Sitting at her desk, Dr. Beverly Crusher studied her data padd and scowled. How could she prepare for a conference with a Cromebian physician without adequate medical information on them? The transcript sent to her by Starbase 212 included information on Cromebian physiology, but said little about their current medical capabilities.

Setting down her data padd, she swiveled in her chair to look out her window at the stars warping by. The Enterprise would reach the starbase shortly. Then she could personally ask Admiral Houston why no one had made any effort to update the Cromebian file. We made contact with them a year ago, Crusher thought. Although the Cromebians had not yet developed warp capability, they had accomplished several feats in space exploration, including colonization of one of their moons.

Beverly brought up an image of a male Cromebian on her screen. While he was dark-skinned, other Cromebians had a peach complexion. They varied in height and weight, though the average Cromebian was rather tall and husky. With broad cheekbones and long noses, they looked almost wolfish.

"Doctor?"

Turning around, Crusher saw a very pregnant Alyssa standing in the doorway. She had been so preoccupied with thoughts of the Cromebians that she had forgotten about Alyssa's weekly examination.

"I'm sorry, Alyssa," Beverly said. "I'm letting this upcoming delegation worry me far too much." She stood and walked around her desk. "How are you feeling?"

"Other than a little tired and like I'm carrying a couple Brachian rats--I feel wonderful."

"Glad to hear it." The doctor smiled as she grasped her nurse by the arm. "Let's get you to a biobed." She led Alyssa to the adjoining room and onto a bed. Picking up a medical scanner, she ran it back and forth across Alyssa's abdomen. "Baby's heartbeat is still quite strong and fast."

"Mommy's is too," Alyssa joked with a nervous smile. "Are all expectant mothers as anxious as I am this close to the due date?"

"I was! I ate more banana splits than I cared to count." She began scanning Alyssa's vitals. "And it took me months to lose the extra pounds after Wesley was born." She studied the scanner's readout. "Everything's normal, including your weight. I wish I had been as lucky." Crusher gazed at nothing in particular as she remembered herself, at eight and a half months pregnant, spooning ice cream and bananas into her mouth. "There was just something about bananas. . .well, I don't eat them anymore." She focused again on her patient. "The sight of them makes me ill." She smiled. "It's funny, though, that a banana split is Wesley's favorite dessert."

Both women broke out into laughter.

"I actually don't have any cravings," Alyssa said. "I know there's nothing abnormal about that, but somehow it makes me feel like I'm missing out on part of the experience. Does that make any sense to you?"

"Perfect sense," Beverly replied, setting down the scanner. "You just have to remember that every pregnancy is different." Unconsciously, she glanced at her office door.

"Doctor, is something wrong?"

Crusher looked back at her nurse and helped Alyssa to a sitting position. "Probably not. It's just that I'm a bit concerned about the information I received from Starbase two-one-two--or rather the lack of information. I'm trying to understand Cromebian medicine, but I have very little information to prepare for my meeting with the Cromebian medical representative. Last year, when we visited Cromebia, I spoke with some of their people. I felt for them. They have diseases that I know we can cure if someone would just supply the information. As a member of the Federation, they'd have access to our extensive medical database. But it's very difficult for a planet to get accepted into the Federation. Do you realize the myriad infractions that could cause a petition to be dropped? If we don't enter the delegation fully prepared, I don't see how the Cromebians will have a chance."

"I didn't realize you felt so strongly about this, Dr. Crusher," Alyssa said. "If there's anything I can do to help."

"Thanks for the offer, Alyssa, but you're supposed to be on maternity leave, remember? You just get plenty of rest. Worry about your baby. I'll worry about the Cromebians."

"Of course you will--enough for the both of us."

"You're probably right." Beverly helped her nurse off the biobed before stepping back into her office. "Computer," she said as she walked around her desk and sat down. "Contact Starbase two-one-two and get me Admiral Houston."

"Admiral Houston is currently not accepting incoming messages," the computer replied. "Would you like to proceed?"

"What?. . .Yes. Contact Starbase two-one-two and get me the first person who will answer."

*****

"You know, Reg, I think we could learn a lot from the Cromebians," Geordi LaForge said, standing across the engineering "pool table" from his assistant.

"Sir?" Barclay said, looking up from his monitor. "I thought the Cromebians were just beginning to grasp the complexities of warp capability."

"They are." Shaking his head, the chief engineer chuckled. "That's not what I meant. Not exactly. I'm talking about the excitement, the elation they feel over things we've come to take for granted." He punctuated his words with a waving hand. "We warp through space every day with little thought of just how miraculous that capability is. Our ancestors once lived in caves. They were just beginning to invent the first means of transportation." LaForge picked up an engine scanner. "We run routine diagnostics every day, but we don't think anything of it until we lose warp capability. Then we realize just how lucky we are."

He walked away to continue the routine diagnostic on other equipment across the room. Barclay followed him.

"Y-you know, I-I," Barclay started to say. He waved his arm trying to get the point out. "I've always been amazed by how efficient the Enterprise warp drives perform." ch

LaForge turned toward his assistant and smiled. "I bet you have, Reg." His commbadge chirped, and he tapped it. "LaForge here."

"Geordi," Crusher said. "Did you find the information Admiral Houston sent you regarding the Cromebians inadequate?"

"No," he replied. "Should I?"

"It's just that the medical information he sent me doesn't contain any details about surgical procedures."

"That's odd. Maybe the file was corrupted or maybe it wasn't all sent."

"I thought of that possibility, but it doesn't read like a corrupted file. It reads like someone purposely left information out. And that's not even the most perturbing part of this. Have you tried to contact Starbase two-one-two?"

"Haven't had any reason to, Doc."

"Well, I just did. I spoke with a Commander Cassatt, and when I asked him for more medical information on the Cromebians, he said he didn't have the authority to release that information to me. I asked to speak with Admiral Houston, but he apparently is in a conference and can't be disturbed."

LaForge and Barclay looked at one another, trying to digest the news.

"We're within thirty minutes of arriving there," the chief engineer informed her. "If there is a problem, we'll know about it soon enough."

"Someone should inform the captain of the potential problem.."

"I'll handle it."

"Thanks, Geordi. Crusher out."

Geordi sighed heavily and handed the engine scanner to Barclay. "Finish the diagnostics for me, Reg," LaForge said. "I have a feeling I'm going to be tied up with other business very shortly."

"Aye, sir," Barclay said, taking the scanner.

La Forge tapped his commbadge and called for the captain.

*****

Walking down a corridor on Deck Eight with the captain, Commander William Riker said, "Did you know that the Cromebians are vegetarians? Not just some of them--but all of them. And I've been studying up on their rituals, too. They have this special tea, briska, which they drink during all ceremonial occasions. Guinan has some of it in stock. I've tasted it. It brings new meaning to the phrase, 'soothes the soul.'"

"Really?" Picard replied, glancing at his first officer, who smiled mischievously at him. "Perhaps I should try some."

Just as they reached a turbolift and were about to step inside, Picard's commbadge chirped.

"LaForge to Captain Picard."

"Picard here," he replied, tapping his commbadge.

"Sir, we may be stepping into a problem when we reach Starbase two-one-two. Dr. Crusher attempted to obtain more medical information on the Cromebians. Admiral Houston is apparently tied up in a conference so she spoke with a Commander Cassatt. He claims he's not authorized to give her that information."

"Curious?" Picard looked at Riker to include him in on his reply. "Why would the chief medical officer on this mission be denied medical information on the very people she's supposed to be evaluating? "We're just holding a friendly delegation. I'll see if my access is restricted as well. Picard out." He and Riker stepped into the turbolift. "Bridge."

"Sir," Riker said, "if there's a problem, it could affect the Cromebian's chances of entering the Federation."

"Now that depends entirely on the nature of the problem, Number One," the captain replied.

The turbolift opened up onto the bridge and they stepped out.

Data stood up from the command chair to greet them. "Captain, we will arrive at Starbase two-one-two in twenty-three minutes," he informed them.

"Yes," Picard replied tersely. "I will be in my ready room." He disappeared behind his door.

Data looked at Commander Riker, seeking out an explanation. Riker wished he had one to offer.

*****

"Computer, recognize Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Alpha-One clearance," the captain said as he sat down at his desk.

"Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Alpha-One clearance recognized," the computer said.

"Please send a priority-one message to Admiral Houston at Starbase two-one-two, requesting that he apprise me of their current situation and to confirm authorization for the Enterprise to dock there."

"Message sent. . .message received."

Picard drummed his fingers on his desk, hoping Admiral Houston would open a subspace channel for him. After a couple of minutes, the Starfleet logo blinked out, and an image of Admiral Houston appeared.

"Jean-Luc," the admiral said, "I was expecting to hear from you." Houston was about ten years older than Picard, with thick silver hair. He was a tall, lanky man, in excellent health for someone who had spent his entire adult life as a member of Starfleet.

"Admiral, have our orders changed without my being notified?"

"No. I still expect you to arrive here shortly for the conference in one hour. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we meet with the Cromebians and that we keep the details regarding their case privileged information."

"Why did you not acknowledge the incoming message from my chief medical officer? Has something happened on Cromebia, sir?"

The admiral nodded. "I am sorry that I had to put Dr. Crusher off, but I was in conference with the delegates from Cromebia and simply could not be disturbed. It's very serious. I will explain it all in great detail when you arrive. Suffice it to say for now that the Federation is into a whole lot more than we bargained for. I will await your arrival, Captain. Admiral Houston out."

Picard started to respond to the admiral's enigmatic words, but before he could speak, the older man had severed their connection. Picard usually loved a good mystery, but this one worried him.

Standing up, he went to his window to stare out at the stars as he always did when he needed to think. They offered no answers.

"Captain," came Riker's voice several minutes later. "We have arrived at Starbase two-one-two. What are our orders?"

"Proceed under Admiral Houston's authorization, Number One," the captain replied, looking away from the stars for the first time since his conversation with Admiral Houston. Let's hope we aren't landing in the proverbial spider's web, he thought before stepping out of his ready room and onto the bridge.

*****

"I hear Starbase 212 has wonderful recreation facilities," Deanna said to her companion. They were sitting at the bar in Ten-Forward.

"Who told you this?" Worf asked, sounding leery about trying something new.

From the other end of the bar, Guinan smirked knowingly as she stirred a dark liquid inside a pitcher. She approached them with the pitcher and two glasses. "Now, Mr. Worf," the El-Aurian began as she poured one glass and slid it toward him, "don't knock anything before you've tried it."

He stared at the drink, wrinkling his nose. "What is this?"

"Briska tea. Very popular on Cromebia." She poured the second glass and handed it to the Betazoid.

Deanna took a sip. "Mmm. It's very sweet Worf. You probably wouldn't like it."

This, of course, was enough to insight the Klingon. He brought the glass to his lips and gulped down the alien tea. "Not bad," he admitted.

"Now what was that about not trying the starbase's facilities?" Guinan reminded him. "Probably designed toward less-athletic aliens," Worf replied.

"You could be right. It was after all, a Craxton who told me about the program." She knew they would remain docked at the starbase for a few days and wanted to enjoy her off hours with Worf by her side. "Okay, how about we visit the bar? I hear they have a great singer."

"Who probably doesn't know any Klingon opera."

Agreeing on wanting to spend time together was obviously quite different from agreeing on how they would spend their time together, Deanna realized.

"Attention all senior officers, report to Starbase 212, conference room one," came Commander Riker over their commbadges. "There will be a briefing in ten minutes."

Worf and Deanna stood up from the bar and Deanna handed her half-finished drink back to the bartender. "Thanks, Guinan. I'm sure we'll find something to entertain us."

Once the counselor was out of hearing range, Guinan said, "oh, there will be entertainment."

*****

"Jean-Luc," Admiral Houston said as Picard entered the conference room, "I'm glad you made it so quickly." The admiral had asked Picard to meet with him ahead of the other officers. He pointed to a chair. "Have a seat." They sat down across from one another at the conference table. "I thought it best for you and me to talk alone before we brought in the others. We have a serious problem on Cromebia and I didn't want to risk this information leaking into the wrong hands. When the Valiant arrived to pick up the delegates, Captain Lindenberg learned that two primitive men had wandered into Brakinz, the capital city."

"Primitive! How can that be? We did a full planet scan during our initial encounter. Commander Data conducted a thorough analysis of the scan."

"Yes. I've reviewed his report, and it is quite efficient. No one, unless they knew to look for life signs, could have detected the people living inside those mountains. An anomalous reading--which Mr. Data did report, by the way--interfered with normal sensor detection."

"Has this anomaly since cleared up, Admiral?"

"No, but after learning of the existence of these primitive people, a Ferengi physicist named Mij was able to modify the sensor aboard his ship and learn about their physiology."

"A Ferengi? And they shared this information with us--at what cost?"

"You will be quite surprised, Captain, when I tell you that they gave this information to us."

"Hmm!" Picard exclaimed. "One would be a fool not to question the ulterior motive involved."

"Indeed."

"So what do we know about these mountain dwellers?"

"Apparently, these people, who call themselves the Riis, have been living in a secluded mountain region for centuries, even millenniums perhaps. Oddly, the Cromebians never discovered these cave dwellers until a couple of them wandered outside their village. One of the Riis was seriously injured, and they were both suffering from dehydration, so the Cromebians admitted them into the nearest hospital."

"Are they still at the hospital?"

"No."

"Oops," Picard said. If the two Riis travelers had been kept in the hospital until the Valiant's arrival, its chief medical officer might have been able to stimulate partial amnesia into the two travelers so they would not remember the encounter.

"Their doctor released them after only three days. I believe he had orders from Embassador Avech. They were worried that having the Riis around would hinder their chances of entering the Federation. So they were willing to let the two primitive men go without further study. The Riis natives probably returned to their village."

"And what did they tell their people?" Picard wondered aloud. "The last time something like this occurred, sir, a group of people mistook me for a god."

"I'm aware of your encounter with the Mentokans. I agree with you. We may have a very serious situation on our hands. However, no one has violated the Prime Directive here, Jean-Luc. This is an internal Cromebian matter and must be handled according to Cromebian law. We can offer our guidance, but no more." The admiral steepled his fingers. "Captain Lindenberg, as well as several members of his crew, has attested that the Cromebians appear perfectly sincere in their proclamation that they had no idea that the Riis existed when they petitioned for membership into the Federation. This situation could very well affect Cromebia's chance for admittance into the Federation, but however they decide to handle the situation with the Riis, we must abide by it."

"We will, of course, encourage the Cromebians to consider the needs of the Riis," Picard said with a questioning tone. "How are they dealing with the sudden exposure to technology?"

"That's what we aim to find out." Houston turned on his computer and brought up a file. "This file contains everything Starfleet has learned about the Riis. It's understandably insufficient, but we will have to make do with it for the moment." Houston swiveled his computer monitor around so Picard could read the file. After Picard was finished, the admiral said, "Now, I think it is time we allowed your senior staff in on the details. We need their help in evaluating this situation, quickly."

Picard nodded and stood to welcome his senior staff into the meeting.