8. Can It Be True?
The bridge was silent and gloomy. The only sound that could be heard was the small blips and chirps from the computer consoles. It had been that way for quite a while now. Everyone was deeply immersed in his or her own thoughts and emotions. Except Troi, of course, who was immersed in everyone else's.
Suddenly, a voice from the intercom broke the silence. "LaForge to bridge."
"Yes?" Picard groaned quietly to himself. The Chief Engineer was probably calling to tell him exactly what malfunctioned and explain just how dead the Lieutenant Commander was. It wasn't something he was looking forward to hearing.
"Captain, we need to talk to Maddox again." Had the spunk in Geordi's voice returned or was it just Jean-Luc's imagination?
Picard sighed deeply, anticipating a last ditch effort to change the inevitable. "There's nothing we can do about it, Mr. LaForge. He's coming weather we like it or not."
"Not if Data has anything to say about it."
The bridge was engulfed in an awkward and confused silence. The Captain and Number One exchanged a quizzical glance before Jean-Luc spoke. "Come again Commander?"
"You tell them." They heard Geordi say to someone. Then came a very familiar matter-of-fact voice. It was a voice they all knew but were convinced they would never hear again.
"I have refused to be subjected to Commander Maddox's procedure once before. On the grounds that he simply dose not know what he is doing. My views on the subject have not changed. It is my intention to tell him so."
"Data?" Wesley squeaked to himself. Was it really him? He'd been slouched at his conn station but the sound of that voice snapped him to stiff attention.
"Mr. Data, is that you?" Picard asked, his voice skeptical to keep from getting his hopes up. The whole bridge held it's breath, awaiting the answer.
"It is, Sir."
If they were not all perfectly trained Starfleet officers a cheer would have arisen loud enough to break through the sound-proof walls. Even Worf sported an, almost, grin. Compared to his usual stern appearance this was the equivalent of jumping up and down and squealing for joy.
"Are you alright now?"
"I have some superficial damage to my left arm and a couple minor injuries but other than that everything is functioning properly."
Picard sighed, this time in relief. Thank God! He meant it too. Whatever god there was out there he thanked profusely. "What happened? I mean…how was he repaired?" He directed the question at Geordi.
"I…uh…dropped one of my tools." Troi sensed a bit of guilt when he said the word 'drop' and wondered if it was meant to cover something. "It broke and sent an electrical charge though Data's neural net that triggered…well… something. I don't even know what part of his brain was affected or what was different between this current and the one I tried earlier." Geordi didn't really seem all that anxious that he didn't know this. He was obviously too thankful to care.
"I don't think it matters how it happened. Just that it happened at all." There were nods of agreement with the Captain's statement.
"Never look a gift horse in the mouth. Right, Captain?" (Or 'never sniff a gift fish' another version by a popular 20th Century author)
"Exactly, Mr. LaForge." Picard smiled. He hadn't heard that one in a long time.
"Excuse me, Geordi." Data's voice interrupted over the intercom. "I do not see what a horse's mouth has to do with the current situation." There were sounds of stifled amusement throughout the bridge. Everything was back to normal. "Did I say something funny?" He asked as Geordi laughed too.
"So what are we going to do about Maddox?" LaForge asked, ignoring Data's confusion.
Picard was overcome by a suddenly evil thought. What if they didn't tell him at all? He almost smiled as he pictured Maddox materializing on the transporter platform only to see Data alive and well awaiting his arrival. Maybe he'd pass out from sheer disappointment. But, no, they would have to inform him as soon as possible. He'd have to be satisfied seeing his reaction over a viewscreen. # protocol.
"Mr. Data?"
"Yes, Sir?"
Boy it was good to hear that voice again! "Can you tolerate your damage long enough to speak with Maddox?"
"Yes Sir."
"Good. Meet me in the observation lounge immediately." Picard's ears barely detected a soft giggle to his left. Troi was watching him knowingly. She was very aware of the reason he was in such a hurry. He simply was eager to see Data again but he was disguising it as efficiency. He knew she knew, after all it was her job. He gave a small shrug as if to say 'can you blame me?'.