke.
"Jean-Luc, you seem to be getting the best of both worlds, hmmm?" Beverly's lips stopped a hair's breadth from his skin, and he could feel her breath as she whispered. After a brief pause that seemed like an eternity to Picard, she continued. "Just remember, your breakfasts are taken. And I don't like surprises in the morning." Beverly stood slowly, and let her fingers gingerly trail on Picard's shoulder as she walked purposefully back toward Riker. Picard's face turned scarlet, and he quickly exited the room. He did not enjoy being publicly bested by two women on his own ship.
"That, Doctor, left me speechless," snickered Riker as Beverly loftily took her place at the table.
"Jean-Luc as well, it seems," she remarked with a glance toward the door.
*********
"Data, I just don't understand what's going on!" Geordi tapped his PADD fiercely and tossed it onto the console.
The Enterprise had reached Hepa III, and Geordi had immediately taken the entire warp core off-line. Still, the temperature had continued to rise, incrementally. Not only that, but the interfaces at stations all over the ship had also been found to be warm to the touch. Mechanically, the cause and effects were completely unexplainable. To make matters worse, the performance of auxiliary systems had begun to be effected. Picard had visited engineering early that morning, and had been distinctly displeased with their lack of progress.
Data turned an inquisitive glance toward his friend. "Geordi, you mentioned before that your visor, in addition to registering the additional heat in the core, also picked up a subtle change in the hue of the engine. Have you yet explained the color variation to your satisfaction?"
"No Data - but I can't see how that might be part of the problem we've got here. It could just be the normal reading for the new core."
"Did your visor register this change when we left starbase?"
"No, it wasn't until we jumped to warp. Data, I see where you're going here, but I just don't know how the two go together."
"As you know Geordi, I have come to believe that by eliminating all answers that are impossible, and proven irrelevant, whatever that has been left unexplained is the most likely solution. We have run all known diagnostic procedures, and are left without an answer. Perhaps it is time to refocus our attentions."
Geordi let out a long sigh and clapped Data on the shoulder. "I guess there's no other choice, Data. First of all, let's go make sure there's nothing wrong with my visor. Or me."
*********
The doors to sickbay swished open, and Data and Geordi walked through. They had arrived at the planet only an hour ago, and away teams were busy preparing to descend to the surface. Ensign Sepulveda approached them.
"Can I help you sirs?"
"We're here to see Dr. Crusher. Is she available?" Geordi smiled at the young woman.
"She's just returning from lunch. We expect her any minute. If you' like to wait.?"
"Yes, that will be satisfactory. Thank you ensign." Data observed the bustle in the offices.
"It is unlike Dr. Crusher to leave sickbay at this busy time. I wonder."
"Wonder no longer, Data. I was merely cleaning up some unfinished business." Crusher's expression was unreadable.
"We can see you're busy here Doc - but can you spare a minute? I need to get a check of my visor."
"Certainly Geordi - are you having problems?" Beverly's eyes flashed a momentary concern.
"I'm not sure." Geordi explained the situation as Crusher removed the device and began to run it, and Geordi, through a serious of tests.
An hour later, they had determined that the variations in Geordi's readings had no mechanical or biological origins. Whatever he'd seen had come from the warp core.
"Well, I guess that's a start." Geordi shook his head in discouragement. "But I'm not sure where it gets us."
"If I didn't know any better, Geordi, I'd say your ship's got a fever," Beverly tossed off the remark as she gently clicked the visor back into place. "Why don't you try some aspirin, and give me a call if there's still a problem in the morning."
LaForge smiled wryly. "Don't be so quick to quip, Doc. We may all be working on this 'virus' before we find the cure." Geordi laughed and slid off the bio bed. He and Data walked toward the door, no closer to finding a solution.
Data paused. "Geordi, I believe that Doctor Crusher may have made a productive suggestion. We have run an exhaustive mechanical diagnostics, but have yet to do any biological analysis. It is possible that we have a contaminant in the core. I suggest that we further pursue this line of investigation."
"Why not Data. We've got nothing to lose." Geordi looked skeptical, but at this point was willing to try anything.
With that the two officers waved to Beverly and continued briskly toward the door, a new sense of purpose lightening their step. "Let me know if you need help," she called after them.
*********
Off the starboard bow, a cloaked vessel hovered over the Enterprise, watching. Phasers trained on the warp core, they waited for any sign of trouble. T'shar had indicated that no action was to be taken against the ship without confirmation and authorization. However, B'nar was apprehensive as they orbited the planet. He loathed the Federation, and itched for a reason to begin a battle. But, orders were orders.
The vegetation on the planet was critical to the plans the M'dar empire had formed. Extracted and refined properly, its effects were perfectly suited for their purposes - which were to create soldiers to carry out suicidal missions, missions that required fierce loyalty, enormous physical strength, and unbendable will. Federation scientists had developed such drugs long before, but these had been short-sightedly banned by their governing council. Since, the formulas had been destroyed, or classified. But the scientists who developed them were alive and well. Paid enough, some had been more than willing to share their expertise.
The engineered soldiers, combined with the insidious and destructive power of the new M'dar bio-nanites, meant that the terrorist splinter cell posed a mighty threat to the pompous and overconfident Federation. And even if this pilot mission were unsuccessful, there were plenty of Cardassian and Romulan factions that would pay a high price to obtain the prototypes of the biotechnology.
A triumphant expression on his face, B'nar decided it would not hurt to be patient.
*********
Crusher felt the familiar tingle as she materialized the following morning on Hepa III. During the briefing that morning, Commander Data had explained that while hospitable, the planet had never been colonized. Taking a whiff of the air, it was not difficult to understand why. The aroma was distinctly unpleasant. "Data, what IS that odor?!"
"I am unable to ascertain the origin Doctor. However repugnant, it is not toxic. I believe it may have something to do with the flora."
Will Riker flashed a smile and scratched his beard. The smell would be a long time dissipating from his mustache. "Consider it karma, Doctor - if I'm not mistaken this isn't far from the aroma of the plants you've had Emma Dumonde studying all week."
"Whatever do you mean, Commander?" Beverly smiled and batted her eyes. "Are you accusing me of having less than pure motives for my crew assignments? Saying that I am being disingenuous?"
"Conniving, mischevious."
Riker smiled wickedly at her and she returned it. "Will, leave the thesaurus duties to Data. Let's get to work."
The sickbay crew coordinated with exobotany all morning collecting samples. By the end of the first shift, the entire away team had a faint greenish hue to their complexions. A few had made their way to inconspicuous locations to give up whatever had remained of their breakfasts. Crusher stood with Alyssa Powell as the young woman leaned against a tree and tried to regain her composure.
"And you thought morning sickness was a thing of the past." Beverly offered a hand to Alyssa as she pushed herself off the tree and got back to collecting samples. She was only answered with an agonizing groan.
Beverly tapped her comm. "Crusher to Riker."
"Go ahead Doctor." Will's normally jovial tone was distinctly absent.
"Please have all personnel report to the planet away base. I'm having someone beam down here from sickbay. We got to get some anti-nausea medication onboard the away team. This situation is miserable." Beverly felt decidedly ill herself, and was unwilling to let the rest of the crew suffer another minute.
"Much appreciated, Beverly. Riker out."
"Alyssa. I want you to beam back and collect serum for the away team. I'll coordinate units down here to move people through a hypospray rotation."
"Aye sir." Powell nodded at Crusher and tapped her badge. "Powell to Enterprise - one to beam up."
*********
"Data, I think we actually may be on to something here. I'm just not sure what." After running a complete spectral analysis of the core, Geordi and Data had discovered early that morning that the change of hue he'd detected was not an illusion. By early that afternoon, they had been able to determine that the overall change in color was the result of thousands of miniscule particles that mimicked, but did not match, the colors of those in the warp core. That was as far as they'd gotten.
*********
Nurse Powell worked with Dumonde to replicate and assemble enough serum to cover the entire away team. Aware of her boss's uncertainties regarding Dumonde, Alyssa watched her closely. To date, there was nothing to note regarding her behavior.
"How's it going on the planet?" Emma asked Powell.
"The collection is going fine, but as you can see, we're all having a little trouble with the smell. It smells a lot like the Omega samples you've been studying."
"Well, it doesn't really bother me. Perhaps I should volunteer my services planetside."
Alyssa responded quickly. "I think we've got it covered down there. These hypos should take care of any problems." Competent or not, Powell doubted Beverly would be happy if she beamed back down with Dumonde in tow.
Dumonde smirked. She had no illusions about the loyalty of the sickbay staff. While they may not have been sure of the reasons, they were finely tuned to their boss's moods and preferences. No matter. Dinner with Picard lay at the end of the day, and there would be no more delaying. Crusher would soon find herself on the loosing end of the war of wills.
*********
"Crusher to Enterprise. Five to beam up."
Exhausted, grimy, famished, and still slightly ill despite the inoculate effects of the hypo, Crusher and her team materialized in transporter room three with vast quantities of samples gathered on the planet. A thorough group, they had collected any and all distinct species of plant life on the surface. Now, the real work of study would begin. Half the samples would be analyzed by sickbay teams, hoping to glean medical uses, and the other by exobotany to extract any possible scientific applications.
Crusher dismissed the group to quarters, and headed toward the lift herself. "Deck 8." Nothing appealed to her now so much as a hot bath and some aromatherapy. Grouchy as her stomach was, the thought of food tied it in a not and sent waves of nausea through her tired frame. Disembarking near her quarters, Crusher saw Picard headed down the corridor from the opposite direction. Apparently, she'd timed it perfectly to coincide with his arrival at Emma Dumonde's. How fortuitous. Feeling decidedly un- commanding in her current state, she tried to slink off the lift and miss his attention. Sneaking anywhere was made difficult by her firebrand of red hair. She was promptly apprehended.
"Dr. Crusher! How was the trip to the planet?" Picard approached, wine in hand. Crusher eyed it coolly.
"Quite a vintage I see, Jean-Luc. Big plans for tonite?" Waves of nausea again overtook her, but this time they had nothing to do with the thought of food. Her pallor was obvious, and Jean-Luc gently grasped her arm.
"It seems the mission was quite taxing. Are you well, Doctor?" His hazel eyes darkened a bit in concern.
"Quite, Captain. Nothing a long, hot, aromatic bath and a good massage can't handle. The muscles in my neck are tighter than a protean knot." To illustrate her point, she rubbed at her shoulders. "The first I can handle, but I'm afraid I'll have to recruit a volunteer for the latter. A pity you're busy." With that, she placed a finger on his nose, turned, and strutted toward her quarters. She looked like death warmed over, but that wasn't the image she'd left with Picard. Hopefully he was still thinking about her and a hot bath.
"A pity indeed, Doctor," Picard muttered. Again, shaking his head, he continued on to Dumonde's quarters. Not that he was unaware of the game Crusher was playing. It wasn't hard to pick up on her frequent innuendos. Rather, he was more confused as to where she was leading. Occasionally, he reflected on the kiss they'd shared during his recent hassles with Q. It had been lingering and full of promise, but in reality had never occurred. He found himself wishing it had. But, Beverly herself had insisted that their relationship go no farther. Instead, he found himself standing at Emma Dumonde's quarters, pursuing what had been freely offered. He leaned forward and gently pressed the door chime.
Emma greeted him at the door, looking as ravishing and relaxed as Crusher had hoped he'd pictured her when she stalked off. Picard presented the wine and strolled into the candlelit room. Lifting an eyebrow, and gazing around, he watched as Emma neatly corked the bottle and offered him a glass.
"Thank you, Emma. How was your first rotation on the day shift?"
"Pleasantly busy, and surprisingly interesting. I was beginning to think the Enterprise was nothing more than dim lights and bouts of insomnia."
"Well, I'm glad we've disabused you of the notion - I'd hate you to think of us as dull."
"Not a chance, Captain. Would you care to sit down to dinner?"
They chatted easily as the meal quickly disappeared. Sated, they retired to the sofa and refreshed their wine. Picard was drowsed by the conversation and spirits. Emma was striking, and there were none of the awkward moments that punctuated his encounters with Beverly. Relaxing into the sofa, he found himself now inches away from her.
Quitting conversation, Emma was now staring intently at the Captain. Her thoughts were transparent as her finger traced the rim of her glass. Confidently, she leaned in and kissed Picard firmly. Responding, Picard lost his thoughts in the moment.
*********
Meanwhile, Data and Geordi had made no further progress since diagnosing the original engine problem. Geordi gave Data a weary glance. "She's not going to like this."
"I concur Geordi. However, I see no other way to move forward. The problem continues to worsen."
"LaForge to Doctor Crusher."
"Crusher here." She had been comfortably relaxing in the bath, working to scrub the grime from her body and thoughts of Emma and Jean-Luc from her mind. She'd gotten rid of the smell, but not the thoughts. Maybe Geordi could help her cause.
"Sorry to disturb you Doctor, but Data and I are in engineering, and we're stumped. We're hoping you might be able to help us out."
"No problem Geordi. Love to help. I'll be down shortly. Crusher out."
LaForge tapped his badge. "Now that was way too easy." He let out a low whistle. "Data, my friend, let's hope our luck holds out this well for the poker game tomorrow nite."
Minutes later, Crusher walked quickly into engineering. LaForge and Data explained the presence of the microparticles, but their inability to pinpoint the result of their presence or of their nature.
"Doctor, you indicated that the Enterprise showed signs of a fever. Given this diagnosis, what would be your recommended course of action?"
"Well Data, typically it's best if you let a fever run its course. You mentioned that the ship's core temperature had been steadily increasing. It may be a mechanical response from the engine to realign the energy output balance. But the question is, how hot can we let it get? There is a point during a course of treatment when it is no longer advisable to let the fever rise. And we're still faced with the question, will it be successful in eliminating the particles?"
"Unknown Doctor. A supposition, if I may."
"Go ahead Data."
"Often, an antibiotic is used to cure the patient when a high fever is not an acceptable alternative. Would it be possible to develop an antibiotic in this situation, Doctor?"
"I'm not sure Data. I've been on the ship long enough to know that nothing is impossible. But this is a strange situation indeed. But before we could begin moving any further, I'd need a sample of the microparticles. Is that possible, Geordi?"
"That's a tall order Doc. We'd have to fully shut down the warp core, disengage the reactors, and enter the chamber. It's rare that anything of that scope would ever be attempted out of space dock."
Data appeared unphased. "Geordi, given the unusual nature of the problem, it is conceivable that it will demand an unusual solution. The USS Stanton is the nearest ship to our location, and is over a week away. Starbase 202 is also a week away at full impulse. If the core temperature continues to increase, it is possible that the ship will not last that long."
Their faces grim, the three officers nodded darkly at the others. Beverly looked resolute.
"I see no other alternative than to have the Captain's input on the matter. Would you two like me to raise him?"
Geordi and Data glanced at each other nervously. It was late in the evening, and neither were willing to disturb the Captain over the matter. Crusher, however, seemed perfectly content to hail Picard.
"Doctor, I still need to compile the specs to complete the procedure. I could present it at the staff meeting in the morning."
"Don't be silly, Geordi. It makes no sense for you to spend an entire night devising a plan that the Captain might not approve." With all the brashness of a Klingon approaching battle, Crusher tapped her comm.
"Crusher to Picard." She received no answer.
Data, for all lack of emotion, could still sense Geordi's tension and Crusher's bravado. "Perhaps Doctor, we could hail Commander Riker?"
"Nope - Data, you know as well as I that Will would defer to the Captain."
"Beverly to Jean-Luc - you know I'm not going to stop my hails - you might as well answer."
Geordi raised his eyebrows. Data seemed extremely engrossed in whatever was displayed on his PADD.
An extremely agitated Picard responded to the hail. "Go ahead Dr. Crusher."
"Captain, I'm afraid that you're needed in main engineering as soon as you're. available." Crusher's smile was immutable, despite Picard's tone.
"Very well Doctor. I will be down as soon as possible. Picard out." The edge in his tone was unmistakable.
"Don't worry boys. I'll handle him." Beverly laid one hand on Geordi's chest and another on Data's arm, giving them both a conspiratorial wink.
Geordi and Data were both relieved that Crusher was the one to brook Picard's anger as he stalked into main engineering.
"Dr. Crusher, I demand to know why you have brought me here in the middle of the night."
Crusher held up her hand to stop the tirade. "Ship's emergency captain, nothing more. And it appears as though I didn't drag you from the throes of. sleep."
Grumbling, Picard impatiently tugged his tunic and leveled a gaze at the two uncomfortable looking officers off pointing tricorders at the warp core.
Raising his voice slightly, Picard called to them. "Geordi, Data, an explanation please?"
"Yes sir." Scowling at Crusher, the two shuffled over toward the Captain and launched into an explanation of the work of the past day. After the briefing, Picard concurred that the warp core shut-down take place immediately. While still brusque, he approached Crusher with somewhat less animosity.
"Doctor, you will assist Data and Geordi in finding a solution to this conundrum. I expect a full report in the morning."
*********
Now off the port bow, the M'dar ship moved slightly away from the Enterprise and into a better position to fire on the larger ship. Readings indicated that the entire warp core had been shut down. This was close to the desired effect of the bio-nanites, and it was clear that the core temperature on the ship was still rising. B'nar waited impatiently for orders from his commanding officer.
*********
The chime to Picard's quarters rang at precisely 0700. Surprised, he glanced up from his cup of tea. "Come."
At the door stood a very disheveled and exhausted Dr. Crusher. She looked approximately as she had upon beaming back from Hepa III, minus the dirt.
"It looks as though someone could use an, em, 'long, hot, aromatic bath and a massage,' Doctor." Picard's tone dripped sarcasm.
"Very funny Captain. We've been up almost all night, but I think that Data may be close to gathering a sample of the microparticles. And with the warp core reactors completely shut down, the temperature has leveled out."
Beverly sank into the nearest chair, threw her head back, and closed her eyes. Her shift started in an hour.
"Perhaps, Doctor, you might ask Emma how she manages these difficult hours."
Beverly's eyes remained closed, and her expression serene. "Jean-Luc, I know that you know me well enough by now to anticipate that that comment would typically earn you a torrent of expletives, insults, and accusations. Greater men than you would quaver and wilt into a pool of plasma. However, due to my vulnerable condition, and need to conserve energy, you have been granted a stay." She waved her hand weakly to illustrate her point. "However, you will be properly chastised at an undetermined, and let me assure you, unexpected moment in the future."
"Turnabout is fair play, Doctor." Picard stood over Crusher's shoulders and began to firmly and gently massage. The muscles were knotted and tense. Crusher groaned. "Jean-Luc, the situation in engineering is not getting better. Although I don't really regret dragging you away from whatever you were doing last nite, we remain at a loss as to how to solve this problem."
"I can assure you, Doctor, that my activities would have been of little interest to you."
"On that point we agree. If I never know what you might have been doing when I hailed you, I will die a happy woman."
Picard only chuckled. He ran his hands over Crusher's shoulders again, and walked over to the replicator. "Tea. Earl Grey. Hot." Instantly a cup appeared before him.
"Why did you stop? I was just beginning to feel human again." Beverly assumed a mild pout and opened her eyes.
"Why don't you come over to the table and have some tea and breakfast. Then go back to your quarters, take a cold shower, and drag yourself to the morning meeting. I'll wait until you arrive to start. I expect that Geordi and Data may be similarly delayed. Though they probably didn't have a personal masseuse waiting when they got back to quarters."
"No, but at least Data has Spot. And he doesn't talk back." With none of her usual grace, Crusher made her way over to the table, grabbed the tea and a croissant, and turned to Jean-Luc. "But I suppose I can call myself lucky." She leaned over and kissed the top of his head. "Let me know when you've finished conquering the galaxy, Jean-Luc, and we'll talk." With that she made her exit.
*********
"T'shar to B'nar. From what I can tell, the warp core on the Enterprise is responding approximately as we anticipated. The engines are completely offline. Attention to the planet is at a minimum. Drop back to a strategic position around the far side of the planet, and continue to monitor and pursue if necessary. T'shar out."
Captain T'shar cut the signal and piggybacked it onto the general distress beacon the Enterprise was broadcasting. The ship was, for all intents and purposes, dead in the water. A plan perfectly executed. Ships would be infected by the M'dar bionanites, which would be remotely activated as soon as they were far from all available help. M'dar mercenaries would then board the prone vessels, slay the crew, and hijack the ships. How many would they board before they could take on the entire fleet? Five? Ten? It was a perfectly simple plan, and the first phase had gone well. They would carry out the experiment, destroy the Enterprise, and report back to the Chancellor.
T'shar was in favor of hijacking the Enterprise itself, but the Chancellor insisted they use the attack later as a way of further demoralizing the Federation. If the Klingons, Cardassians, and Romulans all believed the M'dar capable of such a feat, they would become far more respected, and strengthen their strategic position. T'shar, however, craved the glory of standing on the bridge and commanding the legendary vessel. Imagine the power of wielding this particular ship..
Orders, however, were orders. Now it was time to deal with the plant samples. They had to ensure that no records were ever recovered.
*********
Author note: This is it for now. I'm well into writing chapter three, and would love comments. I know there are some grammatical and consistency errors, but I'm still working on process. Hope you enjoyed.
Disclaimer: It's my understanding that there needs to be some sort of perfunctory acknowledgement that, like Q, Paramount is omnipotent, and I would never do anything to break the rules. So this is for fun and obsessed fans only.
Sabotage Chapter Two
*********
"Surely, Captain, some woman has captured your heart."
Picard eyed Dumonde suspiciously, her features alight with mischief. "If so, Lieutenant, that information remains classified," he commented. She had boldly invited him to lunch in 10-forward yesterday, and he had been looking forward to the "date." Emma was a delightful conversationalist, open in her expressions, and had made no illusions about her intentions toward the Captain. She had pursued him unabashedly, and he had to admit the advances were flattering, and not unwelcome.
"In that case, captain, I will operate with no assumptions regarding your availability - except one - that you are." Dumonde smiled suggestively and leaned forward. "Given that particular set of data, my prognosis is positive, and my course of action will be aggressive." Her smile broadened. "And I don't feel that 10-Forward will be appropriate for our next rendezvous."
"Oh?"
"No. My, um, schedule, is somewhat restrictive. But I have a reprieve tomorrow. We're arriving at Hepa III, and Dr. Crusher will be planetside, so I'll be covering the day shift. I would be delighted if you would join me for dinner. My quarters."
"Well, Emma, I'd better take advantage. Given your schedule, the opportunity may not arise again soon."
"Please Captain, I'd be delighted if you took advantage." She leaned in and brushed his hand, as Crusher and Riker came through the door, stopping by for a late lunch. Dumonde's intimate touch was not lost on Beverly.
"Will, grab a table, will you? I'll be right over."
Riker smiled wickedly, and settled at a nearby table, in plain view of the Captain and his lunch companion. Knowing Beverly, he'd picked a prime location for what promised to be quite a floor show.
Beverly arrived at the table, and placed her arm on Picard's shoulder. "Hello, Jean-Luc, Lieutenant." Her tone was breezy, confident, and dismissive.
Dumonde, looking a bit like the cat who swallowed the canary, stood. "I was just heading out, Doctor."
"Not on my account, I hope."
"Oh no - we're done with lunch. I was just wrapping up our dinner plans for my quarters tomorrow night."
Riker's smile stretched from ear to ear, and he stroked his beard as the play unfolded. Crusher had lobbed a softball, and Dumonde had hit it out of the park. The Doctor was never one to be outdone, however, and he waited with baited breath for the next move from Beverly.
"Dinner - how charming. Well, it's nice to see that you and the Captain have found time in your busy schedules to get better acquainted." Crusher smiled sweetly at the other woman and patted Picard's shoulder like an old buddy.
Riker's smile turned to an expression of shock as his jaw hit the floor. This was not the show he expected. Neither had Dumonde. Thoroughly off- balance, the Lieutenant stammered goodbyes and headed for the door. A stunning turn of play. Beverly proved a brilliant physician and, when her cool prevailed, a brilliant tactician. Now, she encircled Picard's shoulders, bent down, and whispered into his ear, a puckish expression touching her lips.
Picard had been immediately uncomfortable when he realized Beverly and Will had entered 10-Forward. He had been caught in the act, though he was unsure as to why he should feel guilty. As Crusher drifted over to the table, a light perspiration had broken out down his back. As the women had squared off, he felt blood rush to the tips of his ears. He too, had been prepared for a storm from the volatile Doctor. His confusion had been as apparent as Will's when Crusher failed to deliver a tirade, but instead appeared unruffled. His consternation grew as Beverly bent down, and, centimeters away from his temple, whispered in his ear. The effect was far from chilling as her soft hair tickled his neck as she spoke.
"Jean-Luc, you seem to be getting the best of both worlds, hmmm?" Beverly's lips stopped a hair's breadth from his skin, and he could feel her breath as she whispered. After a brief pause that seemed like an eternity to Picard, she continued. "Just remember, your breakfasts are taken. And I don't like surprises in the morning." Beverly stood slowly, and let her fingers gingerly trail on Picard's shoulder as she walked purposefully back toward Riker. Picard's face turned scarlet, and he quickly exited the room. He did not enjoy being publicly bested by two women on his own ship.
"That, Doctor, left me speechless," snickered Riker as Beverly loftily took her place at the table.
"Jean-Luc as well, it seems," she remarked with a glance toward the door.
*********
"Data, I just don't understand what's going on!" Geordi tapped his PADD fiercely and tossed it onto the console.
The Enterprise had reached Hepa III, and Geordi had immediately taken the entire warp core off-line. Still, the temperature had continued to rise, incrementally. Not only that, but the interfaces at stations all over the ship had also been found to be warm to the touch. Mechanically, the cause and effects were completely unexplainable. To make matters worse, the performance of auxiliary systems had begun to be effected. Picard had visited engineering early that morning, and had been distinctly displeased with their lack of progress.
Data turned an inquisitive glance toward his friend. "Geordi, you mentioned before that your visor, in addition to registering the additional heat in the core, also picked up a subtle change in the hue of the engine. Have you yet explained the color variation to your satisfaction?"
"No Data - but I can't see how that might be part of the problem we've got here. It could just be the normal reading for the new core."
"Did your visor register this change when we left starbase?"
"No, it wasn't until we jumped to warp. Data, I see where you're going here, but I just don't know how the two go together."
"As you know Geordi, I have come to believe that by eliminating all answers that are impossible, and proven irrelevant, whatever that has been left unexplained is the most likely solution. We have run all known diagnostic procedures, and are left without an answer. Perhaps it is time to refocus our attentions."
Geordi let out a long sigh and clapped Data on the shoulder. "I guess there's no other choice, Data. First of all, let's go make sure there's nothing wrong with my visor. Or me."
*********
The doors to sickbay swished open, and Data and Geordi walked through. They had arrived at the planet only an hour ago, and away teams were busy preparing to descend to the surface. Ensign Sepulveda approached them.
"Can I help you sirs?"
"We're here to see Dr. Crusher. Is she available?" Geordi smiled at the young woman.
"She's just returning from lunch. We expect her any minute. If you' like to wait.?"
"Yes, that will be satisfactory. Thank you ensign." Data observed the bustle in the offices.
"It is unlike Dr. Crusher to leave sickbay at this busy time. I wonder."
"Wonder no longer, Data. I was merely cleaning up some unfinished business." Crusher's expression was unreadable.
"We can see you're busy here Doc - but can you spare a minute? I need to get a check of my visor."
"Certainly Geordi - are you having problems?" Beverly's eyes flashed a momentary concern.
"I'm not sure." Geordi explained the situation as Crusher removed the device and began to run it, and Geordi, through a serious of tests.
An hour later, they had determined that the variations in Geordi's readings had no mechanical or biological origins. Whatever he'd seen had come from the warp core.
"Well, I guess that's a start." Geordi shook his head in discouragement. "But I'm not sure where it gets us."
"If I didn't know any better, Geordi, I'd say your ship's got a fever," Beverly tossed off the remark as she gently clicked the visor back into place. "Why don't you try some aspirin, and give me a call if there's still a problem in the morning."
LaForge smiled wryly. "Don't be so quick to quip, Doc. We may all be working on this 'virus' before we find the cure." Geordi laughed and slid off the bio bed. He and Data walked toward the door, no closer to finding a solution.
Data paused. "Geordi, I believe that Doctor Crusher may have made a productive suggestion. We have run an exhaustive mechanical diagnostics, but have yet to do any biological analysis. It is possible that we have a contaminant in the core. I suggest that we further pursue this line of investigation."
"Why not Data. We've got nothing to lose." Geordi looked skeptical, but at this point was willing to try anything.
With that the two officers waved to Beverly and continued briskly toward the door, a new sense of purpose lightening their step. "Let me know if you need help," she called after them.
*********
Off the starboard bow, a cloaked vessel hovered over the Enterprise, watching. Phasers trained on the warp core, they waited for any sign of trouble. T'shar had indicated that no action was to be taken against the ship without confirmation and authorization. However, B'nar was apprehensive as they orbited the planet. He loathed the Federation, and itched for a reason to begin a battle. But, orders were orders.
The vegetation on the planet was critical to the plans the M'dar empire had formed. Extracted and refined properly, its effects were perfectly suited for their purposes - which were to create soldiers to carry out suicidal missions, missions that required fierce loyalty, enormous physical strength, and unbendable will. Federation scientists had developed such drugs long before, but these had been short-sightedly banned by their governing council. Since, the formulas had been destroyed, or classified. But the scientists who developed them were alive and well. Paid enough, some had been more than willing to share their expertise.
The engineered soldiers, combined with the insidious and destructive power of the new M'dar bio-nanites, meant that the terrorist splinter cell posed a mighty threat to the pompous and overconfident Federation. And even if this pilot mission were unsuccessful, there were plenty of Cardassian and Romulan factions that would pay a high price to obtain the prototypes of the biotechnology.
A triumphant expression on his face, B'nar decided it would not hurt to be patient.
*********
Crusher felt the familiar tingle as she materialized the following morning on Hepa III. During the briefing that morning, Commander Data had explained that while hospitable, the planet had never been colonized. Taking a whiff of the air, it was not difficult to understand why. The aroma was distinctly unpleasant. "Data, what IS that odor?!"
"I am unable to ascertain the origin Doctor. However repugnant, it is not toxic. I believe it may have something to do with the flora."
Will Riker flashed a smile and scratched his beard. The smell would be a long time dissipating from his mustache. "Consider it karma, Doctor - if I'm not mistaken this isn't far from the aroma of the plants you've had Emma Dumonde studying all week."
"Whatever do you mean, Commander?" Beverly smiled and batted her eyes. "Are you accusing me of having less than pure motives for my crew assignments? Saying that I am being disingenuous?"
"Conniving, mischevious."
Riker smiled wickedly at her and she returned it. "Will, leave the thesaurus duties to Data. Let's get to work."
The sickbay crew coordinated with exobotany all morning collecting samples. By the end of the first shift, the entire away team had a faint greenish hue to their complexions. A few had made their way to inconspicuous locations to give up whatever had remained of their breakfasts. Crusher stood with Alyssa Powell as the young woman leaned against a tree and tried to regain her composure.
"And you thought morning sickness was a thing of the past." Beverly offered a hand to Alyssa as she pushed herself off the tree and got back to collecting samples. She was only answered with an agonizing groan.
Beverly tapped her comm. "Crusher to Riker."
"Go ahead Doctor." Will's normally jovial tone was distinctly absent.
"Please have all personnel report to the planet away base. I'm having someone beam down here from sickbay. We got to get some anti-nausea medication onboard the away team. This situation is miserable." Beverly felt decidedly ill herself, and was unwilling to let the rest of the crew suffer another minute.
"Much appreciated, Beverly. Riker out."
"Alyssa. I want you to beam back and collect serum for the away team. I'll coordinate units down here to move people through a hypospray rotation."
"Aye sir." Powell nodded at Crusher and tapped her badge. "Powell to Enterprise - one to beam up."
*********
"Data, I think we actually may be on to something here. I'm just not sure what." After running a complete spectral analysis of the core, Geordi and Data had discovered early that morning that the change of hue he'd detected was not an illusion. By early that afternoon, they had been able to determine that the overall change in color was the result of thousands of miniscule particles that mimicked, but did not match, the colors of those in the warp core. That was as far as they'd gotten.
*********
Nurse Powell worked with Dumonde to replicate and assemble enough serum to cover the entire away team. Aware of her boss's uncertainties regarding Dumonde, Alyssa watched her closely. To date, there was nothing to note regarding her behavior.
"How's it going on the planet?" Emma asked Powell.
"The collection is going fine, but as you can see, we're all having a little trouble with the smell. It smells a lot like the Omega samples you've been studying."
"Well, it doesn't really bother me. Perhaps I should volunteer my services planetside."
Alyssa responded quickly. "I think we've got it covered down there. These hypos should take care of any problems." Competent or not, Powell doubted Beverly would be happy if she beamed back down with Dumonde in tow.
Dumonde smirked. She had no illusions about the loyalty of the sickbay staff. While they may not have been sure of the reasons, they were finely tuned to their boss's moods and preferences. No matter. Dinner with Picard lay at the end of the day, and there would be no more delaying. Crusher would soon find herself on the loosing end of the war of wills.
*********
"Crusher to Enterprise. Five to beam up."
Exhausted, grimy, famished, and still slightly ill despite the inoculate effects of the hypo, Crusher and her team materialized in transporter room three with vast quantities of samples gathered on the planet. A thorough group, they had collected any and all distinct species of plant life on the surface. Now, the real work of study would begin. Half the samples would be analyzed by sickbay teams, hoping to glean medical uses, and the other by exobotany to extract any possible scientific applications.
Crusher dismissed the group to quarters, and headed toward the lift herself. "Deck 8." Nothing appealed to her now so much as a hot bath and some aromatherapy. Grouchy as her stomach was, the thought of food tied it in a not and sent waves of nausea through her tired frame. Disembarking near her quarters, Crusher saw Picard headed down the corridor from the opposite direction. Apparently, she'd timed it perfectly to coincide with his arrival at Emma Dumonde's. How fortuitous. Feeling decidedly un- commanding in her current state, she tried to slink off the lift and miss his attention. Sneaking anywhere was made difficult by her firebrand of red hair. She was promptly apprehended.
"Dr. Crusher! How was the trip to the planet?" Picard approached, wine in hand. Crusher eyed it coolly.
"Quite a vintage I see, Jean-Luc. Big plans for tonite?" Waves of nausea again overtook her, but this time they had nothing to do with the thought of food. Her pallor was obvious, and Jean-Luc gently grasped her arm.
"It seems the mission was quite taxing. Are you well, Doctor?" His hazel eyes darkened a bit in concern.
"Quite, Captain. Nothing a long, hot, aromatic bath and a good massage can't handle. The muscles in my neck are tighter than a protean knot." To illustrate her point, she rubbed at her shoulders. "The first I can handle, but I'm afraid I'll have to recruit a volunteer for the latter. A pity you're busy." With that, she placed a finger on his nose, turned, and strutted toward her quarters. She looked like death warmed over, but that wasn't the image she'd left with Picard. Hopefully he was still thinking about her and a hot bath.
"A pity indeed, Doctor," Picard muttered. Again, shaking his head, he continued on to Dumonde's quarters. Not that he was unaware of the game Crusher was playing. It wasn't hard to pick up on her frequent innuendos. Rather, he was more confused as to where she was leading. Occasionally, he reflected on the kiss they'd shared during his recent hassles with Q. It had been lingering and full of promise, but in reality had never occurred. He found himself wishing it had. But, Beverly herself had insisted that their relationship go no farther. Instead, he found himself standing at Emma Dumonde's quarters, pursuing what had been freely offered. He leaned forward and gently pressed the door chime.
Emma greeted him at the door, looking as ravishing and relaxed as Crusher had hoped he'd pictured her when she stalked off. Picard presented the wine and strolled into the candlelit room. Lifting an eyebrow, and gazing around, he watched as Emma neatly corked the bottle and offered him a glass.
"Thank you, Emma. How was your first rotation on the day shift?"
"Pleasantly busy, and surprisingly interesting. I was beginning to think the Enterprise was nothing more than dim lights and bouts of insomnia."
"Well, I'm glad we've disabused you of the notion - I'd hate you to think of us as dull."
"Not a chance, Captain. Would you care to sit down to dinner?"
They chatted easily as the meal quickly disappeared. Sated, they retired to the sofa and refreshed their wine. Picard was drowsed by the conversation and spirits. Emma was striking, and there were none of the awkward moments that punctuated his encounters with Beverly. Relaxing into the sofa, he found himself now inches away from her.
Quitting conversation, Emma was now staring intently at the Captain. Her thoughts were transparent as her finger traced the rim of her glass. Confidently, she leaned in and kissed Picard firmly. Responding, Picard lost his thoughts in the moment.
*********
Meanwhile, Data and Geordi had made no further progress since diagnosing the original engine problem. Geordi gave Data a weary glance. "She's not going to like this."
"I concur Geordi. However, I see no other way to move forward. The problem continues to worsen."
"LaForge to Doctor Crusher."
"Crusher here." She had been comfortably relaxing in the bath, working to scrub the grime from her body and thoughts of Emma and Jean-Luc from her mind. She'd gotten rid of the smell, but not the thoughts. Maybe Geordi could help her cause.
"Sorry to disturb you Doctor, but Data and I are in engineering, and we're stumped. We're hoping you might be able to help us out."
"No problem Geordi. Love to help. I'll be down shortly. Crusher out."
LaForge tapped his badge. "Now that was way too easy." He let out a low whistle. "Data, my friend, let's hope our luck holds out this well for the poker game tomorrow nite."
Minutes later, Crusher walked quickly into engineering. LaForge and Data explained the presence of the microparticles, but their inability to pinpoint the result of their presence or of their nature.
"Doctor, you indicated that the Enterprise showed signs of a fever. Given this diagnosis, what would be your recommended course of action?"
"Well Data, typically it's best if you let a fever run its course. You mentioned that the ship's core temperature had been steadily increasing. It may be a mechanical response from the engine to realign the energy output balance. But the question is, how hot can we let it get? There is a point during a course of treatment when it is no longer advisable to let the fever rise. And we're still faced with the question, will it be successful in eliminating the particles?"
"Unknown Doctor. A supposition, if I may."
"Go ahead Data."
"Often, an antibiotic is used to cure the patient when a high fever is not an acceptable alternative. Would it be possible to develop an antibiotic in this situation, Doctor?"
"I'm not sure Data. I've been on the ship long enough to know that nothing is impossible. But this is a strange situation indeed. But before we could begin moving any further, I'd need a sample of the microparticles. Is that possible, Geordi?"
"That's a tall order Doc. We'd have to fully shut down the warp core, disengage the reactors, and enter the chamber. It's rare that anything of that scope would ever be attempted out of space dock."
Data appeared unphased. "Geordi, given the unusual nature of the problem, it is conceivable that it will demand an unusual solution. The USS Stanton is the nearest ship to our location, and is over a week away. Starbase 202 is also a week away at full impulse. If the core temperature continues to increase, it is possible that the ship will not last that long."
Their faces grim, the three officers nodded darkly at the others. Beverly looked resolute.
"I see no other alternative than to have the Captain's input on the matter. Would you two like me to raise him?"
Geordi and Data glanced at each other nervously. It was late in the evening, and neither were willing to disturb the Captain over the matter. Crusher, however, seemed perfectly content to hail Picard.
"Doctor, I still need to compile the specs to complete the procedure. I could present it at the staff meeting in the morning."
"Don't be silly, Geordi. It makes no sense for you to spend an entire night devising a plan that the Captain might not approve." With all the brashness of a Klingon approaching battle, Crusher tapped her comm.
"Crusher to Picard." She received no answer.
Data, for all lack of emotion, could still sense Geordi's tension and Crusher's bravado. "Perhaps Doctor, we could hail Commander Riker?"
"Nope - Data, you know as well as I that Will would defer to the Captain."
"Beverly to Jean-Luc - you know I'm not going to stop my hails - you might as well answer."
Geordi raised his eyebrows. Data seemed extremely engrossed in whatever was displayed on his PADD.
An extremely agitated Picard responded to the hail. "Go ahead Dr. Crusher."
"Captain, I'm afraid that you're needed in main engineering as soon as you're. available." Crusher's smile was immutable, despite Picard's tone.
"Very well Doctor. I will be down as soon as possible. Picard out." The edge in his tone was unmistakable.
"Don't worry boys. I'll handle him." Beverly laid one hand on Geordi's chest and another on Data's arm, giving them both a conspiratorial wink.
Geordi and Data were both relieved that Crusher was the one to brook Picard's anger as he stalked into main engineering.
"Dr. Crusher, I demand to know why you have brought me here in the middle of the night."
Crusher held up her hand to stop the tirade. "Ship's emergency captain, nothing more. And it appears as though I didn't drag you from the throes of. sleep."
Grumbling, Picard impatiently tugged his tunic and leveled a gaze at the two uncomfortable looking officers off pointing tricorders at the warp core.
Raising his voice slightly, Picard called to them. "Geordi, Data, an explanation please?"
"Yes sir." Scowling at Crusher, the two shuffled over toward the Captain and launched into an explanation of the work of the past day. After the briefing, Picard concurred that the warp core shut-down take place immediately. While still brusque, he approached Crusher with somewhat less animosity.
"Doctor, you will assist Data and Geordi in finding a solution to this conundrum. I expect a full report in the morning."
*********
Now off the port bow, the M'dar ship moved slightly away from the Enterprise and into a better position to fire on the larger ship. Readings indicated that the entire warp core had been shut down. This was close to the desired effect of the bio-nanites, and it was clear that the core temperature on the ship was still rising. B'nar waited impatiently for orders from his commanding officer.
*********
The chime to Picard's quarters rang at precisely 0700. Surprised, he glanced up from his cup of tea. "Come."
At the door stood a very disheveled and exhausted Dr. Crusher. She looked approximately as she had upon beaming back from Hepa III, minus the dirt.
"It looks as though someone could use an, em, 'long, hot, aromatic bath and a massage,' Doctor." Picard's tone dripped sarcasm.
"Very funny Captain. We've been up almost all night, but I think that Data may be close to gathering a sample of the microparticles. And with the warp core reactors completely shut down, the temperature has leveled out."
Beverly sank into the nearest chair, threw her head back, and closed her eyes. Her shift started in an hour.
"Perhaps, Doctor, you might ask Emma how she manages these difficult hours."
Beverly's eyes remained closed, and her expression serene. "Jean-Luc, I know that you know me well enough by now to anticipate that that comment would typically earn you a torrent of expletives, insults, and accusations. Greater men than you would quaver and wilt into a pool of plasma. However, due to my vulnerable condition, and need to conserve energy, you have been granted a stay." She waved her hand weakly to illustrate her point. "However, you will be properly chastised at an undetermined, and let me assure you, unexpected moment in the future."
"Turnabout is fair play, Doctor." Picard stood over Crusher's shoulders and began to firmly and gently massage. The muscles were knotted and tense. Crusher groaned. "Jean-Luc, the situation in engineering is not getting better. Although I don't really regret dragging you away from whatever you were doing last nite, we remain at a loss as to how to solve this problem."
"I can assure you, Doctor, that my activities would have been of little interest to you."
"On that point we agree. If I never know what you might have been doing when I hailed you, I will die a happy woman."
Picard only chuckled. He ran his hands over Crusher's shoulders again, and walked over to the replicator. "Tea. Earl Grey. Hot." Instantly a cup appeared before him.
"Why did you stop? I was just beginning to feel human again." Beverly assumed a mild pout and opened her eyes.
"Why don't you come over to the table and have some tea and breakfast. Then go back to your quarters, take a cold shower, and drag yourself to the morning meeting. I'll wait until you arrive to start. I expect that Geordi and Data may be similarly delayed. Though they probably didn't have a personal masseuse waiting when they got back to quarters."
"No, but at least Data has Spot. And he doesn't talk back." With none of her usual grace, Crusher made her way over to the table, grabbed the tea and a croissant, and turned to Jean-Luc. "But I suppose I can call myself lucky." She leaned over and kissed the top of his head. "Let me know when you've finished conquering the galaxy, Jean-Luc, and we'll talk." With that she made her exit.
*********
"T'shar to B'nar. From what I can tell, the warp core on the Enterprise is responding approximately as we anticipated. The engines are completely offline. Attention to the planet is at a minimum. Drop back to a strategic position around the far side of the planet, and continue to monitor and pursue if necessary. T'shar out."
Captain T'shar cut the signal and piggybacked it onto the general distress beacon the Enterprise was broadcasting. The ship was, for all intents and purposes, dead in the water. A plan perfectly executed. Ships would be infected by the M'dar bionanites, which would be remotely activated as soon as they were far from all available help. M'dar mercenaries would then board the prone vessels, slay the crew, and hijack the ships. How many would they board before they could take on the entire fleet? Five? Ten? It was a perfectly simple plan, and the first phase had gone well. They would carry out the experiment, destroy the Enterprise, and report back to the Chancellor.
T'shar was in favor of hijacking the Enterprise itself, but the Chancellor insisted they use the attack later as a way of further demoralizing the Federation. If the Klingons, Cardassians, and Romulans all believed the M'dar capable of such a feat, they would become far more respected, and strengthen their strategic position. T'shar, however, craved the glory of standing on the bridge and commanding the legendary vessel. Imagine the power of wielding this particular ship..
Orders, however, were orders. Now it was time to deal with the plant samples. They had to ensure that no records were ever recovered.
*********
Author note: This is it for now. I'm well into writing chapter three, and would love comments. I know there are some grammatical and consistency errors, but I'm still working on process. Hope you enjoyed.