Star Trek The Next Generation: Discovered

Chapter 7

The gathering in the 'Ten Forward' Lounge was already in full swing when the Betazoid Ambassadors arrived along with Deanna Troi and the aides, Ryla and Sen'nax.

"Ambassadors, so glad you could make it." Came Picard's voice, as he and his senior staff came towards them.

As Picard introduced Data, LaForge and Lepec to the other Betazoid ambassadors, Riker tried to involve Deanna in conversation.

"It's good to see you again, Ambassador."

"Likewise, Commander." She replied without feeling.

"Can I get you a drink at all?"

"No, thank you, Commander."

'Ryla, could you see if you can find us a table? I not feeling all that well.'

'Alright Deanna.' Answered the blonde girl, bowing slightly and moving away.

Riker watched the exchange suspiciously.

"I'm glad to hear that accent again."

"Accent?"

"You've been on Betazed for quite a while you've got your accent back. I like it."

Deanna looked shyly to the floor, a small, self-conscious smile began to form on her lips, but it was quickly hidden and she looked squarely and sternly at him.

"Commander, I don't mean to be rude, but I am only here for my mother. I'd appreciate it if we could keep this strictly
professional."

"Don't you think we should talk, after all it has been four months..."

"Yes, that is true. It has been a while, but I'm only here until the end of these negotiations."

"What if the appeals go through?"

"Is your new Counsellor not good enough then, Commander?"

"Well, actually, she's not settling in all that well."

"What a pity. Please excuse me." She said without feeling, as Ryla saddled back up to them and gripped Deanna's elbow.

"By all means, Ambassador." He replied with false politeness.

As Deanna and Ryla moved to a secluded table, Beverley Crusher saddled up to Will.

"You okay, Will?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I just wish she'd give up this professional bullshit."

"Can't be easy for you."

"Trouble with the ambassador?" Came another feminine voice from behind them.

"That's none of your concern, Counsellor Lepec."

"Of course not, Commander." She smirked and turned back to speak with Chancellor Bix, whom she already knew.

"Ambassador Troi, I'm sorry to disturb you."

"Captain Picard, please, sit down." She gestured to the chair opposite herself and Ryla.

Picard also gestured to a woman and a man beside him to sit down.
Their yellow tinted skin was shiny and smooth and their noses were ridged like a Bajoran's.

"May I introduce Ambassador Kelic Binax," the man nodded, "and Chancellor Andrana Tellon."

"Andrana! By the Gods, how long has it been?" cried Deanna, as
Andrana bowed down to hug her old friend.

"Far too long, my friend, far too long."

They separated from each other's arms,

"You look unwell, Deanna."

"Oh, I'm fine, nothing to worry about, just a slight Betazoid bug!" she laughed.

"You know each other, Andrana?"

"Yes, Kelic. Deanna's mother and my father were very close. They were involved in the very first Betazoid-Helikin treaty." She smiled with nostalgia.

Another figure joined the table.

"Hello, Deanna."

"Kitana, how are you enjoying my Counselling position?"

"It's been fine. Actually, several of your former patients have healed much quicker than you predicted them to."

"Funny, I heard you were having a few problems settling in."

"Listening rumours? Deanna, that's so unlike you."

"Some people change...and others remain the same. Please excuse me." She said, motioning to Ryla, who helped her up and led her one of the central windows.

Other than that one incident, the rest of the evening was a success, but the hardest part would begin in the morning- the negotiations, when old friends, and new, would become only professionals.