Chapter 5
When the Enterprise reached the border with the neutral zone, Picard ordered to stop the motors and to wait for something. He felt himself frustrated. La Forge was so sure that the microchip in the brain of B 4 was activated by a call of Data, but, in fact, they didn't have any proof. It could be a trick and they could be attacked without any Federal ship in the zone, because the Admiral Janeway feared that the Romulans could become aggressive if they see two battleships near to the border.
After 5 hours, they received a signal from a medical ship.
-"Captain, we have a call from a Romulan ship, but it is only a medical ship. Perhaps they need assistance."-
-"On the screen."- Picard ordered.
-"Good morning, Captain Picard. I am Captain Lars of the Atlantis. I recognized the Enterprise, you were very helpful when we had to combat against the Remans. How can I help you? Why are you so near to the borderline?"- Captain Lars asked in a perfect English. In fact, the Romulans studied accurately the languages of their neighbors, especially after the battle against Shinzon.
-"Good morning, captain Lars. We received a distress call from this area and we are searching for a little ship in trouble…"- Picard said, without mentioning the source of this information.
-"Very well, Captain, I assure to you that we are alone in this area. But I have aboard a special guest, who wants to speak with you, if you allow it." – Lars answered.
Picard was really surprised. Who could be the special guest of Lars? Perhaps…Data? He should in any case find out the truth.
-"Well, Captain, I will be very pleased to speak with your guest. We are friends of the Romulan empire."- Picard said, trying to smile.
Lars answered: -"Well, captain, I have the honor to present to you an old friend. But his look is changed with the time and he need medical assistance. I cannot give it to him, because I don't have the competence to perform this difficult task. He is, in fact, a citizen of your Federation, I am sure that your doctors are better than the mine in this matter. Good bye, Captain."- Lars concluded.
Picard was very anxious to see who was the sick.
-"Good morning, Captain."- Data said.
On the Enterprise there was a scream of joy. The officers recognized their friend.
-"Data? Are you really Data?"- Picard asked without believing to his own eyes.
-"Yes, Captain. I ask for the permission to come aboard, if you allow it."- Data said, apparently without any emotion.
-"Sure, Data, permission given."- Picard answered with a subtle voice. He needed to speak with this android in order to understand if he was the real Data or an imitation…La Forge would help him in this task…