A/N: Don't worry, I'm back! I'll make sure this story gets finished :)

Thirteen

*Geordi*

It took us many hours before the module was ready. The time spent waiting for the replicators to create the tools needed was filled with anxiety. Wesley could get on my nerves sometimes, but I was still worried sick. I wondered how such an experience would have an effect on him when he was back onboard; I refused to think 'if' he got back on board.

In times like that I envied Data. He was able to go about his duties without a care in the world. I suppose in some ways it wasn't a great thing - he would never fully understand the depth of human relationships - but in that moment I wished I couldn't feel anything.

The Captain was impressed with our module. "Excellent work. I want you to to beam down with it and get it into that cave as quickly as you can - we don't want Dylin's men to see you."

"May I recommend that we solely beam the module down, sir," Data piped up. "It would be a lot safer without our presence."

"Can you control it from up here?" Picard asked.

"Yes. The signal beam is strong enough to penetrate through our shields and through a certain number of layers of rock," I explained. "We won't know how far down it can go before losing contact."

"Hmm. Perhaps I send only Data to the surface - it will be harder for Dylin's men to engage in combat with him." The Captain mused.

"I would be satisfied with that course of action, sir." Data agreed.

"Very well. When you're ready, head to transporter room one and beam down," Picard said. "Let's get our crew back."

While Data made his way to the transporter, I joined the Captain and Worf on the bridge. Data and I had constructed two controllers for the module, which also acted as a secondary communication bridge in case our coms went down.

Data's voice filled the overhead speakers. "I am in position, sir."

"Can you get the module up and running?" Picard said.

"Yes sir. However, it may take some time before it is fully operational."

Picard sighed. "Make it so."

It was an anxious wait. Although Data was certainly the most experienced man for the job, I still couldn't help feeling nervous. If this failed, it was possible Wesley and the others would die.

"The module is in position, sir." Data's voice soothed my nerves.

I saw Picard's shoulders stiffen. "Very good, Commander. Return to the ship immediately." He turned to face me. "I believe it's time to blow the roof off this operation."