Authors Note: I do not own Star Trek or any main character names, except original characters and places in my story. This story is strictly for fun.
Chapter 1: The Changing of the Times
Captain's Log - Stardate 7566.23: The Enterprise has been diverted to the planet Sextus Dominar on a diplomatic foray. The planet, recently added to the Federation, is given the task of helping them bring their government into alignment with ours and so the assignment falls to us. Also we will be helping them upgrade some of their technology.
The blizzard of the teleporter system came to a close and in the Grand Emperor's office stood three men. Two were humans, one of slighter build and dark hair. He wore a red shirt. The last member of their party was tall and gangly, with pointed ears and short cropped hair that seemed like a bowl. His face was emotionless, with a bland look to it.
But the other human, while not a particularly tall man, was most certainly the leader. His bearing was that of one who knew his way around command. His hair was lighter, and at his lead they walked up to the near the foot of the throne.
"Welcome to Sextus Dominar," the Grand Emperor said from his throne, a small methane mask covering his face.
The G'neld species had evolved to need methane, but eons had changed the atmospheric conditions to more oxygen in then methane. While a tang of it was still in the air, it was not heavy enough for them to breath but not light enough for visitors not to feel a tiny sting to their eyes.
"Thank you, Grand Emperor," the leader said, bending his middle slightly in difference to his hosts position, "I am Captain James T. Kirk of the starship, Enterprise. This is my chief engineer, Montgomery Scott. And this is my second officer and scientific head, Commander Spock."
"Yes," the Grand Emperor said, laying his long three fingered hands on his knees and bending forward, "You are Vulcan? Are you not?"
"I am," Spock acknowledged.
"Ah yes," he smiled, although the only indication of his smile was a slight crinkling of his brilliant green eyes, "Vulcans used to visit here a lot. Had scientific outposts and laboratories as well. But it has not been so since the day of my fathers' rule. Nigh on seven decades ago."
The trio looked at each other. Spock usually generated some sort of wonderment. He was, to say the least, an oddity for the most part. But, the Emperor snapped his fingers and out came a couple of his ministers. There was business to attend to.
"My Ministers of Science, Law and Technology," he said, gesturing to the three, who each towered over even Spock by half a foot, "They are at your disposal."
"Thank you," Kirk bowed, and at once gave orders to his officers and they paired up with their chosen Minister counterpart and began heading off in separate directions.
He watched them go and leaned back in his seat. It was a shame that they needed to embrace the Federation. But, it was better by far them, then the Klingons, or even the Cardassians. Choose your devil, his father had advised him, and choose the one least willing to turn on you.
"This is a mistake," a voice whispered from behind him, "I implore you to turn them away. They will overturn the state of things within the Empire!"
"I have already made my mind on the matter clear," he said, not turning to the voice.
"But sire-"
"Enough!" he slammed his fists on the arm-rests of his throne, "I am Grand Emperor here. You are Grand Vizier. In the end, my word is law. Not yours. Now go bother someone else for a while, you tire me something fierce."
There was a hiss as his Grand Vizier acknowledged his Lord's command and turned and left. Yes, it was a shame indeed.