"The Ergvainians are a very conservative society," explained Commander Sota. "It is of the utmost importance to follow their greeting ritual to the letter when we first meet." Kirk was only half listening as he fidgeted in his Ergvainian ceremonial costume. People in similar robes and standard uniforms were all crowded into the small confines of the transporter room.
Visiting this new culture with the Captain were Dr. McCoy, Sulu, and Sota. The Commander was a visiting expert on the Ergvainian's, and was instructing the crew in all the nuances of their society.
Just before beaming down, Bones stepped off of the platform to answer a call from sick bay.
" I'm sorry Captain but I have a medical emergency that just wont wait," he said unfastening his voluminous robes.
"Mr. Spock, I believe you know as much if not more than the rest of us,"Kirk said turning to face the Vulcan. "That makes you the perfect understudy. Here's your robes." As soon as Spock had slipped the gaudy mass of cloth and metal over his uniform, he joined the party in the transporter.
On the planet's surface, the Ergvainians had gathered in the square of it's largest city. The citizens crowded the nearby streets by the thousands to get a glimpse of the High Official and all his dignitaries. Not only were they here to see the aliens, but also to catch a glimpse of their oldest artifact. No one on the planet, save a privileged few had ever even seen the Great Ceremonial Sphere of Erg the Mighty.
This gossamer sphere, an artifact from Ergvain's prehistory, is about the same size as a beach ball, but made of spun glass, and bits of plastic. The whole thing, when lit up by the planets star, tended to look like a glistening wad of translucent chewed gum. As unattractive as it sounds, the High Official and the visiting crew have to all hold it up to the light together during the climax of the greeting ceremony.
A sudden silence fell on the masses as the central square lit up with four energy beams.
As the beams took shape, the crowd strained at the barriers to get a better look. When the crew finished materializing, however, there were no cheers. The visages of the Ergvain High Official and his dignitaries turned dark as hushed whispers circulated on the streets. The delegation was not only missing their robes, they were also missing everything else. They stood in the square bare naked as angry shouts issued from the crowd and barricades gave way.
"You really dodged the bullet Bones," said Kirk, accusations crowding his voice. "I can't believe you would do this."
"You can't be serious Jim," he countered, "I have all the logs of my time in sick bay. Spock's reviewing them now."
"I don't know, you seem to be immune to the pranks that have been going around. Why is that?"
"Dammit Jim, I'm a doctor, not a comedian," Bones bristled, "besides you know I can't modify the transporter."
"Ah, you're right, Bones," the Captain admitted, calming a little "It's just that now the Ergvainians want nothing to do with the Federation." Silence shrouded the two in the meeting room as they fell into their own thoughts.
"It would seem that the situation is worse," Spock said as he walked in.
"I don't see how that's possible," said Kirk swiveling his chair around to face the Vulcan.
"The High Official, blames us for all damages that occurred in the riot," explained Spock. "Including the destruction of their ceremonial sphere."
"If you ask me, we did them a favor on that one," Bones said.
"Nonetheless doctor, the Romulans have taken this opportunity, and have made a quick alliance with the Ergvainians."
The Captain leaned back in his chair and rubbed the back of his neck.
"There's probably going to be a court marshal over this, unless we can resolve things soon," he said getting up and pacing the floor.
"If I may continue Captain, I found several discrepancies while reviewing the records."
"That's great Spock," commended Kirk as he paced, "Do we have a name yet?"
"Yes, I believe it to be Leonard McCoy."
The news stopped Kirk in mid-step. He still had his back to his friends when McCoy started.
"You cold blooded devil!" Bones said locking his eyes on Spock, " I was in sick bay during the whole thing. I couldn't have done it. Ask my staff."
"I'm just stating the facts as I found them in the records, Doctor."
Kirk, alarmed by a loud thump, spun around to find Spock laying in the floor, with Bones waving a scanner over him.
"He's exhausted, Jim. If we don't get him to sick bay, he'll go into shock."
~end chapter 3~
Spock shock! Heh heh. Anyway, Thank you for reading along. For all of you who are waiting to find the culprit, all will be revealed in the fourth and last chapter. I should have it posted about this time tomorrow.