With ease, Ensign Bristol settled the Warlord into a high orbit over the northern hemisphere of Cardassia Prime. It was an interesting globe, he remarked to himself. It was much closer to their sun than Earth, therefore most of the ground was golden brown. Only in the nothernmost and southernmost hemispheres was there an abundant green color. The bluish green of oceans were much smaller than earth, but far more numerous. Finally, he observed the clouds. On earth, they were usually billowy puffs, but here, they were much more elongated. He stared at the planet curiously as the two escort ships fell into a separate orbit; closer to the equator. It would be interesting to visit, he thought.

Lieutenant Davies watched as her communications panel lit up with activity. Listening carefully, she turned to the captain. "Captain, I have the transport coordinates for the peace delegation,"

Bolerov nodded, his head was killing him. "Send the coordinates to our transporter room." He turned to Picard, whom at this point he didn't envy one bit. "Admiral, I believe you're on. If you'd like, I can show you to the transporter..."

Picard raised his hands with a smile. "Captain, it would only seem right for you to accompany us on this historic occasion." The other four nodded in agreement.

Bolerov's eyes grew wide. He really needed a drink, or at least a rest... preferrably both. "Ah..." he stammered. "I believe Starfleet protocol demands I remain behind, in case of trouble." Picard shot him a knowing glance. His mind instantly came up with an alternative. "Commander Kirk, however, should be able to accompany you." He smiled wide.

"I'm due to start my shift now," Kirk offered defensively. A meet-and-greet on Cardassia was the LAST place he wanted to be, especially when there was a cloaked ship somewhere nearby. He would really love to visit Cardassia, but not like this... not as some kind of political posturing. Bolerov really wasn't about to throw HIM into all this, was he?

"Commander, I believe Mr. Richards can take over your shift. I'm sure he won't mind. I shall remain on stand-by." Bolerov answered with a wry smile.

"Not a problem, Sir," Richards replied gleefully.

"I think it's a splendid idea," Picard added. Jean Luc had a feeling about Stephen, anyway. Getting him this kind of experience would invaluable to his career.

"See?" Bolerov shrugged. "It's settled." Bolerov shooed him with his hands towards the door. "Go, go, go. Be a good representative for our ship, Commander. I expect a full report when you're back." Bolerov was almost singing the last few words. His mind was already imagining the quickest way to get back to his quarters.

The peace group headed towards the turbolift. As Kirk walked past Tony's station, Tony tugged him on the sleeve. "Have fun," he said offering a sympathetic smile. He wasn't one to voice his concerns. He normally just took things as they came and made the most of them. However, Captain Bolerov had been acting strangely for the past month or so. In the beginning, Bolerov had been a real control freak. Lately, though, he was barely reachable.

"Thanks," Stephen replied with a look of concern only Tony and Elaine could see. He joined the peace delegation on the turbolift and headed for the transporter room.