Metamorphosis - Jean Lorrah [92]
“We must go down to the planet,” Data said, rising. “We need more information to verify our conclusions. What do the Konor call the other Samdians, for example? Are they really telepathic, or are we misinterpreting what the scans picked up?”
Thralen nodded. “And how can a telepath think other intelligent beings are not people when he can 255 perceive their thoughts and feelings? You’re right, Data-let’s take this information to the captain..”
Captain Picard contacted Chairman Tichelon, who provided the information that the Konor called the other Samdians “Ikonor”-which meant simply “not Konor,” he explained.
“It is more than that, Captain,” Thralen said.
“It confirms our fears, for it means “those without souls.”” It was obvious from Tichelon’s expression that he had not expected them to derive the root meanings.
He immediately went on the offensive, protesting, “The insults they cast at us are not the issue. Our people are being murdered, Captain. You have been here for almost a day, and done nothing.”
“You could have speeded our investigation, and therefore potential action, by telling us the truth,” Picard replied. “The Konor are your own people.
We cannot become involved in your internal affairs.”
“They are not our people! They might once have been, but they are the ones who deny us. Rave you seen them?
They do not respond to our pleas-they only kill!”
Picard took a controlling breath, and said, “We are going to attempt to communicate with the Konor.
If we succeed, will you accept representatives of Starfleet as mediators? May we say you have agreed?” “Yes-yes, of course! But they will not listen to you. Do you think we haven’t tried.?
Approach them with a wellarmed force, for they kill even those who offer surrender. his So Captain Picard called another strategy session in 256 the observation lounge, with everyone who had been involved in previous discussions taking part. It was decided that a small away team would transport down to the city where the Konor were well settled in, and things appeared peaceful.
“I should be included in the away team, Captain,” Deanna Troi stated. Picard pursed his lips. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Counselor. This is potentially a very dangerous situation.”
“Sir, we have no full telepath in our crew,” Deanna insisted. “I may be our best chance to communicate.”
She was right, of course-in fact, if the Konor’s lack of response was due to accepting none but telepathic contact, she was their only chance.
Her training in mental communication was the best both her home planet and Starfleet Academy had to offer. Still, Data understood why the captain hesitated to send this gentle woman, untrained in any but the most basic of Starfleet self-defense, into such a dangerous situation.
Data watched Will Riker watch the captain, the commander’s “poker face” betrayed by a slight wince when Picard nodded.
“You’ll need the best protection we can give you,” the captain continued. “Mr. Worf, Number One.” He looked around at the rest of the group assembled there.
Again Data felt inadequate; once, he would have been the automatic next choice.
“Captain,” Thralen said, “I should be there.” His antennae quivered nervously. “If I have misinterpreted 257 what we saw, I may be able to correct any errors before they cause diplomatic chaos. And even if Data and I are right, on direct contact I will certainly see more.”
“Agreed,” Picard said. He shook his head.
“I still don’t like it, but we know they’re not receiving our messages. Data, you and Chief O’Brien handle the transporter. I want all communications left open, and a tricorder channel providing a visual to both the bridge and the transporter room. At the first sign of a threat to the away team, they are to be beamed up instantly.”
“Yes, sir,” Data said, glad to have at least some part in the mission. “All right,” Picard said.
“Are there any questions?” “Only what else Chairman