Ready Room
5:00 PM.

"You wanted to see me, Captain?"

Kirk gazed thoughtfully at Lieutenant Droi Z'Rol.

She was a striking sight. Violet-grey skin, long silver white hair and amethyst eyes. 5'11 shapely form
and stunningly beautiful.

All Tkarites where drop dead gorgeous, be they male or female. And they put it to good use. They were
known for being not only one of the most beautiful but seductive races in the Alpha Quadrant.

Kirk recalled an earlier 'encounter' he'd had with Tkarites.


*Flashback*

8/2256
San Francisco Club

When the two Tkarite women had walked into the club every head had turned their way.

Kirk's had been one of them. It was only a week before summer break ended and the Fall term began
and he'd decided to have one last fun weekend. Bones was still back in Mississippi so he was out on
the town with Greg Olsen and Patrick Miller, a couple of casual associates from the Academy.
They'd decided to visit one of the more exclusive clubs in the Bay.

Olsen had quickly taken an interest in one of the female denizens who had led him onto the dance floor.
Kirk and Miller sat at the bar drinking, talking and eyeing the crowd.

And then all heads had turned as two of the most stunning women many had seen walked in.

Tkarite. Kirk had heard of them of course and since coming to San Francisco had seen a one or two.
But never this close. And now that he had he definitely liked what he saw.

As the two women both selected a table nearby, Kirk stood up.

"You really think you've got a shot with either of them?" Miller whispered.

Kirk grinned. "Watch and learn from the Master."

Thirty minutes later Kirk had learned a bit more about the women. They were Teli from House Nurbana
and Ryrlena from House Agralco, both long time friends and associates. Teli was on Earth to arrange
a business deal. Ryrlena
was a corporate lawyer involved in a case.

"And you James T. Kirk," Ryrlena said softly as her violet eyes met Kirk's. "We know that you're
a Starfleet cadet. What's your focus?"

They were so gorgeous it was almost scary. They both moved with the grace of dancers and everything
about them bespoke charm and elegance.

But along with that there was an aura of something else. Cunning. Predatory. And not just when
in pursuit of a fling. Potentially dangerous. Very dangerous.

"I'm in the Command tack," he answered. "I'm going to command my own ship someday."

Ryrlena smiled. "Ambitious. I like that."

"And do you like what you see, Cadet?" Teli asked as she slowly draped a strand of her silver hair behind
her shoulder.

He grinned. "I sure do."

Ryrlena slowly stood and placed an hand on his shoulder. "Then let's not waste time, shall we? Our hotel
isn't far."

Kirk's eyebrows raised. "What…with both of you?"

It was Teli's turn to smile now. "The more the merrier' I believe the saying is."

"Well…two of you…that's a bit much." He tried to look coy. "I might resist."

Both women's expressions changed to downright predatory. Kirk had the sudden impression that he was a helpless
lamb being sized up by two she-wolves.

Teli stood and placed an hand on his other arm. "We might insist."

"Well I guess I've no choice then."

End Flashback*


Ready Room

He'd learned that night that not only where Tkarites beautiful, but they rivaled Orions and Risians in bed.
But only an idiot would think them just a bunch of pretty faces, because in addition to their beauty they
were also known for their cunning and if they wanted something few could be more predatory or Machiavellian.

Their world was made up of various city-states, each led by a council of ruling Houses. Over them was
a planetary Ruling Council made up of the most powerful Houses.

Although the planet was more or less unified, in the past there had been intense rivalries between
the different states and Houses. Instead of fighting each other with large scale military force, however,
they had relied on schemes, plots, spies and assassinations to bring down rivals/enemies. Over time
they had raised intrigue to an art form. Cunning and guile were virtually worshipped and even though
their world was now unified, it was still encouraged.

"Never match wits with a Tkarite," was a well known saying. "Especially when something is on the line."

Their society, he knew, was matriarchal. Females were the heads of the household and tended to
dominant in politics, law and commerce. Males tended to dominate in technology, science and scholarship.
Both served in security and law enforcement and both were very good at gathering and using information.
Since becoming spacefaring, they had colonized their system and established two colonies in a neighboring
one. They were very much into trade and commerce and had established contacts among dozens of different
races.

Although not a member, Tkara had always been cordial toward the Federation and over the years, a few
Tkarites had joined Starfleet. Most of those who did were male but there were exceptions and one served
on the Saratoga.

Z'Rol worked Communications during Beta shift. In addition to linguistics she's was also good with computers
and sensors and was noted for being extremely inventive and capable of split second alterations. She also
excelled in gymnastics and hand to hand combat.

Like most Tkarites she was very seductive and had made advances toward many unattached males on the ship.
But she had very clear boundaries. She never flirted with the Senior staff and if someone was married or involved
with someone else, it was hands off. Also if she approached someone and they said no, she immediately backed
off and never went near them again. Very few told her no however and she seemed to have a 6th sense on if
someone was interested or willing or not.

Kirk nodded "Yes, Lieutenant." He explained about Urgel and the Vonemer Project. "Dr. Golden has requested
Commander Rodriguez's expertise. He'll be staying on Tkara for a few days, along with the rest of the Botany
Department.

"I've decided to send you as well. Who better to help them find their way around than a native? In addition
to acting as liaison, you'll assist them and the other scientists as best you can. You may not be a scientist
but I'm sure your skills will come in handy."

He smiled. "On the upshot, you'll have a chance to see your family as well."

She smiled as well. "Thank you, Captain. I look forward to it." Her look turned thoughtful. "Have arrangements
been made as to where the team will stay during their time on my homeworld?"

"Not yet. The orders only just came through. As I understand it the other members of the Project have each
made their own provisions. Some have been staying at the Federation embassy, some in hotels and others in
the homes of associates."

"Let me speak to my mother. I'm certain she'll be able to host Commander Rodriguez's team. House Z'Rol
isn't one of the ruling houses but we are prominent and our estate will have more than enough room.
And of course staying with us will afford them extra care and protection."