To Storm Heaven - Esther Friesner [99]
“Is that what your shepherd’s herb looks like in the wild?” she demanded. There was so strong an undercurrent of urgency in her voice that the Ne’elatian agent found it hard to do more than nod assent. Dr.
Crusher took a deep breath, let it out slowly, then touched her comm badge. “Crusher to Picard. We’ve found n’vashal.”
As second in command, Riker was the logical choice to oversee the reconvened meeting of the Ashkaarian, Ne’elatian, and Orakisan factions in the briefing room. While he had never been one to shy away from a challenge, the manifest level of silent animosity still contained within those four walls made him wish that Captain Picard would join them soon, or at least Lt. Worf. For the moment there were no raised voices, no more threats, and yet the latent potential for further angry outbursts haunted the room.
They’re all being so cursed polite about this, Riker thought uneasily. It’s not natural. If Rak Ti’ask smile were any more forced, his teeth would shatter.
“Your plan for the introduction of higher technology to Ashkaar is certainly worth consideration,” Rak Ti’ask was saying to Hara’el smoothly. “And I swear to you that we have considered it. Udar Kishrit was most eloquent.” He flashed his false smile at Udar Kishrit, who glowered back.
If looks could kill… Riker thought.
Rak Ti’ask ignored his leader’s deadly scowl and continued. “We have put this to an official vote, and his arguments have persuaded three of our number to join their votes to his for initiating the mission to Ashkaar.” “Four out of six vote for the plan?” Riker asked hopefully. “Then that means you’ll be going ahead with—” “Alas, no.” Rak Ti’ask’s sigh was even less sincere than his smile, if that were possible. “It is written in ordinances of our people that a voice of three is needed to affirm any decision of the council.” “As with ourselves,” Nish na’am said.
“With us as well.” Hara’el blinked in mild amazement to discover this common thread still running strong through Skerrian daughterworlds so long kept apart.
“Do not feign compliance, Rak Ti’ask!” Udar Kishtit shouted. “You well know that it was your vote that destroyed the accord!” “Was it?” Rak Ti’ask inquired mildly.
“You are opposed to making restitution to Ashkaar, yet when the tally was called, you voted aye. Do not deny it!” “I would not deny it for the world,” the younger Ne’elatian purred. “Three votes would have been enough to pass the resolution, even though three stood against it, for the affirming voice is always more pleasing to the Lady of the Balance than the dissenting one. And so I cast my vote in favor of bringing the Ashkaarian savages up to our level because that was the best, the only way to assure that it would never come to pass.” “Rak Ti’ask, I urge you to reconsider,” Counsellot Troi said from her place beside Nish na’am. “The situation between Ashkaar and Ne’elat has changed irrevocably. Your worlds are no longer unknown and forgotten. The Federation will be watching what you do next, as will the union of Skerrian daughterworlds.
What are you afraid of?. That the Ashkaarians harbor a grudge and will act on it against you? There is no need to fear that. Ma’adrys shares her grandfather’s gift for eloquence. She has convinced the Na’amOberyin to put aside their past grievances against Ne’elat for the sake of their people’s future. They are your people, too, Rak Ti’ask!” “I am willing to concede as much,” he replied indifferently. “But they can afford to be magnanimous. The Orakisan’s proposal is entirely to their advantage!” “As the past was entirely to yours,” Troi reminded him. “If you refuse to change your vote, you will only be adding to past wrongs.” “Ah!” Rak Ti’ask assumed a look of mock distress.
“I never thought of it that way. But, oh dear. Lovely lady, you tell me that the situation between Ne’elat and Ashkaar has changed irrevocably. It is with more regret than you can begin to imagine that I tell