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By Root 644 0

the old, to avoid the temptation to return and the possibility of contagion.” “That was how the Ashkaarian colonists must have seen it,” said Dr. Crusher. “They wanted to keep communications between their new world and Skerris IV to the bare minimum. However, the Miramik find records reveal that it was the policy of the colonial offrice to demand quarterly reports from all new settlements. The motherworld liked to keep track of her daughters. Failure to receive these reports would set off all sorts of alarms, and an investigative mission would be dispatched to the silent colony as soon as possible.” “Let me guess,” Riker said. “No reports from Ashkaar.” “There were some at first, all received at the proper intervals, but then… nothing.” Dr. Crusher leaned her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her clasped hands. “And then, before anyone could be sent to discover the reason for the sudden silence, the war broke out and Skerris IV was destroyed.” Riker pressed his lips together. “So we’re taking the Orakisan delegation in search of a colony that might not even exist to look for a plant that might be extinct.” He stood up from the table. “I enjoy being an optimist, but at times like this it’s too much work.

My break’s almost over. I have to get back to the bridge. If you’ll excuse me, Doctor, CounseUor.” He made a gallant, if archaic bow and left.

Dr. Crusher sighed. “It doesn’t look very hopeful, does it?” A half smile touched Troi’s mouth. “Someone told me a riddle the other day; it seems appropriate now.

What is the difference between an optimist and a pessimist?” “Does this have anything to do with whether the glass is half full or half empty?” Troi shook her head.

“All right, then, I give up.” “The optimist says that this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist agrees. Even if we believe there is no hope for the mission to Ashkaar, Beverly, we must still act as if there is.” “You know I will.” Dr. Crusher settled back in her chair. “Who told you that riddle?” “Alexander. He didn’t know whether or not he ought to try it on his father.” Troi’s smile widened.

“He isn’t quite certain if Klingon warriors approve of riddles.” Dr. Crusher got a peculiar look on her face. “I can tell you one thing that Klingon warriors definitely do not approve of,” she muttered. “Oh?” Before Counsellor Troi could make further inquiries, Ten Forward resounded with the clear, unmistakable tones of the Enterprise’s chief of security.

“Doctor!” Lt. Worf boomed, bearing down on the doctor like a Tauridian thunderdust storm. “I have been looking for you everywhere. You and I must talk.” He folded his arms across his powerful chest and glared down at her.

“Talk?” Dr. Crusher met his scowl with a look of limpid innocence. “What about?” “It is not honorable to feign ignorance.” His eyes narrowed. “I attempted to speak with you about it earlier, but you were on your way to the conference room with the Orakisan ambassador. Now we are both free and we must settle the matter. You will have to take it back.” “Take what back?” Counsellor Troi asked, wondering what Dr. Crusher could have done capable of angering Lt. Worf this much.

“The gift.” Dr. Crusher looked at the ceiling. “The one I gave Alexander when I came back from Malabar Station.” “A gift?” Troi looked from Dr. Crusher’s face to Lt.

Worf’s. Despite the Betazoid’s inborn talents, both were unreadable. “What kind of gift?” “A highly unsuitable gift, and one that must be returned at once,” Lt. Worf decreed. “I cannot permit my son to keep it.” By now Troi was completely at a loss. “Beverly?” she appealed to the doctor.

Dr. Crusher rose from her seat. “Lt. Worf, if you insist that I take back the gift I gave to your son, I’ll do it. However, I think we ought to have Counsellor Troi present when you tell Alexander about your decision.

He may become upset.” “He will not!” Lt. Worf was scandalized at the very thought. “He will understand my reasons and obey.

He does not want such a gift.” “Then why did he seem so pleased when I gave it to him?” “He wasmhe was only being polite,