Chapter 43

Planet Ciapathia-Premier's Private Office

"The Starfleet contingent will transport down in a matter of hours. I need assurances from you, Doctor."

The small-framed scientist turned to look Del's way. Thankfully he stood across the room, but Del did not have to look very closely to note that Petral was not so much looking at him but through him. Del had spent little time around the scientist class, but it was well-known that the members of this group, Petral being the most prominent one of all, had developed mutations over the years needed to endure the natural environment of Ciapathia. Most Ciapathians like Del would never have to venture out into the elements, but the scientists were known to do so as part of their shared work. This work, which had only recently been revealed to Del, as the new ruler of his society. Petral's bizarre optical apparatus was shared by many if not all of the scientists Del had seen roaming around the capital city, but was particularly disconcerting now that he was alone with the odd little man. Petral's strange goggles glinted in the orange light of the sunset, streaming in through the panoramic windows lining Del's new office.

"Del, never fear, dear Leader...your seat of power is about to be solidified in a mere few days."

"Picard will be outraged. The humans will call for war, and I will be finished!"

"Never," scoffed Petral. "Picard is no more than a dutiful soldier, taking orders from our friend Forrester. His outrage will be empty...ineffectual. Once the people have received closure for the murder of Premier Fon, his family will throw their political weight behind you, and Ciapathia will be united."

Del clenched his fists. "The secrets you have revealed to me about our people...how was this kept from me? I have spent my life in government and had never heard of the Ascension."

"The ruling party has historically been the keeper of the secret of Ascension. Now you too are the recipient of this sacred information. The fate of your people depends on you, Del."

"And Forrester? Will he turn on us?"

"Forrester is alone. Many years ago, he made a choice and is in no position to change his mind now. If he does, his own crimes will be revealed."

"One more thing, Petral..." Del tried to keep his voice from wavering.

Petral's goggles focused on Del. "Yes?"

"The girl...where is she?"

"She is in good hands."

"I need Hatha returned to my family immediately. With her mother gone, we will keep her safe."

Petral's mouth was set in a thin line. "You may be our new Dear Leader, Del...but you still answer to me."

As if the communicator wake-up call had not been sufficient to alert Troi to the Captain's ill mood, the way he marched swiftly into sickbay with a scowl on his face, made everything so clear. He was extremely irritated to have been summoned to sickbay by Counselor Allen, who Troi was well aware, was formidable in her own right. He also was exuding a tenseness that she could not quite pinpoint; what was clear was that he did not want to be there.

Deanna Troi had spent the majority of her personal and professional life around diplomats, starting with her mother, who had held various political positions for the government of Betazed while Deanna was growing up. Professionally, she'd spent time on Betazed, Vulcan, and most recently Earth at Starfleet Command. She was used to difficult personalities, which is why she had believed herself prepared to encounter Jean-Luc Picard on her first starship assignment. His reputation was well known, and of course, she had read his case record and psych profile. At least, she had reviewed his counseling file to find that there was little in it. Save for a mandatory fitness for duty examination upon his entry into Starfleet as a young ensign, and another exam just prior to taking command of the Stargazer, there was nothing else. Interestingly, the period from 2354-2362 was marked "classified". It was as though that part of Picard's career simply did not exist. However, at least part of that history was public knowledge, and therefore she was aware of the loss of his ship, and now of the personal significance of the death of his friend Jack Crusher; two traumatic events which had occurred within one year of each other.

So the Captain's disapproval of Starfleet's decision to assign a counselor as a bridge officer was not a surprise. Certainly, the type of officer who had successfully evaded counseling for nearly his whole career would be hesitant at best about the need for such a pilot program. Deanna knew it would largely be her who would be responsible for changing his mind. It was helpful that from the start, despite his sentiments, he liked her. While he might never say so, she could tell that he often enjoyed their conversations, and that set her mind at ease. He was willing to give her a chance, although it didn't often seem so. Picard was a complex person, who Troi had already learned, viewed himself as just the opposite. A diplomat who was often uncompromising, gruff, yet appreciative of the beauty of art, and an intellectual with an undeniable physical presence.

Picard glanced at Troi, affording her a small nod by way of greeting, then faced Doctor Selar, who had entered the main area of sickbay. "What seems to be the problem with the Tranans now?" he demanded, as though it was partially the physician's fault. Selar was unmoved by the Captain's irritation, as one could expect from a Vulcan.

Troi noted that off to the side, Beverly was having an apparently frank discussion with Sarah Allen outside of her office. Although Beverly's posture was somewhat defensive, Deanna sensed that it was only because Beverly and Sarah had recently met and because like most medical officers, Beverly was somewhat territorial. But there was no animosity that Deanna could sense, which indicated that generally, the two women were in agreement about whatever was being discussed.

Deanna felt a small twinge of jealousy. Of course, she had not known Beverly for long, but Deanna's unresolved guilt around the way things had been left with Sarah years ago, caused her to feel insecure as the two women talked. Sarah was forever confident in her knowledge and abilities, something Troi always strived to be. She acknowledged the emotion and then moved on.

Selar was talking with Captain Picard, who was growing more mortified by the moment, as Selar dispassionately informed him of the recently admitted Tranans."They what? Has anyone been injured seriously?"

"Their physical wounds have been superficial, Captain...easily treatable. However, they appear to be experiencing mental anguish."

"You should meet with them, Captain. They're in recovery room B."

Picard's head swiveled to face the uninvited speaker with an incredulous expression. A tall woman with fair skin and wavy, somewhat touseled golden-brown hair approached with an outstretched hand. "Sarah Allen. Good to finally meet you, Captain."

Picard gave her a guarded once over quickly and then shook her hand firmly. "Counselor Allen."

The newcomer radiated confidence and charm. She was dressed casually in flowing civilian clothes, yet wore a Starfleet issued combadge. "Call me Sarah."

"No," Picard responded bluntly.

Sarah turned with a patient smile to Counselor Troi. "Good morning, Deanna."

Troi clasped her hands in front of her, keenly aware of Picard's irritation. "Sarah," she said returning a quick smile.

"Counselor Allen... why exactly did you call me to sickbay?" Picard's eyebrows were knitted together in a painful-looking frown.

Out of the corner of her eye, Deanna saw Beverly slip into her office, only to exit a moment later and head down a hallway with the nurse on duty. Crusher's mood was anxious. She was worried about the Tranans. Deanna returned her attention back to Picard and Allen, distracted by their tense interaction.

"As I mentioned in my report, Captain, and as Doctor Selar likely just told you, some members of the Tranan people are growing more fervently religious, and that religion centers around you. Over the past two days, five Tranans have deliberately caused injury to themselves in your name."

"That is unfortunate, but I am not sure what I could have done to prevent it. Have you consulted with Rolani? She has operated as the Tranan leader since we first encountered them."

"Yes. But Rolani doesn't have the full support of the Tranans right now. They appear to be splitting into factions. The Tranans, including Rolani, are deeply religious, Captain. They are searching for a sign."

"A sign," he said flatly, turning slightly to see Beverly approaching. She stopped next to Troi, bearing a pinched expression. Picard returned his gaze to Sarah Allen. "A sign of what?"

"A sign from you, Captain..."

"And you expect me to do what? I have repeatedly told them that I am not a god."

"Can you blame them for being mistaken? I mean, I know we've just met, but you're not exactly the warm and fuzzy type, are you?"

Deanna glanced at Beverly, who was observing silently with a wide-eyed expression. She's surprised by Sarah's assertive style. She's wondering how long the captain will put up with it.

Picard crossed his arms, and to Troi's surprise, he actually chuckled for a moment, before growing serious again. "Counselor... I have done everything in my power to convey to the Tranans that I am not their god."

"How has that been working for you, Captain?"

Picard's expression grew immediately hard. "Are you suggesting another solution, Counselor?"

"I am suggesting you treat them like the human beings they are. Meet with them, converse with them. Stop being so distant."

Picard blinked and paused before responding in a carefully measured tone. "As you may be aware, Counselor, we are scheduled to beam down to Ciapathia in a matter of hours. It is hardly my priority to meet with the Tranans. In fact, that is your job."

"The Tranans' socialization is much more complex than you seem to comprehend, Captain."

Picard was clearly displeased at having his intelligence questioned on board his own ship. In particular by a civilian. "Please...enlighten me."

"You might not be an actual deity, but at this time you are a god as far as the Tranans believe. Perhaps if you go and command them not to hurt themselves, they'll take it as a sign."

"You are asking me to interfere with a pre-warp civilization-"

"They're humans, Captain. You were the one who convinced Starfleet Command to see the truth about these people."

"Still, you are asking me to interfere with a culture that is simply not equipped to be interfered with."

"That's actually my call to make, Captain, as you just suggested a minute ago-"

"Counselor Allen...I will not be ordered around on my own ship," he snapped. Turning to Troi he said, "Counselor, short of pretending to be a deity, I will accept any of Counselor Allen's recommendations, as long as you agree with them. I'll expect a report from you in one hour."

Deanna watched the captain leave with his quick stride before she turned back to her colleagues. "Well, it seems we have some progress to make in the next hour."

Thanks for following and your reviews. Much appreciated. Will post again soon. -PP