Read Worlds in Collision for Free Online

Pathfinders are standard. Check their status at this facility. But don’t bother searching the equipment databanks. Search personnel.”
    It took eight seconds this time.
    â€œThis module reports a programming conflict and has logged it with central monitoring. This module withdraws the announcement of an emergency core dump at twenty-six-hundred hours. When will you be prepared to deliver your response to the interface team’s requests?”
    â€œWhen may I confer with a Pathfinder? And before you tell me the waiting list is already more than two years long, search Memory Prime’s emergency procedures regulations. As chief administrator, I can claim access at any time during an emergency. And I hereby declare this an emergency.” Nensi couldn’t resist adding, “Authorize that, you little pile of transporter twistings!”
    It took twelve seconds this time. Nensi thought that might be a new record for associate access time. Most planetary histories could be transferred in fewer than thirty seconds. “A member of the interface team will meet with you this afternoon to clarify the situation.” Nensi thought he detected a note of defeat.
    â€œTell the team that’s what I thought we were supposed to accomplish in this meeting in the first place.”
    The ready lights winked out and the eyestalk descended with a sigh. “This module is withdrawn from service.” Its treads weaved unsteadily and it bumped against the wall as it rolled out the door. Unfortunately, Nensi couldn’t tell if any of its Starfleet-blue paint had rubbed off on the Starfleet-blue walls.
    H’rar appeared in the open doorway. “It iss fortunate that they only arm the associatess with stun prodss in the biolab,” the Andorian said in his whispery voice. “Do you wish to consume coffee while you plot your revenge?” All of life was a life-or-death conspiracy to an Andorian. After three decades in Federation bureaucracy, Nensi found it an endearing trait.
    Nensi nodded at the offer of coffee. “Please. And get me the chief technician’s office.”
    â€œI point out that you typically only wish to reminisce about Marss when you are having a bad day,” H’rar said. “I thought you were victoriouss in thiss encounter.”
    â€œThat was just round one,” Nensi said, leaning back in his chair to stretch his spine. “If I’m finally going to get a chance to talk with one of those things down there, I’d like to go in with someone who knows what she’s doing.”
    H’rar pushed a handful of fine white hair from his forehead. “I wass not aware that the interface team would allow her to talk with the Pathfinderss after she decided she would not undergo enhancement.”
    â€œThey may not like it,” Nensi agreed. “But she’s the top expert in these systems. If the team does try to shut us down during the prize ceremonies, she’ll be the only one who can keep us going.”
    â€œIt will be what you call a ‘tough job.’ ”
    â€œShe’s a tough person, H’rar. Only survivor of the Memory Alpha disaster.”
    H’rar nodded respectfully and stepped back to his desk. In less than a minute Nensi’s intercom beeped.
    â€œMira Romaine on line, Sal.”
    Here goes, Nensi thought as he reached for the accept button at the base of the screen. If this scheme doesn’t work out, I’ll be back home fishing on the grand canals so fast they’ll have to name a warp factor after me.
    Â 
    â€œI still can’t believe they want me fired,” Starfleet Chief Technician Mira Romaine said. “Can you, Sal?”
    Sal’s answer dissolved in the rush of the transporter effect as the two of them disappeared from the main pad of the interface staging room and reappeared twelve kilometers deeper into the asteroid that housed Memory Prime.
    Transporter beams, guided through the