Star Trek: The Next Generation - 020 - Q-In-Law Read Online Free PDF Page A

and smiled. "No, Number One. I've long ago made peace with the untrod roads of my life. And the young lady's name, well, it's no doubt been replaced in my gray cells by matters of more import. I assure you, Will, springtime or not, I'm not going to get depressed." Picard's communicator beeped and he tapped it.
     
     
"Captain," came Worf's stentorian voice, "we have received the list from Starfleet of the guests who will be in attendance at the.
     
     
festivities." The last word sounded as if he were uttering a profanity. "I will be studying it and giving my recommendations and security needs to you within an hour. I thought you might wish to examine it as well." "Yes, absolutely, Mr. Worf." Picard turned in his chair to face his computer screen. Names of ambassadors, their pictures, and their home planets scrolled past him, and he nodded curtly as each went past. "I have a good feeling about all this, Number One," he said. "A celebration such as this one helps to remind us that the purer emotions, such as love, are the great constants of the galaxy." Riker smiled. "You certainly seem happier about this than any time I've seen you recently, Captain." "This crew has been through a great deal, Commander. We can use a genuine celebration. And you," he said without looking away from the computer screen, "are seeming a bit more chipper, I might add." "Perhaps you should consider becoming a counselor, Captain. Talking to you is certainly..." And then he saw Picard go ashen. "Captain, what's wrong?" "Oh no," said Picard softly.
     
     
"Captain--?" Riker's view of Picard's screen was blocked as Picard muttered, "Daughter of the fifth house..." "Fifth house?" said Riker in confusion, and then he realized. "Fifth house of... Betazed." "Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Riix," Picard continued, ostensibly reading from the computer screen but, in fact, quoting from memory.
     
     
"Heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed," intoned Riker. "Are you saying...?" "It appears that the mother of your untaken road will be joining us," sighed Picard. "Lwaxana Troi is being sent by Betazed to be their representative at the joining of the houses of Graziunas and Nistral aboard the U.s.s.
     
     
Enterprise." "Do they ever miss an opportunity to send her off planet?" Riker wondered.
     
     
Picard glanced at him. "Would you?" "Captain, are you all right?" "A headache, Number One," said Picard tiredly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Just a headache. God help us if she's still in phase." "Yes, sir. Can I get you something?" Picard turned to the food dispenser just behind him.
     
     
"Earl Grey tea. Piping hot." Within an instant the small hatch slid open and a cup of tea extended out. Picard took it and sipped it gingerly. "Take the conn, Number One. I'm going to be indisposed for a few minutes." "Yes, sir," said Riker, standing. He was feeling his old, confident self. Picard, on the other hand... "Captain, if you want to talk about it..." Picard barely afforded him a glance, but what he did see in his captain's eyes was loaded with significance.
     
     
Without saying anything further, Riker turned and walked out of the ready room.
     
     
As he walked out onto the bridge, Geordi glanced up from the engineering station, where he was doing a systems check before heading back down to the bowels of the engine room. As opposed to earlier, Riker now seemed more relaxed, even jaunty. Then the door to the ready room hissed shut, and Picard did not emerge.
     
     
Geordi frowned and sidled over to Riker as the first officer took the command chair. "Where's the captain?" "He's a bit under the weather," said Riker neutrally.
     
     
But Geordi wasn't falling for it. "He's depressed, isn't he. Isn't he?" "A little," admitted Riker.
     
     
Geordi stared at him and then said firmly, "Don't try to pin this one on me." And he went back to the engineering station.
     
     
Wesley limped into sickbay as his mother emerged from her office. She looked at him with a