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By Root 359 0

with both swords and hand weapons, were posted in the four corners of the chamber. Inspecting the treasures on display, Picard saw numerous ceramic bowls, plates, vases, pipes, boxes, and statuettes, all of the finest quality, laid on top of the many tables. Hand-painted silk hangings were piled carelessly atop each other, next to what looked like a replicator constructed of solid gold. A five-story miniature temple, complete with hundreds of tiny monks no larger than a fingernail, was carved from ivory, while a throne of fine, dark wood had been varnished until it literally shone. Next to the model temple, Picard saw the priceless Ming Dynasty vase that, along with various other artifacts from all over the Federation (and rather than Commander Data), comprised the Enterprise’s actual gift to the Dragon Empire. There was too much to take in all at once, but, looking elsewhere, Picard’s gaze fell upon, in succession, five intricate bronze dragons, six porcelain tortoises, a pair of lacquered wooden jewelry boxes etched with mildly erotic designs, four stacks of gold-pressed latinum, and a pearl-covered computer padd. And then, of course, there was the life-sized jade elephant standing on four immense, green legs in the very center of the hall.

“Good heavens!” Troi exclaimed. As she was the daughter of one the ruling houses of Betazed, it took a lot to impress Troi, but Picard wasn’t surprised by her reaction. They had literally found the hoard of the Dragon. Or one of them, at least.

“Your woman has good taste,” the Dragon commented, “but, of course, females are easily bedazzled by pretty things.”

Up until this moment, Picard had been aware, but not exactly surprised, that neither the Dragon nor his trusted chamberlain had spoken to Troi directly, nor even attempted introductions. Apparently, they considered it perfectly natural that Picard should have an attractive female subordinate trailing behind him as he viewed the palace. As far as he was concerned, Troi was demonstrating a degree of patience above and beyond the call of duty.

“Excellence, Grand Chamberlain, permit me to introduce Counselor Deanna Troi, an indispensable member of my staff.”

The Dragon laughed heartily. “Well, I’m not sure I’d call any woman indispensable, but I can see why you value her so highly.” He eyed Troi appreciatively, so much so that Picard wondered whether she had discarded more layers of clothing than was entirely proper for this culture. By Federation standards, her remaining robe was quite modest, but who knew what the Pai thought of her current attire? He hoped Troi would not go down in history as the woman who scandalized the Dragon Empire, although, to be honest, the Emperor’s grinning inspection of Troi seemed more openly lecherous than appalled. “Quite fine indeed,” he said. “Certainly, your Federation cannot be faulted for the quality of your women.”

“The Dragon is too kind,” Troi said, rather ignoring the spirit in which the Emperor’s comment was intended. “I think you will find the Federation has much to offer the Pai.”

“And what exactly do you have to offer, my lovely?” the Dragon said with a leer.

Best to change the subject, Picard decided, before the Dragon expects me to hand over Deanna as well as Data. He observed the armored warriors standing guard over the hoard of the wedding gifts; they stood at attention as stiff and immobile as if they were carved from jade or ivory themselves. Their armor looked to be composed of overlapping plates of polished steel embossed with ornate designs of battling dragons and griffins. Silver filigree outlined each plate, while rings of brightly painted rubber provided flexibility at the joints. A sword was sheathed at each man’s side, and they held shiny, metallic rifles against their chests. Their rigid bearing and stern expressions, glimpsed beneath elaborate headdresses adorned with gold and pearls, reminded Picard of Lieutenant Worf at his most Klingon. An idea occurred to him.

“Excellence,” he began. “On behalf of the Federation, I would be delighted to provide an honor guard