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'Captain,' Ensign Hannom said, from the Operations station. 'I'm detecting a warp signature from a Federation starship...'

'We're still well within Federation space, Ensign,' Captain Picard said, sitting forward in the command chair.

'Yes, sir. However, according to these readings, the signature belongs to an NNEC Mark 4 Warp Drive, which were last used on...'

'...Constitution-class starships,' Picard finished. 'I'm aware of that, Ensign. Plot an intercept course...'

'Aye, Captain...'

###################

'Approaching the co-ordinates, Captain,' Ensign Hannom said, as the Enterprise dropped out of warp. 'Long-range sensors are detecting a vessel that matches the profile of a Constitution-class...'

'Hold position here,' Picard said. 'Ops, are they transmitting a registry number...?'

'Checking,' Lieutenant Mae said. 'NCC...1701...'

'...lay in an intercept course...' Picard said.

###################

'Approaching visual range, Captain,' Hannom said.

'On-screen,' Picard said.

Mae tapped a sequence into her console and the view screen flickered to life, displaying the image of a Constitution-class Starship.

'Magnify the saucer section,' Picard said, the image flickering as it adjusted, focusing on the ship's registration number.

'NCC-1701...' Picard murmured as he got to his feet, straightening his uniform. 'Opening hailing frequencies...'

'Frequencies open, Captain,' Mae said.

'Attention unidentified Federation vessel, this is Captain Picard of the Enterprise...'

'Incoming transmission,' Mae reported.

'Onscreen,' Picard said, the viewscreen changing to show a youthful man with fair hair dressed in a yellow uniform tunic with gold braid around the wrists.

Starfleet uniform, circa 2260...

'Captain Picard? My name is James Kirk and I'm Captain of the Enterprise...'

'...I see,' Picard said. 'In the circumstances, I think we should speak in person...'

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Any reviews, comments or constructive criticisms are very welcome.