Q-in-Law by Peter David

Author:Peter David
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pocket Books/Star Trek

Picard pulled uncomfortably at the collar of his dress uniform and wondered for perhaps the hundredth time in his career exactly who the sadist was that had designed it. He stood in front of Lwaxana’s quarters and nodded formally at crewmen who happened to wander by.

Picard spotted a few raised eyebrows at the sight of the captain lurking outside the quarters of Mrs. Troi. Her pursuit of him when she was last aboard was something of an open secret. So seeing the captain now, apparently the lamb being led willingly to the slaughter—well, it was certainly something to be questioned. Nevertheless, it wound up adding to his discomfort.

“Come in,” came the voice of Lwaxana Troi.

He sighed deeply. “Into the jaws of death rode the three hundred . . .” he murmured, pasted a smile on his face, and entered.

As before, the first thing that assaulted him was the heavy scent of perfume that hung in the air. It was so powerful that it was practically a physical thing.

Standing across the room, Lwaxana Troi was decked out in a long, flowing yellow-and-green gown.

“No black?” asked Picard.

“I still mourn for my daughter,” said Lwaxana sadly, and then her face brightened. “But for a reunion of such old and dear friends . . . Jean-Luc, I had to dress properly.” She extended a hand and Picard suavely kissed her knuckles. “Imagine my surprise when Deanna said you wanted to dine with me.”

“Imagine mine as well,” replied Picard.

She frowned slightly, not understanding, and Picard said quickly, “I’m pleased that you were able to make time for me.”

“Always time for you, Jean-Luc.”

She gestured towards a table that was already laid out with Betazoid delicacies. Mr. Homn stood by, gong at the ready.

Picard and Lwaxana sat down opposite each other, Picard trying desperately to feel comfortable in a situation that definitely had him ill at ease. Mrs. Troi watched him with that aggravating look that made it seem as if she were peering straight into the back of his head. Which, for all he knew, she might very well be doing.

“So,” said Picard briskly.

“So,” said Lwaxana in return. She cupped her hands and rested her chin in them, looking remarkably girlish and even—heaven help him—attractive. Picard cleared his throat as Mrs. Troi said, “Jean-Luc . . .”

“Yes, Lwaxana?” he said gamely, preparing for an evening of romantic overtures on the part of his counselor’s mother.

“I believe that I’ve found . . . the one for me.”

“Lwaxana,” began Picard, “that’s very flatter—” But he wasn’t able to get the rest of the sentence out, because she wasn’t paying attention. Instead she continued as if he had not spoken, “Tell me everything . . . and I mean everything . . . that you know about . . . Q.”

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