To Storm Heaven - Esther Friesner [19]
She bowed her head. “That is so.” Udar Kishrit made an impatient sound with his lips. “We are not S’ka’rys, Meeran Okosa, No new thing comes from our hands without the blessings of the gods. We have the ceremonies to anchor each discovery of the mind to the realm of the spirit. We will not repeat the errors of the past. Neither will we sacrifice the future.” But what will you sacrifice to gain the future you want, Udar Kishrit? Counsellor Troi wondered.
Looking at the head of the Masra’et, she felt a distinct chill trickle down her spine. There was something more to him than a strong will or the wish to bring his world out of isolation. When he spoke, she heard the roaring of a fire, a blaze without limits that would devour anything that stood between him and his desires.
Anything… or anyone.
She forced herself to shake off the warning chill in time to hear Udar Kishrit say, “I pledge you my word as head of the Masra’et that we will do everything in our power to help you in your search. I regret that I am not familiar with the name of the plant you seek, but then, I do not pretend to know much about flowers. There is also the chance that we have another name for what you call n’vashal. I am certain that our combined efforts will be rewarded.” He rose, and his fellow council members followed his lead. The meeting was obviously coming to an end.
Ambassador Lelys and the rest stood as well. “May it be so, and soon,” she said. “Our gratitude to you would be immeasurable. Our sages too teach that gifts must be given when gifts are received. If your world can give us back the lives of our dear ones in peril on S’ka’rys, then our world will give yours the path to the stars.” As they all filed out of the chamber, Riker managed to draw Counsellor Troi aside. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “I know that look. What did you pick up on in there?” “I am not sure,” she answered. “Nothing that will affect the Orakisan mission.” “But something, yes?” “Only that Udar Kishrit can be a very. determined man.” “Well, that might be all to the good as far as the mission’s concerned. As soon as he heard about Starfleet and the Federation he was all ears, eager to get Ne’elat in. I’ll bet he thinks that if his people can produce some n’vashal, it’s a done deal. He’ll make sure they give one hundred ten percent to the search now.” “Perhaps.” The Betazoid picked up her pace, leaving Riker behind, until she drew level with Udar Kishrit. The head of the Masra’et was walking between Captain Picard and Ambassador Lelys, chatting affably with both, offering the full hospitality of the capital to any and all who might desire it.
“I will not hear of a refusal,” he told Captain Picard. “A starship is a marvel, but it is a place of containment. It would be my pleasure, my honor, to offer your crew the freedom of our city. The teachings say: The rich man paints his ceiling to resemble heaven, the poor man steps out of his hut and has heaven for the asking.” “A generous offer, Udar Kishrit,” Captain Picard replied. “Thank you. We will consider it.” “And a beautiful sentiment,” Troi said, insinuating herself between the captain and the chief councilman.
“Although I must say, I have not seen anything remotely like a hut since our arrival.” “Dear lady, you are blessed with the second moral treasure, which is kindness.” He gave her an indulgent look. “We thank the gods for our prosperity.
That is one of the older teachings, from the days when our ancestors first came here from Ashkaar.” “All of them?” Udar Kishrit stopped short. “What?” “Before you answered our hail, we scanned your sun’s fourth world for signs of humanoid life. We found them.” “That’s true,” Captain Picard said. “At the time we didn’t pursue the matter, but now that Counsellor Troi mentions itm” “Oh, that.” Udar Kishrit burst into peals of laughter. “They’re nothing,