1. On the Planet

The Enterprise crew was on the planet Zikon, taking studies.

A race of blue-skinned humanoids, called Zikonians, lived there. They were a primitive race, so it was decided that in the name of the Prime Directive, there would be no contact with them, at that time. So they went to a remote part of Zikon.

First Mate William Riker was in a wooded area, taking simples and photos. A Zikonian female came by. She had long blue-black hair, wore a white frock, and was barefooted. Seeing him, she smiled. "Hello."

He was taken aback by this. "Er, hello. My name is William Riker. I am from. . . Another area of this plan-er, this land."

"Don't lie! Only blue-skins live here. And you're dressed different. You are from another world."

"Yes, you're right," he conceded. "We come in peace, and we will leave as soon as we finish our observations of your world."

"Why are you here?"

"Merely for observations, as I said. Perhaps, in a few years, we will establish contact with your world."

"I see." She stared at him. "Why do you wear those things on your feet?"

He looked down. "You mean my boots? I wear them to protect my feet."

"Protect them from what?"

"From cold. And damage from rocks and stones, and stuff."

"It rarely gets cold here. And my feet are pretty impervious to rocks and stones and such. Ever walked in the mud? It's so nice!"

"Not barefooted."

There was a small mud puddle nearby. She walked into it! She girlishly stomped her blue feet in the brown mud.

Riker smiled. "That does look fun!"

"My name's Lilla, by the way."

"Pleased to meet you, Lilla."

He extended his hand. She walked over to him, and kissed it. This made him smile.

"I've got to be going, William. But I have some advice for you." She rubbed his face with her hand. "Grow a mustache and a beard; it will make you look nicer."

Without waiting for a reply, she walked off.

"Thanks!," he called to her. "I hope to see you again."

"Perhaps you will."

2. Back on Ship

Riker, and the rest of the crew, were back on board the Enterprise. They gave their reports to Picard, including their encounters with the Zikonians.

"Lilla was very intelligent," said William. "I tried to tell her I was from another part of the planet, but she know I wasn't!"

"The Zikonians are very intelligent, despite their primitive society," said Data.

"In a few years, the Federation hopes to establish relations with them," said Picard. "Thank you, Number One."

"Aye, sir."

Then William turned to Deanna Troi, who was in her chair. "Counselor, would you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Certainly, First Mate."

"Do you think I'd look good with a mustache and a beard?"