As the Enterprise senior staff sat around the conference table, Captain Morgan Lindenberg arrived with two others, one wearing a commander's uniform, the other in civilian clothes. Picard had met Lindenberg years ago and had taken readily to the jovial man. However, he was taken aback by the two individuals accompanying Morgan. The first was a tall woman obviously part Vulcan, part Bajoran and possibly part human as well. She had her hands behind her back, showing the countenance of her Vulcan heritage. He noticed three full pips on her collar. As unusual as Picard found the commander, his attention almost immediately diverted to the other person. He had had no idea that a Ferengi would be present during this meeting!

"You're bringing a Ferengi into this meeting?" Riker asked. "There's no profit to be made from this situation."

"I assure you," the Ferengi said, "that I am here to help, not to exploit anybody."

"Dr. Mij is the physicist who collected the initial data on the Riis," Lindenberg explained. "If it weren't for him, we would probably still be grappling with how to penetrate the anomalous interference throughout the mountain regions on Cromebia. "Admiral Houston has not only requested that he sit in on this meeting, but openly believes his insight into the Cromebians could prove vital to resolving this issue."

"Let us not be ones to make assumptions about others," Picard said, "based on the color of their skin." He glanced at his first officer, knowing his instinctive reaction had been to be as suspicious as Will. The realization shamed him. Admiral Houston cleared his throat and addressed everyone. "The latest communique just came in from Starfleet Headquarters. We have authorization to send someone to Cromebia to investigate the current situation with the Riis. I'm open to suggestions at this time."

"We could set up a holographic wall against one of the cave openings," Riker suggested. "Observe them without their knowledge."

Again Picard thought back to the Mentokans. How deep are we now? he wondered.

"I don't believe that would be sufficient," Nevichi commented, steepling her fingers. "It is illogical to hide in one cave while the Riis dwell in another. There would be very little observation taking place."

"We could beam down to Brakinz," LaForge suggested. "The Cromebians are fully aware of our transporter technology. We could gather more details of their interaction with the two Riis. Granted, it would be a one-sided story, but it would be a start. If we can get enough of them to talk, we could work out a lot of the discrepencies."

If Picard were in charge here, he would have immediately agreed to that suggestion. However, Admiral Houston appeared to want to hear more input before reaching any decision.

"Are you suggesting that my investigation into this matter does not meet with your Starfleet standards?" Mij asked his nostrils flaring.

Picard was sure that his chief engineer had meant no insult, but given Ferengi repute, he wasn't surprised by Mij's reaction.

"I only meant that maybe the Cromebians aren't so willing to share everything they know, because it might jeopardize their chances of gaining admission into the Federation."

"As it should," said Riker. "We can't admit Cromebia if it means compromising the Riis' natural development."

"I agree, Commander," Houston said. "If the Cromebians have kept any significant information about the Riis from us, I'll recommend termination of their petition immediately."

"Sir," Worf said, looking at the admiral, "if we send an away team to Cromebia, I suggest that security accompany them. We still know little about these people."

"Your suggestion for security is noted and appreciated."

"We must also take into consideration, sir," Picard said, "that the Riis are the ones who stumbled upon the Cromebians, not the other way around. For that reason, we should not view the Cromebians as having committed an ethical violation according to our own standards."

"I suggest that we send an away team down to interact with the Riis," Data said and everyone turned in his direction. "Incontrovertibly, direct interaction has proven the best way to study other sentient species." He turned toward Crusher, sitting next to him. "Would it be possible to alter the appearances of away team members so they can be made to look like Riis?"

"I'll need to study the reports on Riis physiology first," Crusher answered. "That is, as soon as they're made available to me."

"That information is on this data padd," Houston said, sliding the device across the table toward the doctor. "You may access any data you feel is pertinent to your task."

Data turned to again address the group. "Once we have established a small group within the Riis community, evaluating the situation would prove easier."

"Indeed," Nevichi agreed.

"Hold on," Lindenberg piped up. "I agree with your android officer, Picard, but let's not limit ourselves to one plan." He pointed to LaForge. "I believe your idea has merit, too." Lindenberg looked toward Houston. "Admiral?"

Houston nodded. "Someone does need to not only talk with all the Cromebian officials, but the citizens as well. We need to understand their reactions, their concerns and fears, toward the Riis."

"I suggest that you allow Commander Nevichi to head the away team."

"Agreed," Houston said.

"I would like to request that you allow me to accompany this away team," the Ferengi said.

"You are not Starfleet!" Worf grumbled.

"Need I remind you that I am still the only one to possess the ability to penetrate the gaseous anomaly. How could you be sure you're beaming your away team down where no Riis will witness the technology?"

Houston raised a hand to silence the argument. "Gentlemen, please. There is no need to argue. I will grant Dr. Mij' request to accompany the Valiant to Cromebia and, along with a small away team, he may beam down to Brakinz. For now, the two Cromebian representatives brought here by the Valiant need to be dealt with. Mr. LaForge, I'd like you to inspect the Cromebian ship, and I expect a full report within three hours."

"Aye, sir."

"And Dr. Crusher, you will show the Cromebian doctor around your sickbay and explain some of the basics to him."

"Understood," Beverly replied.

"Unless there are any questions, everyone is dismissed."

*****

After leaving the conference room, LaForge briefly returned to the Enterprise to gather the equipment he would need to inspect the Cromebian ship. Upon returning to the station, he found the Cromebian engineer, Redik, waiting for him in Transporter Room Two of the station. The chief engineer found the Cromebian's appearance pleasant. On average, Cromebians were taller than humans and had flabbier facial features. Redik's mannerisms immediately reminded Geordi of the proverbial gentle giant.

As they walked down the corridor, LaForge wondered what the Cromebian was thinking, what he was feeling. It had to be mind boggling to have warp capability almost in the palm of your hand, to have admittance into the Federation almost assured, and then to have it suddenly snatched away by an astonishing coincidence. I know we have the Prime Directive to uphold, the engineer thought. I believe in it; I just don't think it's fair sometimes. It's not like the Cromebians were purposely withholding information from us. They had no idea that the Riis even existed. Redik was probably damning the very existence of the Riis. LaForge couldn't say that he would blame the engineer for such feelings. He couldn't imagine his life without dilithium crystals, antimatter, and warp nacelles.

They reached the door to the docking bay, and as they stopped, the Cromebian turned toward LaForge and said, "We're just wasting our time, aren't we?" His raspy tone was common among his people, apparently a product of the Cromebian atmosphere.

"We really shouldn't reach that conclusion prematurely," LaForge reassured the alien, though he didn't really feel it. "Show me what you've done with your ship."

The Cromebian led the way into his ship, which was large enough to accommodate thirty comfortably. The bridge was grossly smaller than the one on the Enterprise, but its design was comparable to some of the earlier crafts used by Starfleet.

"The engine room is over there," Redik said, pointing. He led LaForge through a door that had to be manually opened.

LaForge whistled as he glanced around the room, and Redik eyed him with disdain. "Sorry. We are going to have fun." Whipping out his tricorder, he walked over to the engine nacelle. "Let's have a closer look." He removed the metal casing and scanned the engine. "I've studied Earth's earliest spacecrafts, and you seem to be right up with our mid-twenty-first century designs."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that you're getting there, but I probably could teach you a thing or two about engine efficiency."

"So we can travel the stars like your Starfleet, explore the unknown." Redik had a glint in his eyes, and the chief engineer wanted so badly to sit down with the Cromebian right then and explain how to design a warp engine.

Instead, he removed his data padd from his supply bag. In most situations he wouldn't be as meticulous, waiting to input information into a data padd after the scan, but the admiral expected a thorough report in only three hours.

"After I scan your engine components with my tricorder, this will help me catalogue it."

"Is that some type of computer?"

"Yeah, it's called a data padd."

"If we're admitted into the Federation, the first thing I'm going to do is get myself one of those. I'm always lugging a computer around. It may build my muscles, but nothing else."

Geordi chuckled. He knew that computers had once been bulky, but he couldn't remember a time when he hadn't owned a personal data padd. He could learn a lot from the Cromebians, especially not to take for granted what he had.

"The idea behind this engine design, actually, isn't half bad," LaForge said as he moved his tricorder along the engine. He continued to speak as he scanned and recorded information about the equipment. "You've broken mach seven, something Earth scientists never did with a similar type of engine. It wasn't until Zephram Cochrane invented warp engines that we were able to go beyond our own solar system."

"We have sent an expedition team outside our solar system, but the round trip took nearly twelve years. If I'm to understand correctly, your people could accomplish the same in just one day. Traveling to this starbase would have taken three of my lifetimes, but the Valiant brought us here in three hours! To explore the unknown in my lifetime--could it be possible?"

"I'm here to help you realize that dream," the chief engineer promised. "Did your people discover any other life during that expedition?"

"Yes. The sixth and seventh planets both had intelligent life-forms. Unfortunately, neither were anywhere near accomplishing space travel. They weren't even aware of one another."

"Did your people try to communicate with them?"

"No, but not because of anything like the Prime Directive. They were afraid of how those aliens might have reacted toward them. What if they'd attacked them like the vicious preying lecour of our world? But even without communication, a lifelong question was answered: There is other life out there beyond our own. We're not alone. I want to reach out, meet them, become their friend."

"I know how you feel. But let's not forget that you have discovered an unknown right at your own doorstep, so to speak. You hardly know anything about the Riis."

Redik humbly lowered his head. "Our situation is so ironic."

LaForge walked around to the other side of the engine, but did not immediately continue his task. Instead, he looked at Redik, who had followed him over. "I wish I had some advice to give you, Redik. I can only offer my support. I hope it's enough."

*****

Materializing in Transporter Room Three, Dr. Crusher stepped off the platform, then turning gauged the Cromebian doctor's reaction to the experience. He was touching his chest, making sure he had solidified.

"What an amazing experience!" Dr. Filio exclaimed. He was a stout Cromebian with peach-colored skin. "I never dreamed such a thing was possible."

"Starfleet has had transporter technology for nearly two hundred years," Crusher said.

"With such advanced transportation, I can't wait to get a look at your medicines."

"You will get a chance to do that. But we must also work at completing Starfleet's records of Cromebian technology."

"Oh?" The Cromebian gauged her quizzically. "What do you need?"

"A lot, I'm afraid. Our medical records on your people are quite sketchy."

"Well, I'll certainly help you in any way I can. Which way to your examining room?" He darted his head around, seemingly overwhelmed as he took in everything.

"The quickest way is by traveling in what we call a turbolift. They're similar to elevators, only they are voice activated through our ship's computer system."

The Cromebian visibly relaxed, even offering Beverly a smile. "Ah, now that's something I can relate to. We have similar systems in our hospitals and government buildings. Lead the way." He followed Crusher onto the forward turbolift. "Allow me," he said as the door slid closed. "Computer, medical examining room, please."

"Destination: sickbay, acknowledged."

Beverly smiled and said, "On starships, we refer to our medical examining room as sickbay."

"I will refer to it as such from now on then," Filio said politely. He turned away from Crusher to study the manual override controls on the wall.

As they entered Sickbay, Filio gave his surroundings just as thorough an inspection as he had the transporter room.

Dr. Selar turned away from her patient to raise an eyebrow at them. Setting down her medical tricorder, she walked over to Beverly. "Lieutenant Tanner is healing nicely from his plasma burns, Dr. Crusher. I recommend that he remain in Sickbay for a few more hours."

"Thank you, Doctor." Crusher pointed toward the Cromebian. "This is Dr. Filio. He's here to help me update Starfleet's records on Cromebian medical technology and also for firsthand observation of our own technology."

"If you need my help, I will be here." Without waiting for a reply, Dr. Selar discreetly walked over to the computer console and sat down to enter data on her patient.

Crusher turned to the Cromebian. "Would you like to discuss routine examinations first or would you rather begin with surgical procedures?"

"Surgical?" Filio asked, perplexed.

"Yes. You don't understand? Computer, is the universal translator working?"

"The universal translator is fully operational."

Crusher sighed heavily. "Does the word 'operation' mean anything to you?"

"As in a procedure, task, assignment...?"

Shaking her head, Beverly felt frustration welling up inside her. This conversation made no sense. If the Cromebians were nearly capable of warp speed, surely they could perform at least basic surgery. "Let's go into the surgery room first, then. We'll visually compare your technology to Starfleet's."

Beverly stepped into the room ahead of the Cromebian doctor, so she did not see his reaction, but she did hear him gasp. "I realize this may overwhelm you, so feel free to stop me at any point to ask questions." Grabbing a laser scalpel, she turned around to face Filio. "Do you have any idea what this does?"

The Cromebian, furrowing his brow intently, reached out and took the instrument from Crusher. Turning it in his hands, he studied its features. "Does it administer medicine?"

"No, we have another instrument," she began, turning to pick up a hypospray, "called a hypospray that injects medicine into the patient. A couple centuries ago, doctors from my world had to use needles to puncture the skin before medicine could be given to a patient. This instrument is not only more efficient, but less painful as well."

"Then if this--" He raised the laser scalpel. "--is not used for medicine, it must be some sort of scanning device."

"No, it is a laser scalpel. It is used for surgery."

"That word again--surgery--please explain it to me."

"When a patient is very ill and requires more than medicine, it is usually necessary to anesthetized them and then make an incision using a laser scalpel so--"

"You cut your patients!"

"Of course. How else could I repair any internal damage?"

"That's abominable! How can you cut open another living creature?"

"Well, how do you help your patients who have internal injuries?"

"We give them medicine."

"And what if the medicine doesn't work?"

"Then they die." Filio bowed his head. "It is most unfortunate. That is why we are continually developing new medicines. We were hoping you could introduce us to many new ones."

"Starfleet medical research has indeed found a cure for many diseases. However, we are far from eliminating the need for surgery."

Filio shook a finger wildly at her. "Then I'll have no part of your Starfleet." He took a couple backward steps, bumping into a tray. Awkwardly, he barely turned around in time to prevent the tray from toppling over. He rushed out of the room.

Crusher wondered why, if Cromebians were so opposed to cutting flesh, that they even used needles to administer medicines, since needles still punctured the skin.

*****

"I'm supposed to be meeting Beverly and the Cromebian doctor for a luncheon at 1300 hours," Deanna told her companion. "I hope you don't mind, Worf. "Beverly believes, and I agree, that an informal setting will work best as an initial means for my psychological evaluation of the alien doctor."

"I must report for bridge duty at 1000 hours and will be unable to break for lunch anyway," the Klingon informed her.

"We have so little time together." Then she smiled as she realized they shouldn't be dwelling on the rest of their day. "But we do have now. And if my chronometer is correct, we have nearly an hour before you must report for duty." She placed her arm around him and asked in a soothing voice, "Why don't we get something to drink?" Worf nodded, and they strolled over to the replicator. "Computer, two synthales."

They came to a window and stopped to stare out at the stars and finish their drinks. The Enterprise, the Valiant and two smaller ships were perched on docking pylons.

"Excuse me," someone said from behind them. They turned to see Commander Nevichi with her hands behind her back. "Counselor Deanna Troi?"

"Yes," Troi replied.

"Has there been further word regarding the Cromebians?" the Klingon eagerly asked.

Troi had to admit that she was as eager to learn more about the Cromebian problem as Worf was.

"I'm afraid not," the commander replied. "I know we met at the conference, but we have yet to be formally introduced. I'm Commander Marie Nevichi." The part Bajoran, part Vulcan woman extended her hand first to Worf, then to Troi. "I'd like to talk with you for a bit if you don't mind. Would you accompany me to the docking bay?"

"Of course, we don't mind," Worf said. "Whatever you have to tell us may be useful."

"Actually, I was speaking to the counselor. You don't mind, do you?"

Troi and Worf eyed one another questioningly, and he nodded resignedly. "I will return to the Enterprise and report for duty early." He nodded to Deanna before stepping away from them. He never offered her affection before an audience.

Nevichi gestured in the direction she wanted to walk and Troi matched her pace as they wended around to the next corridor.

"You are half Betazoid and half human," Nevichi said as she again placed her hands behind her back. She turned slightly toward Deanna, but did not slow her pace. "I hope you don't mind that I looked up your bio in the Starfleet records. I enjoy learning about people of mixed races."

"Why? Because you're half Vulcan and half Bajoran?"

"Actually, I am only one-quarter Vulcan and one-quarter Bajoran. The other half of me is human. My father was mostly Italian. Would you consider it too forward of me if I told you that I find Lieutenant Worf quite an appealing mate for you?"

"Yes, actually, I would."

Nevichi conceded with a nod. "Very well. I must admit that I have a problem with always comparing other females with myself."

"Since you're brought up the subject, would you mind explaining to me why you feel the need?"

"I don't know exactly, Counselor. I suppose it has something to do with the fact that I am a mixed breed. I don't seem to fit in with any one culture so I'm not always sure how to act around others."

"I find that a little difficult to believe," Troi commented. Yet she could sense Nevichi's sincerity. "You couldn't have reached the status of full commander without adequate social skills."

"True. On a professional level, I don't have any problem. It's the personal level that I'm worried about. I thought since you are a counselor--"

"You wish to be counseled?"

"Not professionally. Maybe just--woman to woman?" Troi nodded her consent and Nevichi continued. "As we become more mature, we make wiser decisions. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Usually that is the case, but if we are talking about love here, then sometimes the aphorism 'love is blind' unfortunately holds true."

"Oh? I hadn't thought of that!" Nevichi had a silly smirk on her face, and Troi could sense that the other woman was thinking about someone very special to her. "But he's so remarkable--you know that feeling, don't you?"

"Yes," Deanna replied, actually beginning to warm up to the commander. "I have allowed my personal relationship with Worf to cloud my judgment from time to time. No matter how often we promise ourselves that we will behave sensibly and logically, we cannot always control our impulses."

"Exactly. Nor can we control who we fall in love with. My father tried to pass several human mates onto me. Although, for the most part, they were nice people, they all lacked that certain something I was looking for in a man."

Deanna thought back, remembering her past lovers. Some of them had been human, including Will Riker. Most of her relationships had begun passionately, but eventually had ended for some reason or another, and she had moved on with her life. She realized that her relationship with Worf was quite different. They had been friends long before they became anything more.

"I sense that you are worried about how others will react to the mate you have chosen," Troi said. "Perhaps most importantly your father."

"Counselor, would you think less of me if I told you I was intimately involved with a Ferengi?"

Suddenly, Deanna stopped, unsure how to react to the unexpected disclosure. The commander took two more steps before turning around to face her. "Why would I think less of you?"

"Well, Ferengi aren't exactly known for their charm and generosity. But there's a thrill in being involved with someone who is not...one of your own. I expect you understand this."

"Commander, I did not choose to become involved with Worf because he is Klingon. I'm involved with him because I'm in love with him. I find your insinuation that I chose a Klingon lover for the mere thrill of it a bit insulting! My relationship with Worf--or any other man for that matter--is my own personal business. You should be concerning yourself more with the Cromebians, not with my love affairs."

"Counselor, I am sorry. Until the Valiant is ready for departure, however, there is nothing that I can personally do to help the cause. I thought this was a good opportunity for us to talk. Admittedly, I first became involved with Mij because of his race. But Counselor, I think I really have fallen in love with him! So maybe my theory is right, and we both find our own kind too bland for our tastes. How do others view your relationship with Lieutenant Worf?"

"Our friends are quite supportive."

"Your friends. What about acquaintances? Strangers? Mij and I often find people watching us, staring, their mouths agape. I don't think it's justified. Do you?"

Deanna smiled, no longer feeling any irritation toward Nevichi. "Not at all. As far as Worf and I are concerned, I suppose we've received our share of gaping looks, but we don't allow it to stop us."

"Good for you!"

They continued their walk. As they reached the docking bay, Nevichi said, "Well, this has been a most intriguing conversation, Counselor. Thank you. I do hope we can talk again sometime." She stepped toward the large door, but paused to turn around. "Consider this: if you and Lieutenant Worf were to have a child together, he or she would be the same proportional mix as I. I wonder what the cultural consequences of that would be." She stepped into the bay and the door slid closed behind her.

I don't think I've ever met someone quite so unusual, Troi thought, shaking her head. Yet, she realized that Commander Nevichi had effectively planted the notion of raising racially mixed children. She tried to visualize what a child who was part human, Bajoran, Vulcan, and Ferengi would look like and couldn't help but laugh. How would such a child handle the battle between its logical Vulcan side and its greedy, self-centered Ferengi side? Alexander had it tough enough dealing with that part of him that was human.

The cargo-bay door opened again and to Deanna's shock, her mother and Alexander stepped out. "So Little One," Lwaxana said. "How long has this thing with Mr. Worf been going on? I had to hear about it from Alexander." The Klingon boy lowered his head, "I'm sorry," he muttered. "When were you thinking of telling me?"