Resistance Is Futile - Pt. 8

"We are sorry to have interrupted," said Deanna to the captain once her fiance was gone.

Captain Picard smiled. "I know you are. However, I'm still not sure whether to pursue this attraction so it's probably a good thing you interrupted us."

"Which is why you came to 10-Forward at this hour?" Deanna offered him an amused smile. "Captain, I've been able to do some checking into other matters this evening, and I can tell you that your attraction to her is not a side affect of the initial mind access."

"You're sure?"

"Quite sure. It's actually one of the gifts manifested in the Gandraleayian Royal line and even then specifically in the heirs. It has been noted over the years that people either love Virginia Hamilton, or they hate her. The initial mind access allows her to determine which side a person falls on."

"That sounds like a valuable asset," Picard commented.

"It is. It is also a burden to her, I can sense that much about her." Deanna leaned forward and lowered her voice. "Captain, forgive me for being blunt, but this must be said. Are you aware of the regulations regarding relationships with Gandraleayians?"

"You can't be serious. There are regulations for that?" Picard hadn't heard of anything of that nature accept for Deltans.

"Yes, and they aren't light. Most of them are on the Gandraleayian end of things, but they make sure that the Federation is well aware of them. Since Admiral Hamilton's birth, the Gandraleayians have been increasingly strict with their own people, to the point of casting out those who show consistent rebellion to the rules. Some regulations are more ethical than others...such as no using their powers to coerce or seduce, such as her father did. However, there is a rule stating that they are not allowed to use their powers to enhance the sexual pleasure of a non-Gandraleayian partner. Although there isn't a regulation, it is not considered favorable to have a partner who doesn't have Gandraleayian blood in them, even for a half-breed. Admiral Hamilton's marriage to a full-blooded human during her youth almost cost her the throne. Which could have been sticky since they consider the mind access gift to be a divine sign." Deanna paused, clearly considering whether to say anymore.

"Go on," Picard prompted.

"Admiral Hamilton is unique in that the consumption of alcoholic beverages interferes with the use of her powers. It even renders her telepathy useless. So...since the death of her husband Marcus...her sexual experiences with a non-Gandraleayian partner must be while she's under the influence of alcohol..."

"That's ridiculous," stated Picard.

"Especially since this regulations exists for her alone to deter her from entering into a relationship with a human. Apparently the Gandraleayian monarchy considers us beneath them. We spoke earlier of her people testing her, Captain. It's not the people who are concerned...the common people adore Admiral Hamilton, and many are truly outraged at how the royal family and government officials treat her. The royal family and the government officials really don't want her on the throne, and go the extra mile to make her life miserable. Truthfully, it is part of the reason why I've agreed to this mission...to show them that Virginia belongs on that throne."

"Damn," the captain muttered. "I'm surprised you had time to find all this since we spoke."

Deanna smiled. "Most of it is from Worf. Klingons know a great deal about Gandraleayians, and Admiral Hamilton in particular. A case of knowing your enemy. Apparently, there is some bad blood between her and the Klingons; I couldn't get Worf to tell me why."

"I see." Picard took a sip of his tea, which had long since grown cold, causing him to grimace in disgust. "What do I do now?"

The counselor turned the question around. "What do you want to do?"

"Counselor, what you've just told me implies that I may very well be part of their test. What I want could be the wrong thing for her." His head turned as the doors to 10-Forward slid open and the woman of his interest walked in. Her gate halted as she became aware of his attention and her hands fluttered to her stomach. She glanced at him and Deanna before turning to head for the bar.

Deanna followed his gaze and smiled gently. "Don't you think she should be a part of the decision? I mean, we sit here discussing it like she has no say in the matter. Whether one considers her old or young, she is still of legal consenting age. I don't think it will take you too long to figure out whether she would welcome a relationship with you or not."

"She did say I smelled nice."

"I would say that's a positive sign. So captain...what do you want to do?"