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Cultural Differences

by Zlanna@AOL.com

"She is pretty, for a human!" Kah'med leaned close to peer over Will Riker's shoulder as the five men sat around the ten forward bar during the Klingon alliance conference. "She is your mate?"

Riker fingered the vidpict. "Yes." He didn't go into the details, what would be the point?

"Nice breasts." Darnif added. "Tell me. How do you do it?" Darnif squinted his eyes, watching Riker for any sign of hesitation.

"What?" Riker nearly choked on the Klingon food before him.

"She looks so delicate. Does she not injure easily?" Gurn added.

"Well," Riker looked over at Worf helplessly.

"They do things differently." Worf offered.

"How differently?" Kah'med asked.

"They are not, so -- aggressive." Worf explained.

"Oh!" Darnif seemed to contemplate the idea for a moment. "But how do you get aroused then?"

"Well, you know" Will started, "through, through feelings, thoughts, touching."

Worf gave Riker a look of disgust. "Feelings. " he repeated.

Gurn looked from one Starfleet officer to the other. "I don't understand." he admitted.

Worf nodded to the picture. "She is a Betazoid."

"Ah!" Kah'med exclaimed. "They try to probe your mind! Does she read your thoughts?"

"Yes." Will admitted.

"And you allow it?" Worf asked.

"Well, yes, Worf. I enjoy it. Its part of our bond." Riker answered.

Worf made a face, "I would never allow it."

Smiling broadly Riker replied, "I'm glad to hear it."

Quickly Worf looked over at his commanding officer trying to read the blank expression to determine if the comment was a reference to the kiss that Worf and Deanna Troi had almost shared in front of her quarters a few weeks ago. They had both drawn back quickly when Riker had appeared. He noted the hint of a smile that crept onto Riker's face. Gradually he allowed his own smile to form. "Does she always talk of feelings?"

"It is her favorite topic. She will discuss it morning, noon and night if you let her." Will admitted.

"And she always wants to discuss your feelings?" Worf continued.

"Usually. She rarely wants to discuss her own." "

"Ha! I figured as much." Worf nodded. "Commander, I did go to the Holodeck with her for a, walk, in the moonlight."

"That's very romantic." Will tried to keep his voice even. No reason to get upset, after all Deanna had moved into his quarters the night before, not Worf's.

"She would not be quiet. She talked the entire time. She wanted to discuss my feelings."

Riker listened patiently. "And did you discuss your feelings?"

Gurn broke in the conversation. "A Klingon would not waste time discussing feelings with a woman! Did she attack you?" he asked Worf.

"No." Worf replied.

"How do you stimulate her if you don't subdue her?" Darnif asked Riker.

"You, I, well." Riker took a breath, pausing to look at Worf for support, but he was greeted only by Worf's blank stare. "Well, she is Betazoid, so I let her read my thoughts."

"Your thoughts? You imagine you are subduing her?" Gurn asked.

"No. I think of my feelings for her and what I would like to do with her."

Darnif turned to Worf. "Have you ever had a Betazoid?"

Worf glanced worriedly at Riker. "No! Of course, not."

"Ah. Why?" Darnif pushed on.

Worf squirmed on his stool. "It would not be,"

"Enjoyable!" Kay'med finished.

"for a Klingon." Worf finished.

Deanna Troi entered ten-forward searching for Will Riker who she spotted at the bar with Worf and three Klingons. She walked up confidently to the small group. "Hello." she greeted the visitors.

Each of the visiting Klingons gave their equivalent of a grunt. " Commander, the Captain asked me to request you join us in his ready room."

Riker rose from the stool. "Gentlemen it was a pleasure!" As he led Deanna out of the lounge he leaned down and whispered something to her. She suddenly leaned over and punched him lightly on the shoulder as the two of them broke into laughter.

"Ah! See!" Kay'med exclaimed. "They do too, attack each other!"

"They are just pretending." Worf assured him.

"Too bad." Darnif replied. "She does have nice breasts."

"Mmmm." Gurn agreed. "Nice ass too." All the Klingons nodded in agreement and ordered more blood wine.

The End

I only do this for the pleasure of Imzadi fans. If you enjoyed the story or if you have suggestions, please send your comments to Zlanna@AOL.com.