Star Trek The Next Generation: Discovered

Chapter 6

Three Days Before:

'Deanna, Little One, stop mopping around, I need to talk to you.'

'What is it mother? I really busy.' She sent back.

'Busy being depressed when you could be working. You're not helping your condition by confining yourself to your room...'

"Mother," said Deanna aloud, as she came down the stairs from her bedroom, "my condition is fine. What is it you need?"

"Your mother is in a bit of a muddle. I've got a conference here in three days, but Starfleet and the Betazoid Council also want me to lead trade agreement negotiations between Betazed and the Helikin. If I stay here, will you mediate the negotiations?"

"Alright, when do I leave and where am I going?"

"You leave tomorrow to join the Helikin Ambassadors on the Enterprise."

"The Enterprise! Mother, I can't..."

"Yes, you can. It's about time you went back and talked things through with William."

With that Lwaxanna Troi turned on her heel and left the room leaving Deanna with no choice, but to return to the Enterprise and face William. T. Riker.

"Captain, the Helikin delegates are now resting in their quarters and the shuttle carrying the Betazoid delegates has just docked in Shuttle Bay 2."

"Thank you, Mister Data. Commander Riker will you join me. Picard to Doctor Crusher, could you meet myself and Commander Riker in Shuttle Bay 2."

"Acknowledge, Captain." Came Beverley Crusher's voice, as Picard and Riker entered a turbolift.

Beverley Crusher was already waiting for them as Riker and Picard strolled down the corridor. In silence they entered the Shuttle Bay. The small shuttle's hatch had just opened with a hiss. Three Betazoid males exited the shuttle and nodded politely at the three officers before turning back towards the exit. A small, young-looking, blonde Betazoid woman stepped down from the shuttle with a helping hand from one of the men. She turned back to the exit without looking at Picard, Riker or Crusher. She offered her hand to the last figure in the shuttle. The figure was obviously unsteady on his/her feet. To the three Starfleet officers' delight, Deanna Troi emerged from inside the shuttle. Stepping off the shuttle, into the Shuttle Bay's light, Deanna looked pale, tired and weak and all three officers noticed. Her purple robe flowed down to her ankles and, though it was not fitted, it was obvious that Deanna had lost quite a bit of weight. Finally Deanna looked at them.

"Captain Jean-Luc Picard, may I introduce my fellow Ambassadors; Chancellor Triand,"

The middle aged, white haired man nodded.

"Chancellor Triand's son, Chancellor Bix and their aid Sen'nax."

The two younger dark haired men nodded in turn.

"This," she motioned to the young blonde Betazoid, "is my Aide, Ryla."

Picard bowed graciously to each of those being introduced to him. He turned to his own officers.

"For the benefit of your party, Deanna..."

Troi raised her hand to stop him,

"Please, Captain, I'd prefer it if you would address me as Ambassador on this trip."

Riker and Crusher exchanged glances with one another. Picard, ever the diplomat, merely smiled,

"Very well...Ambassador. For the benefit of your party may I introduce my First Officer, Commander William Riker and my Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Beverley Crusher."

Riker and Crusher bowed as they were introduced.

"May we show you to your quarters, Ambassadors?" asked Picard.

Triand, Bix and their aid Sen'nax nodded with appreciation as Riker and Crusher led them away.

"Ambassador Troi may I take you and your aid to your quarters?"

"That won't be necessary, Captain. I took the liberty of having Mister Data forwarding me the location of my quarters. Ryla will stay with me so you can keep her quarters vacant."

"As you wish, Ambassador. The introductory gathering will be in the 'Ten Forward' lounge at 18:00 hours. I hope you will join us."

The former Counsellor of the Enterprise nodded and then, holding tightly onto Ryla's arm, she left the Shuttle Bay leaving behind a bewildered Picard.

"If you ask me, Will, she didn't look well." Commented Beverley, as they walked away from the last Ambassador's quarters.

"No she didn't." Came Riker's short reply

"Wasn't it strange that she wanted to stay on formal terms?"

"No, not really. It's her way of telling us that this visit is strictly business."

There was a few moments silence before Crusher spoke again.

"I didn't know Deanna had an aide."

"Nor did i."

"Do you think she'll come to 'Ten Forward' tonight?"

"She will, but only because she has to."

"Oh."