Blaze Of Glory Part 5

"I have never fully understood it," Data continued as they walked, "but many humans seem to have a desire for what they call adventure, the threat of danger coupled with the challenge of the unknown, which seems to appeal to the human compet.i.tive instinct. Many sporting activities that humans engage in incorporate these elements, but then piracy would certainly not qualify as a sporting activity. It seems quite puzzling."

"Why wouldn't it qualify?" she asked.

Data c.o.c.ked his head and frowned slightly, to indicate confusion. "Because it is a criminal activity," he said. "That is not the same thing."

"You might find it helpful to consult your programming on the subject of aberrant human psychology, Mr. Data," Dorn replied, as they reached the turbolift and stepped inside. "Deck 6," she said. "To certain types of so-called abnormal personalities, criminal activity often takes on the aspect of a compet.i.tive sport. The challenge is committing the crime and getting away with it, because it entails not only the risk-or adventure, if you will-involved in the commission of the crime itself, but compet.i.tion with the authorities, who represent the laws of society. Such people see themselves as being above the law, or outside it."

"I see," said Data. "You are referring to the sociopathic personality."

"That would be one example," Dorn said, "but there are others, less extreme, such as those who are socially maladjusted and resentful, or who consider themselves somehow superior to most members of society."

"You mean the megalomaniac personality," said Data.

"Precisely," Dorn replied.

"And in which category do you feel Captain Blaze belongs?"

The turbolift reached Deck 6 and they stepped out into the corridor.

"To the latter one, I should think," Dorn said. "At least, based on what I've learned of him so far. His ego is certainly a large one."

"I see," said Data. "Then you believe his attack on the Enterprise was motivated by his compet.i.tive instinct, coupled with his belief in his own superiority?"

"That would be my guess," she said, as they reached the door to her quarters.

"I should let you change," said Data. "Perhaps we can continue this discussion at another time. I find it very enlightening."

"So do I," Dorn said, with a smile. "Why don't you come in? We can talk some more while I change."

"I would not wish to intrude upon your privacy," said Data.

"You're not intruding," she replied. "Come on in." As he came in behind her and the door closed, she smiled and chuckled. "After all, I think I can trust you, right?"

"To do what?" asked Data.

"To, um, behave like a gentleman," she said, as she started to remove her wet uniform.

"Ah," said Data. "If I understand correctly, you are making what is known as a veiled reference in a s.e.xual context."

Dorn tossed her uniform blouse on the bed and started to remove her unders.h.i.+rt. "Your programming covers that, does it?"

"I have extensive programmed knowledge of the mechanics of human s.e.xual behavior," Data said. "And I am designed to be fully functional in that regard."

Dorn paused in the act of pulling off her unders.h.i.+rt. "You are?"

"Yes. Completely."

"You mean ... that is ... have you ever actually ... uh ... you know."

"Engaged in s.e.xual activity? Yes, indeed," said Data.

Lieutenant Dorn pulled her unders.h.i.+rt back down. "You have?"

"I found it very interesting," said Data, "but as I am not capable of feelings, I believe that I did not extract the maximum benefit from the experience."

"Oh," Lieutenant Dorn said, somewhat a loss for words.

At that moment, there was a signal on Data's communicator. "Picard to Data."

"Data here, sir."

"Have you seen Lieutenant Dorn, Mr. Data?"

"Yes, sir. I am presently with the lieutenant in her quarters. She is currently removing her uniform."

"I beg your pardon?" said Picard.

Lieutenant Dorn covered her eyes with one hand and said, "Oh, boy."

"Have I said something wrong?" asked Data, with concern.

"Lieutenant Dorn here, Captain," she said, quickly. "I was with Commander Data on the holodeck and there was a slight mishap with some water. My uniform got soaked and I needed a dry change of clothing."

"Ah. I see," said Picard, sounding somewhat relieved. "Well, I would appreciate your presence in the starbase main briefing room as soon as you have changed, Lieutenant."

"I'll be right there, sir."

"Very well. Picard out."

She glanced at Data. "Perhaps it would be better if I changed in private, Mr. Data."

"Certainly. As you wish."

The door closed behind him. She sighed and shook her head, then quickly finished changing, dried her hair off, and hurried to the starbase briefing room.

The others were engaged in a discussion when she arrived, and she noticed that they were consulting maps and background files projected on the briefing room viewscreen.

"Ah, Lieutenant," said Picard, when she came in, "good of you to come so soon. I trust your mishap on the holodeck was not serious?"

"No, sir. I was merely soaked."

"What exactly happened?" asked Picard, curiously.

She quickly told them about Data's pirate simulation program.

Picard smiled. "I've always found it prudent to signal Mr. Data first before entering the holodeck while he's engaged in one of his programmed simulations," he said. "With Mr. Data, you never know what you're liable to be walking into."

"It certainly was interesting," Lieutenant Dorn said. "It really did look quite authentic. I felt as if I were surrounded by genuine pirates."

"Funny you should say that, Lieutenant," Riker replied. "How would you like to try it for real?"

She looked at him with a puzzled frown. "Sir?"

"Lieutenant Dorn," Picard said, "during your intelligence-gathering activities, have you ever actually spent any time on the surface of D'rahl?"

"No, sir, I have not. As senior base security officer, I had additional responsibilities aboard the starbase."

"So then how did you gather your intelligence?" Picard asked.

"I had dispatched some of my security personnel to gather intelligence in the field, sir. With rather limited success, I might add. Additionally, I consulted all available data banks, both here aboard the starbase and on Artemis VI, and I a.s.signed several of my staff to interview officers aboard civilian merchant vessels that had been attacked by freebooters, as well as those who had spent any time on the surface of D'rahl."

"I see," Picard said. "In other words, there would be no one on the surface of D'rahl who knew you by sight? Think carefully, Lieutenant."

She shook her head. "No, sir. I have never been down on the surface. Of D'rahl, that is. I attended a formal reception on N'trahn once, and I have been down to Artemis VI, but otherwise I have confined my activities to the starbase."

"What about communications?" asked Picard. "Have you ever communicated by viewscreen with anyone on the surface of D'rahl? Again, Lieutenant, think very carefully."

She paused a moment, thinking. "No, sir." Suddenly, she realized what he was getting at. "Captain, am I to understand that I am being considered for some sort of undercover, intelligence-gathering a.s.signment on D'rahl?"

"'Considered' is the operative word, Lieutenant," said Picard. "I have discussed it with Captain Gruzinov and my senior officers, and we all agree that this a.s.signment should be strictly voluntary. It could entail some personal risk, so no one would hold it against you if you should -"

"I accept, sir."

Picard raised his eyebrows. "You have not yet heard the details of the a.s.signment."

"It makes no difference, Captain," she said. "If my qualifications make me the logical candidate, then I accept. What would you like me to do, sir?"

"You are quite certain that no one knows you on D'rahl?"

"Quite certain, sir."

"Good," Picard said. He snapped his fingers.

"Wait ... what about that reception you attended on N'trahn? Was there anyone from D'rahl in attendance? Governor T'grayn, perhaps?"

"Governor T'grayn was in attendance, sir, but we were never introduced. Lowly security officers do not get to meet colonial governors. We never spoke and I only saw him from a distance, sir. I am quite sure my face would mean nothing to him."

"Excellent," Picard said. "What do you think, Number One?"

"She knows a great deal more about the K'trall than any of us do, sir," Riker replied. "My only reservation was that she might be recognized."

"Lieutenant," said Picard, "I would like you to take part in an undercover a.s.signment on D'rahl. You will be working with Commander Riker and Lieutenant Commander La Forge. Your mission will be to pa.s.s yourselves off as freelance merchant s.p.a.cers in search of crew positions on a new s.h.i.+p. We shall take some pains to give you a somewhat disreputable background."

"I can a.s.sist with that, sir," Dorn said. "I could easily arrange for one of the outbound merchant captains who's been hit by Blaze to back us up on that one. We could make it look as if we've been discharged for dereliction of duty, or something even more serious, if necessary."

"Good," Picard said. "Make it so. And we will prepare fake dossiers and papers to back up the deception. Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Worf, and Counselor Troi will beam down to D'rahl as an official landing party charged with conducting an investigation. They will touch base with the local authorities and remind them that we have Overlord J'drahn's support for our efforts in this regard. However, while they will be actively conducting an investigation in cooperation with local authorities, they will also be functioning to distract attention from Commander Riker's team, which will be working independently.

"While we are in orbit over D'rahl," Picard continued, "we will conduct detailed sensor scans of the planet surface and the surrounding area. Blaze cannot land his s.h.i.+p, so he must be keeping it concealed somewhere in this sector. If he is cloaked, and in orbit with his main engines disengaged, our sensors will be unable to detect him. But he must be resupplying from somewhere on the planet. We shall try to find his base from orbit, if possible. In the meantime, we shall have two teams conducting a search on the planet surface, one openly, one undercover. That way, if the local authorities attempt to hinder one team's investigation, the other will be able to proceed unimpeded."

"I understand, sir," Lieutenant Dorn said. "And if I may say so, sir, it sounds like an excellent plan of operation."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Let us hope the execution is equally excellent," said Picard. "I would like you to start working with Commander Riker immediately to prepare your cover ident.i.ties. As soon as Lieutenant Commander La Forge is satisfied that the repairs are proceeding accordingly, I will a.s.sign Mr. Data to relieve him and he will join you."

"May I ask a question, sir?"

"Ask, Lieutenant."

"Why Mr. La Forge, sir? With all due respect to Lieutenant Commander La Forge, surely a security officer would be better qualified for such an a.s.signment than an engineer."

"Under ordinary circ.u.mstances, Lieutenant, I would agree with you," Picard said. "But this is a rather extraordinary situation. We need to find out exactly what sort of drives are powering the Glory. And if they are Romulan drives, as seems to be the case, we need to know how they were modified. Mr. La Forge would be the most qualified officer aboard the Enterprise to ascertain those facts. Engineers talk to other engineers, and with a s.h.i.+p as unusual as the Glory, surely someone must have heard something. D'rahl is a liberty port, and I want your team to mingle as much as possible. Particularly among the more disreputable merchant s.p.a.cers. Blaze has to recruit his crews from somewhere. Freelance s.p.a.cers are a rough-and-tumble lot. They might hesitate to speak with Starfleet personnel, but not with other freelance s.p.a.cers."

"I understand, sir," Lieutenant Dorn said. "And I appreciate your confidence in my abilities."

"Thank your commanding officer," Picard said. "Captain Gruzinov speaks very highly of you. That's good enough for me. Very well, this briefing is dismissed. Let's get to work."

Chapter Three.

GOVERNOR T'GRAYN RECEIVED THEM in the rotunda of the State Palace in the capital city of K'trin. As Picard and the other members of the landing party crossed the wide, circular meeting hall, T'grayn waddled out to meet them, accompanied by his entourage. Waddled was the only word to describe the way he walked, Picard thought. The governor was immense, and in his loose-fitting white robes, he looked like a tent coming toward them.

"Ah, Captain Picard!" he said, holding out his hands as he approached. "It is an honor, sir, truly an honor! Allow me to welcome you and your ill.u.s.trious party to our fair city!"

"Thank you, Governor," Picard said. "I appreciate your seeing us on such short notice."

"Short notice? Short notice? Why, everyone in the Empire is aware by now that a Federation stars.h.i.+p has arrived! News travels fast, even here in the colonies. We have completely modern communications, you know. Yes, yes, we knew of your arrival, but we scarcely expected to be honored by a formal visit! May I offer you and your party some refreshment, Captain?" He clapped his chubby hands, and a member of his entourage came forth with a tray holding what appeared to be some sort of globule-shaped fruit.

"No, thank you, Governor," Picard said. "May I have the honor to present my officers? Lieutenant Worf, chief of security, and s.h.i.+p's counselor Deanna Troi."

"Such a distinguished retinue!" T'grayn said, barely glancing at them. "You are sure I cannot tempt you? These really are delicious." He picked one of the globules up between a thumb and forefinger and popped it in his mouth. Purple juice dribbled down his chin as he bit into it, and instantly, a member of his entourage stepped up with a cloth to wipe his face before he could dribble on his robes. Worf grimaced with distaste at the sight. "Oh, and at the absolute peak of ripeness!" said T'grayn, his face transported with ecstasy. "Really, Captain, you should try just one!"

"Thank you, Governor, perhaps another time," Picard said.

"Pity, pity," said T'grayn, with an elaborate shrug. "You really don't know what you're missing. Ah, well, I shall not press you. Not everyone's tastes are the same. Come, come," he said, beckoning as he turned, "we shall talk out in the garden. It is such a pleasant day. And the talla vines are in full bloom. A spectacular display, truly spectacular. And, ah, the scent of them! It surpa.s.ses description!"

"This is the governor of this entire planet?" said Worf, with disbelief, as they followed T'grayn and his retinue out into the garden. "He cannot even govern his own appet.i.te!"

"Softly, Mr. Worf," said Picard. "We do not need to antagonize him. We merely need to secure his official cooperation, whether he follows through on it or not."

Worf growled softly, but said nothing, clearly disgusted.

The garden was, indeed, spectacular. They walked out through an archway onto a path of glazed, hand-laid brick that wound through several acres of lushly planted foliage. It was a gigantic greenhouse, covered by a clear dome, and the temperature inside was hot and oppressive. Fronds more than six feet across draped over the pathway, providing some shade, and flowers with huge, sickly-sweet-smelling blooms proliferated everywhere. Worf wrinkled his nose at the smell. They followed the governor and his entourage down the path to a circular plaza with a fountain that had carved stone benches placed around it. T'grayn chose a bench and sat with a contented sigh, fanning himself slightly with a chubby, beringed hand. Immediately, two attendants with large, feathered fans on poles materialized and began fanning him gently.

"Ah," T'grayn sighed, with contentment. "Now isn't that much better? My garden is my pride and joy, you know. I personally picked out all the plants myself. It is always so deliciously fragrant here." Someone appeared at his side with another tray, containing what looked like a pile of small crystals. T'grayn took several and popped them in his mouth. He closed his eyes and sighed again. "Do at least try one of these, Captain," he said. "They are called kanna crystals. They dissolve slowly in your mouth and fill you with a wonderful, cool, tingling sensation. Too many and one can get quite intoxicated, you know, but the sensation is delightful."