Disclaimer: I don't think I have to write this every time, but I like thinking of funny things to say, so I do it anyway. However, I'm all dried up today, so I'll just say this : I don't own Star Trek, but so help you if you try to swipe the inhabitants of Planet Naturalis off me!

The officers of the U.S.S. Enterprise walked quickly to the hangar deck to receive their guests. Dr. McCoy muttered to Kirk, "What do I need to know about Planet Naturalis? I missed the briefing meeting."

Kirk chuckled softly as he teased, "Slept in today, did you Bones?"

As Dr. McCoy conceded this with a glare, Captain Kirk went on, "I'll let you off this time, Doc. Planet Naturalis is a planet settled by Earth settlers who were fond of the medieval period in Europe. They are governed by a constitutional monarchy, and their only conveniences are electricity and modern medicine."

Dr. McCoy committed this to memory, and his shipmate continued, "I believe the ambassador is a man by the name of Paul Rosette. He's the king's son. He has a wife named Natalia, and a daughter, Antoinette. Is that all you need to know?"

Bones raised an eyebrow and grumbled, "Do you study all the mission briefings that closely?"

Kirk shrugged as he joked, "I've got to keep up with Spock!"

"Well, good luck with that! The man's like a computer!" the doctor replied dubiously.

By that time the party had reached the hangar deck, where the shuttlecraft containing Ambassador Rosette had just landed. The officers entered the large room as the little craft's doors slid open with a soft whoosh. The crew smiled politely at a few minor officials who exited the shuttle, then a young woman stepped out.

She looked to be about twenty-six years old, and she had long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. The lady was dressed quite fashionably, in a crenaline skirt and a pair of high heels. However, one could tell by the way those heels clicked she was not a woman to be trifled with. But she had a very polite and friendly manner, and Captain Kirk was smitten on the spot. "Hello, I'm Princess Rebecca Rosette. I took over the ambassador duties for my brother, Paul. He's rather busy dealing with the northern trolls on my planet at the moment," she said, as a manner of introduction.

Although they were surprised, the officers smiled affably, for it was not an unpleasant turn of events. As Princess Rebecca waited expectantly for a reply, the crew glanced at their captain. He was staring blankly at the princess, apparently incapable of speech. Dr. McCoy dug him in the ribs, causing him to start visibly. He finally extended his hand, and replied, "Um, welcome, Your Highness. I'm Captain James T. Kirk, and this is my chief medical officer, Dr. McCoy."

Rebecca smiled in her friendly way at the doctor, and Captain Kirk continued, "And this is my science officer, Mr. Spock, and my chief engineer, Mr. Scott," indicating the two men standing behind him.

"A pleasure to meet both of you, I'm sure," the princess said.

Mr. Scott said amiably, "The pleasure is all mine!"

The young woman eyed Spock's features momentarily, then she inquired, "Are you from the planet Vulcan? I always thought a trip there would be fascinating."

Spock's stern features softened, and he came very close to a smile at the use of his favorite word, and he answered almost cheerfully, "Indeed! I found the briefs of your own planet quite interesting."

"Thank you, Mr. Spock."

Kirk flashed a friendly smile at Rebecca. "Would you like a tour of the ship, Your Highness?"

"That would be lovely, Captain Kirk."

Snickering, Dr. McCoy and Mr. Scott exchanged knowing looks as Kirk led the ambassador out of the room. "Looks like the captain has a wee bit of a crush!" a smirking Scotty muttered.

Breaking into a grin, McCoy said, "I'll bet the observation deck will be the highlight of the tour!"

The captain and Princess Rebecca had a marvelous time touring the Enterprise. As Dr. McCoy predicted, the ever-romantic observation deck was an important stop on the tour. Kirk watched the young ambassador gazing at the stars, his mind focused on one thought. He was clearly infatuated with Princess Rebecca, and he very much wanted to ask her to be his date to the cocktail party being held for the ambassadors that night. But every time he opened his mouth to ask her, the poor man's stomach felt awash with a wave of nervous butterflies. "Come on, Jim, snap out of it! Since when do girls scare you?" Kirk thought, disgruntled.

Finally, Kirk mustered up his confidence, and turned to Rebecca. "Princess Rebecca."

Rebecca fixed her rather large eyes on him, causing Kirk to note they were a lovely blue-green color, and replied, "Yes?"

Captain Kirk gulped loudly, and continued, "Well, there's a party for the ambassadors tonight. There will be cocktails, and a band, I'm told it will be a lot of fun. I was just thinking that…"

"Thinking what?"

"I was thinking maybe you would like to go with me to the party," Captain Kirk said quickly.

Princess Rebecca's eyes lit up, and she responded delightedly, "I'd love to! What time?"

Kirk's wave of butterflies was washed away by a tsunami of relief. "I'll pick you up at seven o'clock.'

Rebecca nodded excitedly, and consulted her watch, and her eyebrows abruptly shot up in surprise. "Goodness, it's five-thirty now! I'd better go get ready! See you, Captain Kirk!"

"See you!" Kirk called, letting out a huge sigh of relief.

I'm not actually that quick with my writing, as those of you who have read my previous stories know…..(turns red in face), I had this all written out before. Anyway, thanks for reading, keep reviewing, and thanks for all the thoughtful reviews!

Astronomylover: You reviewed "Spacebucklers" too, didn't you? Anyway, thank you much, and I hope Kirk didn't disappoint in this chapter!

Schematization: Thanks for keeping up with my stories, and for keeping an open mind with my idea. I'm glad you like it!