"You might have a point." She considered it a moment. "You know, it's not my place to offer advice ... "

"Uh-huh," said Riker, not buying that for an instant.

"But I've always thought that a party is a good way to get people acquainted. Get them more comfortable with one another."

He put down his gla.s.s. "Now that," he said, "is an excellent idea. I'll bring it to the captain."

"Be certain to tell him it came from me," said Guinan. "That way he'll be certain to go for it."

Riker laughed. "You don't think he'll accept it coming from his first officer?"

"Well." Guinan smiled ingratiatingly. "Why take chances?"

Riker picked up his gla.s.s and finished his drink. "You know," he said thoughtfully, "one person I should really check with is Worf. He'd know best how the Klingons would react to something like a party." He tapped his communicator. "Riker to Worf."

There was a lengthy pause, as if Worf was having trouble finding his communicator for some reason. That, of course, was absurd since it was attached to his uniform. After a time, though, the Klingon's husky voice came. "Worf here."

Riker got that same odd feeling he had had earlier when he'd called on Deanna. The feeling that somehow his timing had been a bit out of kilter. "Worf ... how would you feel about a party?"

"At this particular moment?"

"No, I mean later. A get-acquainted gathering for the amba.s.sador and his party."

"Getting acquainted would be an excellent idea."

Riker thought he heard something then-a low laugh, of all things. Female? Slowly, he said, "All right, Worf. I'll be recommending it to the captain. Riker out."

He turned and looked at Guinan. "Did you ever get the feeling that you weren't certain about what was going on around you?"

Guinan considered it. Silently she poured herself a drink, pursed her lips, and seemed to be running her entire life's history through her mind in review.

"Never," she said at last.

"What, never?"

She grinned. "Well, hardly ever."

In Worf's quarters, thirteen weapons were scattered about the floor.

Worf was now picking them up and replacing them in the hidden spots of his uniform. Nearby, Gava was looking in his mirror and rearranging her hair.

Klingons were not much for innocuous small talk, so Worf said briskly, "I will see you again after I come off duty." Then he paused and added almost as an afterthought, "If you wish."

She turned slowly and smiled. "Of course, I wish."

"Excellent." He headed toward the door and paused. "One question."

"What would that be?"

"You said earlier that you know of two Klingons with human blood. One of them is Kobry, of course. But I would be interested in meeting the other sometime in the future, if that's at all possible."

Resting her chin on her hand, she said, "Why?"

"Having been raised by humans, I sometimes feel strained balancing their instincts against my own. It would be beneficial to meet any other Klingons with the same problem."

"All right. I can arrange it very easily. That Klingon is on this ship."

Worf's eyebrows shot up. "He's one of Kobry's honor guard?"

"No. 'He' is me." She stood and kissed Worf lightly on the cheek. "Human blood flows through my veins, as it does through Kobry's."

"Are you serious?"

"Always."

"That is why you were chosen to be the Honorable Kobry's aide, then."

"That, among other reasons. Perhaps that is why I was drawn so immediately to you, Worf. I sensed that human influence in you, and felt a certain kinship. Although kinship might be too mild a word. You best get to the bridge."

"You're right, of course." He turned, and the door hissed open. Then he stopped. Slowly he said, "You do not feel that same sort of kinship ... with the Honorable Kobry, do you?"

"Of course not!"

He felt mild relief. What she did before, or for that matter after, she met him was none of his affair. But picturing her with the Honorable Kobry was a bit much for him to take. "I appreciate your telling me that."

"I'm glad you're appreciative," she said in amus.e.m.e.nt. "No, the kinship I feel for Kobry is entirely of a different nature."

"Really."

"Oh, yes."

"What nature is that?"

"Why ... haven't you realized? The Honorable Kobry is my father."

Chapter Eleven.

PICARD, FROM THE command chair, glanced up at Riker. "A party?"

"Yes, sir. A sort of get-acquainted gathering. To put everyone at ease."

Deanna Troi, seated to Picard's left, said, "It might be good for the morale of the mission, Captain."

Thoughtfully, Picard stared straight ahead. "I don't know if that would be wise. Perhaps the best thing for this mission would be to keep as much distance between our people and the various diplomatic parties as possible."

"Hmmm," said Riker.

"You disagree, Number One?"

"Well, obviously, Captain, since I brought it up. If you feel strongly against it, of course, then that's that. I think you should know, though, that it was Guinan's suggestion."

"Really?" Picard looked up.

"Yes, sir."

"Oh. Very well, then. A get-acquainted party might be in order. Make it so."

Riker heard a stifled snicker from Geordi's direction. Ignoring him, he said, "Yes, sir. I'll speak to Amba.s.sador Kobry about it."

"Very good." He turned in his chair. "Mr. Worf, have there been any difficulties with any of the Klingon honor guard interacting with the crew?"

"None at all, sir," replied Worf. "However, I do have security teams on alert. I intend that they remain so until this mission is over with."

"Excellent idea, Mr. Worf. And you, yourself, are getting on with the other Klingons?"

"Yes" was the succinct reply.

The forward turbolift opened, and standing in the doorway was the Honorable Kobry. A Klingon was standing on either side of him, both surveying the bridge personnel carefully.

"Captain," said Kobry, "I was hoping I might be allowed on the bridge."

"Of course, Amba.s.sador." He gestured that they should enter. "Feel free."

Kobry walked out slowly, looking around with an expression of wonder. "Marvelous," said Kobry. "Just marvelous." He stepped over to ops and peered over Data's shoulder. "All flat panels. No switches."

"Touch sensitive," said Data. "If you'd like I can elaborate on their functions ... "

"Oh no, no, that's quite all right. You just proceed as you wish. Don't let me disturb you." He stepped away and, turning, spotted Worf. "Good day, Security Head. I hope you are well."

Worf didn't say anything at first, trying to get a reading from Kobry of just what the amba.s.sador knew. But the small Klingon's face was decisively impa.s.sive. "Quite well," said Worf carefully.

"Amba.s.sador Kobry," began Picard.

One of the Klingon guards said tersely, "Honorable Kobry."

"Now, now, Bors, whatever the captain says is quite acceptable," Kobry said.

But Picard smiled graciously and, accepting the correction, said, "Honorable Kobry ... it has been suggested that we have a sort of gathering, so everyone can become familiar with one another."

Kobry looked mildly skeptical. "We Klingons are not especially social creatures, Captain. I do not know if that would be the best way to proceed. I, of course, am accustomed to such gatherings, but my guards, well ... " His voice trailed off, and he gave a small shrug.

Riker, who was standing next to Worf, turned and glanced at him. "You said you thought it would be fine," he whispered.

"My mind wasn't on the conversation," shot back Worf.

"Of course," said Kobry, in his most diplomatic fashion, "I do not wish to slight your idea, Captain."

"Oh, don't be concerned," said Picard. "Truth be known ... it wasn't my idea. Actually"- he looked back at Riker-"it originated with my hostess in the Ten-Forward Room."

And the two Klingon guards said simultaneously, "Guinan?"

"Why ... yes," said Picard in surprise.

"Well, if it was Guinan's idea, there should be no problem with that," said Kobry.

Picard and Riker looked at each other. Riker couldn't get over it. What was it about her? Picard had brought her on the ship. He must know more than he was telling. Someday he was going to have to try and pin the captain down on that particular point.

"Actually, Captain, I'd suggest you delay it a bit," said Kobry after a moment's thought.

"Delay it until when, Amb-Honorable Kobry?"

"Until after the Kreel are on board, and we are approaching or are in orbit around DQN 1196."

"Oh, I understand," said Picard. "Positive a.s.sociation."

Data spoke up. "Sir, I'm afraid I don't quite understand."

"Our arrival at DQN 1196 will be quite a tense moment," said Picard, "as will the Federation's examination of it. Both Klingons and Kreel have a claim on it, tempers may be running high. If the arrival at the planet is perceived as a time of celebration, that can only benefit our mission."

"Well put, Captain," said Kobry approvingly.

"I see." Data paused thoughtfully. "What, however, do we do if the Kreel are not interested in attending any such function?"

"We'll have them talk to Guinan," said Picard.

"Splendid," said Kobry. He stepped up and around to the upper portion of the bridge. His hands folded behind his back, he walked over and stood next to Worf. Kobry's head just cleared the railing as he looked out. "Splendid," he said again. "Well, I'll take up no more of your time, Captain."

He did not have to gesture to the guards. The moment he headed toward the turbolift, they were right behind him. All of them stepped in and were then whisked away.

"Now that," said Picard, "was very curious. Mr. Crusher, how long until ... " Then he stopped and looked at the conn station, which was occupied by another crew member, Ensign Tom Chafin.

Riker knew what was coming. "Number One, how much longer is Mr. Crusher going to be excused from his duties?"

"Not much longer, Captain," said Riker.

"What is his difficulty?"

"He's still aiding Dr. Pulaski in a research project."

"Still?"

"Yes, sir."