Shaking Hands

 Episode Name:  Shaking Hands

   Written By:  Fortunae

         Cast:  Caeli, Fortunae, Foster, Idrani, Jameson, Lao, S'Terik and Va'tol.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Fortunae

     Aired On:  Fri Apr 11 03:35:58 2003

     Stardate:  53133.5

Time: Thu Apr 10 20:15:24 2003

Stardate: 53132.7

Within the Danube Class U.S.S. Cape Fear, six Starfleet Officers travel toward their rendezvous with history -- Lieutenant (jg) Jaylas Idrani has the burden of her first First Contact mission and with her travel an assortment of fine officers who will forever be known in the annals of the Kunra's history. The craft passes without incident from the outer most orbital range of Kunra system -- if the Kunra don't come out to meet them before hand he crew faces a several hour flight time at full impulse to reach their destination but this allows them to go over final preparations.

Idrani settles back in her command chair, looking relaxed and serene. Only a slight tension to her jaw and shoulders betray her excitement for this occasion. "By now, everyone should have read the briefing on the Kunra people, supplied to us by the Starfleet Duckblind team. I have also sent out a briefing outlining my expectations on this mission. Again, I have to stress the delicacy of First Contact situations and the need for professionalism, courtesy and decorum from everyone. Is there any questions?"

Foster dutifully mans his Operations console, listening without looking at his Command Officer for the mission. After she is done briefing, he turns as he idly taps to pause his console. "None that I haven't already brought to your attention in my report, sir."

Caeli sits at Tactical, a PADD on the console before him. He murmurs quietly to himself, apparently reviewing some prepared speech, every so often deciding to change something and editing it on the device. He turns to Idrani, musing, "Do you think it's inappropriate to refer to the Kunra as 'younger siblings' in a metaphor?"

Va'tol is seated at Flight Control, hands resting on top of the large LCARS console. "None, sir." he replies, with eyes fixed on the screen.

Lao is seated at the Engineering station near the back of the shuttle, peering down at a variety of readouts. At Caeli's comment, he looks up, and asks, "Permission to transport Lt.Caeli into the unforgiving vacuum of space, where his humor will best be appreciated, sir?" of Idrani, a grin quirking his lips.

Jameson is seated at one of the science stations doing his best to not look nervous. He seems to jump a bit as he suddenly realizes he's expected to speak now too. He shake shis head a little. "No, sir. No questions right now, sir." He probably overdoes all the sirs a little, but Idrani did say she wanted formal address.

Idrani replies to Ensign Lao, "So long as Lieutenent Caeli gets this out of his system, he can stay where he is. If he doesn't get it out of his system by the time we land, he can stay where he is." She doesn't seem overly amused by Caeli's attempt at humor. Maybe it is the sheer magnitude of a First Contact mission that she has been hand-selected for; that can put some pressure on you. "To answer your question, Lieutenant Caeli, yes. That would be a highly inappropriate statement. Those of you that responded to my request for sending me your ideas, I highly appreciate your observations. Particularly yours, Counselor."

Caeli swivels in his seat to grin back at Lao, a quick glance shot to Idrani as he does so. "You think that was a joke? Just wait till I really get started. I don't want the first words they hear out of extraterrestrial mouths to be something boring. We have to make an impact. This has to be /memorable/. We should have had S'Terik prepare something... he's got a way with words." He turns back to his PADD, then, ever the diligent speech-writer.

Lao shakes his head and mutters, "Right. Memorable. I can just see it. 'So, this Romulan and this Pakled meet up at a bar...Hey, Pete, why are they shooting at us?'" He starts tapping at his console, frowning down at the readouts.

Jameson tries so hard to play it cool and look experienced and a bit blase at Idrani's bit of praise, but he doesn't succeed very well, he is obviously pleased. He sits quiet for a few moments before responding, "Thank you, sir. I put a lot of thought into what I wanted to ask. I just can't imagine letting a chance like this slip past." He pauses, "It's not everyday you get a chance to uncover the social structure of an entirely new race. How their families are grouped, how they pick a mate, their attitudes about violence, and psychoanalysis. It's just such an amazing opportunity. I'm sure I'll have more questions once those are answered."

Foster breathes in deep and turns his head to Caeli. He opens his mouth to speak, but shuts it quickly. After a moment of thought, he merely perks up. "Exactly, Mr. Lao." Turning his eyes on Caeli again, he says sharply, "Don't speak or do a damned thing on Kunra, or during talks via subspace, unless ordered to by Lieutenant Idrani. Understood?"

Idrani starts to frown as Caeli speaks, then her brow smooths as Foster steps in. She gives her XO a faint nod of acknowledgement and approval, before speaking to Jameson, "It is an amazing opportunity for all of us. And an equally amazing responsibility."

Caeli turns his head to look back at Lao. "Didn't the Vulcans say anything interesting--." He begins his rebuttal, but is cut off by Foster. Unfazed by the verbal lash, he smiles brightly at the Asstistant Chief of Operations and says, "Of course. I read the briefing, same as everyone else, and I've already had this discussion with Lt. Idrani. I'm there to observe their security arrangements."

Va'tol has little to say or add to the conversation, sharing his attention between the readings on his console and the Kunra's alien system displayed on the main viewscreen, waiting for the 'blip' on the radar.

<CONTEST> Lao contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Idrani comments, "Ensign Va'tol, your input about the earlier history of the area was also very good."

<CONTEST> Lao contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Jameson nods at Idrani's words. "Yes, sir, a great responsibility as well. I know I wouldn't want to return to the station with anything but a successful mission completed." He shakes his head a little. "I can imagine that we'd all be on someone's blacklist if we did."

Va'tol glances quickly over his shoulder, regarding Idrani. "Thank you, Sir..", replies the stoic Vulcan, in his usually cold and dull, yet polite tone of voice.

<CONTEST> Caeli contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Caeli sighs in futility and sets the PADD on the dashboard-like thing over the console. "I suppose Lt. Idrani can make it up as she goes along, then." He sets about tapping things, to look busy. Always good to look busy when the boss is mad at you.

Lao looks down at his console. "Interesting," he comments aloud. "Sensors show a nice M-type world, no surprises there. We're clear of ship traffic out to 12 light years, and we have some artificial satellites orbiting the planet. We've got plenty of signal noise from artificial communications...anybody wanna help me tap in? We can watch Kunran entertainment on our way in." He looks back down. "Trying to scan for anything that might detect us, or any example of weaponry. We don't have any defense grid or weapons of mass destruction showing up. Anybody here familiar with the lateral sensor arrays? I could use a hand tuning in for more detail." He looks up, and lifts the cup of tea he ordered a little earlier to take a sip, smiling genially at the group.

Foster says, "To assume that your Mission Command Officer has not completed her duties, and prepared herself for a mission of such magnitude of which she has been /handpicked/ for, is not only rude, but offensive." He turns to Lao, as he speaks. "Certainly, Ensign. I'll give it a go."

GAME: Va'tol spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Search skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Idrani continues, "As I mentioned in my briefing, the After Action report will be sent to the Station Command and Sector Diplomacy. The Federation takes First Contact missions very seriously. Lieutenant Foster, you also pointed out some things I hadn't thought about, particularly if the Kunra language can be spoken by other species. It is generally better to learn a language firsthand, if possible, as things sometimes are lost in translation." She doesn't respond to Lt. Caeli, evidentally she has given the task of curbing the Bolian to Lt. Foster.

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Search skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

GAME: Foster spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Lao contests his Search skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

<CONTEST> Foster (claiming advantage) contests his Search skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Caeli does not respond, fixating his eyes on one blinky light in the console in particular as he murmurs to himself, an expression in Bolian that means 'Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today', but when translated literally comes out as 'I hope you're not still sleeping'. Not that Foster's compin could hear it, anyway.

Va'tol 's keen sight doesn't really help on this one, as nothing is noticed on his screen except by details given by Lao.

As Caeli looks back at his seat at the tactical console... his eyes are drawn from the blinking light to another light flashing in the bottom corner of his console that says -- "Vessel Detected" when touched it pulls up a sensor map of the exterior of the craft from the TA/T/TS system with a warning beneath it -- "Vessel Not On File in Database".

Foster nods to Idrani. "Thank you, sir. As Ensign Jameson has thus pointed out, this is an immense and amazing experience, filled with possibilities."

Caeli lifts his head a bit, remembering to switch back to Federation Standard in his mind. "Lieutenant, I'm reading a vessel inbound, configuration unknown." His tone belies a bit of tenseness, as his fingers become more active to deal with the new arrival. In the nicest, least phaser-y way possible.

Idrani sits up a little straighter in her chair. "On screen. Open Hailing Frequencies."

Foster taps the little comm channel button to open up the channel and bring it on screen. "On screen. Hailing Frequencies open."

Caeli glances towards Idrani every few seconds, still watching his tactical panel in case the ship does something unfriendly.

Va'tol doesn't change the course, maintaining Full Impulse through the Kunra system.

<CONTEST> Lao contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Lao attempts to scan the alien ship, and frowns at his console. "Mmm. Trying to scan the alien ship, sir, but I'm having trouble getting the sensors locked on. Lt.Foster, a hand, please?" he asks, looking up.

Jameson sighs, his eyes closing briefly. He shakes his head then and turns to watch Idrani, his eyes momentarily diverted by Lao, before returning to the Andorian.

<CONTEST> Foster contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Idrani speaks in a calm, clear voice. "This is the United Federation of Planets shuttle craft..." She decides not to call it by its name, the Cape Fear, which translates to 'Scary Place Near Ocean' in Graalen. "NCC-72419. We're requesting to enter the system and open diplomatic relations with the Kunra people. I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Jaylas Idrani, CO of this craft."

Foster whispers in a lower voice, as for it to not be picked up by the transmission but loud enough for Idrani's sensitive hearing to pick it up. "Size Class 4, tritanium hull, they do have Structural Intergy and Warp Power, perhaps around Warp 4 or 5. Their only armament appears to be a Heavy Gamma-Ray Laser, two of them in fact. Probably a minute or more on it's recharge cycle. No transporters. To launcheable craft. Seventy-two Kunra lifeforms aboard."

Caeli's conspicuous smile is absent as he diligently confirms everything Foster just said via his own console. "Confirmed, sir." He speaks quietly, thought a tad louder than Foster. He's not sitting right next to Idrani, after all. "I'm also reading two lower-level lifeforms aboard. Perhaps pets, or food animals." He purses his lips. "Doesn't look like something from a species that just discovered warp drive, if you ask me."

Lao, the weapons system engineer, adds, in a similarly low voice, "They should be considered a potential threat, sir. One shot from those weapons with our shields down, and any organic matter on this vessel would be flash-fried. With shields, we could take nine, maybe ten good shots. Our armaments would need a while to pierce that hull." He looks over. "Advise prepping the shields to be raised, sir."

Jameson listens to what's transpiring for several moments before finally speaking up, "Sir? Are we broadcasting that message in the Kunra language specifically? I mean, do we know if they even have universal translators?"

On the monitors the vessel slows to one quarter impulse and changes its vector from a direct intercept to an an oblique angle pass.

Idrani nods faintly, "Make it so, Ensign Lao. Ensign Va'tol, pre-program an evasive manuver sequence that will keep us out of the firing arcs of those two lasers. Ensign Caeli, if they start powering up their weapons, I want to know about it. Lieutenant Foster, be ready to get shields and impulse engines at maximum, if we need to. Continue to hail. All frequencies." To Jameson, "The Universal Translator automatically works on the hailing frequencies, Counselor. We already have their language on file."

Foster says, "Sir, the Kunra vessel is returning our hail."

Over the channel there is a response -- "Greetings NCC-72419 This is Captain Rorupas of the New Horizons. You are currently intruding into the system of our people. Our translator device is Identifying you as the United Federation of Planets -- is that the same thing perchance as simply "The Federation"? You are the ones who have been spying on us and selling information about us to other powers in the Galaxy but were disinclined to come and meet us yourselves?"

Idrani furrows her brow slightly. "I beg your pardon, Captain Rorupas. The United Federation of Planets, or as you have identified us as 'The Federation', does -not- sell information about other species. We do a careful cultural survey before initiating contact with a new species, as our highest order of law forbids us from interfering in the cultural evolution of other species. To be honest, Captain, there appears to be some misunderstanding and I would like the opportunity to help clear it up. Our interest is in making peaceful relations with our neighbors in the galactic community."

Foster smiles softly. He gives a soft nod of approval to Idrani, turning back to continue his monitoring.

Caeli does not lift his eyes from his console. The matters of diplomacy do not concern him, his focus now is making sure that the instant power readings on that Kunra ship go up, Idrani knows about it.

<CONTEST> Idrani contests her Diplomacy (Intergalactic Affairs) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

The Vulcan nods silently, finally moving his hands across the console, calculating new vector course before letting the computer do the rest. As soon as the evasive maneuver program is ready, Va'tol sends Idrani a 'Acknowledge. Program loaded and ready' message over her station.

GAME: Lao spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Lao contests his Systems Engineering (Engineering) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Lao looks over to Idrani, and starts trying to key in a sequence that'll load up the equivalent of Yellow Alert without raising the noticeable power signature of the shuttle. He looks over to Foster, and says quietly, "Shields prepped, weapons on standby, all major systems operational. I think I cloaked the energy signature from that operation, sir."

Jameson sits at his station listening to the conversation. As Idrani speaks, he nods his head in approval, obviously thinking the Lieutenant's words appropriate.

"Yes, I am familiar with your policy about sequestering pre-FTL cultures from opportunities to expand to the stars before your benevalant communistic technocracy deems them fit." Comes the voice of the Kunra captain. "Fortunately, we Kunra are not so closed minded as to miss out on a chance to learn something new and make new friends through a discourse and exchange, so I have been instructed by my government to grant you a clean slate and amnesty from any ill feelings about your having been spying on us. If you will have your vessel slow down and dock with us we can meet face to face and then determine whether we want to invite you down to meet our government. Please don't be afraid, we have no intention of harming, and if you feel uncomfortable or intimidated at any time, please, let us know so we can avoid doing so in the future. And, if you don't mind, please leave your phased energy weapons on your ship -- we believe that first meetings are best conducted without weapons. Thank you, we'll be awaiting your course change. See you soon." The transmission ends.

Caeli looks up to Idrani. "Lieutenant, I don't like the prospect of going in there unarmed. I could probably hide a Type I inside my uniform without them noticing, since they don't know what they're looking for."

Lao looks over as the comlinkl goes out. "Lovely people. Can I test my gravitometric negabombs on them? I'm certain it'll only take an hour or so to whip one together." He downs the rest of his tea.

"Shall I set the course, sir?" asks Va'tol.

Idrani's antennae flatten, an Andorian body-language expression of anger or annoyance. "Well. I guess we can no longer refer to this as a "First Contact" situation, but rather a "Second Contact'. I would like very much to find out who the 'First Contact' was." This is murmured in a tight tone, before she raises her voice slightly. "Ensign Va'tol, lower our speed, initiate docking procedure." Her head turns slightly to Lieutenant Caeli. "No, Lieutenant, we're going to leave our weapons behind, as instructed. I am going to go over, with Counselor Jameson. Lieutenant Foster, you'll have the conn. Keep a lock on our combadge signals and be prepared to beam us out, if necessary."

Caeli purses his lips again. "Alright, then, but request permission to accompany the away team. If I'm supposed to get an idea of their defensive capabilities, I can't do it from here."

Foster sighs, and he drums his fingers along the console. "While the prospect of going in unarmed is dangerous, I feel one of our two species needs to make the gesture of peace - whoever game them the idea we're worse than we are, we need to wipe that clean." He nods to Idrani. "Aye, sir."

Jameson stands up as Idrani calls his name. "Yes, I don't think sneaking weapons in is going to in any way help our cause. We can be beamed out in case of an emergency, correct?"

"Yes, sir..", he says, switching to manual control and dropping the speed as they near the Kunra ship. After locating one of their bays, Va'tol starts the proper docking procedures.

Idrani shakes her head. "Permission denied, Lieutenant Caeli. For the time being, I need you on that tactical station. We need to make the first gesture of peace, as Lt. Foster says. If we get into trouble, Lieutenant Caeli, you'll be more useful at tactical."

Caeli leans back in his chair in dejection, spinning the seat idly. "On the upside, I've never shot my way out of a shuttlebay before."

Foster says, "Hopefully, nor will you have too."

Idrani settles back in her chair, waiting as Va'tol manuvers the Danube to dock with the Kunra vessel. "All right, everyone. Who made it here before we did? Any thoughts?"

Caeli pipes up, his back to his station. "Someone with a less than shining opinion of the Federation."

Lao leans back in his chair, and says, "I have no idea. However, sir, I'm wondering if I should stay here as well, to coordinate an emergency beamout, if necessary."

Idrani nods. "Yes, Ensign Lao. The only people going over will be the Counselor and I." She pauses. "The Romulans would have simply conquered them. As would the Klingons or the Nausicaans."

Foster raises a single eyebrow. "The Ferengi, the perhaps?"

Jameson nods to what Caeli says, "The best bet is that it's someone who has a reason to thwart the Federation's dealings with these people. So what do the Kunra have that someone else would want, and that they don't want the Federation to have? That's the question I have."

Caeli taps his chin. "Maybe the Ferengi. But what kind of profit could a pre-warp civilization offer? Do they have any latinum stores, dilithium veins? Something to interest the Alliance?"

Idrani nods slowly. "Could be. The Ferengi are trying to solidify their position in this area, using Rynkan space as a base of operations to expand their merchantile interests." She says thoughtfully. "If so, Ambassador Lux and I will have a serious talk when we get back."

Va'tol doesn't give any hunches, focusing on his own station, bringing the ship closer and closer to the hull until a loud *KLANK* can be heard.

Lao considers that. "It -could- be the Ferengi. Notice how the guy went on about us 'profitting' from spying?" He looks down at his console, and starts fiddling with it.

Caeli nods emphatically at Lao. "And also how he mentioned out 'communistic technology'. Could you maybe scan the surface, see if there are any rare minerals or whatnot?"

Idrani murmurs, "He said 'communistic technocracy'. There's only one species in this area that I'm aware of, that refers to us as communists on a regular basis." To Caeli's question, she shakes her head. "No. Active scanning will be perceived as a hostile action. We'll find out what occurred soon enough."

Lao looks up at Caeli, and says, "With all due respect, sir, Lt.Foster is better at scanning than I am. I'm prepping emergency transport routines and fast-powering of the warp drive."

Jameson adds, "According to the information you gave us, the Kunra are a materialistic people. It isn't inconceivable that they'd get along well with the Ferengi."

Foster taps his finger across his lips, thoughtfully. "I could probably rig up something so that they don't spot me scanning, sir. That is, if you have enough faith in my abilities to do so."

Idrani shakes her head again. "No active scanning. There's no need for it at this time and I don't want to risk provoking them. Be patient, Lieutenant." She smiles a little at Foster.

Foster says, "Just providing you with any options you may wish to take, sir. I'm not overzealous." His eyes dart to Caeli after he says this, but return to Idrani. "I assume I'll assume command of the Cape Fear while you deal with the Kunra?"

Caeli listens quietly to Foster's question, with more than a little curiosity.

Idrani nods. "You'll have command, yes, Lt. Foster. And be ready with those transporters, just in case." Once again, Idrani is calm and relaxed, having eased out of her previous tense position.

Caeli looks to Idrani. "What's emergency procedure, Lieutenant? Worst case scenario, how do you want us to go about getting you out of there and getting home?"

Idrani replies, "Worst case scenario: Emergency beam out the Counselor and I, initiate Ensign Va'tol's evasive program and go to warp as soon as possible. We're not going to fight them."

Foster nods at Idrani's Emergency Orders. "Aye, sir."

Caeli ahems quietly. "We'll be in a shuttlebay, Lieutenant." He's awfully pessimistic, especially for a Bolian.

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Flight Control) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

With smooth execution the Cape Fear nears the Kunra vessel and rotate at a ninety degree angle while matching speed and course to slip against the docking lock. There isn't even a shudder as it sets in place -- then the Vulcan officer extends the docking clamp which does cause a very faint rocking of the vessel as it locks in place. Idrani and Jameson move to the airlock and after it cycles and the indicator shows green for a safe atmosphere they activate the hatch to cycle open. On the other side of the hatch they see four aliens that look like huge racoons, despite them be much smaller then the Andorian and the Human. Each of them is wearing a cross shoulder sash and belt sashes in orange and blue with pouches attached, likely for equipment. They move on all fours but raise back to stand on two legs as they near the couple in the air lock. One of them wriggles its ears and says in a universal translated soft voice, "First an orange alien, now a blue one -- boy did they pick the right colors for our sashes -- and look, the pink one is a giant Momsi --" This is cut off by the largest of the four who says directly to the two -- ""Greetings and Welcome. I am Captain Rorupas of the New Horizons. This is my executive officer Bobolah, my mission science officer Tinimak and my mission engineering officer Mysabar. We come to you in the spirit of peace."

Idrani smiles. Catching the reference to an orange alien only makes her smile a little more. "Greetings, Captain Rorupas. I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Jaylas Idrani, Diplomatic Officer and commanding officer of our shuttle. This is Ensign Marcus Jameson, he is a Counselor. We welcome your overtures of peace and return them."

Foster sits back at the shuttle's CONN, making sure things run smoothly in Idrani's absence. He keeps a careful eye on Lieutenant Caeli.

Caeli keys his console to cue him audibly if anything changes from the status quo, turning slightly in his seat to look towards Foster with a friendly smile plastered on his face. "Something wrong, Lieutenant?" Aside from the occasional glance back to his panel, his eyes remain on the temporary CO of the tiny ship.

Va'tol hasn't moved from his station, seeming to stare at his console like a statue, apparently trying to see what's going on outside through his readings.

Lao continues to fiddle with his station, running different power configurations.

Jameson offers a smile to the Kunra and a slight bowing of his head. "Thank you for having us aboard your ship." He quiets there and lets Idrani run the show. He stays just a step back from the Andorian.

Captain Rorupas waggles his ears and shakes his belly a bit, perhaps this is laughing as he says, "Well this is your connector so I think perhaps technically we are on your ship. May we come aboard? Or do you want to come aboard our ship?" His neck is craned so he can look up at the two, while the Kunra introduced as Bobolah sniffs the air and asks, "Is your ship so very small because your communist economy can't support more comfortable craft? If so, perhaps we can send you some economic advisors to help you convert to a freetrade and capital based system that would allow your astronauts more comfortable accomodations when flying between the stars."

At the same time the one who first spoke, identified as Tinimak waddles forward a few steps and reaches out to catch Jameson's hand in her own small rough skinned paw fingers. She strokes his flesh as if checking the texture as she says, "Not hairless, just shorter -- was your world once very cold then got hotter for a prolonged time forcing you to evolve away from your fur? It's really amazing how much you look like a Momsi, the children are going to *love* you."

The last of the four seems more interested in the combadges, she holds up a black box of Ferengi manufacture and says, "Your translation device seems much smaller, does this indicate a comparative reduction in capacity or is yours just a more recent model then this one?"

Idrani smiles, gesturing toward the shuttlecraft. "You're welcome to come aboard, Captain, and I'll introduce you to my crew. This vessel is known as a Danube class runabout. It is an auxillary craft, designed for short travel." She nods to Bobolah, "To correct a misconception, we do not have a communistic economy. The term 'socialist' might be more accurate, though I do not know if it has the correct nuance. The United Federation of Planets composes a union of hundreds of species over even more worlds. We share the common goals of peace, co-operation, mutual support and individual sentient rights."

Jameson allows the Kunra to stroke his hand and feel his skin. "I'm not sure where in our evolution that we lost our fur. Some of us still have more hair than others. I just happen to have less hair than most." He pauses and smiles then, "Might I ask, what is a 'Momsi'?"

Foster remains in his position at CONN, though he does listen as best he can to the conversation. He prepare for any conversation he may have to undertake. He gives a look to Caeli. "Remember. Don't speak unless spoken to by the Kunra. And don't do anything stupid."

Caeli only smiles wider. "Your confidence astounds, Lieutenant. I'm sure you'll take your own advice into consideration as well." He sees to a few final things on his console, peering around to try and get a look through the hatch as he does. He can't.

Va'tol casts a glance over his shoulder at Foster and Caeli for a brief second, quirking a brow. Then it's back to the console.

Lao is still fiddling with his instruments, running power routines. He looks up at Foster, after a moment, and then to Caeli, and then back down to his monitor. His expression says it all...how very professional the bickering lieutenants are, oh my!

Tinimak continues to hold Jameson's hand, stretching almost to the point of toppling where it not for her tail to look up at him. "A Momsi is a bipedal simian creature that is found on two of our continents, omnivorous but primarily herbivorous in diet preference, the Momsi are found both wild and domesticated. Wild Momsi near urban areas are known to rummage through garbage, but are generally harmless otherwise -- unless angry in which case they throw rotten fruit and even their feces. The Momsi are also the primary characters in the number one children's entertainment program on the Global Cast Network, or GCN. Oversized ones obviously as children like that but /you/ they are going to /love/ you."

While this goes on Mysabar the engineer steps around Jameson to put boot to the interior of the ship, a bulky device taken from her sash she waves it about as if scanning -- in a quiet voice she says, "The Blueprinter doesn't even know where to start."

Captain Rorupus and his exective nod to Idrani and away her lead to follow their overly curious engineer aboard to meet the rest of the crew.

Idrani smiles easily, her antennae flicking slightly as she picks up the quiet words of the engineer. "Captain Rorupus, allow me to introduce my crew. This is Lieutenant Junior Grade Johnathon Foster, my Executive Officer. Lieutenant Junior Grade Zipok Caeli, Security. Ensign Va'tol, Flight Control and Ensign Peter Lao, Engineering. Welcome aboard." She looks over at the Engineer then. "We're as curious about your technology and culture as I am sure you are about ours."

Foster nods his head with a deep respect, he being probably the palest of any of the current crew. Perhaps an add contrast to the colors. "Greetings," he says, his voice soft and as inoffensive as possible.

Caeli smiles, as he is so used to doing; inclining his head slowly and respectfully to the Kunra. He does not speak, only shoots a glance to Foster as his head raises again.

Va'tol stands from his chair and turns to face the lil' fuzzy Kunra people, looking down at them with his hands clenched behind his back in a formal stance. He merely nods, not even quirking a smile.

"Beezers!" Mysabar says as she gets a look at Caeli... then she swishes her tail and looks toward Idrani asking quietly, "Uh...did he have a greivous accident that took his attenae and give him that scar...or are the males and females of your species just that different? Does it serve a reproductive role?"

Meanwile Bobolah mutters, "So tall, they're all so tall...."

Lao nods to the visitors, respectfully, giving them his full attention. As they entered, he turned the engineering display to an innocuous screen.

Idrani smiles a little as she answers Mysabar. "We are different of different species. I am an Andorian. Lt. Foster and Ensign Lao are Terrans, or humans as they are also called. Counselor Jameson is a Centauran... yes, they appear quite similar to terrans. Ensign Va'tol is a Vulcan and Lt. Caeli is a Bolian."

Idrani adds, "I am a female. The rest of my crew are males. The Federation has no gender bias, it just so happened that this was the crew selected for this mission."

Foster smiles at Mysabar's enthusiasm. "We are truly glad you are so enthusiastic about this interculture meeting, for as are we. The races presented before you are just a sample of the myriad of cultures under the protective arm, wing, or what have you of the United Federation of Planets."

Caeli chuckles slightly at Mysabar's comment, but lets Idrani explain his heritage. He still remains silent, his form blocking the tactical panel from view. Another glance towards Foster.

"Well Lieutenant, it looks like a fine crew -- and a fine ship." Captain Rorupas says, "The Ferengi only had Ferengi aboard thier ship. Which is the typical procedure, multispecism crews or monospecism crews? In the mixed crew model does this improve or impede discipline and protocol complience... or do you mix crews to feed to the strength of each race? Bolians for example are a combat and battle orientated race? Or is it that they excel at police work?"

Va'tol would look glad and excited if he could, being a curious fellow by nature. Still, his expression remains blank, emotionless, looking between the visitors and studying their features carefully.

Lao listens politely, hands folded in his lap.

Bobolah, the executive officer waddles around Idrani and towards the "bridge" of the Danube. "Touch screen menu driven software controls with pre-set intuitive menus support and customizable configuration settings for individual kinesthic preferences?" He asks any of the officers in general.

Idrani nods to Rorupas, taking in his questions. "Most of our vessels are crewed by a variety of species. We consider the co-operation of different species a method that brings forth the best of what the Federation has to offer. We have learned to respect and celebrate the uniqueness of every culture, as well as learned to work together in a cohesive unit. Naturally, different species do have different strengths and many individuals choose to fulfill roles that validate those unique strengths. However, we are not limited to just those roles. For example, my species is known for being, as you put it, combat and battle orientated. But I chose the field of diplomacy. The different species are not pre-ordained to fill any specific assigned role. We are free to choose our career paths, as individuals."

Foster smiles at Bobolah, indeed rather impressed. He doesn't show it, however, he simply answers. "Yes, that's exactly right. What format do you use on your vessels? I personally find the touch - LCARS as we call it - panels to be very efficient."

Caeli continues smiling happily. The Kunra must think he's a mute, at this point. Maybe even a deaf mute. Oh, bother.

Lao speaks up, and says, "Do your terminals contain similar functionality, sir?" This is directed at Bobolah. He's smiling pleasantly.

Bobolah steps up on the balls of his feet to get a better view saying, "I doubt they are as sophisticated as your systems if the software we got from Ambassador Lux is any indication. I don't understand how you can maintain such an advanced technological level without free competition to encourage research and development. Did you get your technology from a more advanced capitalist society that felt you needed help and gave you a discount?"

Idrani continues to speak to the Captain, "You've mentioned the Ferengi, and I see, Ambassador Lux by name." She smiles, looking quite relaxed. "We are familiar with the Ferengi and I know Ambassador Lux personally. The Federation considers the Ferengi to be a neutral species, though we are pleased with the new government the Ferengi Alliance has in power. The Grand Nagus Rom has instituted much social change that we consider to be wonderful forward progress. For example, in the last year or so, they have recently recognized the rights of their females and we are hopeful that they will adopt a full gender equality policy soon." She glances at Bobolah briefly. "I am, however, concerned that Ambassador Lux must have unintentionally given your people the wrong impression of us. I am hoping that you will allow us the opportunity to correct that?"

Mysabar waddles up to Caeli's station and puts a paw-like hand on his seat using the other to tug on his shirt and pausing to feel the fabric. "Do you have to use your weapons alot? We didn't have weapons originally but after the Ferengi visited us our government insisted we may need them -- I was very unhappy about this I would have thought that any species capable of reaching the stars would realize that you don't need weapons to settle disputes. Space is big, after all."

Foster says, "We feel much the same as we do, but we have been traveling the stars for some time. We've come to realize that there are species out there that do not wish peaceful talks. We use our weapons only in defense - never offense."

Captain Rorupas flattens his ears and swishes his tale, "Surely you can't be saying the Ferengi only just recently emancipated their females -- Ambassador Lux didn't show any patronizing behavior towards our females, are you sure this wasn't just a misinterpretation on the part of your Federation's analysis?"

Caeli breaks his smile long enough to speak in an amiable, melodic tone. "We try our best to resolve our disputes diplomatically, but unfortunately some of our contacts among the cosmos do not share our patience at the negotiation table. Any use of force is one use too many." Throughout it all he allows the Kunra to paw at his uniform jacket, hoping she doesn't reach down to his phaser.

Va'tol nods slightly in agreement to what his peers say, "Yes. That would be the most logical path, but many races tend to disagree."

Lao answers Bobolah. "We have adopted a policy of sharing technology among our member worlds. We find that, through diversity and cooperation, we have more success in developing new technology -- as well as new art, literature, and just about everything else. We still engage in friendly competition, though," he adds, smiling up to Bobolah. "I think it takes the place of some of the instincts found in a more capitalist society."

Idrani keeps her attention focused on Captain Rorupas, though her antennae pick up the other conversations around the shuttle. Another Andorian would read her body language as quite pleased with the performance of her crew in this encounter. She replies to the Captain, "I am afraid it is true, Captain. Up until recently, Ferengi females were not allowed to travel or own property. I know Ambassador Lux personally, as I said, and I have not found his behavior toward females of other races to be in question. However, until the social and legal changes took place, the Ferengi people simply held their own females to a different standard of what they considered to be correct and proper behavior. Now, as I mentioned, the Federation is quite optimistic about the new Ferengi leader, but sadly, there are those among the Ferengi that would rather return to their traditional ways." She glances over at Lao and Bobolah briefly, "There are several member worlds that do have a planetary economy, however. Andoria and Vulcan are among them. A new member species, the Ktarians, also have a thriving planetary economy. We respect the rights of the member worlds to make their own decisions regarding such things, though we assist new members in the transition. The last thing we would want would be for someone's economy to collapse or society to fall into chaos."

While Tinimak continues to speak with Jameson, Bobolah says, "If you are so interested in friendship and culture, why is it you spy on other species and don't make contact with them until they might find you on their own? I mean... if we had gone out and found you, it would have been momentous -- a bold conclusion on this chapter in our history. Instead, just as we prepare to leave, you come in and say hello and steal that one time moment from a people which to you is just a sidenote in your history of such. The hard work of a species to stretch to the starts is stolen from them and they are shown just how far they still have to go instead of basking in their success. If you are going to do that anyway, why not just pop in and say hello no matter where they are technologically, that lower tech species may have fresh perspectives that could solve some of your problems that you have forgotten."

Captain Rorupas cocks his head considering the Andorian's words and then wriggles his ears, "Well, certainly your are presenting a different perspective then our friend Lux did, but, that is perhaps just a varience in cultural mores. I think we've seen enough, so -- if I can tear my crew away from yours I believe we should escort you to Kunra prime to meet the government -- I'm just a glorified doorman it seems." His belly jiggles a bit and his ears wriggle more after he says this.

Idrani smiles at Rorupas. "We do appreciate your escort, Captain. And I will be glad to meet with your government and answer all your questions. We do have very good reasons for observing a culture before making contact, as well as reasons for waiting until the technology of a culture has advanced. Our Prime Directive is a policy of non-interference with the evolution of a culture. This came from a disasterous First Contact with a more primitive species, back when the Federation was first created, that resulted in years of warfare. We also believe that there is a certain responsibility that comes part and parcel with the advancement of technology. That sense of responsibility can only develop from a culture overcoming its own obstacles and learning the technology for itself."

S'Terik has left.

"So once you have FTL though, then you are mature enough to handle solar destablizers and artificial quantum singularities and so on. What if a culture was out there that was so happy at home that they never bothered to stretch to the stars but they had the most advanced medicine in the universe and the most beautiful music and a racial temperment suited to willingly share -- but a deep aversion to being spied upon -- with your current methods you would never taste those fruits. You are denying yourselves the full fabric of the universe because of one mistake. I once tried to make fried Globsoberries -- it went horribly. My kitchen caught on fire and my wife's new curtains were ruined. But you know what, I tried again -- and low an behold it no fire but the were horrible. So I tried again. And again. And again, and now my recipie for fried Globsobeeries is acclaimed all over the world as one of the best. Maybe you can learn something from that story." He shifts his tail and shows his teeth, a curling tongue inside his mouth, then says, "Alright crew, back to the New Horizons. Lieutenant, if you will disengage your dock we'll lead you on in." Captain Rorupas offers a small wave of his hand and then leads his crew back to his own ship.

Idrani resumes her position in the Command chair. "Ensign Va'tol, after the docking clamps are released, match course and speed with the New Horizons and follow her to Kunra Prime." After the airlock is closed, she says, "Well done. Everyone." She smiles.

Caeli swivels back towards his console, flashing a grin to Foster. "See? No diplomatic incidents."

Lao says to Idrani, "Lieutenant, I'm a little...impressed with how quickly they picked up on our technology. For a society just achieving warp, it was...unusual, in my opinion. Respectfully suggest that we leave someone with the ship, and power her down, so they can't find out anymore about our technology than we want them to."

Idrani considers the suggestion, then nods. "Very well, Ensign." And she assigns that task to Lt. Foster.

"Sir." Va'tol nods, returning to his station once the Kunra are back to their vessel. He opens a channel with the Bridge, expecting instructions from the newly met aliens.

Caeli listens to the silence for a few moments, then offers his opinion. "I liked them. They seemed friendly enough, but still stayed true to their value system. Can't ask for much more."

Idrani nods. "I agree. I was impressed. I suspect that if the Ferengi thought they would be an easy market to exploit, they may have been sorely disappointed."

"The Kunra have given us a course, sir." The Vulcan's hands dance across the console, closing the Danube's airlock and turning the ship about to follow their vessel. Back to automatic control, Va'tol has little to do but lean against his chair and wait.

Lao rises to get some more tea as they move slowly into the planet's orbit. "I think we have some pretty serious dissuading to do, sir. I mean, 'spies?' It sounds like Ambassador Lux really snowed them."

Lao's words seem to strike a chord with Caeli. "Lieutenant, what's weapons policy for the planet? I think we should have Type Is, at least. Hidden if not displayed." The blue man glances down towards the stubby little gun on his belt.

Idrani nods to Va'tol. "Engage." She says to Lao, "They've already made it clear their thoughts on weapons, Ensign Lao. We've already agreed to meet without them. This is their planet and we will respect their wishes. There will be no hidden weapons. Am I clear?"

Ten minutes passed, Va'tol turns to gaze at the new blip on his screen. "Sir, the NH has lauched a small shuttlecraft. Instructions were given to follow it to the surface.", he reports, being already on it.

Caeli sighs and removes the phaser from his belt, walking to the rear of the runabout and placing it in a weapons locker where his Type II already rests. Returning to his seat, he watches the stars go by.

Caeli conceals his Type I Phaser.

Idrani nods. "Make it so, Ensign Va'tol."

Lao looks over to Idrani. "Sir, sorry to be a bother...but why don't you just beam down, rather than land the shuttle? It seems an unnecessary security risk."

Idrani looks at Lao, "Because I'd rather save that, just in case."

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Diplomacy (Intergalactic Affairs) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Diplomacy (Commercial Treaties) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

GAME: Idrani spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Social Sciences (Economics) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Idrani contests her Social Sciences (Sociology) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Politics (Propaganda) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Bargain (Haggling) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Charm (Influence) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Idrani (claiming advantage) contests her Persuasion (Orator) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Va'tol contests his Diplomacy (Intergalactic Affairs) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Culture (Vulcan) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Diplomacy (Intergalactic Affairs) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Culture (Vulcan) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Va'tol (claiming advantage) contests his Social Sciences (Political Science) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

GAME: Lao spends a courage point.

GAME: Lao spends a courage point.

GAME: Lao spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Lao (claiming advantage) contests his Diplomacy (Intergalactic Affairs) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Lao (claiming advantage) contests his Culture (Human) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

<CONTEST> Lao (claiming advantage) contests his Material Engineering (Civil) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Caeli (claiming advantage) contests his Diplomacy (Intergalactic Affairs) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Caeli (claiming advantage) contests his Culture (Bolian) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Caeli (claiming advantage) contests his Social Sciences (Sociology) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

<CONTEST> Caeli contests his Law (Federation Law) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

GAME: Caeli spends a courage point.

GAME: Caeli spends a courage point.

GAME: Va'tol spends a courage point.

GAME: Va'tol spends a courage point.

Fortunae loads a new program into Planet Hell.

With the Cape Fear landed on at the space port in Chantras, the crew aboard prepares to step outside and meet the Kunra in mass rather then just a small crew from their first warpship. Leaving the runabout in the capable hands of Lieutenant Foster, the rest of the officers open the hatch and step out into history…

…which turns out to be a lot like a festival. Flashbulbs go off like fireworks and the roar from the crowd gathered at the spaceport is enough to make the more sensitive hearing of the Andorian and the Vulcan suffer for it. The crowd is huge, filling the range of vision in every direction from the cordoned off area of the landing tarmac where not far away rests the shuttle from the New Horizon where the Kunra Captain and his senior officers are also debarking. Media figures, politicians, reporters and just plain citizens all clamor and cheer welcome - and oddly enough some of the Kunra in the crowds wear basic blue cotton T-shirts with the unmistakable image of Ambassador Lux's face emblazoned upon them with a winning smile.

Arriving at the scene in a sleek sober model of luxury ground car is the Kunra President, Togomas. He shakes hands with each of his Astronauts congratulating them on yet another successful First Contact mission - then he turns his six fingered hand to the task of shaking hands with each of the impossibly tall aliens, even making a sound bite joke about what they must be feeding them out there in the Federation. After giving the crowds and press a taste of what they are craving, the group of aliens are soon loaded into the limousine with the President for a short ride to the Presidential Palace where they might get to the more formal meeting out of the eye of the throngs.

This is the real diplomatic battle ground now, it's clear that Ambassador Lux has already given the President and his ministers a Ferengi spin on the galactic political situation. And so it begins - here the young Andorian finds herself on more familiar ground, and with the surprisingly effective skill of her fellow officers they begin to turn the tide. Their answers too consistent, their details all matching up, every point met without hesitation. As Va'tol, Lao and Caeli spin in and out of the conversation as it applies to galactic political realities, Jameson plays counter-point weaving in his smooth insights and shifts in perceptual aspect that demonstrate the reason his career path is designated counselor and not psychologist. With adroit ability Idrani shifts with the cunning Kunra from politics to macro-economic structures, addressing how the Federation economy works, how so many different economic models can exist side by side and why it is the Federation and not the Ferengi who set the galactic exchange rate at the Federation Economic Conference every two years. It is not easy to get the Kunra to release their apprehensions about "communism" - but as the explanation unfolds Idrani focuses on the key points of unlimited free energy plus reformatting of energy into matter and back into energy means plentiful bounty for all - leaving development of the arts and sciences driven by the need to create, explore and define and not slaved to economic concepts like planned obsolescence. In a society where the obsolete can be converted into energy and then into the relevant version of the same thing, even obsolescence becomes an entirely different concept.

The President and his Ministers then bring up the threat of this system to the existing system on Kunra, and with blinking she outlines the cultural impact and economic steps the Federation would take if the Kunra were to seek Federation membership; the process the would make such a transition gradual and sensitive to the Kunra's society while at the same time easing them into the galactic economy with a safety net that ensured the would never again have an economic collapse unless such befell the entire Federation which was unlikely considering the model in place - unlike the Ferengi model which had had an economic crash in recent history that it was still rebounding from. And since this paralleled political concerns about interacting with the Federation Idrani shifted gears and laid out how this would affect the Kunra's current structure and how they would be able to work into the galactic political scene as independents or as part of the United Federation of Planets.

After hours of this, the Kunra were left surprised at the diplomatic agility of the Starfleet envoys clearly and they parted company for a few hours break to allow them to confer and the guests to rest and avail themselves of the buffet prepared for them. The buffet must be mentioned because upon it was an array of dishes never before tasted by Federation palates and there were dozens of dishes that each species found particularly amazing, even the Vulcan was not disappointed by the delicate weaves of subtle flavors and scents in some of the dishes.

The next session was before the entire parliament - and here Idrani was on her own as far as the speaking went. Calm as she was bolstered by the previous success, she turned on the personal charm as this became less a matter of specific details but more a matter of selling herself and the Federation to the Kunra who had already been charmed by the smooth mastery of Lux. Mixing jokes and playful banter with strongly effective argument and rhetoric she began to turn the gathered seasoned politicians - a true body of elders due to the custom of mandatory retirement from career followed by mandatory public service that forced the best and brightest to go into public office and see who rose to the top. At one point a politician already clearly devoted to Lux rose up and asked for another officer to speak, to test the veracity of the Federation representative for all he know she was a professional spin doctor and political mechanic… Idrani chose Jameson and he moved coolly to face the attendees. And then he spoke - spoke with passion, spoke with conviction, spoke with measured accessible logic that is a keynote of his species from Alpha Centauri. He spoke beautifully, not of science but of the art behind it, not of art but of the science to it - he spoke at a renaissance culture as truly only a Centauran could and it stabbed deep into the heart of the gathered body. When he was finished the house nearly rocked at its foundations and no attempt to calling the parliament to order could forstall their rush to sweep in and shake hands with all of the officers, pat arms, even a few hugs.

The away team was allowed to retire again and given rooms at the Presidential Palace to prepare… but upon the announcement of a formal Presidential Ball to be held in their honor they were forced to stay in their dress uniforms a bit longer. And so then to the party they went, where in mixing clusters they discussed their cultures and philosophies. Lao ran into a bit of a trouble when expounding about how much better life was for Humanity since they gave up their pursuit of wealth, but this was counter balanced by Caeli's clever insinuation into the company of the senior law enforcement leaders of the Kunra to discuss everything from criminological philosophies to forensic theories - that the Federation was against Capital Punishment won him big marks, and when he went into detail to explain about the difficulties the Bolians had had winning Federation membership and planetary unity he solidified his appeal to the milling crowds present. Va'tol had some complications at first due to his reserved Vulcan discipline; but a clever shift in crowd to those of the scientific leadership soon found him among those who truly appreciated logic - until he was drawn away by a celebrity philosopher for a friendly debate on the subject of logic itself. No doubt a book on that debate will follow.

The Party a massive success the next day was filled with media interviews and even appearances on popular GCN talk shows, a few with the astronauts from the New Horizons. By midafternoon the pundits were already debating and comparing the Federation vs The Ferengi alliance. Late that afternoon when it came time to escort the away team back to their shuttle, the event became a public parade through the capital in an open ground car with confetti thrown from the garden like buildings and massive amounts of trinket gifts hurled into the car or to the officers. At the Starport the President shook each of their hands again then waved as they reboarded their runabout to rejoin the awaiting Foster.

Caeli reaches up and flicks at the back of Lao's head. "You've got some confetti on you, Pete."

Lao brushes his hand over his head. "I'm surprised they didn't throw bombs. Methinks I got a wee bit too enthusiastic at that dinner." He grins sheepishly.

Idrani sits down in her chair with a heavy sigh. "Wow." Is all she says.

Va'tol shakes the President's hands, but the standard Vulcan greeting follows as he raises his left hand. "Live long..and prosper.." The Vulcan bows once more before striding back into the vessel, feeling..excited, somehow. He'll sure need a few hours of meditation to work on these emotions. Back to his formal stance, the Ensign initializes his console.

Lao nods in response to Idrani. "Yeah. Wow." He sits down at his station, and reinitializes the warp core, bringing the shuttle to full power.

Caeli only shrugs at Lao's comment. "I think it's rather refreshing. They seem like a genuinely good-natured people. And we didn't do too badly ourselves, considering the damage that was done before we got here." He plays his fingers over the tactical console, but isn't particularly worried.

Lao turns in his chair. "Zip, was it me, or was that actress hitting on me? I don't mean to sound closed-minded...but...ewwwww. Short and furry? Yikes." He leans over to the replicator and orders a tea as the ship's core rumbles into life.

Va'tol lays his hands on the console. "We are ready to take off. Shall we, sir?" he asks.

Caeli can't help but break into a wide grin at that. "Whatever happened to 'new life and new civilizations'?"

Idrani settles back in her chair. "Ensign Va'tol, go ahead and takes us into orbit. When we've cleared orbit, hail the USS Burton and let them know we'll meet them at the edge of the system."

Lao snorts, and says to Zip, "Let's not boldly go there, shall we?" He looks down at his readouts, running the console with one hand while sipping his tea with the other.

Idrani seems exhausted, actually. Hours debating with the political masterminds of the Kunra people has taken their toll.

Va'tol nods, moving his fingers ably across the console. Up they go on standard Orbital speed.

Caeli crosses his hands behind his head and leans back in his seat. "I particularly liked how they mistook me for an amputee Andorian. Can't say it wasn't a flat erring experience, but you'd be surprised how many times I was asked how long I'd been married to you, Lieutenant."

Lao chuckles aloud at that one. "That's okay. They kept asking me why I looked different from Jameson. 'Your eyes are funny,' said the children. Lovely." He looks down at the readouts, and mutters, "Good, good."

"What is the Federation's next step regarding the Kunra, sir?" asks the Vulcan curiously.

Idrani leans her head back against her chair, half closing her eyes. Her antennae move in Caeli's direction. "Oh, well. You'd be surprised how often they asked me if I was married." She half smiles, then her eyes open to regard Ensign Va'tol. "We'll send in a Cultural Attache, to explain better what Federation membership means and, if they decide to join, help them with the transition. What we did here was set the stage and hopefully undo some of the damage done by the Ferengi. Even if they decide not to join the Federation, or not to join at this time, we will exchange Ambassadors and enjoy a friendly diplomatic relationship."

Lao mutters, "Step One: Send a memo to Ferenginar explaining about Ambassador Lux's -unfortunate- transporter accident." He checks a readout, and then adds, "Step Two: Make sure we get marketing rights for our pictures. Step Three: Collect royalties." Sips his tea. "Step Four: Buy Ferenginar."

Idrani quirks a little smile. "I'll be having a few words with Ambassador Lux when we get back." Now, did that sound omnious or what?

Caeli shoots a skeptical glance towards Lao as Idrani speaks, one corner of his mouth curving up as he tries to suppress his grin. As Lao speaks, he bursts out laughing, tagging on to the end, "Ferenginar? That's just an oversized swamp. Dream big, Pete. We're buying /Risa/."

Lao chuckles. "All systems are green across the board, Lieutenant. We're good for warp drive." He lifts his teacup, takes a sip, and says. "Mmm. Risa."

Idrani sits up a little in her chair, straightening her uniform jacket in the traditional red-shirt style. "Gentlemen, we have accomplished a good deal today. You should all be proud of yourselves." She glances at the helm seat. "Ensign Va'tol. set a course for the USS Burton. Engage."