To Storm Heaven - Esther Friesner [21]
“We have already attempted to place our own people side by side with the Ne’elatians whom the Masra’et members have assigned to the project. Our offers of help were refused—pleasantly, but firmly.” “For someone who seems to be so eager to show off his world, Udar Kishrit’s still got plenty of Keep Out signs posted,” Riker commented, his eyes following the graceful water ballet of the fish in the ornamental aquarium. Geordi wondered whether the lieutenant’s casual attitude was deliberate, intended to soften the already hostile atmosphere. “Not in so many words, but the message is still crystal clear.” “Perhaps he has something to hide, but perhaps not. We may be mistaken in how we interpret his actions,” Ambassador Lelys spoke up. “It is plain to see that Udar Kishrit wants nothing more than to have Ne’elat taken into the United Federation of Planets as soon as possible. I believe he is under the impression that if the Ne’elatians, alone and unaided, succeed in locating the n’vashal plant, this accomplishment will somehow guarantee their immediate induction.” “Let him think so, then?’ aldor snapped. “It will be to our advantage. Would you interfere with something that could save the lives of our brethren on Skerris IV?” “That is not the point.” Geordi was taken aback by the sudden bite in the Orakisan ambassador’s tone.
Lelys had the uncanny ability to change from a blossom to a blade in an eyeblink. “I have already conferred with Captain Picard and Counsellor Troi and we are in agreement. If we cannot trust Udar Kishrit’s honesty about the lifeform readings on Ashkaar, do we dare to trust his promises of help with our search?” “Conferred with them, you say?” Valdor’s brows came together. “You have had secret meetings— meetings of which I was purposely kept ignorant?” In the face of Valdor’s indignation, Hara’el attempted to play the peacemaker. “Father, please, it was no great thing. Ambassador Lelys did not seek to exclude you—us—from any vital information. By tradition, as senior representative, she was the only one of our party whose presence was required at the first encounter with the Ne’elatians. It was all done according to strictest protocol. I am sure that this discussion she had with Captain Picard and Counsel-1or Troi took place then, while they were on Ne’elat and we remained here.” “That is so,” Troi confirmed. “Any secrecy touching our conference was purely accidental, not planned.” “Certainly not planned by me.” Lelys met Valdor’s hard look with one of her own. It was neither a defensive statement nor an apology. Privately Geordi decided that if this confrontation worsened, his money would be on the lady.
Valdor was unmollified. “And yet this is the first I hear of it! You and I, Ambassador, and my son Hara’el are a single entity in the eyes of our brethren on Orakisa. Three voices, one mind; three bodies, one heart. You know the dictates as well as I do. To keep anything from us betrays our unity.” “Nothing has been kept from you.” Ambassador Lelys’s eyes took on an icy glitter.
“Not kept, no, not exactly. But information that is delayed is almost asm” “Then you are in agreement with us, Legate Valdor.” Captain Picard was swift to step into the widening breach between the Orakisan envoys. “You, too, understand the importance of bringing the whole truth of Ne’elat to light.” Unwilling to surrender so easily, Valdor insisted, “I still do not see that the Ne’elatians are hiding anything. Not from