Chapter 2

Kirk had never met Ambassador Tronius, but he picked him out right away when the first group of guests materialized on the Enterprise's transporter platform. Tronius stood dressed in the black and gray of the Federation Diplomatic Corp. His bald head was rimmed with silver hair combed to perfection; an angry look covered his distinguished features. Here was a man who knew he was important, and everyone had best keep that in mind.

The ambassador sized up the Enterprise officers with one brief look, picked out the captain, and turned his fury on him. "You are late, Captain. How dare you disregard your orders."

"My apologies, Ambassador," Kirk replied smoothly. "The Enterprise was pulled off a desperately needed R&R for this mission. It took time to recall the crew and—"

Tronius cut him off with a wave of his thin hand. "Enough excuses. This mission is of the utmost urgency. Lives depend upon our haste."

"What exactly is our mission, sir?"

"All in good time, Captain," the ambassador replied. "Your superiors assured me the Enterprise is fast. I hope they are correct in their assessment. I've no time for diplomatic courier ships. Once my team is assembled and rested, I'll call a general briefing to inform you and your officers of our urgent mission to Delphi II. I hear you have excellent lab facilities on board."

"The Yorktown is also a starship—just as fast—with excellent laboratory facilities," the captain said between clenched teeth. "The Delphini System is within the Yorktown's current patrol. Pulling the Enterprise from our current layover on Starbase 23 not only delays—"

"I will not travel aboard the Yorktown," Tronius said. "I despise Captain Rivers. Starfleet honored my request for the next-closest starship."

What did Ty Rivers do to alienate the man? Kirk wondered. But the real surprise was that Starfleet had humored the ambassador.

Tronius turned on Lt. Kyle. "What are you waiting for? Beam up the rest of my team."

The next few minutes passed in a blur. The Federation high commissioner, Lorne Thomas, beamed aboard and verbally attacked the captain. "I've never known Starfleet to be late before. It's downright insulting."

The other ambassador, Chester Fortran, stepped down and took his place next to Tronius. "Speed is of the utmost importance."

Diplomats! Kirk knew the type. He'd had more than his fair share of them. He only hoped they'd spend all their time locked behind briefing room doors, out of his hair. His attention was brought back to the group when the transporter whined yet another time.

"These are the ambassadors' and the commissioner's wives," Tronius announced with the first smile Kirk had seen on the ambassador's face. "And their families."

Families? Kirk glanced at the newest arrivals. A couple of harried-looking women; three youths. He barely listened to the introductions. Instead, he studied the teenagers. He didn't like what he saw, and warning bells went off in his head.

"I expect my boys to be treated as the sons of a high commissioner—with respect and deference." Thomas clasped his hands behind his back and added, "They'd like a tour of the ship at your earliest convenience, complete with a look at the warp coil and matter-antimatter pods. Also, they'll require the services of an officer who specializes in computers and—"

"Don't forget the bridge, Dad," one of the boys piped up.

"And the Jeffreys tubes," the other interrupted. They stepped off the transporter platform and came to stand on either side of their father.

Kirk counted to twenty in Orion trader tongue. Then he counted backwards. His anger still hadn't cooled, so he ignored the boys and turned to Tronius. "Is this your entire party?"

"The science team has yet to come aboard."

"Kyle, beam the last of them up," Kirk ordered.

The transporter whined, and the platform filled with men and equipment.

Dr. Reese Brainard, a tall black human, stepped down and gripped Kirk's hand. "Captain Kirk!" He smiled broadly. "You don't know what a pleasure it is to finally be able to catch a ride aboard the USS Enterprise." He looked around the transporter room with genuine pleasure. "Now, let me introduce my entourage."

The introductions included a number of entomologists and bacteriologists, along with additional aides, who would be assisting the entire diplomatic team.

"This is my son, Jack," the scientist said. "Had to bring him along. I don't go anywhere without him since his mother passed on. He won't be any trouble aboard ship. He's used to traveling."

Jack shook Kirk's hand with respect. "I've never been aboard a starship before."

"You'll find there's nothing quite like it," Kirk replied.

Tronius stepped forward. "I'm calling a briefing for"—he glanced at his chronometer—"1400 hours. That should give us plenty of time to move in and get to know the ship." He looked at his companions. "It is at our disposal."

Kirk blinked in surprise. "Excuse me, Ambassador. The crew of the Enterprise is honored to have you aboard, but she is not a passenger liner. There are a number of areas which are off-limits to passengers, no matter how distinguished." He smiled to take the sting from his words.

"Does that mean he's not going to show us the warp coils?" Denn whispered to his brother.

Kirk had no trouble overhearing the comment.

"Captain Kirk," Tronius said, "please understand that there is nothing more important than our negotiations on Delphi. I am in complete charge of this mission, and you are under orders to do as I say. Part of those orders include making things pleasant for my team and their families."

"Of course, Ambassador," Kirk said tightly. "Now, I am sure you wish to get settled in your quarters. My first officer, Mr. Spock, will direct you there." He motioned to McCoy. "This is my chief medical officer, Leonard McCoy. If Dr. Brainard's team agrees, he can take you directly to the research facilities aboard ship."

"Very good, Captain." Reese Brainard nodded.

"What about our tour?" Clark demanded. "I'd like to see the ship now."

"I'm afraid that's not possible at the moment," Kirk said. "Lt. Tanzer is the ship's rec officer. He's in charge of making the Enterprise's guests comfortable. However, because of the short notice of your arrival, he has yet to prepare an itinerary for you. I'm sure a tour of the ship will be forthcoming within the next day or two. Right now, he has his hands full assigning quarters."

"A day or two?" Denn turned to his father. "Can he do that?"

"If you'll excuse me," Kirk said, "I have duties on the bridge. But my officers and I would be honored if you would join us for the evening meal at 1900 in the VIP dining hall."

Tronius and Thomas seemed mollified. "Of course."

"Then I leave you to get settled. If you need anything, either Lt. Tanzer or I will be happy to speak with you. Dr. McCoy, see to the needs of the science team."

Kirk turned abruptly and exited the transporter room in ill humor.