Author's Note: I apologize for the huge gap between chapters. I had a lot of work to do, and a few entirely unrelated things to write, and somehow this story refuses to behave. I think I have found a solution, though. I'll just stop trying to hammer this into shape. It is not a match for Ship of Fools, and never will be, and if I just accept it for what it is everybody will be happier – including the story itself. I'll upload the rest of it with a minimum of revision, and I promise it'll get more entertaining as it progresses, at least.
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CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
Chapter 06
„... and it seems the local equivalent of a mild flu would kill a Human," said Tyr-Aurell with an air of resignation. „I understand it could kill me too."
„That's why you are here." Beverly Crusher opened a drawer and produced a formidable bundle of hyposprays. „They have been very conscientious – sent me details of all their more common ailments. Better safe than sorry." She began applying the hyposprays, one after another. Tyr-Aurell looked on with interest.
„Lieutenant Worf informed me that certain sects consider assassination, by poison or by other means, to be socially acceptable. Apparently in our case the common cold would serve the purpose."
„Well, but he has a point there. I'll feel much better knowing that you're taking your own food. From what I've been told the local dishes won't do much for most of us anyway. And you'll need regular doses of hyronalin too – the radiation on that planet is formidable. I'll give you a supply of tablets." Crusher reached for the sixth hypospray.
„What about the captain?"
„Naturally I'll inoculate him as well. And whatever security Worf will assign. They won't be able to avoid the local food, of course, but on the other hand the captain won't come into direct contact with those animals, or their very dedicated devotees. You might say that that eliminates one possible source of health problems at least."
„Is it that bad?" asked Tyr-Aurell, startled. Riker might have come over as a little overprotective at first over what he had described as a mere allergy, but by now the first officer's concerns were beginning to sound quite reasonable.
Beverly Crusher shrugged. „We still don't know very much about the specific conditions on Yalnrag, and I think a little additional caution can't do any harm. Lieutenant Worf was quite relieved that the captain won't have to go near a ngahyak."
„From what I can tell he's incredibly concerned about his safety and welfare."
„Oh, yes. They are perpetually at odds about it. Commander Riker is just as bad," added Crusher, amused.
„Yes, I noticed that," said Tyr-Aurell warmly, recollecting her first conversation with Riker. „Very considerate, too. I found it quite touching."
Doctor Crusher dumped the hyposprays back into their drawer. „There. That should do it. You're dining with the captain tonight, aren't you?"
„Yes. He suggested that as we'll arrive in less than two days it might be a good idea to coordinate some of our responses and concessions in advance." Tyr-Aurell frowned a little. „Doctor, if you don't mind, could you tell me something about his special interests – you know, hobbies and the like?"
„Topics of conversation, you mean?" Crusher's eyes sparkled merrily. „Let me think. Diplomatic duty will do just fine, Emissary, and he was looking as interested as everybody else when you were talking about your homeworld. Music. History. Archaeology. Your sabre fencing – he's a fencer himself. He may just ask you to show him how it –"
„He's a fencer?" asked Tyr-Aurell, intrigued.
„Oh, yes. Foil and épée – and Klingon bat'telh as well, as far as I know... Don't look so surprised," she added, grinning. „He likes old-fashioned sports. In fact he used to be an avid rider – he even keeps his own saddle aboard. Of course, circumstances being what they are, he only rides on the holodeck these days."
„Of course." Tyr-Aurell nodded, sobering instantly. „I understand. What a shame."
„Well, occasionally you have to give up something. It could be worse. At least, on this ship, we have holodecks."
„Of course. The holodeck is a marvellous invention. It's just not the same."
„No," agreed Crusher. „It isn't."
- - - - - - -
„This," said Picard, carefully placing a decanter and two glasses on the table, „is cognac. An after-dinner drink from Earth. The replicators produce a syntheholic version which some people say is better. This, on the other hand, grew on a real vine."
„What beautiful glasses," said Tyr-Aurell, watching with interest as he poured the drinks. „Captain, I've been told about the fish in your ready room, but I just saw you have an aquarium here as well."
„Well, actually..." She caught a slight rueful smile. „You see, you are given a say in the decoration of your quarters, within certain limits. That picture over there, for example – " He nodded towards the painting of a starbase adorning the wall behind his desk. „I seem to remember that among the other options were an artist's holographic interpretation of the Great Seal of the Federation… and a rendering of a rather large and famous statue of Zephram Cochrane, I rather believe. I am afraid I didn't care much for any of them, and the only remaining option was that aquarium, so..."
Tyr-Aurell's lip quivered. „I see," she said earnestly. „But fish are such beautiful creatures. So peaceful." And safe, she added to herself, accepting her glass and expertly sniffing its contents.
„I suppose it is comforting to have some living thing around," he replied thoughtfully.
Tyr-Aurell felt a stab of compassion. It's so unfair. Then another thing claimed her attention for a moment. „This is wonderful," she said emphatically. „What did you call it – cognac?"
„Yes. It is made in southern France." He was looking at the fish tank with a slight frown. „You know, I think it must be months since I last took notice of this."
„Really!" She smiled. „Well, they don't clamor for your attention all the time. But if you don't look after them, wo does?"
„Lieutenant DeMaris," he said, a little distractedly. „Of the cetacean lab. He occasionally rearranges the ready room fishbowl as well. – Are fish your special field?"
„Not really," she replied, accepting the opening with alacrity. „But I've always liked watching them. Obviously, I can't keep any, but I will once I have the opportunity. There is something fascinating about creatures that simply go about their business, ignoring you, ignoring your attention, living entirely in their own world..."
„It does put things into perspective," said the captain with a slight smile.
„It certainly does. An entire little world contained in a tank sitting on someone's table. They don't know, and they couldn't care less. You have a few lovely specimens there – is that a blue-spangled dolkfish I see?"
„I don't know," said Picard, sounding startled. „Is it?"
Tyr-Aurell paused in the act of setting her glass down. „Captain, you don't know the first thing about fish."
„No, I don't suppose I do," he replied apologetically, visibly confused now.
There was a short pause. She looked at him searchingly. Then – „You're not at all interested in them," she decided in complete bewilderment. „Captain, why in the world would you allow me to bore you out of your mind with all this when you're not interested in fish?"
„You didn't bore me at all," he said quickly. „It's a shame I know so little about them, seeing that they have been here for years. I am sorry I make such a poor audience. Perhaps..." He interrupted himself, frowning slightly. „Tell me," he said suddenly, „are you at all interested in fish?"
Tyr-Aurell blushed – a dark gold. „Oh, Captain! I had no idea I was being so obvious."
„You were not," he said gently. „Why else would I have allowed you to go on about a subject you apparently chose for my benefit alone?"
„Oh! I thought you were... I was not sure..."
„Emissary, let's just leave those fish alone, shall we, and talk about something you would like to talk about?"
She laughed a little shakily. „Gladly. How absurd. I'm truly sorry – no, I'm not apologizing, I'm truly sorry for the waste of precious time. You wouldn't believe the kind of misunderstanding that... isn't communication a wonderful thing? You know," she continued, changing tracks with the grace of a born diplomat, „it's just reminded me of an occasion on Kym Mkta Sgora – the Federation consul was giving a reception in honor of some elder statesman, a lavish affair..."
The captain reached for the decanter, and silently refilled both their glasses.
Much later, after his guest had taken her leave (and they had been sitting there lost in conversation until well past midnight), he found himself wandering over to the fish tank and pausing in front of it, studying it thoughtfully. Its finned inhabitants were minding their own business as usual, serenely unaware of him or anything else beyond the glass walls of their particular universe. What he could only assume to be a blue-spangled dolkfish was casting about for food underneath the computer-operated feeding hatch.
He shook his head slightly, rather like a man failing to make sense of something or other, and went to bed.
- - - - - -
„So you'll be making history, the two of you," an amused Will Riker said in Ten Forward, having just listened to Data's account of that afternoon's meeting with Tyr-Aurell.
„If you are referring to the Federation Zoological Database, the forthcoming entry will not be my first contribution. Neither will it be the emissary's. She informed me that she has submitted eleven new entries in the course of her career so far. A very distinguished record, although she seems determined to improve on it before she retires."
„Did she say that?"
„She did say that meeting me had opened up a whole new vista for her. I was processing information about her homeworld she was unwittingly providing while discussing mission details. When I mentioned this to her she said that I had just taught her something about making the most of time, and that she would be sure to emulate my example in the future. According to the emissary I make her feel both old and young. – Commander," he added, earnestly, „I believe she was flirting with me."
„More than likely," agreed Riker. „That woman flirts with everybody."
„Interesting," said Data. „I was not aware that I have mastered the necessary skills. She may not have found it particularly enjoyable."
„What makes you think that?"
Data cocked his head, considering. „I always assumed that I lack a number of requirements, such as emotional awareness, a sense of humor, and the ambition to appear attractive to a a particular person."
„Well, from what you're telling me she was in no hurry to be out of your company," Riker pointed out. „You know, Data, flirting isn't so much about making yourself appear attractive than it's about being yourself and letting the other person discover that you are attractive. And as far as I remember you've been thought good company before."
„But my attempts at mastering the dynamics of a relationship have so far resulted in failure," replied Data serenely.
„But this isn't about the dynamics of a relationship. Don't be so infernally thorough, Data. It's simply about spending time agreeably. Did you enjoy yourself?"
Data considered. „I find her well-informed on a wide range of subjects, and quite adept at putting her observations across. From her manner of responding she appeared to appreciate my own comments. Her habit of occasionally linking subjects by association both verbal and factual, rather than strict logic, seems indicative of a lively mind, and adds a certain challenge to the conversation."
„There you are," said Riker. „I rest my case."
„Ah," said Data. „I believe I understand. Intriguing" – and after another moment of pondering he added: „Thank you, Commander."
„You're quite welcome," replied Riker, watching as the android solemnly slid off the barstool and left. He quietly finished his drink and was on the point of leaving himself when a deep husky voice asked from the other side of the bar: „Content with your own company tonight, Riker?"
The first officer grinned, pushing his empty glass over at her. „Contrary to popular belief I am capable of keeping myself company. Anyway, Data just left. Why – surprised to see me?"
„Well," said Guinan, refilling the glass, „I just thought you might be looking after that tribble of hers. She's dining with the captain I'm told, and she wouldn't want to take it along."
Riker found himself quickly looking to the left and right, but Ten Forward was emptying by now. „Look," he said, „I have no idea who told you, but please don't betray me. It was just a silly joke – I never imagined it would be so much fun. Nobody is getting hurt. Don't spoil it," he pleaded.
„Oh, I'm not going to spoil it. What do you think will happen once Worf finds out that it was you who saddled him with that tribble, and that Picard doesn't even know it exists?"
„No idea," replied Riker. „He may just beat the crap out of me during our next bat'telh session. I'll make amends, though."
„Do you have any idea what the captain will do once he realizes he's acquired a pet allergy?"
Riker thought. „He'll think it all a little undignified, and he'll be absolutely right."
Guinan tilted her head, looking at him from under the brim of her plum-colored hat. „It's just that these things have a way of backfiring on you when you don't expect it. Don't be too surprised when this one does."
„Right." Riker squared his shoulders, saluting her with his newly-refilled glass. „I won't be. In fact I'll take any punishment that will be meted out to me. It'll be worth it – I've rarely been entertained so well."
„It's had its moments so far," agreed Guinan, deadpan.
- - - - - - - -
