In a Mirror Sparkley Chapter 7: Betazed

The next few systems visited by the Endeavor were rather unremarkable. Three had gas giants that had absorbed most of the stellar matter in the system until they had come to their current close orbits around their stars. Their was a system where no planets had formed, leaving a large disc of rock and ice to spin around the star. Scans of this system revealed a high level of dilithium and other materials used in warp technology. The crew was informed that one of the minor syndicates had decided to claim that system, so the finder's fees were being added to their accounts back home. But the real surprise awaited them in the next system.

As they approached the G type star, their sensors were flooded with a plethora of sub-light ships and radio signals. It looked like the system was teaming with ships of every size and shape traveling at relatively slow speeds between the M class planet and the various other celestial bodies of the system.

One ship was headed almost directly toward the Endeavor."It appears to be on a ballistic trajectory for the oort cloud. The engine tech is definitely advanced for sub-light. But that's not the really surprising part. Their air mix is almost exactly like ours with an ultra high efficiency recycling system." Dr. Trager reported from his station.

"The weapons of the craft are minimal. Looks like high efficiency lasers and some chemical rockets. Nothing to worry about." The second officer said.

"Can we match their comm frequencies?" Carter asked.

"I believe that's possible," Sloan answered."But we might want to get much closer, or the lag will kill any real chance of communication."

"Helm, bring us to within ten thousand meters, raise shields, and open frequencies."

The ship jumped to warp for about a minute and then started broadcasting a hail to the alien craft.

The smaller ship responded almost immediately with a transmission that was almost instantly analyzed by the translator."Earth vessel Endeavor, we await your visual communications protocols to begin contact."

"Well, that was quick." Max said.

"Sir, I don't think they were surprised to see us." Sloan said."They started transmitting as soon as our signal got to them. Some how they already had our language."

"Well, that's just one more question we can ask them. Transmit the protocols."

A few minutes later the screen came to life showing a very human looking male in scant clothing."Greetings Captain Carter. I am Captain Lastra of the Betazoid pleasure cloister Tristain. I'm sure that the list of questions is getting longer by the moment, but if you would allow, we could dock to continue this conversation face to face."

"Agreed Captain, we will come along side and dock."

ooo000OOO000ooo

As the airlock irised open Doctor Trager stepped forward to scan their guests.

The captain from the other vessel waited patiently for a moment while the doctor finished. "As the doctor is about to tell you Captain, we are remarkably close to your species, even genetically, but we have some neurological anomalies." Lastra said.

"You're telepaths." She smiled and offered her hand. "A pleasure Captain."

"Indeed, you are the first aliens we have ever meet. But we have sent word of your arrival to our home world. Due to the message lag though it appears as we will have a great deal of time before we hear back."

"Perhaps we can show you around?" Carter said.

Lastra held up a hand,"Yes that would be nice." He turned to his aide and nodded."Unfortunately my second will have to head back as our Lady is in need." The indicated person bowed before heading back into his own ship.

"I'm not sure what you mean." Carter inquired.

"The female of our species goes through periodic increases of their mating drive. When this happens they prefer to avoid accidentally broadcasting their passion to an entire city. That's where we come in, the pleasure cloister fleet takes a Lady going through this time out into the system so she can exercise her passions with only a small group of volunteers to receive her thoughts."

"I can see that we have much to discuss." Carter gestured down the corridor.

ooo000OOO000ooo

Two days later, after a long discussion with the Tristain's captain the Lady who was their current client made an appearance on the Endeavor. She was shown to the conference room along with her husband.

"Lady Troi, it is a pleasure to meet you." Carter said.

"Captain Carter, I do apologize for not being able to join you earlier. As I understand you have been informed of my condition."

"Yes Lady Troi. But I am pleased to meet you." Carter gestured for her guest to take a seat.

"Thank you. It may also interest you to know that I have been authorized to speak on behalf of my government."

Carter raised an eyebrow,"Really?"

"Yes, I am a major noble within our government. As such I have authorization to speak for our race. I received a message from Betazed this morning informing me that the closest diplomat is at least two weeks away."

"Well then, I think we need to start with a discussion about the possibility of trade."

ooo000OOO000ooo

The negotiations took about three times longer than necessary due to Lady Troi's condition. She was only able to work for about four hours a day, after which she had no choice but to return to her ship. Otherwise she was likely to rape the first person she saw after passing her threshold. Her husband was very careful to monitor her brainwave patterns and gave plenty of warning to wrap it up for the day. If Captain Carter was annoyed by the frequent interruptions she kept it so close to her chest that no one, not even her XO, noticed.

After a weeks semi-layover, the ship dropping comm and sensor relays around the system, they rendezvoused with the cloister ship for the last time. This time was to sign the contract and form the beginnings of an Interstellar Alliance.

"Lady Troi,"Otaku began as she stepped out of the airlock,"It is a pleasure to see you again." He was not lying. He found tall, stacked blonds attractive and was of the firm opinion that if Lady Troi were to try she could be a star in the reformed adult industry on Earth.

Randell Slade had decided that after the millennium of guilt caused by religious interference that it was necessary to limit their influence on lawmaking. Therefore most moral decisions were left outside the realm of law, so much so that business law was the thickest section of the ten page document that defined all that was illegal within the Alliance.

She looked a little shaky,"If you would Commander, I feel that this will be the last time that I can be here."

"Of course ma'am." He led the way to the conference room and took up a position behind his captain.

"Lady Troi,"Carter began,"I understand that we don't have much time. The papers have been prepared."

"Very well." Lady Troi said as she picked up her pen and signed while Carter did the same. Then they swapped copies and repeated the ritual. With one last piece of formality to dispense, Lady Troi spoke,"Let this mark the entry of Betazed and Earth into the Interstellar Trade Alliance."

A brief round of applause sounded from the two parties, even Troi managed a weak clapping.

Carter stepped forward and shook hands with her and gestured for the hatch,"If I may, I will escort you back to your ship."

"That would be appreciated Captain, and please accept my sincerest thanks for your patience the last few days."

As they walked along the corridors the two women talked quietly over the effects that this trade agreement might have on both their societies. At the air lock the captains exchanged pleasantries and the Betazoid ambassador expressed her thanks for the Endeavor's hospitality.

With that the Betazoid ship disengaged and continued along it's course. The Endeavor turned in system and jumped to warp one until it was in orbit around Betazed. Once there they docked with the orbital defense ring, a massive construct designed to police the sky for asteroids, and transfered the documents and agreed upon items to their newest trade partners.

On their exit from the system that evening the command crew was having a dinner in the main mess.

The Captain raised her glass,"To the new ITA, may it grow from this moment forth."

She was answered by resounding affirmations.

The XO put his glass down,"I just hope next time we don't end up negotiating with a sex crazed noble."

The doctor laughed,"I don't know. It was nice to have a new perspective on elderly reproductive habits."

"True,"The Captain said,"But I just hope all our relations are as amiable from the start."

"Here, Here." the crew chorused.

ooo000OOO000ooo

I can't believe that it's been almost six month since the last time I updated this one. I will try not to do that again.

Thanks to my wife for reviewing for me.