"Being the first Ferengi to publicly choose a life of self enrichment rather than one of pure profit," Mij told Commander Data, "I was ostracized by the Ferengi Commerce Association as a warning to others. I'm not even allowed to return to Ferenginar...unless, of course, I come bearing 10,000 bears of gold-pressed latinum as penance." They were standing in a lounge area, waiting for Admiral Houston to give his final orders.

"I must admit that you seem quite different from other Ferengi I have encountered," Data said. "I remember one particular incident when--"

"Picard to Commander Data," the captain interrupted. "Please come to Conference Lounge Room One."

Data tapped his commbadge. "I am on my way," he replied. He nodded toward Mij. "We will have to continue this conversation at a later time."

"I look forward to it," the Ferengi replied, baring his crooked teeth in a broad smile.

Heading down the hall, the android stepped into the conference room and found Captain Lindenberg sitting beside Picard at the table. Riker was sitting across from them. Data took a seat beside Riker.

Captain Lindenberg smiled jovially at the commander, and Data realized that, although the two captains were about the same age, they presented themselves very differently. While Picard exuded his usual calm, Lindenberg openly exhibited excitement. There were physical differences between them as well. Lindenberg was a tall, stout man with thick hair and a beard, while Picard had been bald since long before Data met him.

"Data," Picard began, "Admiral Houston has approved your suggestion. You and Commander Riker will be accompanying the Valiant crew back to Cromebia, and disguised as a Riis, you will interact with them."

"Sirs, if you do not mind, may I inquire as to why you have chosen me over Counselor Troi? She could observe the emotional state of the Riis and come up with a far better assessment of the impact exposure to the Cromebians has had on them."

"Admittedly, Counselor Troi was our first consideration, but as we carefully went over the reports gathered by the Valiant's first away team, we stumbled on vital information that leads us to believe that the Riis would react adversely to the arrival of a female traveler."

"I see." "And unfortunately, there are no male empaths available within several light years of this starbase."

"I will have to serve as our emotional observer," Riker said. "I may not be an empath, but I think I can judge well enough to tell whether or not the Riis have been emotionally scarred by their recent experience."

Data turned toward the Valiant captain. "I am curious about your command style, Captain Lindenberg, and I hope you do not mind my saying that I am looking forward to comparing it to that of Captain Picard's."

Lindenberg chuckled, obviously flattered by Data's remark. "We will be departing at fifteen hundred hours, Mr. Data," Lindenberg said. "I assume Dr. Crusher can have the two of you ready by then."

"Dr. Crusher is currently back aboard the Enterprise," Picard informed them. "She's still working with the Cromebian doctor. Let's hope by now that she has had adequate time to learn about Riis physiology. I want you to read through the reports on the Riis as well. Hopefully, you can manage to integrate with them without raising any suspicions."

"Aye sir," both Riker and Data replied and stood to leave.

*****

"This is the last thing I expected to happen," Crusher said after she had explained the incident in the surgical room to Dr. Selar. She glanced at the Cromebian doctor, who was now sitting in the corner. The alien looked perturbed. "I know that the Academy taught us that we're supposed to accept that other cultures have very different ethics from our own, but how could a world become so technologically advanced and yet have taboos against performing surgeries?"

"Clearly, they are not as ready for admission into the Federation as some might have thought," Dr. Selar replied. "I would recommend that you report this immediately."

"Shatter their dreams just because they have different customs than ours?" Crusher knew that she had to report this incident, but a part of her still wanted to help the Cromebians. It wasn't every day that a Starfleet officer took part in expanding the Federation. "I find it difficult to think about all the unnecessary deaths that take place on Cromebia. But is it right for me to judge them?"

Dr. Selar raised an eyebrow. "Their superstitious ways are not logical."

Beverly sighed heavily. "We must remind ourselves not to let our personal feelings get in the way."

"Feelings, Doctor?"

Right, Beverly thought, I'm talking to a person who doesn't acknowledge feelings.

Just then the only other member of the Enterprise crew who didn't have any emotions walked through the door.

"Doctors," Commander Data said, approaching Crusher and Selar. They turned in his direction just as Commander Riker entered the room behind him. "I hope you have had adequate time to study Riis physiology. We have orders to alter mine and Commander Riker's appearances, so that we may pass as Riis citizens."

"That shouldn't be too difficult," Crusher replied. She picked up a data padd from atop a console and glanced over its information. "We'll need to make minor alterations on your ears, cheekbones, nose and hands. Shouldn't take long." She brought her hand to the android's cheek, tangibly confirming that the alterations would not be difficult.

"While you are performing the procedure," Dr. Selar said, "perhaps you should explain to the commanders about the incident with Dr. Filio."

"That will be all, Doctor," Beverly said tersely. "You are dismissed."

"As you wish." The Vulcan bowed and without further argument, walked over to the console to busy herself with work. Crusher nearly called her colleague back to apologize. She wouldn't have snapped at Selar if she wasn't so frustrated by this whole situation. Yet, she couldn't really take the words back, and Selar was a Vulcan anyway. The woman didn't have feelings that could be hurt.

"What incident?" Riker asked.

"You had to ask," Dr. Crusher said with dismay. "Fine. I'll explain during the surgery."

"Just don't let the details distract you too much that you--"

Beverly scowled. "I think you know me better than that. Now I want each of you to choose a biobed and sit down."

Recalling the time she had altered Data's appearance to make him look like a Romulan, she decided she would bring up the records regarding that mission. Riis features were distinctly different from a Romulan physique, but she was working from the same starting point. She would first relax the android's ears, so that they lay flatter against the sides of his head.

"Doctor," the android said, interrupting her thoughts. He tilted his head slightly, and she turned around.

Dr. Filio was approaching them, obvious awe written across his face. "This is your synthetic lifeform, is it not?"

Crusher had the eerie feeling that the Cromebian wanted to genuflect and worship the android like a deity. What kind of people were they dealing with here? Were they so advanced after all?

*****

Alexander knew that he wasn't suppose to come aboard the station, but when Mrs. Troi showed up asking him if he wanted to join her, he couldn't refuse. Unlike other adults, Mrs. Troi enjoyed breaking rules. Father would be angry, he knew, but Mrs. Troi could get them out of trouble.

Yet when Mrs. Troi confronted her daughter about Deanna's relationship with his father, Alexander realized that the situation was more serious than he had thought. He wished that Mrs. Troi would just listen to Deanna for a minute and then she would realize how much her daughter loved his father.

"Mother," Deanna said, "what are you doing here?"

"Is that any way to greet me, Little One?" Mrs. Troi let go of Alexander's hand and stepped closer to Deanna. "If you must know, Admiral Houston is an old friend of mine. We served on the Ishkan delegation together."

"Mother, Admiral Houston is extremely busy with the Cromebian petition. Surely, you read the current station logs and now of their petition to join the Federation.Why don't we return to the Enterprise?" Deanna suggested. "We can get you settled into guest quarters."

The young ensign nodded his thanks and looked relieved as they walked over to the transporter console to beam back to the Enterprise.

After they materialized in Transporter Room Three of the Enterprise, Deanna turned to her mother and said, "Mother, it was inappropriate to bring Alexander onto the station without asking Worf first."

"I saw no harm in it," Lwaxana replied and stepped off the platform. Everyone followed her onto the turbolift.

"Am I in trouble?" Alexander asked.

Deanna looked at her stepson, not sure how to respond. "Not this time. Deck Eight," she instructed the computer.

Mrs. Troi exchanged a glance with her daughter. "I must admit that I was beginning to wonder if you ever would find a suitable mate. When I received your subspace message, I had to come see for myself." "So, do you really think Worf's the right man for you?" She pronounced his father's name correctly, Alexander noted.

"Yes, I do," Deanna answered

The door slid open, and everyone stepped out into the corridor and toward the quarters Deanna shared with Worf.

"Deanna, be a dear," Lwaxana said, "and contact the little ship that brought me here, the Pumpkin or something or another."

"Paemquin, Mother" Deanna corrected.

"My luggage is still on board." Mrs. Troi turned toward Alexander. "Would my little warrior like to join me in Ten-Forward for a couple of papella juices?"

Alexander figured this was a good opportunity to divert her attention away from his father and Deanna. "Yes, Mrs. Troi."

"Mother, are you avoiding this issue?"

"Why would I do a thing like that? It's not as if you avoided telling me for so long."

Alexander looked up at her, and she smiled at him. At one time, he would have just smiled back and then joined her in a mud bath without considering his father's or Deanna's feelings. Now that he was a little older, he understood that Mrs. Troi knew how to manipulate others. "Mrs. Troi," he said, stopping, "I don't think we should go without Deanna."

She sighed heavily. "Very well. But I don't think my daughter's in a very good mood."

"Mother!"

"Yes, little one?" Lwaxana said in an innocent tone.

Deanna let out a huff and then deciding she would show her mother how good her spirits could be, said, "I will join you in Ten-Forward."

*****

"That's really amazing!" Dr. Filio said, staring at the transformed android. "My people have nothing like this cosmetic surgery."

"Would you like to look in a mirror?" Dr. Crusher asked her patients.

"I trust your ability, Doctor," Data replied. "I see no reason beyond vanity for which I would desire to look at myself at this moment."

"I trust your ability, too," Riker said with a smile, "but I wouldn't mind a mirror to study your handiwork."

"You are a genius!"

Crusher turned toward the Cromebian and witnessed the awe on his face. She had been perturbed by his denouncement of surgery, but was he not contradicting himself now with his fascination for reconstructive surgery?

"Doctors," Data said, "if you will excuse us, we are to rendezvous with the Valiant in twenty minutes. I believe we will require that time to prepare our away bags."

"Good luck, Will, Data," Crusher said as the android stood and left sickbay. She turned back toward the Cromebian. "Dr. Filio, may I ask why you are so fascinated with reconstructive surgery when your people are appalled by thoughts of cutting into flesh? And for that matter, I also find it confusing that your people would even accept the use of needles to administer medicines."

"Yes, those are valid questions," Filio admitted. He hesitated, his eye contact faltering. "On Cromebia, medicine is only administered after the rekbra ritual, which can only be performed by the most devout religious figure. Topical cleansing ointments are applied to the puncture wound for three days before the person is again considered pure."

"All that for a simple shot!" Crusher felt a pang of sympathy for an entire race of people who could be so superstitious as to need to perform rituals for even the simplest of medical procedures. "Doctor, when we were on our way to this station, I was very anxious to see your petition carried out with the most positive outcome possible. I wanted to learn everything I could about your people so I might offer my support. Now I find myself wondering whether Cromebia's admittance into the Federation would be a positive change for your people.

"But Dr. Crusher--"

"Dr. Filio, cultural differences are expected, but your people's aversion to life-saving surgical methods are totally oppositional to Federation standards and to my own personal ethics. I'm afraid that exposure to Federation technology may be too much of a cultural shock for your people. I have only shown you a few surgical instruments. Can you honestly say how all your people will react when they are exposed to the Federation?"

"Most as I have," Filio admitted.

"I will have to report this to my superiors. I really am sorry, but this will not hold a favorable light on your petition." She turned toward her Vulcan colleague. "Dr. Selar, please see that all our information from Dr. Filio is in order, and then help him find his way off this ship."

"Yes, Doctor," the Vulcan replied, stepping away from the console and approaching them.

Beverly turned, heading toward the door.

"No, wait!" Filio exclaimed. "Maybe you can give me another chance! I'll try to have an open mind this time."

She glanced back, midstride. "I wish I could believe that were possible."

The Cromebian rushed to her and slid to his knees in a humble gesture. "Please, I beg of you. You must understand the importance of this application to my people."

"Oh, I do," Crusher replied, embarrassed. "I want to help your people, but in order to do that, you must be open to learning new technology--even if it is very different from your culture's standards. The Federation deals with numerous cultures on a continual basis. To be a member of the Federation, you have to open yourself up to other viewpoints. There is no such thing as a perfect culture. We all evolved differently for our own reasons, and we cannot live peacefully together until we learn to accept each culture as a valid way of life. Now, if you'll excuse me. I would like to talk with my superiors about this incident before we continue."

Dr. Selar stepped up to the Cromebian and took him gently by the arm. She looked as annoyed as Vulcan's could ever look--That was to say, had Crusher not known Selar well, she would not have noticed.

Crusher stepped around them and out of Sickbay. As she walked down the corridor and stepped into the turbolift, she questioned her conviction, though she hadn't allowed Filio to see any doubt. I shouldn't judge an entire race on one brief encounter, she thought. "Computer, Transporter Room Three." Listening to the soft hum of the turbolift as it made its way to its destination, Beverly tried to clear her mind. She wanted to appear calm and rational when she made her recommendation to Admiral Houston.

"I'm returning to the station," she informed Ensign Taylor as she stepped out of the turbolift and onto the transporter pad.

"Aye, Doctor," Taylor replied as he quickly tapped in the command on his console.

"Energize."

A moment later, Crusher found herself back on the station. Quickly, she made her way to Houston's office, and after he acknowledged her, she stepped inside. LaForge was standing in front of the admiral, who was sitting at his desk.

"Doctor, it's good to see you," Admiral Houston said. He sounded more cheerful than he had earlier. Crusher hated that she was bringing bad news. "Commander LaForge was just giving me his report on the Cromebian ship. I'm quite pleased with his thoroughness."

"Thank you, sir," LaForge said.

"So what did you find out through your interaction with Dr. Filio?"

"Sir, did you know they were vegetarians?"

"Why yes," the admiral replied. "We have relations with several cultures who are vegetarians."

"Maybe that's why we overlooked the fact that Cromebians also have no surgical methods. None! They'd rather let a person die of internal injuries than consider cutting into living tissue."

"But should that cultural taboo," LaForge began, "prevent the Cromebians from joining the Federation?"

"I think it should at the very least limit their initial access to our vast computer banks. Until we know for sure how many other taboos the Cromebians live by, we shouldn't overwhelm them with technology that could have an adverse affect on them. In a way, our situation with the Cromebians is not unlike their situation with the Riis. They are asking us for admittance into the Federation. I suggest the possibility that they don't realize just what they're asking for."

LaForge whirled around to address the admiral. "Sir, the Cromebians have already made incredible technological advances on their own." He held his hand out, indicating a small space between his thumb and forefinger. "They are this close to warp capability. We can't just arbitrarily dismiss their petition based on one aspect of their culture."

"Arbitrarily!" the doctor exclaimed.

"Please," the admiral snapped. "I assure you that I am not one to make arbitrary decisions."

LaForge looked chagrined and said, "Sorry, sir."

"Commander Riker and Commander Data will be interacting with the Riis disguised as two of them," he informed the chief engineer. "Until we learn how sudden exposure to technology has affected these people, I will not make a decision about this petition. At said time, we will conduct a hearing, and I will listen to reports from everyone involved in this matter. In the meantime," the admiral said, steepling his fingers, "I hope the both of you enjoy your time on this station. We have several recreational facilities. I personally recommend the racquetball court. You can get a good workout--not just for the body."

"Aye sir," both replied.

"Dismissed."

Crusher and LaForge left together, walking down the corridor side by side. But they did not say anything. She wondered if this situation could get any worse. The tension between them remained unspoken, and for that, she felt its scream all the more intensely.