A/N: Kirk and crew try their hand at diplomacy with some quirky people from the planet Isidore 12. Frustrations abound as Kirk tries to keep them under control. Kirk continues his relationship with Miriam as they discover their affection for each other grows stronger.

Chapter Seven

Keep Me In Your Heart

Captain Kirk and crew orbited planet Isidore 12. Planet Isidore had developed as 20th century Earth had at one time. They had accomplished space travel between the moon and the planet. However, Starfleet's policy of non-interference would not allow them to help improve their development. The planet had reached out to them to begin a dialog between their fellow Isidorians who had settled on the moon, Cerillian and themselves. The Cerillian's had wanted to become independent but the planet needed the moon's resources to help the home planet. A fear of seclusion and black market pricing was standing in their way of agreement.

Kirk had arranged for a meeting of the minds aboard the Enterprise, using the ship as neutral territory. Kirk had used this method before and it had mixed results. It all depended on how badly the two wanted peace or how determined they would push their own agendas.

Before the ambassadors beamed aboard his top officers, dressed in their dress uniforms lined up for an honor guard.

Kirk begrudgingly inspected his officers. Dr. McCoy kept pulling at his collar and Mr. Sulu complained that his uniform had been shrunk at the laundry. Mr. Spock quietly withstood their complaints and knew he would only have to be patient for a short while.

The Captain said, "Mr. Scott, when was the last time you had a hair cut?"

"Aye, Captain, it was on my list of things to do, but the day was shorter than the list, I'm afraid," he said in his Scottish brogue.

"Take care of it, afterward, Mr. Scott."

"Aye, sir."

The Boatswain sounded his bosun's whistle for attention. From the shuttle appeared a hap-hazard collection of four visitors from the planet and moon. Each was shoving the other to be first in line, and Kirk knew this would be a long procedure.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please one at a time. Let me introduce my officers." He went on down the line and ending with his shaggy headed engineer, Kirk whispered to Scotty, "Any whiskey in your cabin?"

He whispered back, "Anytime, Captain."

"Gentlemen, Mr. Spock will show you to your quarters. I'm sure you'll be comfortable. We will dine in one hour and proceed with our meeting."

The Isidorians were only four feet in height. They tended to drool when they spoke, but were quite polite while eating. They all had bright blue eyes and they evoked a soft trilling sound when they were thinking. One gentlemen said, "Yes, yes, Captain, that will be fine."

The group left with a towering Mr. Spock in the lead. Kirk shook his head and went to his quarters for an aspirin.

Mr. Spock then returned to his quarters where, Christine was returning from duty.

"How did it go, dear?" Christine smiled.

Mr. Spock raised an eyebrow and said, "A bit like getting a tooth pulled."

Christine broke out laughing, "Why, Spock, I believe you made a joke."

"It happens from being around Humans."

"Oh, now don't deny your Human side, dear, I get a peek of it every once in awhile."

Spock wrapped his arms around her and said, "And that is only for you to see."

At the appointed time Mr. Spock, Mr. Scott and the Captain waited in the dining room for their guests. When they arrived Kirk made sure there would be no squabbling about where they would sit and assigned each one a particular spot. Throughout the meal the conversation went along smoothly. Dinner time was not the time for the Isidorians to be disagreeable. They loved to eat.

The Captain served one last drink, hoping it would mellow his visitors a bit and invited them into the conference room. He started out with getting them to identify the most important issues. There was no argument about what the issues were, it was the solving of them that proved to be difficult. When the Isidorians became angry with each other it was likely that they would jump to the top of the table and begin to shove each other. This happened more times than not.

Kirk and Spock were having a hard time trying to keep the issue on the table and not the Isidorians.

Kirk firmly said, "Gentlemen, please take your seats. I can see how both sides have compelling arguments to deal with. Perhaps we can talk about how to solve them without pushing at each other. As I see it, the Cerillians from the moon would like to become independent. Perhaps you gentlemen can tell us what the advantage would be for you."

One Cerilian Ambassador spoke up and said, "The advantage would be I would never have to set foot on Isadore 12 again!" And that's when the fight began.

The four Ambassadors were delivered to their quarters and required to stay there until morning.

Kirk said to his officers, "I may not survive these discussions. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated."

Scotty said, "I could jettison them to the outer limits of the galaxy and see how long before they got back, sir."

Kirk smiled and said, "I'm going to bed. We'll start over tomorrow."

When Kirk returned to his cabin, he took off his shirt and flopped in his chair. His door buzzed and he threw his shirt across the room. "Yes?" he said into the intercom.

"Jim, it's me, Miriam."

He smiled and said, "Come on in."

He greeted her shirtless in his office. He hugged her and said, "A sight for sore eyes, it's been torture in there tonight."

She laughed because she knew he hated being the diplomat. He'd rather just tell them what he thought and be done with it.

"Are you too tired for company tonight?" she asked.

"Not working?"

"Off duty until tomorrow night."

"Come in. You can rub my temples my head is pounding. I'll jump in the shower first, make yourself comfortable."

His face was under the water when he felt a soft touch at his back, he turned and Miriam had joined him. "Did you get lost, dear?" he asked.

She smiled and he caressed her small frame.

By morning, Kirk felt he could take on the world.

While the Captain and Spock were in discussions, the new Ensigns relieved the regulars on the Bridge as navigators, helmsmen and communications. SJ and Lucas were serving a shift together at Mr. Sulu and Chekov's positions.

Lucas grinned over at SJ and said looking at the captain's chair, "That will be your chair someday, SJ."

"Why not you?"

"I just want to pilot. I just want to fly," he said looking at the screen with the galaxy in front of them. It's a discussion they always had.

SJ knew Lucas really wanted to be Captain of his own ship, but for both of them, following in their father's footsteps was going to be difficult.

SJ thought Lucas was doing better than before the bar fight. He was back to his old self, but occasionally he retreated into himself for a while and he let him have his distance.

SJ asked him where he thought their next destination would be.

Lucas said, "Not sure, but did you know our Christmas is only a month away?"

He laughed and said, "Oh yea, that's when the big fat guy in a red suit brings you the pony you always wanted."

"Stop. It's more than that. Don't you believe in God?"

"A god, yes, but the Jesus you adore is not our tradition."

"We'll talk about it later."

Before their shift was over they heard security guards being requested on deck 5 where the conference was being held. Lucas laughed and said, "The Captain and Commander must not have had a good day."

SJ smiled and said, "I guess this is not the right time to ask your Dad for that pony."

"SJ if I had anything to throw at you, I would."

Without warning the Enterprise starting shaking and going abruptly to the starboard side. Crewmen were being thrown about ship wide.

In the conference room the Captain, Spock and Scotty could barely stand. Kirk got to the intercom and said, "Lt Uhura what's going on?"

He was tossed sideways across the room. The Isidorians had rolled themselves into tight balls and were rolling around the room.

"Captain, we are trapped in a force field. We are trying to stabilize, sir."

Uhura called to Ensign Kirk, "Get us balanced out, Mr. Kirk."

"I'm trying, Lieutenant, she's sluggish to respond."

No one could stand up. Kirk and his officers crawled to the hall, he yelled back to the Isidorians, "Ambassadors, remain here for your safety." But when they entered the hall the four ambassadors rolled out with them. The officers stood and were tossed to opposite sides of the hall. Mr. Spock tripped and hit his head on a corner. He was dripping green blood as they went. One of the Isidorians was laid out on the floor, also.

Kirk got to an intercom, "Lieutenant, try stabilizing the rear thrusters to the port side."

"We've tried, sir."

Kirk and his officers made it to the elevator, when the door opened three of the Isidorians rolled in with them.

Mr. Scott said, "For the love of God."

Ensign Kirk yelled to Lt. Uhura, "Lieutenant, maybe we can increase to warp speed and try to penetrate the field."

The Enterprise was groaning at her seams, alarms were sounding and crewman were trying to stay seated.

"Captain, permission to try warp speed, sir."

Kirk looked to Scotty who was trying to hold Mr. Spock up, "Yes, Captain, she can do it."

Kirk said, "Ahead to warp speed and increase as you go."

"Aye, sir. Ensign Kirk, ahead warp speed one."

"Yes, Lieutenant."

The Enterprise hesitated and then jumped to warp speed.

Lt Uhura said, "Increase to warp 2.5."

"Warp, 2.5."

The Enterprise made one last shudder and purged herself through the force field. The Captain was thrown against the door of the elevator, he let out a yell and started shaking his hand. The Enterprise stopped shuddering as the door opened up to the Bridge.

When the door opened the Isidorians rolled out onto the main floor of the bridge, he yelled, "You three stay there, and don't move."

The ambassadors unrolled and sat next to the Captains chair and began to trill.

"Lieutenant, report." Kirk said.

She left the captain's chair and said, "There was no warning, sir, we began to be pulled into the force field. It was Ensign Kirk's idea to try warp speed sir." she smiled at the Captain.

Kirk stood between the two ensigns and placed a hand on each of their shoulders and said, "Well done, gentlemen, you didn't blow us up." he teased.

The elevator doors flew open and Chekov and Sulu ran in. Kirk held up his hand to have them pause. The young ensigns remained at their post.

Spock was sitting in his chair holding a handkerchief on his bleeding forehead. "Chekov, help Mr. Spock to sick bay. Sulu replace Mr. Spock and find out what that was."

"Aye, sir," they responded.

When Spock passed Kirk he said, "Captain, I am quite well."

Kirk smiled and said, "I know, but just have the good doctor check you out."

Kirk sat in his chair and hit his hand on the arm. He let out a curse,

"Captain, are you okay?" Uhura asked.

"Yes, I think I broke a finger."

The trilling became louder. Kirk looked down at the Ambassadors and said, "Hush."

"Sulu, what have you got?"

"Sir, the computers show it's the…"

"Gandases Rings," the three Ambassadors said in unison.

Sulu nodded.

"What are the Gandases Rings?"

"It is a ring comprised of metals, fluids and materials that wrap around the Isidorians second moon, it is then shifted to the orbit of Cerilian where it deposits important minerals, and substances important to life support and well being of Isidore 12 and Cerilian. It is then shifted back to the second moon."

"How often does this happen," Kirk asked.

In unison the three Isidorians said, "Every 385 days, 23 minutes and 10 seconds."

Kirk yelled, "You mean you knew this would happen while we were in orbit and you didn't say anything?"

"We thought you knew, Captain."

Frustration showed on his face. "So every 385 days your moon Cerilian is replenished with minerals and nutrients that Isidore 12 needs to function?"

"Yes, Captain."

"And the 'mother lode' from your other moon just replenishes itself and moves over to Cerilian, from there Cerilian acts like an umbilical cord to Isidore 12."

All three said, "Yes, Captain."

Kirk said a little louder, "And you four can't come to an agreement on how to share the wealth, even though it is never ending and good for both of you?"

Kirk took a deep breath and said, "Ambassadors, I have one small request at this time, roll on back to your quarters and remain there until I say so. Oh, and how long will the Gandases Rings remain?"

"Forty eight hours and 22 minutes," they said in unison.

"We're stuck here for two more days," he muttered to himself, "Alright, gentlemen, roll along. Mr. Sulu will you escort the Ambassadors to their quarters?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Damage report, Mr. Scott."

"All systems are a go, Captain. Minimal damage."

"Kirk to sick bay."

"Dr. McCoy here."

"Injuries?"

"A few, but we're handling it. Mr. Spock is on his way back. I patched him up good as new. Green blood and all."

"Good, Bones."

Kirk said, "Ensign Kirk, let's slow her down to impulse power."

"Switching to impulse power, Captain."

"Steady as she, goes, Mr. Kirk."

"Yes, sir."

"Ensign Spock, change to bearing 22.7, mark 43.9.

"Bearing 22.7, mark 43.9, Captain."

Mr. Spock returned from sick bay with a bandage on his forehead. Kirk walked to his post and asked, "You're okay, Mr. Spock?"

"Yes, Captain. I am well."

"We just went through the Gandases Rings. We're taking a wide birth in a new orbit. Sulu left the information on your scanner. Is it busy in sick bay?"

"It was thinning out as I left, Captain."

"Good, I think I'll take a walk down there, I may have broken a finger. The com is yours, Spock," and then he whispered, "they did great," he looked towards their sons.

"Yes, sir."

The change of shift whistle blew an hour later.

The new ensigns came on to relieve their group. Lucas and Spock entered the elevator and they both let out a whoop.

"SJ wasn't that amazing?"

He laughed and said, "I could hardly stay in my seat. I've never felt so much power before."

Lucas said, "Oh she's a fine ship and I see why my Dad is in love with her."

He and SJ parted ways when Lucas got off the elevator.

SJ called to him, "Don't forget our chess tournament tomorrow night."

"Will do." Lucas called back.

Lucas walked into sick bay as Christine was leaving. "Evening, Nurse, how is everything?."

"Pleasant chaos, although that will probably jinx the next shift. The Captain is getting his finger set."

"Oh, I was wondering if Joanna was here?"

"She's left for the day."

"Thanks."

He turned around and ran down the hall to her quarters. All of the medical personnel were located on the same floor as sick bay. Only Christine was allowed to live a shorter distance away, because the senior officers were on the same deck.

Lucas buzzed her door and he heard, "Come in."

Lucas walked in to find Joanna eating a meal at her table. She got up and ran up to him, "Lucas. I haven't seen you in days. You're looking well, how are you doing?" "

"I asked you not to keep asking me that."

"I know, but it's my job. It's hard to turn it off. " She leaned up against him and they kissed.

Lucas mumbled against her lips, "I'm off duty."

She smiled at him and said, "So?"

"Jo," he growled.

"You know you can't stay. Remember what my father told you."

Lucas repeated Dr. McCoy's order, "Don't hurt my daughter, because if you do, whatever part of your body touched hers, I will remove it."

"Correct."

"Come on, Joanna."

"No, Lucas, I'm saving myself for someone special."

He pressed his body against hers, "Anyone in mind?"

"No, no one in particular I can think of."

"Joanna, you're driving me crazy."

"That was a wild ride we went on," Joanna remarked. She grinned and led him to the couch.

Lucas told her what it was like to keep the Enterprise in control. He was so excited he kept pacing the room. She laughed at his excitement.

Lucas finally joined her back on the couch and held her in his arms and kissed her. After a long intense kiss, Lucas said, "I better go, Joanna." He continued to kiss her several times and groaned, "I'll never get to sleep tonight"

He pulled her to her feet and said, "You know I love you."

"You do?" she teased. "I love you, too, silly boy."

He kissed her passionately and looked at her longingly in the eyes.

Joanna said, "You better go, I'm beginning to fall for those baby blue eyes of yours."

He said, "Keep me in your heart." And he left.

While in sick bay, Kirk asked about the Ambassador that was laying in the hall. "Was he injured, Bones?"

"I never saw him."

When Kirk left he went to the Ambassadors quarters and asked them to come to the conference room.

He paced the room as they arrived. "Ambassador Shreve, were you injured at all?"

"Oh no, Captain, I just decided to ride it out laying down."

Kirk was only slightly annoyed. "Gentlemen, I have come to a conclusion. My job here is done. Since you will have to remain on the Enterprise for the next two days, I suggest you sit down and hammer out your differences. Let's look at the facts first. You have a second moon that redistributes your wealth every year. You need that for your very existence, and since the Cerillian's do no want to go the their home planet, I suggest you work out a schedule where you share the transportation of goods and services equally. You have a good thing going here for you. I hope you have the courage to continue in peace."

Kirk walked to the door. "You are free to roam the Enterprise except for restricted areas which are clearly marked. There are observation decks which you will enjoy a great view of your planet and moon. I am returning to my command post. Have a great day, gentlemen."

Kirk returned to the Bridge. Two new ensigns were at the helm and navigation post. Uhura remained at communications and Spock was at his post.

"Spock, I just washed our hands of helping our roly poly friends. I gave them suggestions and left them to their own devise. There is also a security guard posted outside the door, too."

Spock shook his head and answered, "I wish them the best, Captain, because we were getting nowhere."

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Lucas went to the chapel as was his custom, most nights. He prayed to God for the health and safety of all, and for a special intention of his own.

The next two days had been broken up with arguments between the Ambassadors, but as the second day ended, they had come up with a compromise that satisfied both.

As Captain Kirk walked them to their shuttle he watched as they loaded up packages of food that they had enjoyed on the ship. Stack after stack was shoved in their hold.

One spoke to the Captain, "Thank you, Captain and Mr. Spock for your patience and wisdom in helping with our situation. You are welcome to come visit our planet anytime."

Kirk said, "Thank you Ambassador, we have new orders, but we'd like to return again. Good day."

Kirk and Spock walked out of the shuttle area as it was pressurized, and their roly poly friends left.

Kirk said, "Why do I think we were hood winked?"

"Hood winked, Captain. I'm not sure of the meaning of that phrase."

"I think this was all a good act so they could take back the food they tried. We could have settled this days ago."

"You mean this was a ploy just to enjoy the food?"

"It took them an hour to try everything on the menu. Odd little people aren't they," Kirk said.

"No more so than some others I can think of." Spock replied.