The Light by Jeff D. Jacques Page B

that before they left this world, she’d be able to come down and do just that.
    â€œWhat about you, Fabian?” she asked. “Any thoughts?”
    Stevens glanced between Corsi and Hawkins to regard the old woman in the alcove. “I think she’s off her rocker.”
    Again with the jokes. Sonya’s mouth twitched at that, but she held back the smile. “M-hm, thank you for that insightful observation.”
    â€œNo, I’m serious,” Stevens said. “Hasn’t anyone noticed that thing she’s plugged into looks a lot like a Borg alcove? And look at her skin—she’s practically assimilated. Who knows how much her mind has been affected by being in there for so long. It could be controlling her for all we know.”
    â€œSo you think we should just ignore her and do whatever we want?” Corsi asked.
    â€œNo, of course not,” Stevens said. “But there has to be more to her than being the leader of these people. I mean, she’s gotta be hooked into that thing for a reason. Is she psychic? Is she tuned into the entire population, or, dare I say, her ‘collective’?”
    Gomez gave Stevens a wry look, then glanced at Corsi’s number two. “Hawkins?”
    The deputy chief shrugged. “I don’t think we’re in any danger here, Commander. The people seem to be docile and haven’t shown any indication that they mean us any harm. In fact, they seem to be going out of their way to make us feel welcome. The old woman is a little cranky, but I would be too in her place.”
    Gomez nodded. That was more or less her assessment as well. Turning to the last member of the away team, she asked, “Kim?”
    The young security guard simply stood at attention. “Awaiting your orders, Commander.”
    Spoken like a true soldier, Gomez thought wryly. Kim had joined the da Vinci six months ago, and had proven to be an able security guard. He obviously had less interest in making decisions than in following the orders of those who did. Gomez wondered if he was truly intrigued and hiding it behind duty or if he really was just doing his job.
    That’s a question for later. And so is this society, if it comes to that. They really needed to get back to their mission.
    â€œAll right, we’ll head back,” she said, then moved to stand before Sage again. “Your wisdom humbles us.” She bowed respectfully, then rejoined her friends. “Let’s go.”
    â€œHold!” Sage’s order stopped Gomez before she could take another step. The old woman was looking intently at the native guide, who had a distant look on her face that made it seem as though she was receiving orders that Gomez couldn’t hear.
    I guess that answers Fabian’s psychic question.
    Once Sage turned away and resumed her blank open-eyed “offline” position in the alcove, the native guide smiled at Gomez and gestured to herself by tapping her chest and pointing toward the entrance. “I show you home.” She nodded, her smile intensifying. “I show you city.”
    â€œI do believe she wants to take us on a tour,” Stevens said.
    Gomez thought this was pretty plain herself, but they didn’t really have the time. They had a mission to complete here, and they couldn’t afford to delay it by touring an underground city. Well, not all of them anyway.
    â€œUnfortunately, I can’t spare everyone to indulge,” she said. “Fabian, I want you and Pattie to return to the cube and get working on a way to eliminate our problem without creating another one down here.” She noticed P8 Blue’s antennae lower a bit at the news that she wouldn’t be on the tour, but hopefully once their mission was over they would all be able to set aside some time to explore. “Also please advise the captain on our status. I’m sure he’s itching for an update by now.”
    â€œYou got it,”