The Bridge: Teaser

Stardate 2264.81

Personal logs: Ambassador Diana Prince, Federation Starship: NCC-1701-A: U.S.S Enterprise.

It has been nearly six days since we returned from the unfortunate business on Verex III. In that time, I'm afraid the captain and I have been at relative odds. Nor have I been able to spend any time with Jaylah. As the new chief navigator, she has been quite busy on the bridge, but I have been told she rejected any counseling opportunities with Dr. McCoy. Not that I fault her. As someone who clearly spent so much of her life alone, it could be difficult to open up to others. I hope to remedy that once I return, as I find myself across Federation space once more.

Earlier this week, Admiral Kent contacted myself and Commander Spock regarding a unique opportunity.

For reasons I'm not entirely certain, it seems that an ambassador on New Vulcan - Commander Spock's counterpart from an alternate timeline - had been the careful architect of a controversial attempt to make peace between the Klingon Empire and the Federation after decades of cold war and border skirmishes, much like relations with the Romulans. Conner believes that I could help ascertain if this is a truly viable peace, or if the Federation has opened itself to attack.

To that end, myself, Commander Spock and Lieutenant Uhura have been dispatched via long range shuttle first to New Vulcan, and later to a neutral ground. We have spent the last two days on the planet, and in that time, I have learned of the terrible tragedy that befell Spock's people. Or rather, Spock finally revealed the nature of the temporal anomaly that the Enterprise had been embroiled in and the subsequent destruction by Romulans from a possible future.

I had many questions for the commander, but we've agreed to table the discussion until our longer journey to the neutral location. Instead, I met with fellow ambassadors on the planet and gained a more in depth understanding of their unique culture. It fascinates me to no end that Romulans and Vulcans share an ancestor, yet like the brothers raised by the She-Wolf, Romulus became bloodthirsty.

For the most part, I was left to my own devices on New Vulcan. I had half-expected to use the time to study the Klingon language with Lieutenant Uhura, but she was also occupied, whether by personal or professional business, I do not know.

As pleasant a distraction as the Vulcan culture has been, I've focused on the nuances of the Klingon culture from the Starfleet databases. If Vulcans are as steadfast as mountains, the Klingons are as volatile as a volcano.

In truth, I am not certain that peace is achievable at this time. I have studied the Klingons, their reasons for animosity with the Federation, and now, coupled with how my actions may have affected their relations with the Orion Syndicate, there may be no room for friendship.

But, I refuse to surrender before the battle has begun.

My mother once told me that of all the words of wisdom an Amazon must learn. I have always taken them to heart, and as we arrive to our intended destination, I find them comforting.

Don't kill if you can wound. Don't wound if you can subdue. Don't subdue if you can pacify, and don't raise your hand at all before you've first extended it.

"We have successfully achieved warp seven. Estimated time of arrival to the designated rendezvous point is approximately 7 hours." Commander Spock's hands moved seamlessly over the helm console as Diana turned to look at him from the operations station. Not that she had much to do on a perfectly immaculate Federation shuttle. As Crewman Oviedo had pointed out before they left, the Moore was a newly refitted vessel with enhanced warp nacelles that could allow it to achieve warp seven for extended periods of time.

Diana had to take him at his word that this was a feat that showed its superiority to the other vessels in the shuttle bay.

"So, then we have seven hours to prepare for meeting the Klingon delegation after I have already spent several days doing so." She remarked, almost disappointed that she was so prepared. "It does me no good to continue studying." She had watched Klingon films to grasp a basic understanding of their culture, their love of battle, sex, and drink. She'd run through as much of the language's basic syntax and grammar with Nyota as she could hope to recall in less than a week's time. She was as prepared as she would ever be.

Nyota chuckled from the communications console, then pivoted her chair to face her. "We can take the time to decompress before we arrive, then. And, I hope that means I can ask for your advice." The two women had spent a great deal of time together in the last few days, but solely in a professional sense. The look on the comms officer's face suggested this would not be a professional conversation.

Diana leaned back in her seat, quirking an eyebrow in curiosity. "You have spent the last two days on New Vulcan. One would think that a multitude of advice and opinions would have been available to you."

Spock remarked from his seat, still focused on the viewport ahead of him. "Nyota feels that this particular request would be best fulfilled by an individual already assigned to the Enterprise, and I am inclined to agree."

Diana glanced from the first officer back to Uhura. The two of them had been so private regarding their relationship that it had been several weeks before Diana had learned they were involved. Whenever the stoic Vulcan ever used her first name, it was a sweet reminder to Diana that there was great affection between them. "I am not sure I would be the best to give advice, but now I'm curious."

Nyota smiled, her hand idly reaching to play with the beautiful necklace that rested on her collar. "Spock and I have completed the last of the preparations for our commitment ceremony. Due to the unique nature of Vulcan culture, the actual ceremony is very private."

"Broad strokes, if you please, Nyota." Again, Spock had not turned around, but she got distinct impression he wanted the conversation to be handled with typical Vulcan efficiency.

"The point is, Spock and I agreed that we would like to get married. On the Enterprise." She finished in a rush, a breathless chuckle indicating that she was amused at her own nerves.

Diana was honestly surprised, but tried to keep that muted. She had… many questions and a number of concerns. It wasn't her place to question, but she found herself replaying the same concerns she had about any relationship with Jim. The expression of excitement and nervous joy on Nyota's face reminded her that Diana's reservations had no place in her thoughts right now. "That is wonderful," Diana said after a moment, smiling. "I'm not entirely sure what you need my advice on, as you've made the biggest decision already."

"We were going to ask the captain when we get back from this mission, but that entirely depends on how things go." Diana furrowed her brow in confusion, so Nyota continued. "I mean, if Jim can't do it, then we'd like someone equally in a position of authority and as a Federation ambassador, we would like to know if you would be willing to perform the ceremony."

Diana held a hand up, clearly thrown. "Wait, why would Jim not be able to do the ceremony? I thought his briefing with the admiral would only last a few days."

Uhura's expression fell. She glanced over at Spock, who also turned to face the ambassador. Clearly, they knew something Diana did not. "He's not going for a briefing, Diana. I thought he would have told you."

"We haven't seen each other much," Diana remarked.

"The captain has been recalled back to Starfleet Command to answer for the incident on Verex III," Spock said, looking almost contrite that they had to be the ones to tell her. "He may lose his command. It is highly likely they will demote him."

Diana thought for a long moment, face screwed up in confusion as she tried to recall any time that he might have mentioned that to her. In fact, he had actually told her that he was going back for a briefing with the admiral.

He had purposefully taken to heart what she'd told him the week before, that he had a tell. He didn't tell her he had "no idea why" they wanted to see him. He had a very good story.

Diana's heart sank. In her attempt to keep their relationship professional… he had given her a taste of her own medicine. He was proving to her he didn't "need" to be protected.

Typical.