The Sky's the Limit - Marco Palmieri [66]
“Thank you, Madam Ambassador,” the lead Tadigean croaked. A translucent crystal pendant dangling from a chain around his neck distinguished him from his companions. A set of bony “horns” crested his skull. Along with the other Tadigeans, he gazed about the simulated swamp in wonderment. “This is astounding. When you said you could approximate our environment, I had no idea you would go to such lengths.” A long pink tongue snatched a holographic firefly out of the air. Barclay hoped the program had gotten the taste right. “If I did not know better, I would swear I was back on Tadigea!”
Judging from their reaction, Barclay guessed that their visitors were unfamiliar with holodeck technology. They must not get out much.
Lwaxana handed off the chalice to Ubaan. She held out her hand to her froggy counterpart. “Ambassador Ghebh, I presume?”
“I am Ghebh,” he confirmed brusquely. His horizontal pupils narrowed as he spotted Barclay and Ro standing off to the side. His vocal sac swelled aggressively. “What is Starfleet doing here?”
“Independent observers,” Lwaxana said smoothly. “Nothing to be concerned with.”
Ghebh obviously disagreed. “That was not part of the agreement!” His fellow Tadigeans croaked quietly between themselves.
“We’d be h-happy to leave,” Barclay volunteered. He stepped toward the archway a little too eagerly.
“Stay where you are, Lieutenant,” Lwaxana ordered. She gestured at the verdant marsh around them. “Starfleet’s assistance is required to duplicate your environment, in order to ensure your comfort during these talks. Surely you won’t hold that against us?”
Ghebh contemplated the uniformed officers. Barclay fidgeted nervously, uncomfortable at being the center of attention. Ro seemed to take the awkward situation in stride. “How many Starfleet ‘observers’ are aboard this vessel?”
“Only these two,” Lwaxana assured him. “Believe me, they’re of no importance. Just pretend they’re not even here. Heaven knows that’s what I do.” She indicated the cushions upon the carpet. “Please, let us begin our negotiations.”
The Tadigean ambassador hastily conferred with his associates. “Our plans are unchanged. There will be no negotiations.” The other amphibians took up defensive positions in front of their leader. “You are our prisoner.”
“What?” Lwaxana said indignantly. “This is outrageous. You must be joking.”
Instead of responding, Ghebh grimaced in concentration. A clear membrane slid upward over his eyes. The crystal pendant upon his chest began to emit an unearthly blue light. He chanted hoarsely in a language unrecognized by Barclay’s universal translator. Perhaps there was a telepathic component to the chant that the translator couldn’t pick up on?
“Ughh!” Ubaan grunted and clutched his head. Veins bulged alarmingly upon his temples. His eyes rolled upward until only the whites were visible. He toppled forward onto the carpet.
The man’s collapse startled Barclay. “Mister Ubaan? Flev?” The stricken attache lay unconscious on the carpet. His limbs twitched spasmodically. Barclay shared an anxious look with Ro, who appeared equally baffled by this unexpected turn of events. I don’t understand, he thought. What’s happening?
Lwaxana Troi seemed to be affected as well. She teetered unsteadily upon her feet but somehow managed to remain conscious. “My thoughts!” she groaned. Her eyes glazed over. “Get out of my brain, you toad…” Her voice faltered. “It hurts…”
They’re targeting the telepaths, Barclay realized. Both Betazoids were obviously being subjected to some kind of psychic assault. Lwaxana’s mental defenses were apparently more formidable than her aide’s, yet she was clearly weakening. He guessed that she couldn’t hold out much longer.
Unless…
Jumping forward, he removed his cap and pressed it down onto Lwaxana’s head. The desperate move yielded immediate results. Lwaxana stood up straight, regaining her balance. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. Her eyes came back into focus. “My head,” she gasped. “I can think again!”
How about that? Barclay thought. It actually worked!