Chapter 1

Cadet's Log, Stardate 2269.4

The captain has been in a bad mood for two days. He snapped out orders all day yesterday. Then he glared at the view screen. And today he ordered extra battle drills. Later, I asked way too many questions, so he sent me to the gym with a look that said, "Go. Now." I have a feeling that supper is going to be one of those surprise meals, when he doesn't pay any attention to what he selects from our cards.

Jamie was right. She made a face at the contents on her tray: three different kinds of vegetables, a salad, and a slab of a fish-like creature that came from who-knew-what planet.

"Yep, a really bad mood," she muttered.

Captain James Kirk set his tray down on the table and sat down. "What are you talking about?"

With one finger, Jamie pushed her tray of food away. "Whatever has put you in a rotten mood the last two days must be pretty bad. Not even a Klingon could force me to eat this supper."

Kirk turned his attention to Jamie's tray winced. "That does look unappetizing. Did I really order it for you?"

"Yep. It's one of the clues that something bad has either happened or is going to happen soon."

Kirk looked surprised. Then he grinned and ruffled Jamie's golden waves. "That's pretty good insight for a ten-year-old."

"I'm almost elev—"

"Not even close." Kirk selected a chunk of the fish and began chewing.

"So," Jamie said, "are you going to tell me why you're in a bad mood and how long it's going to last? That way I can stay out of your way"—she paused—"more efficiently."

Kirk sighed. "The Enterprise is going to put on display. The Federation Council has convinced Starfleet Command that it would be in everyone's best interest to let the public know what goes on aboard a starship."

"Why is that bad?" Jamie wanted to know. She took a tiny flake of fish and tasted it. Yuck! She spit it out.

"Because the crew does not need a nosy newscaster roaming the corridors, interviewing whomever she pleases, whenever she pleases."

"Oh," Jamie said. "A newscaster might disrupt the crew's efficiency."

Kirk rolled his eyes. "Something like that. Nan Rushmore is filming a documentary on where the Federation's tax credits are going. Admiral Komack thinks it's a great opportunity to prove that Starfleet is exploratory in nature, and not the military arm of the Federation."

Jamie dropped her fork with a gasp. "Nan Rushmore, the newscaster from the NetNews? She's coming here? To the Enterprise?"

"Unfortunately," her father muttered.

"That's great! I've never met anybody famous before. Are you going to show her the entire ship?"

"Not if I don't have to."

"Can I meet her?" Jamie asked, nearly bouncing in her seat.

"I suppose it's inevitable. You'll hound me until I introduce you."

Jamie grinned. "Thank you!" Then she narrowed her eyes. "But, Daddy. One newswoman couldn't put you in such a sour mood. There must be more to it than that."

Kirk took a swallow of coffee and paused, as if he was not in the mood to share every little ship's secret.

Jamie noticed his indecision and gave him her most pleading look.

"Oh, all right," he gave in. "If it were only Nan Rushmore, I could cope. However, the Enterprise is again ferrying passengers across the quadrant like so much cargo."

Jamie perked up. "Any kids?"

"Not likely. It's a galactic trade show, and it doesn't get any duller than that. He tossed his fork onto his tray in disgust. "This is a lousy supper. Let's get some ice cream."

Jamie leaped up in joy.

Kirk disposed of their trays then inserted his card into the replicator. Out popped two ice-cream sundaes, Jamie's favorite treat.

"If you're interested," he said casually, "you may attend the department-head briefing tomorrow morning."

Jamie sucked in a surprised breath. "Really?" The only briefings Jamie ever attended were the ship-wide lectures open to the entire crew. Boring did not even begin to describe those briefings.

But a department-head briefing? With Mr. Spock and Commander Scott and all the important people aboard ship? Wow! That might be fun.

"It won't be very exciting," Kirk warned.

"Why are you letting me go?"

"Mostly so I don't have to explain tomorrow at supper why I'm in a worse mood than I am in tonight."

Jamie giggled and took a taste of her ice cream. A department-head briefing. She could hardly wait!

So, this is a department-head briefing. I guess I'll add it to my list of boring things never to do on the Enterprise. I wish I was in the gym.

Jamie tried to look interested, but another yawn overtook her. She leaned back in her chair and idly swung her feet back and forth as she listened to the Enterprise officers and department heads talk about the upcoming assignment.

What I'm supposed to do during a department-head briefing? she wondered. Then she caught First Officer Spock's amused glance and quickly thought, Probably remain very, very quiet.

During the past forty long minutes, Jamie had learned that the Enterprise was heading for Starbase 7 to pick up some important Federation types and the newswoman, Nan Rushmore. Then they were going to a planet called Jovita to pick up some more important people.

When everybody was aboard, they were then heading to another planet for a trade show, where hundreds and hundreds of vendors would gather to display their newest products for the galaxy's eager buyers.

Jamie wondered what those vendors from Jovita would be showing off and selling. It must be something pretty special to be able to talk a starship into hauling them there, she decided.

She glanced around the conference table. Everyone was no doubt wondering why she was here. She felt stupid sitting in an official meeting.

I probably look stupid too, Jamie thought. The captain's right. This briefing is not very exciting. She made plans never to attend another one.

"About these Seri Stones, Captain," Sulu suddenly asked.

Jamie perked up. Sulu always asked interesting questions.

"Exactly what's so great about them that the Federation is working overtime to secure the trading rights from the Jovitians?"

Good question, Sulu! Jamie had been wondering what a Seri Stone was from the moment they'd been mentioned as the primary item of trade.

Mr. Spock inserted a data disk into the reader. A video clip began to play, showing the most beautiful gemstones Jamie had ever seen. Purple, yellow, red, blue. Then the scene switched to an intricately cut Seri Stone.

Jamie caught her breath. The cut gems hung like delicate, crystal snowflakes. As the light caught them, patterns of vibrant colors bounced off the stones and dazzled her eyes. Wow!

"These are Ice Flakes, which are cut from Jovita's Seri Stones," Spock explained. "Considered among the most beautiful gems in the galaxy, Seri Stones, even in their uncut form, are twice as valuable as diamonds. The cut stones—Ice Flakes—are worth ten times the value of diamonds. They are cherished for their brilliant colors, their ability to be cut into intricate patterns, and for their beauty."

Uhura spoke up. "I've heard of Ice Flakes, and I admit I would love to own one. They are quickly becoming a coveted piece of jewelry for the wealthy. They're gorgeous and cost a pretty credit."

Spock nodded. "They are prized above all precious stones of the quadrant. Jovita has done its best to keep them hidden away and under their control, but as with any well-kept secret, the stones have made their way into the public eye. The Seri Stones, from which the Flakes are cut, are mined only on Jovita, and the government has guarded them jealously. Because of their beauty and rarity, the demand for Ice Flakes is growing."

"So, they've decided to get rich off their Seri Stone trade?" Uhura asked.

Spock raised an eyebrow. "In a manner of speaking. Although they would prefer to keep the gemstones to themselves, they realize it is impossible."

"And why is that, Mr. Spock?"

"Jovita is wedged between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. They can remain neutral no longer. The Klingons are making a strong case for Jovita to become aligned with the Empire, and thus gain control of the Seri Stone trade."

Klingons! Icy fingers raced up and down Jamie's back. They wanted the Seri Stones too?

"I knew the Klingons would somehow come into this," McCoy griped. "Why would they be interested in baubles?"

Jamie, who was sitting next to the good doctor, said under her breath, "They probably want them because we want them."

McCoy barked his laughter, and Kirk's eyebrows shot up. Laughing, the doctor repeated Jamie's remark. Smiles and chuckles circled the table.

"Regardless of the reasons," Spock continued, "it is important to keep the Seri Stones from falling under Klingon control. While the Federation might be willing to allow Jovita to keep control of their stones, it is a given that the Klingons will not. A decision is being forced on the government of Jovita, and this trade conference has been organized for just such an event."

Kirk added to Spock's recitation. "With the Organian Peace Treaty hanging over our heads as an ever-present reminder of our truce with the Empire, the trade conference will be fraught with unseen tension. Each side will be focused on luring the Jovitians to their sphere of influence."

"So, we're hauling a bunch of important delegates to the trade show?" McCoy asked. "Both Federation representatives and Jovitians?"

Kirk nodded. "So are the Klingons. A Klingon ship will parallel us all the way to the trade show, and there's not a thing we can do about it." His expression turned grim. "The Klingon commander will certainly do his best to push us to the edge, begging us to open fire on them, thus bringing the Organians rushing in. In that event, we would forfeit our place at the trade show, and Jovita will become aligned with the Empire."

McCoy let out a disgusted breath.

"Under no circumstances will this ship fire on the Klingon vessel," Kirk said. "I want that very clear. We must be vigilant to protect our ship and the passengers we carry, without allowing ourselves to become provoked."

"Nothing's ever easy," McCoy remarked.

"With the Klingons carrying half the Jovitian delegation, they will have ample opportunity to persuade them to their side," Spock finished. "They can use no method other than verbal persuasion, or they will be in danger of losing the trade."

"That's our only method also," Kirk said.

"It should be easy enough to show the Jovitians the difference between the Klingon Empire and the Federation," McCoy said with a snort.

"I hope to make it even easier," Kirk said, smiling slyly. He held up a disk. "This came in this morning over subspace. It contains the names of the Jovitians who were chosen by lot to travel aboard the Enterprise. By sheer luck, our complement includes Ben'yla, the regent of Jovita, and his young niece, Princess Meyla, heir to the throne of her planet. Along with the message came a request from Admiral Komack that I encourage Jamie to make friends with the princess. I told him I'd explore the possibility."

Jamie, who had been only half-listening to the long, boring discussion about Klingons and Organians, straightened up. "What?"

Kirk grinned. "I think it's about time you earned that cadet rank the admiral bestowed on you six months ago."

Jamie squirmed as every eye in the room turned on her. "How do I make friends with a princess?"

"If you like, Mr. Tanzer will help you think of interesting things to do with her. Other than that, just be yourself. Enjoy her company and treat her like a friend."

Easier said than done. "What if she doesn't want to be friends?"

Kirk smiled his understanding. "This is an important assignment for the Enterprise, but you don't have to accept it if you don't feel comfortable. I can only ask that you give it a try. You wouldn't want to disappoint Admiral Komack, would you?"

"No, sir." The admiral was her hero for letting her stay aboard the ship.

"What's there to entertaining a princess?" Engineer Scott piped up. "You'll win her over, lass."

There were nods all around.

"You can do this, Cadet," Sulu chimed in.

Jamie sat up straighter. She suddenly felt very important to be included in this briefing. They needed her to help make a good impression on the Jovitians, so they would want to choose the Federation to sell their fancy Seri Stones. Could she do that?

Yes, I can. I'm a real cadet now. Jamie grinned. "You can count on me."