To Storm Heaven - Esther Friesner [32]
But do they always take root, sprout, thrive? If we have not found any n’vashal in all our gardens and ploughlands, or even in the wild places near our settlements, can we honestly hope to find it growing freely elsewhere? This is not a gentle world, Captain; we occupy only the most favorable portions of it. If the seeds of our ancestors’ n’vashal plantings ever did blow far from here, much as it pains my heart to say so, I do not think they could have survived. That is—” A reflective note came into his voice. The conference room stilled while Udar Kishrit pondered a wayward thought. Then: “Ah!” “What is it?” Lelys clung to the edge of the table as if to a life raft in a stormy sea. “Tell us!” “A chance,” Udar Kishrit said. “How good a chance it may be…” “Better than no chance at all. Go on,” Captain Picard directed.
“The gardens,” Udar Kishrit said. “The gardens of Bovridash. Captain Picard, your ship has scanned our world, you have seen the mountain chain to the north of our capital?” “Far to the north, yes.” “When our ancestors left the motherworld, they came here seeking a simpler life, as you know. Alas, the demands of our climate led most of us to sacrifice simplicity in favor of the more comfortable means of survival. However, once we were well established on this world, there were some among us who decided that they wanted to serve our ancestors’ original dream. They went into the mountains and there founded the community called Bovridash. It is actually composed of several small enclaves, each dedicated to simplicity and the service of the gods. The men and women who choose to live there have dedicated their lives to the preservation of much that we have set aside as no longer useful. They are our living history, and proud of it. Their gardens boast many plants found nowhere else on Ne’elat. I am a fool for not having thought of this before, and yet it would not have done much good if I had thought of it.” “Why not?” “Because as I said, the keepers of Bovridash are proud of their achievements. They turn from those of us who lack the strength of spirit to renew our ancestors’ dream. They receive no requests or petitions at second hand. They demand that anyone desiring their aid come before them in person so that their virtue may be judged according to the ancient practices.” “Then I will go to them at once,” Ambassador Lelys declared.
This time Udar Kishrit’s silence was awkward to the point of pain.
“Well?” Lelys demanded. “What is wrong?” “The keepers—the keepers of Bovridash will only accept petitions from the highest. Forgive me, Ambassador, but if you go before them, they will shut their faces against you.” “Why? I am the senior official of our embassy here!” “But your presence here depends on the Starfleet vessel that brought you, and you are not that vessel’s senior official.” For the first time, Legate Valdor took umbrage for Lelys rather than against her. “Hmph! And how are they to know that, tucked away in their mountain retreat? If Ambassador Lelys tells them she is the master of this ship, how could they learn otherwise?” Udar Kishrit’s voice dropped. “The keepers of Bovridash who preserve our past are always informed of great events, for the chronicles. As soon as we established contact with you, we sent word to them. It would be both rude and foolish to attempt to deceive them now.” “There’s no need for any deceit,” Captain Picard said. “If my presence is needed to secure the keepers’ cooperation, then I’ll go gladly.” “May you be blessed, Captain Picard!” Udar Kishrit fairly sang with relief.