Dragon's Honor - Kij Johnson [6]
“Make it so,” Picard said. Once again, he was struck by how curious it was that so much could depend on something as simple as a wedding. Or perhaps it was not so curious, he thought upon further reflection. Even on Earth, centuries past, the fate of nations had often been determined by a royal marriage or two, and a failed union could have cataclysmic consequences. Just look at Henry the Eighth, he thought, not to mention Charles and Diana …
“Jean-Luc,” Beverly said. “Speaking of good impressions, there is one more thing we should consider. I don’t know much about the Pai in particular, but I did a tour of duty on New Peking once and spent a lot of time visiting the museums and historical exhibits. If Pai is anything like ancient China, it must be an extremely male-dominated society. Women will be treated as lesser beings, as chattel even, and expected to be modest and subservient. Not unlike Ferengi females today.”
“Fools,” Worf commented. Klingon society remained somewhat patriarchal, Picard knew, but, unlike the Ferengi, Klingons at least prized aggressiveness and defiance in their women. Picard could no more imagine Worf attracted to some shy, delicate flower of a woman than he could see the fierce Klingon warrior doting on a pampered poodle. Klingons expected their mates to disagree with them at every opportunity, and enjoyed the ensuing conflict. Given the growing affection between Worf and Counselor Troi, he wondered briefly what that said about Deanna.
“Gender roles in Pai society are their own affair,” Picard said, “but I cannot ask my female officers to be treated with anything less than the respect they deserve. If the Dragon Empire is to join the Federation, they must accept our ways, just as we accept theirs.”
“Of course,” Beverly agreed. “Still, given the importance of this treaty, I’m willing to bend a little bit this time around, just to avoid shocking the Pai leaders unnecessarily.” She glanced down at her at her formfitting Starfleet uniform. “Maybe we should dress more modestly, in keeping with Pai standards of propriety, if that’s okay with you, Deanna.”
Troi shrugged, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders. “I suppose so,” she said. “There’ll be time enough to raise the Pai’s collective consciousness—after we’ve saved them from the G’kkau.”
“I don’t know,” Picard said. “I am uncomfortable about requiring my female officers to conform to a different standard of dress and behavior.”
“You’re not ordering us,” Beverly insisted. “We’re volunteering. Right, Deanna?”
“Yes,” Troi replied. “When you meet with the Dragon, you want him to be concerned with the treaty, not our attire. We can’t afford to let anything distract the Pai from the issue at hand, namely their need for protection against the G’kkau.”
“Very well,” Picard said. “In that case, I thank you and Beverly in advance for any special efforts on our behalf.” Rising from seat, he fixed his officers with a stern and steady gaze. “Dr. Crusher is right. Once we beam down to Pai, we must all be on our best behavior. More than a wedding and a treaty is at stake. This is a matter of life and death for all the people of the Dragon Empire. We dare not fail them, no matter how curious or backward their customs may seem to us.”
“Personally,” Data said, “I look forward to observing a human culture that has developed in isolation from the Federation. The Pai may provide me with many insights into the history and development of human social structures and mores.”
“Easy for you to say,” Riker joked. “You don’t have to wear a dress.”
“Well, it could be worse,” Geordi said, turning his VISOR in the direction of Beverly and Deanna. “Ferengi females aren’t allowed to wear any clothes at all.”
“So?” Troi asked, smiling. “On Betazed, no one would ever think of wearing clothing to a wedding.”
Chapter Two
THE BRIDGE OF THE FANG steamed slightly, but not enough to obscure from Kakkh the sight of his second-in-command, Gar, picking his way along the ridged floor.
The G’kkau liked heat,