"So, what you're saying is, there's no way to get them out, except to just waltz in there and do it?" Riker asked the Prime Minister, incredulously. "Exactly." the man replied, grinning ironically. "But the trick is, you can't let them get a glimpse of any technology whatsoever. If you do, you're in the same boat as your Captain." "Why can't we just shut the barrier down, get a lock on their bio- signatures and beam them back up?" Geordi asked. "This barrier was erected seventy-five years ago, to protect these people. If we shut it down, I'm not completely sure we could raise it back up again, and because they have rejected technology, they have no defenses against others, and this far from Federation territory, they need it." "Fascinating." Data replied. "What do you propose we do?" "Hold on a minute, Data," Geordi replied, "I don't think...." "Now wait a minute, let's hear him out." Riker cut him off. "Well, what I was thinking, was we have a few of your crewmen pose as refugees, and pretend to want to join this colony. It doesn't matter what species, there really isn't any prejudice, just against technology. You could hide phasers and comm badges under your clothes, and then go in there and rescue them. They have no way of knowing, short of a strip-search, and I doubt they'll think of that." the Talaydhrian explained. "This sounds like something from a holo-novel." Deanna laughed. "I know," Riker replied, "But it just might work..."

***

Geordi grinned despite himself. Of all the strange things that had happened on the Enterprise over the years, this was the strangest one yet. He looked down at the costume they had stuck him in. He had a pair of tall brown boots, pulled over a pair of rough chestnut breeches. He was also wearing a pale, hand-sewn shirt under a dark cranberry vest. In his sack he carried a phaser and his commbadge, hidden among two similar outfits to the one he was wearing, as well as a few other things. When the Commander and Counselor joined him in the shuttle bay, it was all he could do to not laugh. Deanna's blue dress was modestly cut, especially for a Betazed, and it suited her well. Riker on the other hand, was dressed similarly to the engineer, except he was also wearing a fringed leather jacked, that looked like it had come straight from a four-hundred year old western movie. He carried a larger sack that was presumably for the both of them. The Talaydhrian lieutenant who was to serve as their escort, looked on, approvingly. He was dressed as gaudily as the Prime Minister. "A fringed jacket?" he exclaimed. "How inventive! May I borrow the idea?" Deanna and Geordi rolled their eyes. Riker frowned momentarily, then nodded. The Talaydhrian grinned even wider. "Let's get going." Riker ordered hastily, preventing him from saying anything. He tried not to look at the expression on his Imzadi's face. Deanna and Geordi exchanged looks. "Yes, Sir," Geordi replied.

The shuttle landed about twenty meters from the border. The Talaydhrian escorts gave them a few moments to collect their thoughts before they opened the door. "Don't forget that your communicators won't penetrate the barrier. We'll be cut off from you until you reach this clearing again." the escort said on his way out. "It's Showtime." Riker said, for only the two of them to hear. "Let's hope Beverly's acting lessons paid off." Geordi replied, good- naturedly, before stepping outside. He walked away from the shuttle, seemingly as quickly as he could walk, glancing over his shoulder intermittently, as if there were nothing he loathed more. Deanna and Will hurried after him, the same expression on their face, one of his arms around her protectively, the other carrying their bag. "I hope you are very happy here." One of the Talaydhrians called, kindly, before they got into the shuttle and left. They continued to walk towards the border, deliberately thinking about their dislike of technology, in case there were any empaths or telepaths within range. They were met at the border by two young men, a Bajoran, and a Trill. They were dressed identically, in green and brown. Camouflage. Deanna thought. "What are you doing here?" the Bajoran asked. "We have come to join your colony." Riker stated, hoping they'd believe him. The border guards visibly relaxed. "You understand, and are willing to accept that no technology is permitted within our borders." "We do." Geordi replied, very glad that his new ocular implants stood out much less than his old visor. "All right, then, you may come with me." the Bajoran replied, leading them both towards the settlement and under the barrier.

**(*)**