Chapter Eight

AS NIGHT FELLin the ark, Valak’s search party returned to the arrival coordinates. They were the first ones back.

There was no sign of the groups led by Torak and Antor. They had found no sign of the first away team, either, and

Picard was worried. Valak, too, seemed concerned, but for other reasons.

 

“Kalad would not have simply wandered off exploring,” he said. “As soon as he discovered his communicator was not

functioning, he would have returned to the arrival coordinates. I am concerned that I cannot account for his

disappearance.”

 

“I am equally concerned about my own people,” said Picard.

 

“Are you?” said Valak. “Perhaps they encountered friends aboard this ark.”

 

“Youstill believe there may be Federation personnel aboard this ark?” said Picard. “We have seen no signs of life at

all.”

 

“This vessel is very large,” said Valak. “And it would take a long time to search it all.”

 

“If there were Federation personnel present here,” Picard said, “don’t you think they would have responded to your

presence by now?”

 

“Perhaps they are biding their time.” Valak tried to use his communicator again, but it still wasn’t functioning. He

swore. “If this interference is affecting communications, it may also affect the transmissions from the scanner probe

on the surface. Talar will be unable to get a fix on our position.”

 

“And a blind transporter beam sweep of our arrival coordinates may prove ineffective as well, so long as the

interference persists,” Picard said.

 

“You had best hope that it does not,” said Valak. Picard frowned. “Why?”

 

“I have given orders that the ark is to be destroyed if I do not return within a reasonable length of time,” said

Valak.

 

“Destroyed!” Picard said. “And what of my crew aboard theSyrinx and theEnterprise?”

 

“That will be Korak’s decision to make, as he is next in command,” Valak replied. “So for your own sake as well as

that of your crew you had best hope that thisinterference with our communications does not continue.”

 

“You suspect your signals are being purposely jammed?” Picard said.

 

“The possibility has occurred to me,” replied Valak. “I find it curious that we were initially able to communicate

with the away team without difficulty, and now all of a sudden our communications devices are inoperative. It is

possible that the interference may be the result of power fluctuations aboard this vessel, as you have suggested, but

there may also be another explanation.”

 

Before Picard could reply, there was a shout, and Antor’s team appeared, moving toward them quickly. “Something has

happened,” Valak said.

 

As Antor and his team came running up to them, Valak frowned, noting that some of them were missing.

 

“Commander,” Antor said breathlessly, “we have lost several of our warriors!”

 

“What do you mean, youlost them?” demanded Valak. “What happened?”

 

“We were searching the streets in the area assigned to us, and Dalok saw movement in the entryway to one of the

buildings. I sent him to investigate, along with Eivak, Istak, and Jalad. We saw them enter the building, and then,

moments later, the doorway disappeared!”

 

Valak frowned. “Itdisappeared? How?”

 

Antor shook his head. “I cannot explain it, Commander,” he said. “One moment there was an arched entryway leading

into the building. The next moment it simply was not there! The wall … moved.”

 

“Be more precise,” Valak said irritably. “What do you mean, it moved? You mean a panel of some sort came down to seal

the entrance?”

 

“No, Commander, I mean the wallmoved! It seemed toflow , to actually alter its shape until the archway disappeared.

The entrance rapidly grew smaller, the opening shrinking rapidly before our very eyes! I thought at first that I was

seeing things. Before we could react, it was no longer there. Where once there was an opening, there was now a solid

wall, as if there had never been an opening there to begin with. And our warriors were trapped inside.”

 

“And you simplyleft them there?”

 

“We fired our disruptors at the wall, Commander, but they had no effect.”

 

“Impossible,” said Valak.

 

“By the gods, Commander, I swear it!” Antor insisted. “All six of us fired our weapons at it, but the structure

sustained no visible damage!”

 

“How can a solid wall flow, and then remain impervious to disruptor fire?” said Valak.

 

“Perhaps the wall is composed of a structural material with molecular memory and the density to withstand such

damage,” said Picard.

 

“Molecular memory?” said Valak. “What is that?”

 

“Something that was first developed on Earth many years ago,” explained Picard. “The earliest examples entailed metal

alloys that were designed to return to a specific shape if heat was applied. However, on a much more advanced level,

molecular engineering could produce materials capable of being programmed for specific functions. It is something we

have only begun to develop.”

 

“Explain,” Valak demanded.

 

“The term for it is nanotechnology,’” said Picard. “In essence it involves the manufacture by molecular chemistry of

tiny machines that are smaller than living cells. The applications of such technology would be almost limitless.

Applied to medicine, for example, it could result in nanomachines capable of being injected into the bloodstream and

traveling to specific areas of the body to repair injuries and heal diseased tissue. Applied to structural

engineering, it could result in building materials that could reassemble themselves on a molecular level.”

 

“I have never heard of such a thing,” said Valak.

 

“Admittedly, it is supposition,” said Picard, “but in theory, it could explain what happened. None of the structures

we have seen so far have any visible entryways, except the one your warriors found, and they actually saw that

entrance seal itself, or so they claim. You asked how a solid wall could alter its shape. I merely offered one

possible explanation. Can you think of another?”

 

“All I can think of at the moment is that four of my warriors have been sealed inside a building, with no way out,”

said Valak tensely. “And now Torak is overdue.”

 

“Commander, look!” Antor said.

 

All around them, like islands in the street, were abstract sculptures surrounded by small trees and shrubs. Some of

the sculptures were tall, cylindrical, and spindly, like the undulating stalks of underwater plants; others were

blocky, hard-edged, and angular. They varied in height from four or five feet to eight or nine feet, and most were

arranged in clusters interspersed with plants. At first they had appeared to be artworks constructed of stone or

metal, but now several of the sculptures began to emit a soft glow while others remained dark, creating artful

shadowy effects in the sculpture gardens.

 

“Streetlights,” said Picard.

 

“So the forms are functional as well as decorative,” said Valak, in a tone that dismissed the matter as being of no

consequence. “I have rather more pressing concerns at the moment.”

 

“This may touch on one of your concerns,” Picard replied. “Note that the lights appear to be coming on only in our

immediate vicinity.”

 

Valak saw that he was right. Everywhere up and down the streets at the crossroads where they stood, similar sculpture

gardens were spaced out at regular intervals. However, they all remained dark. The “streetlights,” as Picard had

called them, had come on only in the area where they were.

 

“There may be sensors placed to react to our proximity, controlling the lights only in areas where they are needed,”

Picard continued. “We can test that easily enough by moving to a darker area and seeing if the lights come on.”

 

“And what if they do?” said Valak.

 

“If the lights are controlled by sensors designed to detect movement,” said Picard, “then there is also movement over

there.”

 

Valak’s gaze followed in the direction he was indicating. Picard was pointing almost straight up. Above them, in

another section of the ark, they could see similar dots of light.

 

“The missing away team?” Valak said.

 

“That seems unlikely,” said Picard. “We are standing in the area to which they were beamed down. Those lights are

nearly on the opposite side of the ark. The away team has only been missing for a matter of hours, surely not enough

time to travel that far on foot.”

 

“On a ship of this size, there must be some means of transport other than walking,” Valak said. “Perhaps they

discovered some sort of shuttle connecting the various points of the ark.”

 

“Perhaps,” Picard agreed. “However, as you have already pointed out, one has to wonder why they would have ventured

so far from their arrival point once they discovered that their communicators were not functioning.”

 

“So then thereis someone else aboard this vessel,” Valak said.

 

“I never discounted that possibility,” replied Picard. “I merely stated that there was no secret Federation base

here. And I expect by now, even though you seem reluctant to admit it, you have concluded that I was telling you the

truth.”

 

“Commander, someone is beaming down!” said Antor.

 

They all turned to see the shimmering images resolve themselves into another landing party from theSyrinx , headed by

the Romulan science officer.

 

“Talar!” said Valak.

 

“We were unable to raise you, Commander,” Talar said, as he approached with his party. “There was concern that

something might have gone wrong.”

 

“Our communicators are not functioning, due to some sort of interference,” Valak said. “But why have you beamed down

with a landing party? I left you in command aboard theSyrinx!”

 

“Lord Kazanak has assumed command in your absence,” Talar replied. “He directed me to lead this landing party.”

 

“Lord Kazanakhas assumed command?” Valak was clearly astonished.

 

“And who is Lord Kazanak?” Picard asked.

 

“The son of a member of our high council,” Valak replied, “and the designer of theSyrinx.”

 

“Indeed?” Picard said. “I have never met a member of the Romulan nobility. A pity you neglected to introduce us.”

 

“It was a pleasure Lord Kazanak chose to deny himself,” said Valak. “He is not fond of humans.”

 

“I see,” Picard said. “And he is now in command of your ship, with members of my crew aboard it. I take it he has the

authority to assume command?”

 

“He is the high council representative on this mission,” Valak replied, flatly. “That gives him the authority.”

 

“And you do not like it,” said Picard.

 

“What I like or do not like is no concern of yours!”

 

Picard smiled. “You most definitely do not like it.”

 

“Lord Kazanak acted unwisely,” Valak said grimly. “Now we have three away teams down here with no way to get in

contact with the ship.”

 

“I anticipated that possibility and suggested to Lord Kazanak a way to solve that problem,” Talar said. “In one

hour’s time the transporter will be activated once again, on a wide pattern aimed at the same coordinates. We may not

be able to effect communication and have theSyrinx properly lock on to our signal, but if we are standing in the

right place at the appropriate time, the transporter should be able to beam us up.”

 

“One hour may not be enough time,” said Valak. “Several of our warriors are missing, and we have found no trace of

the first away team.”

 

“Lord Kazanak feels the humans are expendable,” Talar said.

 

“Does he, indeed?” Picard said tensely. “What about your own chief of security? I suppose he is expendable as well?”

 

“I have no intention of abandoning one of my officers unless I am left with no other choice,” said Valak. “And if we

find Kalad, we shall probably find your people as well. Perhaps they became trapped inside one of these buildings, as

did my four warriors.”

 

“Trapped?” said Talar.

 

Valak quickly told him what Antor had reported. “And Torak has not yet returned with his squad,” he added. “We must

find them, and seek a way to free Dalok and the others.”

 

“I can send a party out to search for Torak,” said Talar, “but if disruptor fire has no effect on the walls of these

structures, how can we free the four who are trapped?”

 

“If there is a way to close a door, then there is a way to open it as well,” said Valak. “You are the science

officer, Talar, you tell me. Captain Picard thinks this flowing wall’ may be the result of something he calls

nanotechnology.”

 

“Molecular engineering?” Talar said.

 

“You know of it?” Valak seemed surprised.

 

“It is something our own scientists have been researching. We have heard the humans are pursuing it as well,” Talar

replied. “We have not had much success, but neither have the humans.”

 

“Well, whoever built this ark seems to have succeeded,” Valak replied dryly. “Go with Antor and find a way to open

that door. The rest of you, come with me. We shall search for Torak and the others.”

 

“Has it occurred to you that someone may havepurposely closed that door on your warriors?” asked Picard. “Antor said

that one of them saw movement in the entryway of that building. It may have been meant to lure them inside. Something

similar could have happened to Torak and his group.”

 

“That thought has already occurred to me,” said Valak. “And if that is what happened, the parties who are

responsible, whether they be Federation personnel or otherwise, will have cause to regret their actions.”

 

The door to Riker’s quarters opened and Korak entered without announcing himself, as if he owned the place. “Don’t

Romulans believe in knocking?” Riker asked him.

 

“Knocking?” the first officer said, in a puzzled tone. “What is … knocking?”

 

“Apparently not,” said Riker. “Never mind. It’s not important. What do you want, Korak? Are you looking for a

rematch?”

 

Korak sneered. “The next time we face each otherand you can be sure there will be a next time, I shall be ready for

your tricks.”

 

“Then I guess I’ll have to think up some new ones.”

 

“Joke all you like,” said Korak. “But you will not feel like joking when next we face each other.”

 

“I’m shaking in my boots,” said Riker. “Is there a point to this visit, or did you just come down here to scare me?”

 

“I merely thought you would be interested to know that there has still been no word from the first away team. And

since Commander Valak beamed down with your Captain Picard and another away team, there has been no word from them,

either. I have just been informed that a third away team has beamed down from theSyrinx , and contact with them has

been lost as well.”

 

“It sounds as if you can’t keep track of your people,” Riker said lightly. Inwardly he felt concerned, but he’d be

damned if he’d allow the Romulan to see it.

 

“In Commander Valak’s absence, Lord Kazanak has assumed command of theSyrinx,” Korak continued, ignoring Riker’s dig.

 

“Lord Kazanak?”

 

“He is the designer of theSyrinx,” Korak replied, “but what is more significant, he is the son of a member of the

Romulan High Council. He has informed me that if Commander Valak fails to return, I will be in command of theSyrinx

and of the human prisoners. In that event I will claim theEnterprise as a prize of war.”

 

“I wasn’t aware that we were officially at war with the Romulan Empire,” Riker said dryly.

 

“With more warbirds like theSyrinx , we soon shall be,” Korak said, “and your starships will not stand a chance

against us. The Federation will be utterly destroyed.”

 

“It seems to me I’ve heard that kind of talk before,” said Riker. “Notice we’re still here.”

 

“Yes, and notice your current predicament,” Korak countered. “Commander Valak wanted to return to Romulus with the

crew of theEnterprise as his prisoners, but Lord Kazanak does not much care what happens to you, one way or the

other.”

 

“I see,” said Riker. “So if anything happens to Valak,you get to decide what to do about us.”

 

“Precisely.” Korak smiled maliciously. “I shall leave my intentions to your imagination while you remain here to

brood on the fate of your crew. But I can promise you one thing, William Riker. We shall have our rematch. I intend

to let you live at least long enough for that.”

 

Riker’s gaze bored into Korak’s back like a laser as the Romulan turned and left his quarters. The muscles in his jaw

bunched as he gritted his teeth. The door slid shut with a soft hiss, and Riker realized that he was gripping the

edge of his desk so hard that his knuckles were cracking. He let go of the desk with an effort and retrieved the

altered frequency communicator he had tucked beneath him a split second before Korak entered the room.

 

“Geordi?”

 

“I’m still here,” the chief engineer replied. “What happened?”

 

“Our buddy Korak just paid me a call,” Riker said tensely. He exhaled heavily. “That was close. He almost caught me

talking to you.”

 

“What did he want?”

 

Quickly Riker recapped the conversation. “It looks as if we’ve got our work cut out for us,” he said when he had

finished.

 

“And not a lot of time to do it in,” La Forge replied.

 

“The trouble is, there’s nothing I can do locked up and under guard in here,” said Riker. “I humiliated Korak in

front of his men, and he’s confined me to my quarters so my presence won’t cause him continued embarrassment. The

bastard wants me to sit here and squirm over what he plans to do to us if he gets the chance. Have you been able to

make any progress?”

 

“I’ve spoken with four of my crewmen in engineering so far,” La Forge said, “but it’s not easy with those Romulans

watching practically every move I make.” The frustration was evident in his voice.

 

“Well, counting us, that makes six so far,” said Riker. “If we could get around a dozen, we might have a shot at it.

A long shot, maybe, but at least a shot.”

 

“I’m doing the best I can under the circumstances,” said La Forge. “That Atalan keeps us on pretty tight rein.”

 

“I know you’re doing your best, Geordi,” Riker replied. “But we haven’t got much time left. If we’re going to make

our move, we’ve got to do it soon. Korak’s got himself a bad case of ambition.”

 

“That sounds like the least of our worries,” Geordi replied. “We’re going to have to space walk to theIndependence

without anyone noticing, find some phasers, come back, and charge them somehow, then seize control of theEnterprise

while the Romulans are still holding part of our crew hostage on the warbird. And then we’ve got to figure out how to

get the captain and the others back. Talk about long shots! There’s about a million ways this whole thing could go

wrong.”

 

“It went wrong when we let the Romulans take us by surprise and seize our ship,” said Riker. “That’s about as wrong

as it gets. Now we’ve got to make it right, and we don’t have a lot of options.”

 

“I hear that,” said La Forge with an air of resignation. “Can you give me one more day?”

 

“I don’t know if we’vegot one more day,” Riker replied.

 

“Then I guess I go back to crawling through the ventilation ducts and the Jefferies tubes again,” said La Forge

wearily. “That’s the only way I’ll be able to get to any of the others tonight.”

 

“Do what you can, Geordi,” Riker said.

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

“And Geordi? Don’t get caught… . Riker out.”

 

Data stood watch in the garden atrium while the others slept. They had removed their suits, for there seemed to be no

risk in breathing the ark’s air, and the tanks had run out after three hours, anyway. Troi and Dr. Crusher had

stretched out on the benches, and Ro slept on the ground. It was not completely dark. In the center of the atrium

several of the curiously shaped sculptures were glowing softly. Others were casting long, strange shadows in the

ethereal light.

 

There had been a moment of consternation when the sculptures began to glow, but they soon realized that they were

designed for illumination as well as for aesthetic reasons, and Data had suggested that they were probably controlled

by motion sensors concealed somewhere nearby, perhaps built into the sculptures themselves. They did not flood the

atrium with light, but instead gave off a gentle illumination. “Night-lights,” Dr. Crusher had called them.

 

Data occupied his time with analyzing everything that they had seen and experienced so far, searching for a way out

of the building they were trapped in. They had found a way in, so it seemed logical that there should also be a way

out. They had found no other doors anywhere and no means of access to any of the upper levels. There had to be

doorways and lifts or stairwayssome way of gaining access to the upper levels of the buildingbut they seemed to be

concealed. Data could not see how concealment would serve any useful purpose. The ark had clearly been designed as a

multigenerational starship, its primary purpose to house its crewor rather its inhabitantsand to convey them to

their destination. The builders of the ark had taken pains to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing

environment for those who came here, so why would they have constructed doorways that were difficult to find?

 

The obvious answer was that for those who had inhabited this ark, the doorways werenot difficult to find, any more

than the doors aboard theEnterprise were difficult for the members of its crew to find.

 

At first Data had thought, as had the others, that the archway through which they had entered had sealed itself

automatically, either as part of some periodic program, the purpose of which was not readily apparent, or because

their entrance had triggered some sort of sensor. Now, however, with the inexplicable disappearance of Kalad, another

answer had suggested itself: someone or something had sealed them in on purpose.

 

Without accurate tricorder readings, they could not disallow the possibility that they were not alone aboard the ark.

And then there was the fact that Deanna Troi felt that they were being watched. Data was not capable of intuition,

but he knew Counselor Troi relied on it and was usually accurate. He assessed the possibilities. Kalad had either

found a way out of the building or had stumbled through another portal and been sealed in behind it. He might have

triggered some sort of automated defense mechanism, but if that was so, they should have done the same thing earlier

when they were all wandering around inside the building. If there was someone aboard the ark with them, then perhaps

the Romulan had been captured or even killed. Without more information, it was difficult to tell which possibility

was more likely.

 

There were other problems as well. They were unable to communicate with anyone. And they were all unarmed, because

Valak had not trusted them with active phasers. Data stood guard while the others slept, but he was not sure that he

could actually protect them. Kalad had carried a disruptor, and it apparently had not done him any good. At a time

like this, thought Data, a human would be worried, perhaps even frightened. He was incapable of such emotions, though

he understood them, more or less. The others did not seem frightened, but Data knew that humans often concealed their

fear. They did, however, seem very worried. Even as tired as they were, it had been difficult for them to get to

sleep. They had talked among themselves for a long time before they finally drifted off one by one. I am now

responsbile for their welfare, Data thought. For their safety. How best can I ensure it?

 

He moved slowly around the atrium, pacing softly back and forth so as not to disturb the others. He had observed that

Captain Picard often paced while he thought. He seemed to find it helpful. Knowing that the others were asleep and

could not see him, Data imitated Captain Picard’s pacing, walking back and forth with a purposeful, measured tread,

his head down, his hands clasped behind his back. Perhaps this pacing helped Captain Picard think better, but it did

not seem to be doing much for him. He continued to walk steadily back and forth, his footsteps making soft sounds on

the smooth surface of the atrium. And then he heard another footstep just after his own. He stopped suddenly and

turned around.

 

Everything was quiet. He peered intently into the shadows, but he could see nothing. All he heard was the sound of

Dr. Crusher breathing evenly as she slept. He took a tentative step. And then another. And another. And then he

raised his foot, but did not put it down.

 

But there was the unmistakable sound of a footstep.

 

“Is someone there?” he said.

 

There was no answer. But then, there was no reason to believe the occupants of the ark could understand English. Ro

stirred. Data moved closer to the others. Now he heard several footsteps.

 

“Ro,” he said.

 

“What?” she said, coming awake. “What is it?”

 

“I think we are about to have visitors.”

 

She was on her feet in an instant, instinctively reaching for her phaser. As she recalled that Valak had given them

inactive weapons, she swore. “Deanna! Beverly! Wake up!”

 

The other two women came awake quickly, long accustomed by service in Starfleet to come alert immediately to deal

with any emergency that might arise.

 

“What is it?” Dr. Crusher asked.

 

“Data says somebody’s coming.”

 

Even as she spoke, a hooded, black-robed figure stepped out of the shadows at the far end of the atrium. There were

sounds of movement, and several more robed figures stepped out on either side of him.

 

“I think it would be prudent to indicate that we are not hostile,” said Data.

 

He slowly raised his hands. The others did likewise.

 

The hooded figures came closer. And then one of them spoke in English. “Who are you?”

 

“We are from the Federation starshipEnterprise,” said Dr. Crusher. “We mean you no harm.”

 

Troi’s eyes grew wide. “They are human!” she said, picking up on that fact with her Betazoid sensitivity.

 

The man who spoke pulled back his hood. “Yes, we are human. We are the crew of the Federation starshipIndependence.”

 

The man approached them, followed by the others, who also pulled back their hoods. Some of them looked to be in their

fifties and sixties, while others seemed much older, including the man who had spoken. And some were only in their

teens and twenties.

 

“TheIndependence was reported destroyed over thirty years ago,” said Ro. “We found it here, in orbit, a dead hulk.”

 

“Indeed,” the old man said. “And we have been here ever since.”

 

“You certainly appear old enough,” said Troi, “but some of these other people are scarcely twenty years old.”

 

“Our childrenand grandchildren,” the old man said. “They have grown up here. They have never known any other

existence. I am Commander Morgan Llewellyn, first officer of theIndependence and leader of this colony.”

 

The stunnedEnterprise crew members introduced themselves, then Llewellyn indicated the man on his right, who was also

very old. “This is Lieutenant Commander Giorgi Vishinski, our ship’s doctor. Lieutenant Charmayne Jamal, our weapons

and chief security officer.” He gestured toward an African-American woman. “Lieutenant Commander Sven Nordqvist, our

chief engineer.” A white-haired man smiled a greeting. “And Lieutenant Kiri Nakamura, our science officer.” A slight

Asian woman gave them a curt nod.

 

“That is all that remains of our bridge crew,” said Llewellyn. “Captain Wiley and Lieutenant Commander Glener

attempted to escape in a shuttle with two other crewmen, Chief Connors and Ensign Morris. We have no idea what became

of them.”

 

“Apparently the shuttlecraft was discovered drifting in space, with everyone aboard it dead,” said Troi. “But that

was over three decades ago and there is no official documentation of the incident. The record was either lost or

classified along with all other information concerning Hermeticus Two.”

 

“Hermeticus Two?” Llewellyn said with a puzzled frown.

 

“That is the official designation given to this planet,” Data explained. “That is, it was assumed to be a planet,

though quite obviously it is not. We have a great many questions to ask you, Commander.”

 

Llewellyn frowned. “Whatare you, a robot?”

 

“The correct term is android,’ sir,” Data replied.

 

“Amazing,” said Llewellyn. “The Federation seems to have made great strides.”

 

“You should know that there is a Romulan warbird here in addition to our own ship,” said Troi. “The situation is very

complicated and dangerous. The Romulans are in control of both vessels.”

 

“We know,” Llewellyn said simply. “Is the Federation currently at war with the Romulan Empire?”

 

“Strictly speaking, no, sir,” Data replied. “However, Romulans feel that our uneasy truce has been violated by the

presence of your vessel in the Neutral Zone.”

 

“The Romulans have seized theEnterprise,” said Dr. Crusher, “and they are holding members of our crew hostage aboard

their warbird. Their mission was to investigate Hermeticus Two. They seem to believe there is a secret Federation

base here.”

 

Llewellyn nodded. “I understand. It sounds as if, with regard to the Romulans at least, nothing much has changed. It

would seem that we have much to discuss. However, I think you may prefer to do that in more comfortable

surroundings.”

 

“Commander,” Data said, “there was a Romulan officer with us who has apparently disap”

 

“Yes, I know,” said Llewellyn, interrupting him. “Do not trouble yourself about him. All your questions will be

answered, I assure you. Now if you will come with me, please …”

 

He led them toward the back wall of the atrium. As he approached it, the wall began to flow, as if it had turned to

liquid, and in an instant an archway appeared where there had been a solid wall.

 

“That’s amazing,” said Dr. Crusher. “How did youdo that?”

 

Llewellyn smiled. “I recall my own astonishment when I discovered this for the first time,” he said. “That was a very

long time ago. Now I take it for granted. You will find much here to astonish you, Dr. Crusher. The level of

technology is far superior to our own.”

 

“But … how did you open the wall?” asked Troi.

 

“I willed it open, Counselor,” said Llewellyn.

 

“You mean … it is controlled bythought?”

 

“In a manner of speaking,” Llewellyn replied as they walked through the archway and into another corridor. “I do not

pretend to know exactly how it works. Most people can learn how to use computers, for example, but knowing how to use

one and having the knowledge to write sophisticated programs are two rather different things. The builders of this

incredible vessel achieved a level of engineering that is beyond our understanding. To follow the computer analogy,

they somehow learned how to program at the molecular level.”

 

“Nanotechnology,” said Data.

 

“Exactly,” said Llewellyn. “They developed a means of structuring matter so that it was capable of reassembling

itself on the molecular level. In our time, nanotechnology was only in the realm of theory. Have we since passed

beyond that point?”

 

“Science has made considerable progress in protein engineering and microcircuitry,” Data said, “but true

nanotechnology is still in the theoretical realm.”

 

“Well, the builders of this ship have taken it far beyond the theoretical realm,” Llewellyn said, “as you have just

seen. In fact, in my dayyou would have been in the theoretical realm, Mr. Data, yet now here I am, conversing with an

android as calmly as you please. You see, I have learned something in the years I’ve spent here, or perhaps I should

say I have remembered it. In childhood we all believe that anything is possible, although probability is another

matter. That archway we just passed through, for examplenanotechnology controlled by thought, but a rather specific

kind of thought. It is not enough merely to think that you want the door to open. You have to knowhow to think it.”

 

“You mean as in a specific command?” asked Dr. Crusher.

 

“Partly,” replied Llewellyn, “but it is also a matter of how you direct your mental energy. This begins to enter the

realm of parapsychology. You are familiar with the concept of telekinesis?”

 

“Moving objects by thought energy?” said Troi.

 

“Just so. We have discovered that the machinery of this vessel works on roughly similar principles. I did not

actually open the wall with my mind, although in a sense I did. The procedure involves what I call telepathic

sensors. The trick is to train your mind to generate a particular type of mental energythe same type of faculty, I

suppose, unconsciously developed by psychics and clairvoyants and people who possess other paranormal abilities.”

 

“How did you learn to do this?” Troi asked.

 

“All in good time, Counselor Troi. All in good time. I cannot condense thirty years’ worth of experience and study

into a simple explanation.”

 

“You appear to be in excellent healthincredible health, considering that some of you must be over a hundred years

old,” Ro said. “Your colony seems to have thrived, and your offspring have developed normally. How did you survive

here all these years? And why did you abandon theIndependence?”

 

“Excellent questions,” said Llewellyn. “And you will receive your answers, I promise you. We are as eager to askyou

questions as you are to find out about us. However, as I have already explained, it will take time, and for the

moment we need to concern ourselves with more immediate problems. This way …”

 

He turned toward another archway, through which they saw a mazelike corridor stretching out into the distance, but

when he walked through it, he disappeared completely.

 

The crew members of theEnterprise, except for Data, stared open-mouthed. There had been no transporterlike shimmering

image, no discharge of energy of any sort. It was like the old story of stepping through the looking glass, except

that there was no glass or mirrored surface, merely an open archway much like those they had seen while wandering

through the building.

 

“There’s no cause for alarm,” said Dr. Vishinski. “This is merely a form of transporter. It is considerably more

sophisticated than the ones you are accustomed to, but its function is the essentially the same. Please step

through.”

 

Data was the first to step through the archway, and like Llewellyn, he disappeared from sight. Troi and Dr. Crusher

exchanged glances; then they, too, stepped through. Ro hesitated.

 

“Please,” said Vishinski. “It is safe, I assure you.”

 

She thought to herself, How do I know I can accept your assurances? How do I even know you are who you claim to be?

However, the others had already gone through, and there was nothing to do but follow. She still had her suspicions

about these people, whom the others had apparently accepted at face value, but now was not the time to reveal them.

She and her colleagues were unarmed and outnumbered, and they were in a completely alien environment, most of which

was still a mystery to them. The answers, whatever they were, lay on the other side of that curious portal.

 

Ro took a deep breath and stepped through it.