FOUR

"The Ensign is perfectly healthy," Dr. Phlox announced. "He doesn't seem to have suffered any ill effects from his little ordeal."

"I wasn't mistreated, sir," Travis insisted. "Even when they thought I had tried to kidnap the Princess, they didn't bother me at all. They just kept me locked in a cell."

"I just wanted to be sure, Travis," Archer said. "I'm glad you're okay. Now, the dinner is scheduled for 1900 hours. It's a formal dinner so dress is dress uniform."

"Aw, Cap'n," Trip protested, "is that really necessary? Those things are so uncomfortable."

"It's a formal state dinner, Trip," Archer said. "You can tolerate wearing it for a few hours."

"Yes, sir," Trip said in disappointment.

"I wonder what kind of reward they have in mind?" Travis asked. "I've never been an honored guest before."

"Probably a medal of some kind," Archer replied. "I'm not familiar with the Nogarran reward customs, but that's normal in many cultures. As similar as we are to the Nogarrans, I would imagine it's something like that."

"I'll be glad when this is all over," Trip said. "I hate fancy shindigs like this."

"The price of being a hero," Archer said, smiling. "Have a shuttle ready for departure at 1800. You don't want to be late to your own reward ceremony."

"Aye, sir," Trip replied.

The dinner was progressing nicely. Archer and his crew had been introduced to just about every figure of importance in the Nogarran government. Princess Dola was obviously as well loved as Minister Torlon had indicated. Soon the Prime Minister asked everyone to take their seats. It was, he said, time for the purpose of the dinner.

"When Captain Archer first arrived here," the Prime Minister said, "we were very happy to make new friends from a distant planet. Our differences as well as our similarities have seemed only to enhance that friendship. We are confident of a long and prosperous relationship with Earth.

"As you are all aware, Ensign Travis Mayweather, a crewman of the Enterprise, with the aid of two others did us a great service today. When dissidents assaulted Her Highness, they immediately went to her rescue with no thought for their own safety. This has honored us. As commanded by Her Highness, we have prepared a suitable reward for these three men.

"Command Charles Tucker and Lieutenant Malcolm Reed will be awarded the Nogarran Star Cluster, the second highest award we can give. They will also be awarded honorary Nogarran citizenship. It is our hope that these rewards will further help to solidify peaceful relations between our two peoples."

A rousing applause resounded throughout the room. Clearly, those gathered felt the rewards were justified. Trip and Malcolm smiled from ear to ear, thanking everyone for the honor. Finally, the Prime Minister quieted the gathering.

"Now to the matter of Ensign Travis Mayweather," the Prime Minister continued. "By now Ensign Mayweathers' actions are well known. While his crewmates insured that the assailants were no longer a threat, Ensign Mayweather remained with Princess Dola. His only concern was to immediately get Her Highness to safety and immediate medical assistance.

"Ensign Mayweathers' actions have honored us greatly. Her Highness will be installed as queen in three months. Because of Ensign Mayweather, that installation will continue as scheduled.

"As a reward for his actions, Ensign Mayweather will also be awarded the Nogarran Star Cluster. And at the personal request of Her Highness, Ensign Mayweather is to be awarded full Nogarran citizenship with all the benefits and honors due to a Nogarran citizen."

Once again the crowd erupted into applause. Travis had no idea what to say. Obviously, full citizenship was more impressive than honorary citizenship. Again, the Prime Minister quieted the crowd.

"Of course," the Prime Minister continued, "that is if Ensign Mayweather will accept the offer."

"Yeah, I guess so," Travis said. "Thank you."

"You honor us again," the Prime Minister said. "In addition, Her Highness wishes to reward Citizen Mayweather personally."

Princess Dola rose from her seat. She smiled and looked around at the gathering.

"Citizen Mayweather came to my aid with no thought for his own safety," she said. "There can be no greater sacrifice that one person can make for another. As a citizen of both Earth and Nogarra, this exemplifies the highest standards of both cultures. Such selflessness and devotion requires a special reward.

"As the Prime Minister has said, I will be installed a queen in three months. Once that happens, we will formally open negotiations with Earth. It is our desire that these negotiations be as profitable for both cultures as possible. I can think of no better way to begin these negotiations than with a token of friendship between our two worlds that will demonstrate our willingness to a long and lasting friendship.

"Therefore, when I am installed as queen, Citizen Mayweather will be rewarded with one of the greatest honors a Nogarran can receive. According to our law and tradition, immediately following the coronation, Citizen Mayweather will become your new king. The marriage ceremony will be held in the Prime Cathedral of the capital city."