Kirk was keeping a close eye on Weyoun and his guards as he gave them a brief but normal tour of the Enterprise.
"The Enterprise is a Constitution class starship with the current crew complement being over four hundred and thirty from over a dozen Federation member worlds. They were only twelve like her made in the fleet at the time but for the last year and a half the Enterprise was chosen to undergo a special refit program as a test bed for all the technological breakthroughs that were made during the original five year mission of exploration across our side of the galaxy." Kirk began in a friendly tone as they walked down the hallway. "Our primary mission is exploring uncharted space and regions of our galaxy, contacting new races and establishing hopefully peaceful relations with them as well as finding new and suitable worlds for colonization."
"Fascinating, Admiral." Weyoun remarked cordially. "And you have been here in the Gamma Quadrant for how long?"
"Three months at most." Kirk answered. "The closest we ever came to charting the Gamma Quadrant before was long range probes and long distance studying."
"And you have made a breakthrough in warp travel." Weyoun noted.
"Yes, for the most part." Kirk answered, though not directly. "I'm afraid I cannot go into the specifics at this time."
"Oh, perfectly understandable, Admiral." Weyoun chuckled in what could be interpreted as good natured humor. "Forgive me. My experience as a diplomat in the Dominion has shown me how many try to keep as many secrets of their most prized technology as best as they can. It has left me very good at guessing but at the cost of making potential new friends uncomfortable."
"Well, I suppose after you learned of where we were form you would have naturally figured it out on your own." Kirk mused with a small smile. "Still, there is protocol and all the infamous red tape and I wouldn't want my superiors thinking I was being remiss in my duties for not making sure every newcomer knows of certain things that for the time are to remain classified."
"Of course, Admiral." Weyoun slightly bowed his head in a humble manner. "It's good to see you understand the game very well."
"All too well, Weyoun." Kirk nodded as he led them to a turbo-lift. "We had heard rumors of a Dominion but wanted to hold off making first contact until we were sure we could avoid becoming enemies. The last thing we want is to start a galactic war."
"Understandable, Admiral." Weyoun entered the turbo-lift, followed by his Jem'Hadar guards. "The Dominion is not one to engage in such things without proper provocation."
The doors closed and Kirk spoke to the computer. "Bridge."
"As I understand, your Federation and our Dominion might be quite similar." Weyoun continued.
"Oh? You explore new worlds and regions of space as well?" Kirk raised an eyebrow.
"Why of course." Weyoun nodded with a smile.
The turbo-lift doors opened and allowed Admiral and his guests to step out onto the bridge. "Welcome to the bridge, Weyoun."
"An interesting design." Weyoun stated as he looked around and stopped the main viewer. "Ah, you have view screens built into the walls for the crew to see."
"Yes. It is capable of visual and tactical scan." Kirk answered as he stopped near his chair. "You do not have those on your ships?"
"Our ships are primarily designed for combat, Admiral. They are designed for the crew to have their attention kept on their stations at all times. We use visual mounted displays instead of view screens and only Vorta like myself or the First are given use of them." Weyoun answered. "They also act as communicators."
"I see." Kirk nodded and looked around. "Well, our bridge is meant to simplistic in our approach. Navigation, Helm, Science, Tactical and Engineering while the commanding officer is seated in the center where he can see all activity. Of course we make sure that if control is cut off from the bridge we have an auxiliary room for which control can be diverted there. Of course I am sure your ships have a similar function."
"Yes, of course." Weyoun nodded. "Might I ask what your plans for the Gamma Quadrant once your mission here is complete?"
"Well, we are on a simple exploration mission at the moment, making contact and establishing good relations with the locals before we return to our side of the galaxy with a full report." Kirk answered.
"So you have no way of contacting your world at the moment?" Weyoun noted.
"We have but it's not instantaneous and we would need to put together the necessary information for a full report." Kirk simply said, leaving out the fact that Starfleet, with the help of R2-D2 had established a new form of communications while in the other galaxy.
By using the deflector dish to create a micro-wormhole the Enterprise could establish temporary but instantaneous communications with Starfleet, even if they were on the other side of the galaxy but Weyoun and his escorts didn't need to know that yet.
Not until Kirk was sure of their intentions.
"Now, I think a quick tour of the engineering is in order and we'll reconvene in the briefing room, if you find that satisfactory, Weyoun." Kirk immediately changed the subject.
"Of course. Lead the way, Admiral." Weyoun gestured back to the turbo-lift.
"Mr. Spock, you have the bridge."
Briefing Room
"I must commend you, Admiral. You have a fine ship and a diligent crew." Weyoun said as he sat down at the table of the briefing room. "These traits are respected in the Dominion."
His Jem'Hadar guards flanked him from behind, while the two security guards with them were posted at the door.
"Thank you." Kirk nodded once he was seated. "I hope that your superiors will see us in an equally positive light, Weyoun."
"Oh, I have no doubt of that." Weyoun nodded. "There is still the matter of the renegade fleet nearby."
"A renegade fleet?" Kirk slowly asked.
"A species called the Remee has been causing galactic strife and turmoil in this area of space for some time. For obvious reasons we could not allow that to continue. There was a brief conflict but the enemy was for the most part subdued. A fleet of ships fled their planet before their defeat was complete." Weyoun explained slowly. "Our scanners have traced their warp signatures close to this area where we found you. Would you happen to know where they might have gone?"
"I'm afraid not. If we came across such a fleet, if they were as hostile as you claim, I doubt we'd be here having this discussion." Kirk calmly answered.
"I suppose that is true." Weyoun conceded with a smile. "In the interest of fostering peace between the Federation and the Dominion, would you be willing to assist in tracking this renegade fleet down?"
"I'm afraid that would not be possible." Kirk answered, noting Weyoun's frown. "Our highest law, the Prime Directive, forbids from interfering in the affairs of other cultures and that includes war between two states of government without risking becoming involved in the conflict ourselves. We have to remain neutral in this conflict of yours, I'm afraid."
"Of course, that is understandable. Disappointing but understandable." Weyoun dramatically sighed. "I suppose it was worth a try to at least ask."
"Weyoun, since you asked what we will do once our mission is complete, may I ask what you will do once this renegade fleet is found?" Kirk asked.
"Why, they will be apprehended and detained on a penal colony. The civilians will be allowed to leave after a period of processing and relocated to a suitable world while their leaders, the once who caused the uprising will be tried, convicted and imprisoned. Of course that all depends on the severity of their crimes." Weyoun answered. "You of course, understand this, Admiral."
"I believe I do, Weyoun." Kirk nodded. "I believe I do indeed."