TITLE: Remote Duty Protocols AUTHOR: MikeJaffa SYNOPSIS: Answer to Trek BBS “Wet and Wild” Challenge: Geordi tests the uses of the Remote Duty Protocols…and the limits of Picard’s patience. AUTHOR’S NOTE: Inspired by a line B’Etor had in Star Trek: Generations DISCLIAMER: CBS/Paramount owns Star Trek. WARNING: Do not eat or drink anything while reading this fic 8 8 8 8 “Geordi,” the hologram of Leah Brahms said, “I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble.” She was wearing a one-piece bathing suit and lying in a beach lounge chair. The holodeck had been programmed to produce a Caribbean beach on a sunny afternoon. Geordie was in the chair next to Leah, on the other side of a small table. They sat facing the crashing ocean surface. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and slip-ons. “I won’t get in trouble,” Geordi said. “You’re supposed to be on duty.” “I am on duty.” He held up his PADD. “See? I’m monitoring the ship’s systems as we speak.” The outbreak of Kelpien Marsh Fever on the *Enterprise*-D hadn’t led to any severe disease or fatalities, but regulations had required everyone to isolate themselves in their quarters for a couple of days. The *Enterprise’s* computers had allowed everyone to perform their duties from their rooms…and that was when Geordi had realized he didn’t have to be in engineering every moment of his shift. He could take a “working staycation” on the holodeck and still do everything he had to do. He went on, “And see, looks like there’s a problem with the starboard warp plasma injector. LaForge to Barclay.” “Barclay here,” Barclay’s voice responded from the air. “Reg, could you take a quick look at the starboard warp plasma injector? It’s within limits but maybe you should take a look to be on the safe side.” “Of course, Commander.” “Great. LaForge out. See, Leah? No problem.” Geordi set his PADD down on the table. He picked up his drink, took a sip, then set it down on the table. He took his VISOR off and set it down on the table. He lay back on the chair, folded his hands on his belly, and closed his eyes. Leah was about to turn away when she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. The arch had appeared behind them, and the door was opening slowly. Someone was manually cranking the door so the hydraulics wouldn’t be as loud as normal. What noise the door made was barely noticeable over the sound of the surf. Geordi didn’t notice it. When the door was opened wide enough for someone to slip through, it stopped opening, and a moment later, Picard peeked around it. His eyes met Leah’s and he put his finger to his lips: ‘Keep quiet.’ Then he padded down the beach to come up behind Geordi’s chair. He gripped the back of the chair and leaned over. He said quietly, “Geordi.” Geordi’s eyes popped open. His fingers found the VISOR and he snapped it on. Then he arched his neck to look up at Picard. “Captain.” Picard smiled. “What are you doing here?” he asked in a disturbingly pleasant voice. Geordi felt his intestines turn to ice as he held up his PADD. “I’m…” His voice was an octave above normal, and he stopped and restarted with it closer to normal: “I’m verifying the remote duty protocols, sir. Anyone should be able to run any system from anywhere.” “Ah, I see,” Picard said, still smiling. “So you are here in your official capacity as chief engineer?” “Yes, Captain.” “And you will have a full report on this?” “I will log a full report by the end of the day, Captain.” “I look forward to reading it, Mr. LaForge. And now that you have completed your…evaluation, you will return to your regular duty station so that Commander Riker or I will find you there if either of us happens through Engineering in the next hour or two?” “Of course, sir.” “Very good, Commander. Carry on.” Picard’s smile didn’t fade as he turned and headed up the beach and through the door. It slid shut at its normal speed, and the arch vanished. Leah said, “I did try to warn you, Geordi.” “Yeah, Leah, you did.” THE END
Just one more example of the firm, but reasonable leadership style of a top captain and commander. No need for greater discipline that could reduce the effectiveness of a skilled engineer. -Will