Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek. (Yet ;) ). Recognised characters theirs, plot and new characters mine.

'Leviathan' is a treatise on governmental theory by Thomas Hobbes. (15?).

"Fascinating." Science Officer Spock, first officer of the USS Enterprise, bent intently over the scanner at his station. "A culture technologically advanced enough to have embarked on what we might term their 'electronic age', yet retaining a system of government essentially feudal in structure!"
"In other words, a king but no candles." Chief Medical Officer Leonard McCoy translated dryly from the opposite side of the bridge.

"Doctor," the Vulcan glanced up, affronted: "I hardly think that synecdoche serves as accurate analysis of-"
"Files regarding the Rythonians, Spock?" Captain James Kirk cut in mildly from the con before the exchange could erupt as a fully-fledged argument. Kirk suppressed a smile. He knew he commanded the best crew in Starfleet – no, make that in space – but the complex, competitive between these two senior officers sometimes required all his training in diplomacy. A series of clicks and beeps issued from the computer as Spock called up information:

"The Rythonians are a peaceful, self-contained people, inwards-looking but aware of the existence of other cultures. They are highly preoccupied with matters of order and governance, and render their allegiance unequivocally to a leader they term the Leviathan."
"Leviathan?" clipped memories of old sea-tales flitted through Kirk's brain. "That's a familiar word. Isn't it some kind of sea-serpent, monster or…?"
"The word, or a close parallel, is of earth origin." The Vulcan offered no theory of explanation – for now, he just stated the facts. "The ancient language of Hebrew, to be exact. A sea monster is one meaning – or more pertinently to this case, I think, an all-powerful ruler."
"Previous contact with the Federation?"
"Once scout party landed here, eight-point-four years ago. Their mission seems to have been largely unproductive – records are very fragmentary."
"Well then, it's up to us to improve matters," Kirk grinned openly now. The old familiar passion of exploration, new territory (or almost new) rose up inside him like a familiar friend. "Lieutenant Uhura, any response to our hail?

"Receiving their signal now sir – I have a - Counsellor Marat - audio only." At a gesture from Kirk, the Bantu woman at the communications console broadcasted the channel to the bridge.

"Counsellor," Kirk stood reflexively despite the lack of visuals. "My name is Captain James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise. We represent the United Federation of Planets."
"We have had dealings with your people previously, Captain." The voice that filtered through the channel was surprisingly young – a light and pleasant tenor, exuding confidence without arrogance. Kirk deliberately withheld impression. "We understand your work is pacifist and exploratory."

"You are well informed, sir."
"The Rythonians keep an extensive records archive." A note of cultural pride. "We are self-sufficient, Captain, but we are not isolationist. If you and a small contingent of your crew wish to beam down, I myself will receive you." The pleasant tone did not break, but the subtle stress on small was perceptible. Kirk gestured to Uhura to close channel momentarily, and glanced in the direction of his second-in-command. Spock's gaze was narrowed, fixed on the terra-style globe that revolved on the viewscreen, as though he could draw information from thin air by the strength of his curiosity. McCoy looked mildly impressed:

"They sound like a reasonable people, Jim, if their delgate's anything to go by. Privacy isn't a crime."

"Agreed," Kirk said, dismissing the slight twinge of intuition against his better judgement, "You and Mr. Spock meet me in the transporter room in fifteen minutes. Channel open.

"Counsellor, we accept your offer with thanks. I will beam down with two of my senior officers shortly. We have your co-ordinates."

"That will be fine," said the Rythonian, and closed his end of the channel without signing off.

"Captain," Spock spoke up suddenly: "Recommendation. I have just discovered a post-script to the last party's findings. It seems the Rythonians once had contact with Romulans – aggressive – whom they now fear and abhor."
"I told you they were sensible," said McCoy.

"The time is distant, but the cultural memory is very strong. Moreover, they do not appear aware of Vulcans."
Kirk could see where this was going. Clear racial similarity between Vulcans and Romulans marked their common roots, despite totally opposing philosophies. "Alright Mr. Spock, disguise yourself – I don't suppose there's time for anything other than a hood." Warning hunch – would it not be more sensible just to leave Spock behind? No, Kirk decided, it would not. Somehow he was convinced: he was going to need Spock on this one. 'We can always beam up at the first sign of trouble' he reassured himself, and called Mr. Scott to the con.