Star Trek The Next Generation - 48 - The Last Stand by Star Trek

Author:Star Trek
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780671501051
Publisher: Star Trek
Published: 1995-01-02T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“CLOSE YOUR EYES,” Beverly Crusher ordered, and Troi did.

The doctor closely studied Troi’s left eyelid under a lighted magnification lens she had swung into place.

“Hmmm. Captain, I don’t care what the analyzer says. This shading looks a little off to me.”

“Fix it, then,” Picard told her. “I trust your eye more than I do that analyzer, Doctor.”

Will Riker was sitting up on the next bed over, watching what was going on. He now looked like a Krann male. The bridge of Riker’s nose had been built up, but not much, and the filtrum above his upper lip had been filled in. His beard had been removed and its roots inhibited, and his skin color had been changed to a shade the color of rich cream containing just the barest splash of coffee. Riker’s hair was its normal color, but the irises of his eyes had been dyed a warm yellow. He, like Troi, was already dressed in dark clothing identical in style and color to the attire the Enterprise party had seen the Krann wearing during their time aboard the flagship.

Dr. Crusher set down the epidermal infiltrator she’d been using on Troi’s eyelid. “You can open your eyes now, Deanna,” she said after a last, long look. “I’m done.”

Troi now looked much like Riker, except that her skin was a touch darker than his, and her newly shortened black hair had been given golden highlights. The irises of her eyes were now a pale green.

Looking over, Troi saw Riker and grinned. “’Light he was, and golden-eyed,’” she misquoted. “Will, it’s been years since I’ve seen you without your beard.”

“I’ll have it back soon enough, don’t worry,” Riker said, stroking his chin. “Feels pretty bare, though; it’s been a while. Too bad you didn’t see any Krann with facial hair, Captain.”

“They may not be able to grow any,” Picard said, “or the Krann might consider it out of fashion or taboo. We can’t take the chance of you being the only person aboard the flagship with a beard, Will.”

“Losing my beard is a small price to pay for galactic peace,” Riker replied bravely. “What a waste, though. Maybe I should have donated it to Data. He seemed a little uncomfortable when he left.”

“Oh, stop,” Beverly Crusher told him. “Data seemed pleased enough when I got through with him. Ro, too. Nice job, Bev.” She reached around and patted herself on the back.

“Don’t dislocate that shoulder, Doctor,” Riker said. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“Transporter room three to captain.”

“Go ahead,” said Picard.

“Commander Data and Ensign Ro have beamed down to the surface of Planet Three, sir.”

The captain nodded. “Very good. Bridge, take us back to our position off the Krann Fleet. Best speed.”

Two sets of Krann clothing had been placed in neat piles on one of the unused beds. “Mr. Worf did an admirably thorough job of recording the physical characteristics of the Krann we saw and met with while we were aboard the flagship,” Picard said. “The clothing

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