The Away Team materialized on Arvandus in the Valo System and were engulfed by a swirling, stinging cloud of dirt and sand. The screeching of the wind made it impossible to hear and Commander Riker was forced to grab Worf’s arm and pull him closer. "We’ve got to get out of this, the cave entrance should be a few meters in that direction," shouted Riker and pointed over his left shoulder.

Worf and two security ensigns surrounded Dr. Crusher and they all moved toward the opening. When they reached the safety of the cave, they began to brush the sand out of their hair and rub the dryness out of their eyes. In the semi-darkness of the cave the howling wind disappeared, "Is everyone all right?" asked Riker, his voice sounding loud as it echoed into the cave.

"Except for the sand and the ringing in my ears, I’m fine," said Dr. Crusher, "but this had better be a real emergency!"

Riker grinned at her and tapped his comm badge, "Riker to Enterprise."

"Go ahead Number One."

"We are at the entrance to the cave, but the Ambassador is not here."

"Ambassador Jenci has been detained. The other Federation Ambassador will meet you shortly."

The Away Team heard the rustle of fabric behind them and turned in unison to see the familiar figure of their favorite, Betazoid Ambassador. Hiding his chagrin, Riker stood at attention and said, "Ambassador, we weren’t expecting you, but your presence is a pleasant surprise."

Reading Riker’s thoughts, but keeping them to herself, Lwaxana Troi smiled at him and said, "About time, Commander! Jean-Luc certainly took his time getting here.

"Beverly, we have made all the preparations we could given the limits of their technology. You’ve got to make sure that Triepander doesn’t die. If he dies before we conclude these negotiations the opposition Arvandusians will refuse to continue the talks until a new leader is chosen. That could take quite some time and could mean the choice of someone who is not sympathetic to our cause. The Federation needs the cooperation of the Arvandusians in this sector and we have to do everything we can to make sure we get it."

Lwaxana took a breath and turned to go back the way she had come, "Well, don’t just stand there! This way."

Worf posted one Ensign at the cave opening and motioned the other to follow them into the tunnel. Dr. Crusher lengthened her stride and caught up with Lwaxana. "We didn’t know you were the other Ambassador assigned to this mission, Lwaxana. Do you have any idea what’s wrong with President Triepander? I was instructed to monitor the situation and do what ever has to be done, but it would help to know what I’m up against."

"Triepander is very old. Old even for Arvandusians. He is complaining of pains in his chest, and an overall feeling of being not well. Arvandusian medicine is rather primitive compared to ours and they don’t seem to know what to do. Cyra, Ambassador Jenci, and I, thought that you could diagnose his condition and get him through the negotiations. He is our only hope of persuading these people how important it is that they align themselves with the Federation. The Federation needs Arvandus to provide a buffer between Federation space and the Cardassian Empire. The current state of... Oh, here we are."

The group entered a huge cavern that appeared to be awash in sunlight. "How far underground are we Mrs. Troi?" asked Worf.

"All I know is, far enough for the sun not to shine, Mr. Woof."

Worf was about to correct her once again, but he made a soft growling sound in the back of his throat instead. Lwaxana pursed her lips together to keep from smiling. He was so transparent, yet dignified, a man of quiet determination. She held a special spot in her heart for Mr. Woof.

"Ambassador Jenci should have been here to meet us. It is just like her to take her time. She’s Arbazanian, and they are about the most unreasonable and demanding, species I have ever met."

"I’m sure she has a reason for being tardy," said Riker trying to mask his thoughts about who was unreasonable and demanding.

"I heard that Commander. I might be demanding, but I’m never unreasonable. My sense of humor is too well developed."

Before Lwaxana could continue, a short stocky woman, dressed in almost as many layers of fabric as Lwaxana, ran up to the group of Federation officers, "Please forgive my lateness, I am Ambassador Jenci. I’ve just come from speaking with the President’s doctor and he is very worried about the President’s condition. Triepander is not responding to their treatment.

"Mrs. Troi, have you briefed the Doctor on Triepander’s condition? Something must be done immediately. I’m at my wits end, how are we going to continue with the talks if he is seriously ill?"

Ambassador Jenci’s face was becoming an alarming shade of blue at her distress. Dr. Crusher reached out a hand to reassure the woman. "Please Madam Ambassador, don’t upset yourself. I’m Dr. Crusher. I’ll do my best to ascertain the President’s condition and help him recover. If I have to, I can beam him aboard the Enterprise and place him in stasis at a moments notice."

Riker stepped up to the distraught Ambassador, "Why don’t we let Dr. Crusher see the President before we jump to any conclusions? I’m sure the situation is not as bad as it appears."

A tall Arvandusian stepped out of the shadow of a doorway and approached Riker. Extending his hand he said, "I’m Eskil, Triepander’s son."

"Commander William Riker."

Arvandusians had spent most of their existence underground and had made adaptations to their physiology, the most notable being their eyes. Eskil’s eyes were very small, shiny black and deeply set on either side of his long narrow face. A small nose above a mouth that extended from ear to ear filled with sharp teeth and Cardassian like neck cords completed the image. He was tall, almost as tall as a Klingon, and protruding from a scarlet red cape that hung to his knees, were muscular arms and legs. His skin had an iridescent, dry, scaly appearance and a ridge of yellow fur, covered the back of his head and disappeared down his back. To Riker and the others Eskil appeared very reptilian.

"My father wishes to see you now. I will show you the way."

Eskil’s voice was soft and melodious. Expecting a hissing or guttural sound, Dr. Crusher was pleasantly surprised at the sound of it.

"Eskil, I’m Dr. Beverly Crusher. I will need access to your medical records. I’m not familiar with Arvandusian anatomy and it will help me to diagnose what’s wrong with your father."

Eskil snapped his head around to look at Beverly. For a moment she thought she was being sized up as prey, but then that hypnotic voice filled her ears and she relaxed.

"Dr. Crusher, I will see to it that you receive everything that you need to help my father. All our medical data is at your disposal. After you have seen my father, I will personally escort you to the medical library."

Lwaxana noticed the exchange and nudged Beverly very slightly in the ribs and whispered, "Be careful, Doctor."

Ignoring Lwaxana, Beverly smiled at the strange face of Eskil. "Thank you. Shall we go to your father now?" she said, at the same time making a snide remark in her mind at Lwaxana.

Lwaxana shook her head. One of these days, she was not going to be so polite to Dr. Beverly Crusher, CMO of the Starship Enterprise. She’d give the good doctor a special piece of her mind that she saved for just such occasions. But for now...,

"I’ll just come along with you, Beverly. You never now when you might need a telepath."

***

Eskil led the Away Team down a dimly lit corridor into another large room. At the far end of the room there were two massive doors and two Arvandusian guards dressed in dark blue capes standing at attention on either side. Nodding to the guards Eskil opened the doors and ushered his guests into another room draped in silk tapestries woven in geometric shapes of bright primary colors.

Pointing to a smaller door on his left he said, "My father is in that room Doctor. If you would please follow me."

Beverly moved toward the door and Lwaxana followed. "I’ll see my patient alone, if you don’t mind."

"Whatever you say, Beverly, but you may find I can be very useful."

"I sure you can be, Lwaxana. I’ll call you if I need you."

Lwaxana shrugged her shoulders and walked back to Riker and Worf. "I hope she doesn’t get too familiar with Eskil. He has a way of hypnotizing unsuspecting females into doing things they most surly wouldn’t do otherwise."

"Don’t worry about Beverly, Lwaxana. She is more than capable of taking care of herself," said Riker.

"I’m sure she is."

While they waited for Dr. Crusher to finish her examination, Ambassador Jenci arrived, again out of breath. The Ambassador’s already puckered brow, was creased even deeper with her anxiety and she wasted no time in letting the others know what was the cause.

"Ambassador Troi, the Council has decided to take a preliminary vote. I fear that without Triepander’s presences things are not going to go well for our side. What should we do?"

"First, calm yourself. It won’t do any good for you to give yourself a fit, Cyra!"

Cyra Jenci bent her head and took a deep breath to compose herself. "Thank you, Ambassador. I know I have a knack for getting myself worked up, but this is an important negotiation. I will not let the Federation down."

"Nor will I. Now, tell me who is calling for a vote, Adok’dain, or Bartalan?"

"Adok’dain, of course. Bartalan, is still on the fence, but will follow the lead of the majority if they vote now."

"I’m afraid you’re right. Commander, would you please join us in the Grand Council Chamber. I think a show of Federation presence would give Adok’dain reason to rethink his position and he might be persuaded to call off a vote until Triepander’s return."

"I’d be happy to, Ambassador." Turning to Worf, "Stay here and wait for Dr. Crusher’s report. When you know the President’s condition, come to the Chamber and let us know."

"Do you require Ensign Allen’s company?" asked Worf.

"No, I want you both here if Beverly needs anything."

Worf nodded, and went to stand by the door to Triepander’s room. "I will bring you her report as soon as I have it, Commander."

Riker and the two Ambassadors left the brightness of the room and entered the dim corridor. Following the swishing skirts of the two women, he pondered the differences between them. Jenci was not what he thought of as Ambassadorial material, but then again, neither was Lwaxana Troi. He was looking forward to seeing them in action.

They stopped in front of two massive doors made out of a dull bronze colored metal. Four guards, dressed in dark blue capes were standing at attention on either side. Recognizing the Ambassadors, two of the guards swung the doors open and they permitted them to entered the Council Chamber.

The Grand Council Chamber was a circular room. Tiered seats curved along the walls on both sides of the doors ending a few meters from a raised platform on the far side of the room. Standing in the doorway, Riker saw that three Arvandusians were sitting at a table in three high backed chairs on the platform. Lwaxana walked up to the platform, made a slight bow and addressed the tribunal.

"Adok’dain, Bartalan, and Madam Triepander," she said, "Ambassador Jenci has informed me that you called for a vote."

Madam Triepander was dressed in the most beautiful shade of pale yellow that Riker had ever seen. She had a cap of light brown fur covering her entire head and neck and she appeared almost as tall as one of the men and taller than the other man sitting on either side of her. "That is correct, Ambassador Troi. Adok’dain feels we must find out what the entire Council thinks before we continue the debate. I do not agree, but the motion has been carried."

Lwaxana eyed the man on Madam Triepander’s right. He was shorter and had a much darker complexion than the majority of Arvandusians. He wore a mustard colored cape that didn’t do anything to flatter his complexion, and his upper lip turned up into what looked like a snarl. "I understand your need to move things along, Adok’dain, but I think it might be better to hold off on any kind of vote until my Federation colleagues can determine the status of the President’s health? I’m sure, if it is at all possible, President Triepander would want to be present when the Council votes."

Adok’dain stared down at Lwaxana from his chair with what Riker assumed was a look of distaste on his face.

"It is my intention, Ambassador Troi," he said in his most condescending voice, "to take a vote today, with or without the President. Arvandus is an independent planet and I intend to do everything in my power to see it stay that way. We do not need our ancient culture diluted by exposure to inferior races who only seek our protection from a stronger race in this sector of space.

"We have survived very well without Federation interference and I will see we continue to do so."

When Adok’dain finished the room erupted into a calliope of voices each one louder than the next.

"Adok’dain is right, Arvandus does not need a Federation alliance!" shouted a tall man in the tier nearest the platform. "You have no right to interfere!"

Another yelled, "We will have an alliance with the Federation if we decide to have one! I say we wait for Triepander."

The din of the voices continued to grow. The three Arvandusians on the platform began pounding small metal rods on the table trying to restore order in the room. It was apparent to Riker and the two Ambassadors that something must be done to disperse the tension.

Riker walked to the center of the room and stood facing the assembly. He said nothing, just stood there, an alien witness to their chaos. Their attention began to focus on the Starfleet Officer in the red uniform and out of embarrassment, they stopped yelling and the room became quiet.

"I am Commander William Riker of the Starship Enterprise. We are here as representatives of the Federation. Our ship’s doctor has come here to help your President. I believe that the Ambassadors have something to say to you before you take your vote. If you would please give them your attention."

Madam Triepander spoke behind him, "I would like to hear what the Ambassadors have to say, Commander. Please forgive the rudeness of the Council, we are normally much more civilized. Please Madam Ambassador, you have the floor."

Jenci looked at Lwaxana and Lwaxana motioned for her to take the floor. She walked to the front of the platform, bowed to the three Arvandusians and turned around to face the Council members. In a voice that carried to the back of the room she began,

"It is the intention of the Federation to see that everything will done to speed the recovery of your President.

"I know it would be his wish, that you postpone your vote until he can be here with you. He expects that when you do vote, you use your intellect, not your emotion. You have allowed your tempers to obscure your reason in this matter and have lost sight of the facts.

"Ambassador Troi has made you aware of the benefits an alliance with the Federation could bring to Arvandus. Your President believes, as do many of you, the alliance will help create a bright future for your children and grand-children and assure the prosperity of your planet for a long time to come.

"Before you make a hasty decision, consider what the outcome could mean to all of Arvandus. Thank you for your time and I trust you will come to the right conclusion."

Jenci bowed to the crowd, turned and regally walked over to Lwaxana and Riker. "I hope they listened," she said.

The Council members were quiet for a few more moments and then the tall Arvandusian in the center row stood and said, "I say we do not vote until the Federation doctor makes known to us the condition of the President."

A voice in the last row shouted, "I second!" and another voice shouted, "I third!"

"Well it seems we will take a vote after all," said Madam Triepander, "only it will not be the one you wanted Adok’dain."

"All those in favor of waiting to find out what the President’s condition is before we take a vote, signal by raising your right hand," said Bartalan raising his own.

At least three-quarters of the members raised their hand and the motion carried. "I suggest we adjourn until tomorrow afternoon," said Bartalan.

The Council members started to leave the hall in small groups. They spoke in quiet tones to each other as they disappeared into the dim corridor.

"That went better than I expected," said Lwaxana, "but I don’t trust Adok’dain. He was too quiet, and his thoughts were filled with anger. At least we bought some time, we have until tomorrow afternoon to come up with something. Let’s hope Beverly can get Triepander on his feet by then."

***

Worf met Commander Riker and the Ambassadors as they were leaving the Council Hall. "Commander, Dr. Crusher would like to see you immediately. The situation is more serious than she thought."

Jenci said, "I’ll be with Madam Triepander. Maybe we can come up with an idea about the vote," and headed in the opposite direction.

"I’ll come along with you, Commander. There may be something I can do," said Lwaxana.

When they reached Triepander’s rooms they were met by Beverly and Eskil. Beverly had a concerned look on her face and Lwaxana immediately read her thoughts.

"Poison!" she blurted.

A startled Beverly looked at Lwaxana, "Yes, poison. I’m not an expert on Arvandusian physiology, but I do know the symptoms of cyalodin poisoning."

"Cyalodin? I’ve never heard of it," said Riker.

"It was discovered on Triacus and it caused the death of twenty colonists. As far as I know, it had been outlawed in the Federation, and all known supplies were destroyed years ago."

"Well Doctor, it would seem not all of it was destroyed," said Lwaxana, "where would someone get their hands on something like cyalodin?"

"I’m sure I don’t know, but that’s not my main concern at the moment, Lwaxana. I have got to stabilize the President’s condition, and I can only do that on the Enterprise.

"Eskil, I’d like to transport your father to our ship where I have better facilities to treat him and I can download your medical records to our computer."

"Do what ever you have to do, Dr Crusher. I will inform my step-mother, she may wish to accompany you."

Lwaxana touched Beverly’s elbow, "Can you have him up by tomorrow afternoon, Beverly? It’s important that he be at the Council meeting. If he isn’t, I don’t think we stand a chance of convincing the others to vote for an alliance with the Federation."

"You’ve got to be kidding, Lwaxana! He’ll be lucky if he’s able to get up in a week! You’ll just have to get along without him, but I’m sure you can think of something."

Lwaxana could, but she was sure Beverly didn’t want to hear it. For now, she’d have to find a way to stall the Council, and it wasn’t going to be easy.

Riker had other things on his mind, like, how did poison from Federation space, find it’s way to a planet on the Cardassian border. And why had it been used on the one person who could sway the Council’s vote toward the Federation. A mystery he would have to solve.

"Mr. Worf, I want you to find the person in charge of Arvandusian security. We will need a list of all visitors in the last few days. Dr. Crusher, how long do you think the poison has been in his system?"

"At least twenty-four hours, possibly more. The Arvandusians have a much stronger constitution than we humans, if it had been one of us, we would have been dead in about two hours. When did he collapse, Lwaxana?"

"Yesterday morning. According to his wife, he didn’t feel well after he ate, and not long after he complained of pain in his chest."

Riker walked over to a corner of the room away from the guards and contacted Picard. He told him what was happening, that President Triepander had been poisoned and he and Worf would be staying to try to find out who was behind it.

"Keep me informed of your progress, Number One. Picard, out."

Madam Triepander had arrived and was talking to Dr. Crusher and Lwaxana. "I would like to go with my husband. If he needs me to relay any messages to the Council, I must be there to do so. My step-son will stay here to assist the Ambassadors and do what ever else needs to be done."

Dr. Crusher and Madam Triepander walked into Triepander’s bedroom and stood next to the bed. She tapped her comm, "Three to beam directly to Sickbay."

When they were gone Lwaxana looked at Riker, "Commander, I know what you’re thinking and I would like to help. If somebody is trying to sabotage these negotiations on my watch, I want to find out who and why."

Riker knew there would be no escaping Lwaxana, so he graciously acquiesced. "Let’s see if Worf has had any luck with their Security Chief."

"I just happen to know where the Security Headquarters is located. Allow me, Commander." Lwaxana crooked her arm at the elbow and Riker gallantly put his arm through hers.

"For some reason, I was sure you would, Lwaxana."

***

Lwaxana stopped in front of a door marked with a black geometric design in the shape of a six sided star. "This is it, William. Their medical technology is not very advanced but their security is state-of-the-art. One of the reasons the Federation wants them to enter the fold." She ran her thumb down the length of a smooth clear panel on the left of the door and indicated for Riker to do the same. When he did, a voice from overhead said, "We do not recognize your signature, state your business."

"I am Commander William Riker of the starship, Enterprise. I believe my Chief of Security is with you now. I’d like to ask you a few questions."

The door silently swung open and they entered. Worf was standing at the far end of the room talking to an Arvandusian in a green and yellow striped cape. Riker walked over to the two men, Lwaxana waited near the door.

"Worf, report."

"Cestmir has checked all the records for the past month. There have only been seven authorized passes for visitation, the two Ambassadors, and the five of us this morning."

"Would there be a way someone could arrive here without security clearance?" asked Riker.

"Commander, we have the most sensitive and precise security equipment in this part of the Galaxy. Unless someone tampered with our protocol measures, there is no way anyone could enter our space, let alone gain access to the planet without our knowledge. If you’re looking for a suspect, I suggest you question your Ambassadors."

Cestmir eyed Lwaxana as she stood near the door, "That one is especially suspicious, she seems to know things before they are common knowledge. She would be my choice for a spy and murderer."

Lwaxana ignored Cestmir. He was a suspicious and paranoid individual. He could be dangerous, but she didn’t think he’d try anything funny while the Enterprise, carrying his President, was in orbit. But it was strange that the only visitors to this planet in a month were all from the Federation and three of them were in the room. Someone was either lying, or there was a spy, but not from the Federation.

Riker thanked Cestmir for his time and they all left the room. Once outside he turned to Lwaxana, "Did you sense anything unusual from our friend Cestmir?"

Lwaxana realized he was thinking of her in the same capacity as he thought of Deanna and she was flattered. "Well Commander, if you mean was he telling the truth? Yes, he was. He did think it was odd that we would be interested in harming the person who would do the Federation the most benefit even though he made an effort to point the finger at me. Also, he finds the idea that anyone could get past his security unbelievable."

"What does that leave us? I know it wasn’t anyone that beamed down this morning, Triepander was already sick. I know you didn’t do it. How well do you know Ambassador Jenci?"

"Well enough to know she wouldn’t step on a bug, let alone poison someone. No, I’d put my money on Adok’dain. He’s been against the President and the Federation deal from the very beginning. He also has very nasty thoughts going on in his head, and he’s in love with Akira, Madam Triepander."

Worf’s opinion of the Ambassador’s reasoning powers went up a notch and he included her in his report. "I did ask Cestmir, who had left the planet in the last month and Adok’dain had made a short trip to the Cuellar System ten days ago. Adok’dain has a motive and possibly the means. I think we should arrange to interrogate him."

"Who else has been off the planet recently?" asked Riker.

"According to Cestmir," replied Worf, "Madam Triepander, Eskil and Madam Bartalan, are the only ones connected with the Council who have traveled lately. The others on the list were citizens on business or pleasure trips."

"Our list of suspects is expanding, Mr. Worf."

Lwaxana shook her head, "This is becoming complicated. We’ve got to conclude these negotiations as soon as possible. Right now, only Eskil, Madam Triepander, ourselves and the poisoner know the President has been poisoned. But if it gets out that poison, found only in the Federation, is the cause of Triepander’s condition, no amount of diplomacy or double talk, will keep Adok’dain from getting the vote he wants."

"What if Adok’dain and the other Council members believed that Triepander will be at the meeting tomorrow afternoon," said Riker. "Adok’dain or someone else might be manipulated into making a mistake.

"Lwaxana, what would be the best way of making sure everyone thinks Triepander will be coming home tomorrow?"

"Bartalan," she said. "He’s the Council Secretary and responsible for getting information to the members. Do you want me to speak to him?"

"I think Mr. Worf and I will pay a call on the Secretary before we return to the Enterprise."

"In that case, I’ll go find Cyra and let her know what we’re doing. It wouldn’t do for her to contradict us at this point in the game."

Lwaxana disappeared into a tunnel leaving the two men alone. Riker and Worf asked directions from a passing security guard and were soon standing outside the door to Bartalan’s home. Worf knocked twice and a female opened the door.

"Excuse the intrusion, Madam Bartalan. I am Commander Riker and this is Lt. Commander Worf, we would like to speak to your husband."

"My husband is in his study. If you will please wait, I will tell him you are here."

She left them standing in a small, well lit, entry way as she went up a stairway directly in front of them. A few minutes later Bartalan appeared at the top of the stairs, "Gentlemen, please, will you come up to my study? Fia will bring us some refreshments."

Riker and Worf climbed the stairs and were ushered into Bartalan’s study, a room filled with books. All four walls were lined, floor to ceiling, with shelves, each filled with beautifully bound volumes from all over the galaxy. The only place devoid of books, was the doorway. Positioned around a large, round wooden table, littered with open volumes and pieces of paper, were four large, overstuffed, arm chairs.

"Forgive the untidiness, I’ve been doing research. On the Federation as a matter of fact," said Bartalan as he indicated for the men to have a seat. "Your history is fascinating, and your accomplishments are astounding for a race as young as yours."

"Thank you for the complement, Bartalan," said Riker as he glanced at the titles on the shelves. "I see you have the complete works of Shakespeare. Our ship’s Captain is quite an authority on Shakespeare’s works, perhaps you could find time to meet with him."

"Indeed, I would like to meet him, Commander."

"I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of making your acquaintance," he said holding out his large, powerful hand to Worf. Worf took Bartalan’s hand in his equally powerful grip, "I am Lt. Commander Worf, Head of Ship Security. I am pleased to meet you."

The formalities over, Bartalan said, "I am flattered you would come to visit me, but somehow I don’t think it is Shakespeare that you are interested in."

"You’re right," smiled Riker, "Shakespeare was not our reason for coming. Ambassador Troi told us that you are the Council Secretary and it is your responsibility to see that the Council members are informed of all important facts before the meetings."

"That is correct, Commander. For some reason they think a scholar also possesses secretarial skills," laughed Bartalan.

Riker continued, "Dr. Crusher has contacted us and informed us that Triepander’s condition is greatly improved. She’s sure he’ll be well enough to attend the Council meeting tomorrow. He and his wife will be returning home tomorrow morning."

Clapping his hands together Bartalan said, "Wonderful news! Of course I’ll make sure the council is informed. Adok’dain will be interested to know Triepander will be back for the meeting and I will derive great pleasure in telling him. Who knows, we may take that vote tomorrow after all."

The study door suddenly opened and Fia stood there with a huge tray in her hands.

"Enough business, here’s Fia with our refreshments."

Fia deftly pushed an assortment of books and papers off the table and made a place for the tray. "I hope you find this to your liking. I make the wine myself, and my pastries are the best on Arvandus. The President demands I send him some fresh once a week."

Worf took one of the heavy goblets and brought it to his lips, "This is very good. It tastes a little like prune juice."

Riker picked up his glass and hoped that Worf was mistaken.

***

Riker and Worf finished their drinks and wiped the sugar from the corners of their mouths.

"Thank you Bartalan, Madam Bartalan. Until tomorrow."

Riker and Worf left a smiling Bartalan surrounded by his books and went to find Ambassadors Troi and Jenci. It turned out to be an easy task, Lwaxana and Cyra met them just outside of Bartalan’s house.

"We’ve been looking for you," said Lwaxana. "How did it go with Bartalan? Was he very helpful?"

"Yes, he was. As a matter of fact, I got the feeling he couldn’t wait to tell Adok’dain the news," said Riker.

"He’s such a nice man," said Cyra. "He’s been very helpful in the negotiations."

"He seems more interested in books than politics. Not someone I would suspect of murder and intrigue," said Worf.

Riker nodded, "He would not be my first pick for a suspect either. Adok’dain and Eskil are still our best suspects. They both stand to gain in the event of Triepander’s death and both have been off planet. They could easily have gotten the poison or arranged to have it smuggled in by someone else."

"Mrs. Troi," said Worf, "could you find the guilty party with your telepathy? This morning in the Council Hall, did you sense anything from the members?"

"The Arvandusians are not an easy race to read. Their thoughts are loud, but not always...translatable. They tend to think in abstracts. Since I had no reason, until after the meeting, to suspect anyone of wrong doing I didn’t pay too much attention to what was going on in the minds of the Council. Adok’dain’s unreasonable disdain for the Federation, and his lust for Triepander’s wife were the only clear thoughts I heard. It’s interesting, of the three, Bartalan is the most enigmatic. I have a sense of him through his body language but very little telepathically. It happens every once in awhile, that there are individuals I can’t read clearly."

"It would help us to know if we are moving in the right direction."

"I’ll try to be more open to them from now on, Mr. Woof."

"Worf and I are going to go back to the ship to talk to Madam Triepander. It will be helpful to have the sequence of events leading up to the poisoning. You and Ambassador Jenci are welcome to join us."

Ambassador Jenci declined saying she had work to do before the meeting tomorrow. Lwaxana jumped at the chance to see Deanna. "I’ll just need to pack a few things, William. Where shall I meet you?"

"We’ll be at the tunnel entrance in fifteen minutes."

Lwaxana and Cyra moved off down the tunnel. Worf tapped his comm badge, "Worf to, Ensign Allen."

"Allen here, sir."

"Meet us at the tunnel entrance in ten minutes."

"Aye, sir."

Riker and Worf turned and disappeared into the dimly lit tunnel.

***

Above them, unnoticed, a shadowy figure moved away from an upstairs window in Bartalan’s house.

***

Early the next morning Riker, Worf and Ambassador Troi beamed back down to Arvandus. Their night on the Enterprise had been very rewarding, Lwaxana got to spend the evening with Deanna, and Riker and Worf had a very enlightening conversation with Akira, Triepander’s wife.

Now they needed to put their plan into action. Worf went to speak to Cestmir, Riker went to the President’s house and Lwaxana went to Bartalan’s house.

She knocked on the door and Fia opened it wearing an apron covered in flour dust.

"I’m afraid you’ve caught me at a bad time, Ambassador. My husband is out."

"Will he be back soon?"

"I’m not sure, Ambassador. Would you care to wait in his study?"

"I’d like to wait, Fia, but not in the study. How about if I just come along with you? I’ve heard wonderful reports about your pastries and I’d love to try one for myself."

Lwaxana sensed surprise and discomfort from Fia that was instantly replaced with anger. "I’m sorry, Ambassador, I just remembered, Bartalan won’t be home until tonight. If you need to speak with him, you might try the Secretary’s office outside of the Council Hall."

Before Lwaxana could say anything else, Fia shut the door in her face.

Lwaxana smiled and headed to Triepander’s house to talk to Commander Riker. When she arrived she walked into the President’s private chambers and found Riker, Worf and Akira huddled together talking.

"I thought you were here, Akira, the guards are not at the door."

"Ambassador Troi, nice to see you again. Cestmir is replacing the guards with his security men, they should be here soon. Commander Riker and Mr. Worf have told me about the plan and I have arranged for my step-son, Adok’dain and Bartalan to arrive here for a late breakfast. I’d better go to the kitchen and make sure everything will be ready on time."

Madam Triepander left them alone and Riker turned to Lwaxana, "Well, did our suspicions bear fruit?"

"Fruit and pastries! Fia was so anxious to get rid of me, she slammed the door in my face."

Riker laughed out loud, "Now that I would have liked to see."

"Be careful, William," she said with a trace of a smile on her face.

Worf asked, "Did you sense anything this time, Mrs. Troi?"

"Yes. I sensed several emotions, surprise at my being there, apprehension, and finally anger. She was upset at having been interrupted, and didn’t want me any where near the kitchen. I suspect she will arrive here on the heels of the others."

"She’d better, or we’ve made a big error," said Riker.

An hour later, Madam Triepander was putting the finishing touches on her table, when Eskil came in. "Mother," he said leaning down to kiss her cheek, "how’s father? When you told me he would be home this morning, I was relieved. The doctor had led me to believe his condition was serious."

"He has recovered much faster on the Federation ship than he would have here."

"So it would seem," said Adok’dain as he entered the room. "Akira, Eskil. Where is the recovered, Triepander? I thought he would be here to greet his guests."

"He will be out shortly, Adok’dain. He is much better, but still needs rest."

Bartalan arrived and bowed to the others. "Madam Triepander, you don’t know how relieved I am to know the President is recovered."

"Thank you, Bartalan. He does not want us to wait for him. Please, all take you places at the table, I’ll ring for the meal to be served." The three men arranged themselves around the table. Akira took her seat and rang a tiny crystal bell that stood next to her plate. A servant came in carrying a large platter filled with food and started to serve. Before all the plates were filled, Fia walked into the room carrying two boxes.

"Fia," said Bartalan, "I didn’t know you were invited to breakfast. If I had, I’d have waited for you."

Fia looked at Madam Triepander, "I wasn’t invited, Bartalan. But I just finished baking and I know how much the President loves my pastries. They are just out of the oven and I hurried right over."

"Thank you Fia, it was very thoughtful of you. Won’t you join us now that you’re here?" said Akira.

Fia took a seat next to Bartalan putting the boxes on top of one another on the floor next to her chair.

The servant, Evina, bent down and picked up the boxes before Fia could stop her. "I’ll just take these into the kitchen, Madam, and put them on a tray."

"Thank you, Evina."

Fia’s eyes watched the boxes disappear into the kitchen and said nothing. A few minutes later, Evina brought in a tray stacked with Fia’s pastries and put it in the middle of the table and left the room.

Riker and Lwaxana were ushered into the dining room by a guard. "How nice to see you both again. Please join us for breakfast. My husband will be up soon and I know he would be pleased to have your company."

"Thank you, Madam. But, we’ve already eaten. We are here to talk to all of you regarding the President’s recent illness. If you don’t mind, I have a few questions I’d like to ask."

"What’s this all about, Commander. Anything to do with the President’s illness is an Arvandusian matter, not a Federation matter!" said Adok’dain.

"You are right, sir. But what you may not know is, the President illness was the result of poison," said Riker.

"That’s absurd, Commander," said Bartalan. "What purpose could the death of the President possibly serve?"

"I’m afraid you’d have to ask the person who tried to poison him, Bartalan. We suspect it is someone in this room," said Lwaxana.

Eskil reached for one of Fia’s pastries, "My father is loved and respected by all Arvandusians. No one here would want to kill him."

Fia tensed in her chair but said nothing. Madam Triepander took a pastry and put it on her plate.

Lwaxana said, "Are those the famous Fia pastries? I’ve got to try one. The smell of them baking this morning made my mouth water."

"They are excellent, Lwaxana. Mr. Worf and I have never tasted anything quite like them before."

Lwaxana walked over and stood next to Fia. Leaning close to her she reached out and selected a large sugary pastry from the top of the pile and brought it to her mouth. Before she could bite into it, Fia pushed her chair back and slapped the pastry out of her hand. "Don’t eat that!" she screamed. "None of you eat them."

The three men stared at Fia, as if she were insane. "Why ever not?" asked Bartalan.

"Because," said Riker, "they contain a large amount of poison."

Fia’s head slumped forward onto her chest and Bartalan stood up next to her. "Is this true?"

She didn’t answer.

"Why, Fia? Why would you do such a thing?" Bartalan voice filled with sadness.

Fia looked up and took each of them into her gaze for a moment. "I did it because you are weak! You would be content to remain the Secretary, a scholar locked in his study with his musty old books. I wanted more. You should have been President. You could have been President, if Triepander was out of the way, and Adok’dain and Akira were blamed for his death.

"I hadn’t counted on the Federation interference, and their keeping the poison secret. I wanted everyone to know Triepander had been poisoned. Cestmir would have found a small vile containing poison in Adok’dain’s house when he conducted his investigation. Since everyone knows how Adok’dain feels about Akira, it would have been logical to conclude they conspired to kill Triepander. With all the opposition out of the way, you would have been elected President."

Bartalan shook his head in disbelief. After all the years they had been married, she didn’t understand him at all. He would never be President, he didn’t want the job. "Fia, I’m sorry. I thought you understood my feelings."

"You’re always sorry for something, Bartalan. This time don’t waste your pity on me. I’m glad to be rid of you."

Mr. Worf and Cestmir entered the room and walked up to Fia. "Please come with me, Madam Bartalan," said Cestmir as he circled her wrists with shackles and led her out of the room.

Lwaxana again reached out and took another pastry, this time to the amazement of the Arvandusians she took a bite and swallowed. "Very, very good."

"Don’t worry," said Riker. "We had suspected that Fia had poisoned the pastries, and when Evina brought them into the kitchen we beamed them to the Enterprise. They were analyzed, and sure enough some of them contained high doses of a poison, the others were safe to eat. They were sent back and put on the table."

"I commend you, Commander Riker," said Adok’dain. "I may have misjudged the Federation and its motives for wanting this alliance. Ambassador Troi, perhaps we could talk privately before the meeting this afternoon. I assume, Commander, that Triepander is not going to be well enough to attend the meeting?"

"He will recover, but it will be about a week before he will be up and around," said Madam Triepander. "He will also be resigning from the Presidency, but he was hoping to resolve the Federation issue first."

Adok’dain said, "Tell him to be at ease, I think the issue will be resolved soon."

***

Riker and Worf stood with Lwaxana out side the Council Hall. "Thanks for all your help, William, Mr. Woof. I don’t think we could have completed these talks without you. Adok’dain and Bartalan have convinced the members that Arvandus should join the Federation. Madam Triepander is looking forward to her husbands retirement, Eskil is looking forward to running his fathers vast business holdings, and although Fia tried to commit murder, Bartalan told me he intends to stay by her.

"Oh, I almost forgot, Cyra wanted to thank you too, but as usual, she was busy with details of little consequence."

"Thank you, Lwaxana. Without your help I don’t think we could have figured it out as quickly as we did," said Riker. Worf just made that low growling noise in his throat.

Lwaxana leaned into Riker and gave him a peck on the cheek, and turned to the Klingon and said, "You are very welcome, Mr. Worf."