It turned out that getting to the admirals was going to take a little time. I am sure they have a staff meeting that takes precedence, thought Picard to himself. He and Riker agreed that given their unknown situation, a potential new threat and the fact that they could not use the transporter to get off of the Orville quickly, that Commander Riker should return to the Enterprise. Data stayed onboard along with Dr. Crusher to help map out the differences between the two universes. Captain Mercer suggested an informal reception in his quarters so the crews could get to know each other.
The Federation shuttlecraft arrived in the Orville's shuttlebay. Captain Picard left the small vessel followed by Mr. Worf and Counselor Troi. Picard had a small package in his hand. Ed Mercer, Kelly Grayson, John LaMar, and Gordon Malloy were waiting for them. Picard stepped up and shook hands with the Orville's captain.
"Captain Mercer, it is a pleasure to meet you in person." Picard surveyed the Orville crew and nodded to them. "May I introduce my chief security officer, Lieutenant Commander Worf and ship's counselor, Deanna Troi."
"Captain Picard, it is a pleasure to meet you as well. This is my first officer Commander Grayson, My Chief of Engineering, Commander LaMar and you have met our primary helmsman, Lieutenant Malloy. " They all shook hands. As Lamar shook Deanna's hand, she felt a peculiar emotion and gave him a quizzical look and released his hand.
"This way, please," said Kelly as she led them out of the shuttlebay. En route, Malloy walked up next to the Federation captain.
"Captain Picard, I wanted to thank you again for helping Bortus and me out," he said.
"Think nothing of it. I believe your crew would have done the same given had the situation been reversed," he replied.
"Maybe I can return the favor. I noticed that you are missing some…hair. I bet Dr. Finn has some procedures that can grow that back. She even grew a mustached on Bortus and Mochlans don't have facial hair," he asked in earnest.
Picard gave him a side long look and inhaled deeply. He often found this helped him to maintain his composure. "I believe there are any number of treatments available within the Federation that could enhance my follicular status, but I have chosen not to avail myself of them. I believe this is who I am and since there is no health risk, choose to stay this way."
"Captain I get it and I know many ladies find it sexy; however, I think a full head of hair would give you a more captainty appearance. For example…"
"Mr. Malloy," interrupted Picard. "Everything I have seen indicates that the Union and Federation have the beginnings of a new potential friendship. I find this conversation an interesting area to test the bounds of this nascent relationship." With that he resumed his trip to the reception. He could have sworn he heard the sound of Commander Grayson slapping Malloy on the back of his head.
Given the size of the group and wishing that the Federation could get a good feeling for his crew, Ed had decided to hold the reception in the main dining area. Picard, Worf and Deanna walked in. While there was a large number of humans, there were many species that were of a variety of species that they had never seen before. Picard noted a humanoid with a large, bulbous head and another vey large species that was vaguely humanoid with a head the seemed to have a mouth the opened in quarters and from which some sort of protrusion emerged periodically.
"Captain, welcome onboard," Picard turned and recognized Bortus who stood next to another apparent Mochlan and smaller version of the two. "This is my mate, Klyden, and my son Topa."
"I see," responded the captain,"Vvery nice to meet you. Captain Mercer, I hope you don't mind. My family owns a vineyard in La Barre, France. I brought a bottle from our vineyard for you and your crew."
"Thank you, Captain," said Ed. He looked at the bottle and set it down next to him. "Well, at least we have France in common." He thought for a moment, "You know, I think there is a Picard vineyard in France as well. Typically low-end stuff that you serve after the good stuff is gone." He looked up realizing he may have just insulted his guest. "I am sure this is much better."
Picard said nothing realizing no answer could help the situation.
As they talked, Data, Isaac, Dr. Finn and Dr. Crusher walked in. Dr. Finn was accompanied by two children. They all walked over to Picard and Mercer and stood in a social circle.
"Captain, allow me to introduce Dr. Finn and her two children, Marcus and Ty," said Dr. Crusher.
Captain Picard turned and looked at the two children and Topa and said, "We have children on the Enterprise as well. Perhaps we arrange for some introductions once we have settled our situation a bit more too my liking," he turned to Drs. Finn and Crusher. "It is interesting that humans seem prevalent here but many of the other species I don't recognize. Have you had a chance to do any comparisons?"
Dr. Crusher spoke up, "Well, the are definitely human. Their medical technology may even exceed ours. It turns out that Mr. Malloy lost his leg and they were able to completely regrow it. I could re-attach it, but that exceeded our capabilities."
"That was a practical joke," interjected Isaac. The crew of the Enterprise looked at the artificial life form. "He told me to reciprocate for making me look like a Mr. Potato Head." Picard tried to determine if that in of itself was a joke but the Orville crew did not laugh and Captain Mercer looked uncomfortable.
"It was a bit of a misunderstanding," was his response. "We have that all straightened out now."
"Oh Captain, something to be aware of," began advising Beverly Crusher. "The drinks here are actually alcoholic. You may want to warn our folks that they won't be able to shake off the effects in the same way as synthohol. I can negate it if needed but it would be best to practice what they used to call 'moderation'".
Captain Picard nodded knowingly. Having worked at a vineyard and winery we had one or two unfortunate experiences as a younger man and knew what the doctor was talking about quite well.
"Anything else you can tell us from the medical evaluations you have completed?" asked Captain Picard.
"Well, while the records I have examined fall within medical norms, there is a general slight imbalance in dopamine and serotonin levels. This would tend to make them act…forgive me Captain Mercer and Dr. Finn… a little 'goofier' than we do. Don't get me wrong, They are every bit as intelligent and committed, if not more so than we are," answered the Federation doctor.
Captain Mercer and Commander Grayson just looked at each other and shrugged. "Well, I guess we need to have come differences," answered the Union first officer.
Just then a green gelatinous blob slithered up to the group. All the Federation officer looked on in surprise as an orifice emerged from the gel and formed a mouth stating, "Hi, I am Yaphit. Nice to meet you all."
Captain Picard gathered his wits quickly and said, "Mr. Yaphit excuse our surprise. We certainly have encountered non-humanoid life forms, some of which are intelligent, but we quite frankly have never met a life form quite like you. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Same here," answered Yaphit. His extrusion then turned towards Dr. Crusher, "so, ah, what's your name," he asked in what she could have sworn was an attempt at a seductive voice. Just as Dr. Finn began to reprimand Yaphit, perhaps with the slightest bit of jealousy about his conduct towards a guest, a call from the bridge came down.
"Captain Mercer, Admiral Halsey and Admiral Perry are ready for you."
"Alright then, ladies and gentlemen if you will follow me." Mercer turned and headed out of the door followed by his senior staff and the Federation representatives.
AN: Things will start to pick up in the next chapter.
