Section 31_ Rogue - Andy Mangels [30]
The tallest of them appeared to be religious temples or churches; when the captain had mentioned this, Tabor confirmed that the Chiarosans worshiped multiple deities, and that the more affluent were seen as blessed by the gods. Religious classism, Picard thought, glad that Earth’s society had long ago evolved beyond such artificial stratification.
Throughout the city was a vast tangle of pipes and aqueducts, which Picard guessed carried water from whatever processing stations or reservoirs existed. He suspected, given the planet’s known shortage of agricultural resources, that the most heavily guarded buildings they had passed on the outskirts of Hagraté might be the water-pumping stations, vapor-extraction facilities, and soil-enhancement plants.
Upon landing, Picard’s team-Commander Riker, Data, Counselor Troi, and Ambassador Tabor-disembarked from the Brahe, and were greeted by an armed escort, each carrying bladed weapons hung from ornate sashes. Picard tugged at his formal dress-uniform tunic, straightening it, as a female Chiarosan stepped forward, from behind several of the guards. “I am Senator Curince. Welcome to Chiaros IV.”
Picard smiled slightly, gesturing to his companions. “I’m Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the U.S.S. Enterprise. This is my first officer, Commander Will Riker, and two other members of my senior staff, Lieutenant Commander Data, and Counselor Deanna Troi. And this gentleman is Federation Ambassador Aubin Tabor.”
Tabor stepped forward and performed a complex series of movements with his hands before bowing almost imperceptibly, his formal robes shimmering slightly as the light caught their metallic threadwork patterns. “I apologize that I cannot greet you with the grace of your people,” said Tabor, “but my joints have never been as limber as yours, Madam Senator.”
Senator Curince evinced a sharp-toothed grin, obviously impressed. “Your greeting is appreciated nonetheless, Ambassador.” Her gaze took him in for a moment more, then she turned her head slightly toward Picard, ignoring his other officers completely. “Were your ship’s instruments able to find any trace of the missing diplomatic shuttle?”
“No, Madam Senator,” Picard said. “I’m afraid the atmospheric turbulence of your world limits the full range of our sensors.”
Curince raised an eyebrow, and said, “Our planet is a harsh and unforgiving one. You are among the first members of any… weaker species to ever visit its surface.”
Picard offered a wan smile, unsure whether to feel insulted or not. His eyes shifted over to Tabor, who was smiling calmly.
A Chiarosan assistant approached and handed Curince a large electronic tablet, mounted on which were a display screen and a number of blinking buttons. She looked at it briefly, then held it out to Picard. “This device contains all the data we have on your missing shuttle, and on the apparent use of Starfleet weaponry against our defense troops. Our comm tellers transmitted the files to you previously, but given the effect that recent storms have had on our communications relay, it was decided that an uncorrupted transmission recording might aid you in your search.” As Picard prepared to take the device, she added, “If you need one of our people to help you interpret the use of the recorder, we can provide a technician.”
Picard gave another polite smile. This woman is really taxing my patience. “Thank you, Senator. We have excellent technicians on our ship. As generous as your offer is, I’m sure we will be able to decode the files ourselves.” He turned and handed the machine to Data, almost imperceptibly rolling his eyes. Only his crew saw the gesture.
Curince spoke again. “I also apologize that we are not meeting in the capitol building. The rebels refused to negotiate in a place that was completely under the rightful government’s control. We will, instead, be meeting in a private arena, whose location is being decided upon as we speak.”
“Will both First