Disclaimer: No ownership; just coveting.
Chapter Two
Two hours earlier...
"Entering orbit around Torvala Seven," Lieutenant Paris announced from his position at the helm.
"We're being hailed from the planet's surface," Kim said.
"Onscreen," Janeway ordered.
A Torvalan appeared on the screen, wearing some kind of green ceremonial robes, with two Torvalans that were obviously aides standing diminutively behind their leader. The leader appeared to be female, judging from the elaborate headpiece and jewelry she was wearing. The timbre of her voice confirmed this.
"Captain Janeway, you do us honor," she said regally.
"We appreciate your willingness to conduct business with us. We have discovered that friends are a valuable commodity in this quadrant." Chakotay smothered a grin. Kathryn was playing diplomat to the hilt.
"Would you and your team care to transport to the surface and commence negotiations? We will transmit the coordinates."
After closing the comlink, Kathryn stood, and turned to Tuvok. "Mr. Tuvok, you have the bridge. Have Lieutenant Ayala report to the ready room. Chakotay, Paris, you're with me," she turned without waiting for a response, and strode briskly to the turbolift.
The four away team members materialized in a large chamber of what seemed to be some kind of government building. The Torvalan they had spoken to earlier was standing with her aides.
"I am Valana, first prefect of Torvala Seven," she introduced herself. "These are my aides, Secretaries Veghan and Vurodi."
"It is a pleasure," Captain Janeway said warmly. "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway. This is my second-in-command, Commander Chakotay, my helmsman Lieutenant Tom Paris, and security officer, Lieutenant Mike Ayala."
Valana raised her eyebrows. "Security, Captain? I assure you our planet is a very safe place."
"I meant no disrespect, First Prefect. Lieutenant Ayala's presence here is merely to ascertain the locale with regards to shore leave for the crew." Valana nodded, and seemed mollified by Janeway's explanation.
"Understand, Captain, we have our dissidents, as I'm sure do all societies, but they pose no threat to the populace." She led them through a set of large double doors, to a teeming square, complete with a large marketplace and beautiful fountains. "This building is our capitol, but the commerce building is just across the way." She gestured to a large, many-windowed structure. "I thought you would enjoy a look at the 'locale'." Her amused tone caused both Janeway and Chakotay to look sharply at her, but her features gave nothing away.
The Torvalans and the away team had crossed half of the covered portico in front of the capitol building, heading toward the stone stairs leading to the street, when there was a deafening roar, followed by the low rumble of angry stone.