The one thing Jim Kirk hated more than most of the admiralty is diplomatic missions. And the only reason for that is because the admiralty are the ones putting the Enterprise on those missions in the first place! There were the missions that were most likely to go wrong, but that was a given with all the enemies hell-bent on taking down the Federation.
And here they were. A familiar scene; the crew of the Enterprise, on their way to Yentyl III, a small, icy planet with an average temperature of 6℃, that has asked to join the Federation. The Yentylians are a joyful people, and they only hold negotiations once every year during a festival called the "Festival of Politics" (rough translation.) And the Federation has sent its prized flagship to Yentyl III to negotiate terms.
"Captain, we are nearing Yentyl III," the voice of Lieutenant Sulu jerked Kirk out of his thoughts. He stood, stretched, and finally gave some orders.
"Alright, standard orbit, Mr. Sulu," the lieutenant gave a quick 'yessir,' but not before Kirk was across the bridge at the science station. "Mr. Spock, have you got the away teams ready?" He asked as politely as he could muster. All diplomatic missions just put him on edge.
"Yes, captain. I have you, myself, Doctor McCoy, Security Officers Jo'tal and Hals, and Ensign Chekov, sir." Spock replied as he handed Kirk the PAD.
"May I ask why you put Ensign Chekov on the away team?" Kirk asked, surprised. The kid was a navigation officer, not really something they'd need on an away team.
"Ensign Chekov has requested to join this mission. He requires more experience, and this mission seemed adequate. He also requested on more...personal reasons." Jim understood what he meant when Spock said that. The kid's been homesick as of late, and this planet screams "Russia." So, Kirk doesn't blame Chekov for wanting to come, he just is worried about his safety.
"Is there no way to deny him his request?" Kirk asked tiredly.
"I see no logical reason as to why he shouldn't be allowed to join the away team."
Kirk sighed in defeat. "Alright."
Lieutenant Uhura spoke up from her station. "Sir, the Yentylians are hailing us." Kirk nodded and gave the word to put them on screen.
"Captain Kirk!" The Yentylians looked to be a blue skinned amphibious race, with a big, small, or no fin on their heads indicating which gender they are. They had large eyes and two holes on their face as a nose. The Yentylian on the viewscreen had a large fin and what could only be described as a large white beard.
"Grand President Zedk." Kirk replied respectively. The man was the one who turned the used to be savage race into the kind, technologically advanced one it is now. The Yentylians rewarded him by making him the leader of their world.
"Captain, are you ready to beam down? I have sent the coordinates to your ship, and we are more than ready to see you arrive."
Kirk looked over at Sulu for confirmation that they have the coordinates. "Yes sir, we have received the coordinates down to the main government building. Transporter room's ready."
"Thank you." Kirk looked back up at Zedk. "We will gather our away team and beam down in approximately 10 minutes."
Zedk smiled not unkindly. "We'll be happy to welcome you." The screen went dark and Kirk got a look at the planet for the first time. It looked like a snowball in space, about the size of Earth, but with much more snow. It was mesmerizing, and Kirk smiled at the little bit of hope that fluttered in his chest.
"Alright," he said with his usual charisma, "Spock and Chekov, you're with me. Tell Lieutenants Jo'tal and Hals and Doctor McCoy to meet us in the transporter room." He turned and headed for the turbolift with the other three members of the away team in tow and a smile on his face for the first time since the mission began.
After they all got on the transporter room, they were met with an angry Bones with three Starfleet-issued winter jackets. "Take them. Your immune system sucks, your green blood can't handle the cold and don't give me that Russian bullshit. You're taking the damn jacket." Chekov open his mouth to say something, but McCoy just shoved a jacket in his hands. He grudgingly put the jacket on, muttering something in Russian that no one understood. McCoy ignored him and turned to Jim who was getting on the transporter pad with "Jim, I don't understand why I have to come. It's too damn cold on that planet."
Jim just smiled and patted Bones shoulder when he got on the pad next to him. "C'mon Bones, I've heard that it's beautiful down there."
McCoy just sighed as Kirk gave the order to energize. As the transporter room faded to white, and the cold, beautiful city filled his vision, Jim felt even more confident in this mission. The smiling faces of the local population and a huge party out on the streets greeted the away team and a small group broke away from the celebration to lead them to the main government building.
"Zis is incredible!" Kirk looked to see Chekov almost bouncing out of his boots with excitement. He was looking around the city in awe, and Kirk remembered that this was only his second away mission. As he focused his attention to the many stairs leading up to the government building, he could've sworn he heard something about 'just like Moscow' behind him, followed by a groan and a chuckle from the two security officers. But they all quieted down once they reached the government building.
Zedk met them at the top of the many stairs leading up to the Hall of Peaceful Talks. "Welcome, Captain Kirk and friends, we hope you are happy to receive these gifts of peace." Six Yentylians, three on each side of Zedk, all with varying fins on their heads, came forward and gave each one of the away team a necklace. McCoy and the two security officers were hesitant to accept the gifts, but Kirk, Spock, and, surprisingly, Chekov all bowed their heads without hesitation and thanked the Yentylians. Jim held the little charm in his hand curiously. It was a small green rock, cut like two balls stacked on top of one another. He let the seemingly innocent necklace fall onto his chest and followed Zedk into the Hall of Peaceful Talks to start negotiating.