Dragon's Honor - Kij Johnson [31]
The Dragon looked puzzled by Picard’s suggestion. “But I have my own guards to do just that,” he protested, “as you can see for yourself. Chih-li, my Minister of Internal Security, has personally supervised the security arrangements for the entire wedding.”
“And they are more than sufficient, I’m sure,” Picard said hastily. “What I am suggesting is merely a courtesy customarily granted to heads of state such as yourself. I would consider myself dishonored if you will not permit me to offer you some small honor guard as a token of the Federation’s concern for your safety and well-being.”
“Oh, dear! We can’t have that.” The Dragon’s face brightened. “I know. You can send for your Mr. Data. I would be happy to have him posted among the wedding gifts.”
I’m sure you would, Picard thought. “Actually, I had a different officer in mind. Lieutenant Worf. As head of security, he’d seem the logical choice for—”
“Nonsense,” the Dragon insisted. “Data is the perfect gift … I mean, guard.”
Obviously, the Dragon was not about to forget his interest in Data anytime soon. Picard decided it was time to address the issue head-on. “Excellence, I must point out that Mr. Data is a fully sentient being, and thus he cannot be considered a potential gift.”
“But we give sentient beings all the time,” the Dragon said, “if you consider women sentient.”
“He is also an officer in Starfleet,” Picard said.
“And Starfleet wants me to be happy, do they not?” the Dragon pointed out.
Picard felt himself losing ground. “Well, yes, but—”
“Ahem,” Troi broke in. “Forgive me for interrupting, but this one is compelled to recollect, as she is sure lord and master Captain Picard recalls, that Lieutenant Commander Data is suffering the inconvenience with his positronics.”
Lord and master? Picard hoped Deanna was not laying it on too thick. “Of course,” he said. “The inconvenience.” What in blazes was she up to?
“My mandarins will be delighted to take a look at him,” the Dragon offered helpfully.
Let him in their grip and we’ll never see him again, Picard thought.
Troi cleared her throat again, while batting her eyes at the Dragon. Observing the skillful way Deanna was manipulating the Emperor, Picard realized that his counselor had learned a trick or two from her mother. “While the Most Excellent and Exalted One’s scientists would no doubt be surpassingly adept at solving just such a problem, still I am confident the Federation would not wish to be responsible for any fatalities so soon before so blessed an event as tomorrow’s wedding.”
“Fatalities?” the Dragon and his chamberlain said simultaneously. Picard resisted the temptation to join in.
“A malfunctioning android can be dangerous,” Troi explained. “Still, our own Commander La Forge is well aware of the risks involving in repairing Data. I am quite confident he will survive.”
The chamberlain gulped audibly, and even the ebullient Dragon looked a little shaken at the prospect of a homicidal android running amok. “Perhaps I have been too hasty about this man Worf,” the Dragon said. “You say he is accustomed to providing security on behalf of Starfleet?”
“His function would be purely ceremonial,” Picard insisted, “and no reflection on your own honor.” But with an assassin on the loose, I want Worf close at hand. Data can take command of the bridge. Perhaps the Minister of Internal Security was more amenable to reason than his emperor, and would permit Worf to discreetly provide extra protection for the Dragon as well as his gifts.
“Your magnanimousness is well known,” Troi added, bowing slightly. Now that she had shed most of her cumbersome robes, her movements were as graceful as ever. “Please permit us the honor to at least pretend we can contribute in some small fashion to your security.”
“Very well,” the Dragon agreed. Picard could not tell whether it was his arguments, or Troi’s flattery, that had persuaded the Emperor. “Have your Worf brought to this hall. Mu, notify Chih-li that a Starfleet guard will be joining our own.”
At last, Picard