Chapter Twenty-Six

Picard steepled his fingers and looked around the cafeteria table at the grim faces of his gathered officers.

"Is there no way you can treat the boy here," he said to Dr. Crusher. "Or with the medical equipment aboard the Enterprise?"

Dr. Crusher shook her head.

"This has always been an extreme case, Captain," she said. "Thanks to Data's invention, we can keep the boy alive, but the extensive genetic restructuring Mikey needs if he is to recover requires specialized training and facilities. The Lunar colonies have the best available, and the doctors there are eager to help."

"And, you're certain Cardassian weaponry is responsible for the boy's condition?"

"The damage is irrefutable, Captain," Crusher said somberly. "Mikey's chronic condition is evidence the Cardassians have employed biochemical weaponry specifically engineered to adversely affect human DNA."

Riker leaned forward.

"If the Cardassians have been targeting human colonies, why hasn't this been reported before now?"

"It has, Commander," Data said quietly. "But, said reports have been sourced to Maquis terrorist cells operating along the border and largely disregarded as exaggerated propaganda. Until now, no 'official' investigation into these claims has been made."

"The Maquis are not exactly what Starfleet would call reputable…" Troi muttered. "And, didn't the treaty remove those colonies from Federation jurisdiction?"

"Many colonists refused to acknowledge that treaty," Data said. "Their unwillingness to resettle or renounce their Federation citizenship and claim to Federation protection has placed both governments in something of a Catch-22 situation, while allowing the Maquis to grow in strength and influence. Any attempt at compromise has, so far, only deepened a terrible dilemma in which mutually conflicting conditions allow for no escape."

"Save one," Picard intoned grimly and sighed through his nose. "Fortunately, for now, the Federation and Cardassian leaders recognize none of us can afford another war."

"I don't know about that, Captain," Riker said. "A premeditated act of genocide seems pretty warlike to me. And we know from past experience, when it comes to Cardassian expansion, diplomatic appeasement doesn't always work."

Data's jaw tightened, and he turned his amber eyes toward the captain.

"While I agree that resorting to violent conflict is, in itself, a defeat," he said, "The realities in front of us cannot be ignored. Mikey survived what the adults around him presumed to be a radiation attack. But, physical evidence now indicates the weapons used were far more insidious than that. The conclusion to be drawn is clear. The Cardassians were purposefully clearing the planet of recalcitrant human colonists to settle in their own people. Those they didn't kill, they sold on the black market, and it all happened right under the Federation's nose."

"Under our nose, perhaps," Picard said. "But beyond the reach of our legal system. The attacks occurred in what is, officially, Cardassian space."

"Captain, what we are discussing here is a clear and blatant human rights violation," Crusher said. "Surely, before either side starts bandying about the threat of war, the Federation diplomatic corps should be able to justify an official investigation into the matter. With Mikey's medical records as proof—"

"Doctor…" Picard broke in, then sighed. "Beverly… You're right. If it's true that the damage done to Mikey, and his colony, was indeed caused by genetically targeted bioweapons, the Cardassians should be held responsible, and accountable, for the crime. I am aware that, due to adverse atmospheric conditions, the Ninevehan government has refused the Blackstone permission to take off until morning. I will, therefore, record a message for Admiral Nachayev tonight which you, Beverly, can then transmit once the runabout has left the Ninevehan system. If necessary, you may leave the runabout with its modified stasis field in New Berlin. Just be sure you, Nurse Ogawa, and your pilot Lt. Exupéry return to the Enterprise as soon as you've delivered that boy safely to the hospital."

Dr. Crusher nodded.

"We will. Thank you, Jean-Luc."

"Captain," Data said. "Permission to accompany—"

"No, Data," Picard said. "While I understand your desire to accompany your young friend, I know you realize the situation we face here is at least as important. If Tu'Pari's theories are right, as long as that energy source beneath the Stairway is active, it remains a threat not only to this world, but to Earth as well. Finding a way to control and, if possible, deactivate it must remain our first priority - especially since this ancient artifact has already attracted the attention of violent black market raiders."

"Raiders who could have been hired by anybody," Riker added. "And, if that Stairway really is a quantum tunnel somehow writ on a macro scale—"

"It could link this world to any point in the galaxy - at any point in time," Troi finished for him. "Clearly, that kind of power is too dangerous for anyone to ever risk using. Including the Federation."

Data folded his hands on the table, tightening his grip until his fingers began to turn white.

"I do understand, sir," he said quietly. "I just… I had to ask."

Riker's expression softened.

"I know all this has been hard on you, Data," he said. "But, just think - if you hadn't been here, we never would have seen the energy source behind that wall. And what about that new discovery - those tablets you and Kurak found in the old ruined city this afternoon?"

"Thanks to that discovery, we may soon learn the true purpose of the Stairway, and the meaning behind the Preserver symbols," Picard said brightly. "Tu'Pari, Nat and Freja intend to spend the night working to translate the symbols on the panel, not only into words, but into musical notes. They are planning another expedition to the cavern under the Stairway for tomorrow afternoon. And, I want you to be there, Mr. Data. If you feel up to facing those dampeners again."

"I do. I will, sir," he said. "Thank you."

"Excellent," Picard said. "Then, if there's nothing else…" He glanced around the table. "It's getting late. Let's adjourn this meeting and get a good night's rest for tomorrow."

There was a group acknowledgment, and everyone got to their feet.

"Data," Troi said, hurrying after the android before he could make it to the sliding door.

"Yes, Counselor?" he asked, turning to face her.

"You seemed so upset back there," she said, glancing to the table. "I was wondering if you planned to work again tonight. Assisting Kurak? Helping the archaeologists with their translations, perhaps?"

"Kurak is spending the evening with her daughter. And, if the archaeologists wanted my help, I am certain they would have asked for it before now," he said rather flatly.

"Now Data," Troi said. "I'm sure no one would mind if you—"

"Deanna," Data said, "I realize you are trying to help. But, while Drs. Tu'Pari, Anders and Kapoor may tolerate my presence here - even appreciate the role I have so far played in advancing their research - I have no wish to step on anyone's toes. Unless I am explicitly called upon to render assistance, I intend to mind my own business."

"In that case, I recommend you try some relaxation," Troi said. "Maybe activate your dream program for a few hours?"

"Perhaps I will," Data said. "But later. Right now, I feel…"

"Restless?" Troi suggested. "Angry?"

He sighed and raked his fingers through his hair.

"I think I will walk to the runabout," he said. "I wish to spend some time with Mikey. Before…"

Troi placed a hand on his shoulder and he leaned very slightly into her touch.

"Has your contact come to a conclusion about Ishta's status?" he asked.

She nodded, and his eyebrows shot up.

"Why didn't you say anything?" he asked.

"To tell you the truth, Data, I wasn't sure how," she said.

Data frowned.

"You mean they—"

"No, Data. Ishta can stay. The Department of Social Services has agreed to sponsor her as a 'vulnerable person'. But, they won't allow you to apply for guardianship," she said, looking him straight in the eye. "You can't adopt her. The restriction they set was very clear. An AI can serve a family as housekeeper, nanny, babysitter, or tutor. But machines cannot legally form or join a biological family unit, either by marriage or adoption. I'm sorry, Data."

Data blinked several times, his jaw working, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed...

"If you want to talk…" she offered.

"No."

He swallowed again, and shook his head.

"No, thank you, Counselor," he said. "I think…"

He rubbed his hands over his face, then turned away, toward the door.

"I should have… I thought…" he croaked, clearly struggling not to show he'd already passed the verge of tears. "I'm sorry, Counselor. I greatly appreciate all your efforts on Ishta's…and my…behalf. Please… Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning."

Troi watched the distraught android race from the room, out into the dark, windy night, and smiled. A few flicks of her eyes, and Freja Anders strode after him through the sliding doors…

To Be Continued...

References Include - TNG: The Wounded; Journey's End.

Reviews welcome! :D