XXIV.

CALHOUN AND SHELBY were escorting Picard and Riker to the transporter room. “Sela’s already been beamed aboard the Enterprise, as per your request, Captain,” said Calhoun. “I’m afraid there’s been no change in her condition.”

“I’m hoping that Starfleet will be able to give her the help she needs,” Picard said. “Perhaps even leave her better than when she started. No matter what it is that she’s become…she remains the daughter of an old, dear friend. If there’s any way to salvage the influence of the good person that Tasha Yar was, then we have to take it.”

“Looking for the best in people. It’s comforting to know that some things about you don’t change, Captain,” Calhoun said.

“It is equally comforting, Captain, to know that some things about you do change,” Picard replied with a carefully neutral expression, which drew a wary grin from Calhoun. Picard continued, “Number One…how went your temporary assignment to the Excalibur?”

“Good question,” seconded Calhoun. “Commander Shelby, did you two get on with each other? Or were there any problems I should know about?”

Shelby and Riker cast a glance at each other, and then Shelby said, “Actually…it went about as expected.”

“It was a learning experience…for all concerned,” Riker added.

“It would appear, Captain Calhoun,” Picard said, “that the crew here is beginning to imitate your rather enigmatic way of expressing yourself. Perhaps you—”

He stopped in his tracks.

A dark haired woman was approaching him. And she looked like…but…it couldn’t possibly be…

“Leaving, Commander? I hope you enjoyed your stay. Well, have to rush. Good day to you,” said Morgan Lefler as she breezed past.

Picard gaped after her, then looked back to Riker. “What was…was that…how?”

“Captain,” Riker said in a firm but understanding voice, “I’ve learned that around this ship…it’s best not to ask too many questions.”

“Is it finished yet?”

Burgoyne lay on the examination bed in sickbay while Doctor Selar studied the readouts. “Almost, Burgoyne. But let me see if I understand this. Medical scans and similar procedures are privileged information…but you want me to post this scan publicly? To everyone on the ship?”

“Yes. That’s correct,” Burgoyne confirmed. “I’m tired of everyone congratulating me on my pregnancy. It’s gotten very old, very quickly. And some of them even think I’m being coy when I deny it. So if I just publicize it in one shot, with the scan confirming that I’m not pregnant, that should put an end to it.”

“That sounds like a commendable plan. I wish I could oblige.”

“But Selar, I told you, I’m waiving the confidentiality—”

“It is not a matter of that. But if you wish to circulate this scan as proof of what you are claiming, that is not going to be possible.”

“What?” Burgoyne was completely confused. “What are you talking about?”

“You are pregnant.”

“What?” The blood drained from Burgoyne’s face. “But…but I can’t be…”

“You are. Look for yourself.”

Burgoyne took one look at the readout and fainted dead away.

Selar stood there and regarded hir with very mild amusement. And then McHenry emerged from hiding nearby and grinned down at the unconscious Hermat. “Well, well, Burgy. You told me you were pregnant, except you really weren’t…and I passed out…and you teased me about it. So now, with the good doctor’s help here, you get told you’re pregnant, except you’re really not…but you handled the unexpected fake news as well as I did. For some reason, I find that very comforting. Don’t you think that’s comforting?”

“I think you are all insane, and I think I am just as insane for cooperating,” sniffed Selar. And she turned away to hide the slight smile that she couldn’t quite repress.