"Captain," Lessa's voice called from the desk-com.

"Yes, Commander?" Andrea Thoreau replied.

"The Ambassador's shuttle is arriving at Docking Bay Two. Doctor Davies is already on his way."

"Thank you, Lessa, I'm leaving now." Andy ended the conversation and went to the turbo lift entrance outside her office. Ensign Zo nodded as the Captain passed her desk and went back to working on the schematics for the upcoming installation. It was Zo's job to help develop a plan that would make populating the station run more smoothly when the time came.

Andy arrived at the docking bay entrance at about the same time as Drew. "Remember, you must not speak until introduced. T'sao is not extremely big on formality but there will be other Vulcans with her that will be offended if we don't show the proper respect. And, the most important thing, Drew, you CANNOT offer Veer the position until I clear it with the Ambassador."

Drew nodded. He, Jake and Andy had discussed the majority of this protocol over dinner just night before last in the Captain's new quarters. He knew Andy was a little anxious about the purpose of the visit and the communiqués from the Federation had been extremely vague. The airlock popped as the docking bay doors opened and the Ambassador and her entourage exited.

Greeting her formally with a slight bow, the Captain spoke first, "Welcome to Jarvik Station, Ambassador. We are honored by your visit."

Ambassador T'sao answered, "We are honored to be here, Captain."

Andy straightened and made eye contact with the regal looking woman, who continued speaking, "This is my son, Doctor Veersa and my secretary, Kal." Andy made eye contact with each person introduced, nodding her head slightly at each. It was now the Captain's turn.

She turned to where her First Officer waited patiently with two yeomen, "This is my Chief of Staff, Doctor Andrew Davies."

When his name was mentioned, Drew stepped forward and nodded to the Ambassador and her staff. Andy continued, "The other two are Yeoman Capri and Yeoman McClellan. They will see your bags to your quarters." Andy motioned for the two to step forward and indicated the luggage they should take.

The Ambassador nodded her thanks and stepped aside for the young man and woman to complete their tasks. Andy turned back to the Ambassador, "I'm sure you'd like to see your quarters so, with your permission, Ambassador, I will escort you and your son. Dr. Davies will be responsible for your secretary."

"That won't be necessary. Secretary Kal will follow the two yeomen. Veersa and I will follow you, Captain."

"If I may," Drew interrupted, "I would be willing to escort Dr. Veersa."

The Ambassador looked back to her son who nodded his agreement. "Very well, then, we shall pair off. Lead the way, Captain."

Andy nodded as Drew led Dr. Veersa one direction and Andy took the Ambassador the opposite way. Once out of viewing distance of the two doctors, Andy turned back to the Ambassador.

"You want a drink?"

"Heavens! I thought you'd never ask!" T'sao's formal speech was gone as was her regal bearing. She grabbed Andy in a familiar hug. "It's been too long, Andy."

Andy stepped on the turbo lift with her old friend and nodded her agreement, "My quarters, okay, Sa?"

T'sao, or Sa as Andy called her, agreed. Once in the Captain's spacious area, she removed her formal robes and shoes. Andy handed her a favorite drink, Saurian brandy, and the two sat down to discussion.

"Doctor and Connie would be so very pleased, Andy." Sa had known Doctor and Mrs. Thoreau while growing up. The Ambassador was half Vulcan and half human.

"Thank you. I'd like to think so. Now, why are you here?"

"You never have liked to beat around the bush. So, the Federation would like to hold the semi-annual conclave here on Jarvik Station. You up to it?"

Andy whistled, "How many people are we talking about?"

"50-75 Ambassadors and their entourages along with 30-50 Starfleet and Federation bigwigs with their hands. I'd say close to a 1000 people, easy."

"How much time would we have?"

"Six weeks."

Andy thought about the logistics, "Sleeping quarters, meals, receptions?"

"Some sleeping areas, yes, but some will probably stay on their ships. One reception and one formal meal. That's all that would be required of the station. All other arrangements would be up to the delegates."

Andy continued to run the numbers through her head, "Say no, Andy. No one will think the less of you." Sa supplied.

"Right. And no one would ever give us another opportunity, either. No, Sa, I think we can make it happen. The station is complete. There are enough rooms and we'll be fully staffed in three weeks. It's feasible."

Sa smiled. She knew Andy would move heaven and earth to make the meeting successful. She hated to put the pressure on her but she also knew it would be good for her friend's captaincy to do this. "Good. I'll let the Federation know."

Andy sat back and smiled at her friend. She knew there was something else going on. "So, Sa, you didn't need Veer with you for this request. What's the real reason you're here?"

Sa looked embarrassed. Andy knew her a little too well. "I want Veer to take a position here on Jarvik."

"What, no Vulcan Science Academy?"

"His father wants him too, yes. But, I don't." Veersa's father, Bogoun, was full Vulcan. He was also a highly respected member of the Vulcan Science Academy. "I don't want him to be in his father's shadow. I want him to be able to do his own thing."

Andy smiled, "You know that Drew is probably offering him a position right now, don't you?"

Sa sat up, "Really? Which one?"

"Andrew wants him to be the Chief Research Officer…run the whole research section of Jarvik."

Sa smiled smugly, "Good. When do you want him?"

Andy laughed, "Right away but can you let him do that?"

Sa leaned back in her chair, "Damn. You're right. I'll have to raise a stink, Andy."

Andy smiled back at her friend, "Don't worry. I know what to do. How about a small get-together tomorrow evening. Here, in my quarters?"

Sa smiled. "Perfect, Captain. Now," the Ambassador stood, "I better get to my quarters and look like nothing's happened. I'll see you tomorrow night."

Andy smiled back, "I can't wait."