Chapter 8

Captain's Log, supplemental. Commander V'Lar and I met with Mr. Hastings and Lieutenant Palamas after they'd returned from their meeting with the ISN managing editor. We hoped that they were able to impart the level of our displeasure regarding Khali's remarks during the previous evening's interview.

#

"Captain . . . commander," Robert Hastings said, "we were asked to convey the network's apology to the both of you for their airing of Professor Khali's comments about your marriage."

Tynen grunted. "Well, I can't blame them for the man's views."

"I'm certain they would be happy to hear that, captain," Athena said.

"And why is that, lieutenant?" V'Lar asked.

Palamas smiled at the saturnine Vulcan. "Well, ma'am, the reason for that is they'd like to be on board the Valkyrie when the rest of the fleet arrives later this morning."

The embedded reporter then added, "Captain, I think this situation offers a wonderful opportunity for the fleet to begin its campaign of winning the hearts and minds of the people here. V'Lar and you are both great public speakers. If you act as hosts for the Earth Alliance leaders and the ISN people, I think you'll go a long way toward personalizing yourselves in a manner that diminishes the effects of Khali's ignorant comments. And to make certain you manage to do that, how about having the fleet perform a pass and review of the ships we've sent to protect Alliance Earth? Then, we can help draft copy for Commander V'Lar presentation during the ceremony to help the Humans here warm up to Vulcans."

Tynen gave the matter some thought then connected with his wife's mind to ask her opinion privately. In response, she silently affirmed her agreement with the reporter's plan.

The entire telepathic conversation took less than a second to occur.

"All right," Tynen announced. "We'll do it. How do you suggest we proceed?"

"Captain," Athena said, "you should act as the master of ceremonies as it were. Inject some of your humor as appropriate; allow them to experience your humanity. Commander, although you aren't human, we want them to see you as informative and friendly. Focus on being the expert who provides the viewers with interesting information about our starships. Although a Federation audience would probably want to know about the exploratory aspect of our ships, these people will want to know if our vessels can protect them. Give them a presentation that plays to that desire and you'll do well."

Tynen nodded then pursed his lips in thought. "What about the Klingons? Who should we get to describe their ships to the audience?"

"Perhaps, captain, you should ask Commander Klagh for his opinion."

He smiled at his wife. "That's a great idea, V'Lar." Then he punched the intercom button. "Tynen to Mazan."

"Mazan here."

"Etana, please get me Commander Klagh on the Pagh and patch him through to me here."

"Aye, sir," she said and terminated the connection.

Moments later, the Klingon was piped into the conference room. "This is the Pagh, Klagh here."

"Klagh, it's Tynen. The fleet is due to arrive less than an hour from now according to our latest communiqué from Admiral Tapin. The Earth Alliance president and her entourage, including the media, will be on board the Valkyrie to watch its arrival. I'm going to have V'Lar provide the media with information concerning the Federation starship classes in the fleet. I was thinking it would be good for one of your people to do the same for your warships."

"Sensible," Klagh noted simply.

"It should probably be someone who'd look…approachable since some of the viewers will undoubtedly be children."

Tynen could almost hear his friend's smile through the speakers. "Is that so? Well, I believe I have just the person you're looking for."

#

The sun glinted brightly through the dome overhead as she spoke into her microphone.

"This is an Interstellar Network News Special Report, reporting live. We're inside EarthDome standing on the Concourse of Worlds. I'm your host, Cynthia Torqueman. With me is our Presidential House reporter Brian Holt. We're here with the President of the Earth Alliance and several government officials to see the arrival of the assault force comprised of spacecraft from the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire. I can only describe the excitement we're feeling in anticipation of the journey we're taking to the visitors' spaceship. This is truly a momentous occasion and a somewhat frightening one because of what it represents to Earth Alliance, isn't that right, Brian?"

"Yes, Cynthia. I'm here with Senator Quantrell, the vice chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. The senator is well known as one of the more vocal government critics of the United Federation of Planets."

"Brian, that's not fair," the senator huffed. "It's my responsibility to make certain that Earth Alliance is treated in a fair and equitable manner. And I stand by my statement that such a political entity as the Federation with so many different species working together…"

"I believe one expert used the words 'mongrel power' in reference to the Federation, senator."

"Er, yes," Quantrell muttered. "I don't believe that was an appropriate choice of words on his part. As I was saying, it is my opinion that it is difficult to fathom that such an entity could work efficiently over a substantial period of time."

"Thank you, senator," Brian said. "Back to you, Cynthia."

"Thank you, Brian. Moments from now, ISN will join the President as she and other government officials travel to the Starfleet vessel currently in orbit above Earth. We're preparing to head for the Kinsey Interstellar Spaceport – wait. We're being told to stay right where we are. I don't understand," she said. "Is there something wrong?" Then she turned to General Hague. "General, are we experiencing some sort of problem?"

"No," he said, his smile mischievous. "No problem at all. I'd suggest that you prepare for transport, Ms. Torqueman."

"Are you saying we should arrange for ground transportation to the…"

Cynthia never finished asking her question because that's when the screaming began. First, she experienced a tingling sensation, closely followed by a bizarre humming sound. Then she gasped. Was this the infamous transporter used by both Starfleet and the Klingons? So, this was how it felt to be broken down into a billion pieces and have those pieces reintegrated somewhere else like some sort of computerized electronic message? Oh, no, this did not appeal to her in the very least –

– Which is probably why she lost her lunch on the platform in a strange room that was not located on the Concourse of Worlds. And she wasn't alone. Both Brian and Secretary of Defense Hannah had followed her example, while the senator, the generals, Lt. Commander Lochley, the Secret Service detail and President Levy were wide-eyed, but had adjusted quickly.

The ISN, civilian and EarthForce military personnel quickly surveyed the spacious cream-colored room as they stepped off of the transporter pads. Some of them were still unconsciously checking themselves, making sure that all of 'them' had arrived and was still with "them" while a handsome African American male waited patiently for "them" to get their acts together. Cynthia's remote camera, upon completing its self-diagnostic, quickly faced the man in a Starfleet uniform.

"Madame President, Ms. Torqueman, distinguished guests, I'm Captain Jason Tynen," he said while facing the floating mini-cam. "Welcome aboard my ship, the USS Valkyrie. We know the transporter is a unique experience to those using it for the first time. I trust the journey here wasn't too difficult. If you'd like, we have lavatory facilities that contain mouthwash right behind you for your convenience."

Cynthia glared at him but managed to suppress a sarcastic retort. She could see the amusement dancing in his eyes and was certain he'd enjoyed her recent distress as payback for the interview she'd had with that crackpot, Khali. However, she was certain that his hostility didn't show to anyone else and that his self-assuredness was quite smooth. Also, it hadn't escaped her notice that he'd addressed her right after President Levy. He's definitely public relations savvy, she mused, and has the loveliest eyes I've ever seen!

"On behalf of the Earth Alliance, we're happy to be here," President Levy said.

"On behalf of the Klingon Empire and the United Federation of Planets, Madame President, we are happy you have joined us."

"I'm rather surprised you're here to greet us, captain," Cynthia noted after she'd used the facilities and had freshened up. "Usually someone of your rank would not impersonate a tour guide."

Tynen put on his best smile and, outwardly, she responded in kind. This was going to be fun! "This is a very important opportunity, Cynthia," he said to her and her audience. Then he stared at her as if he were sizing her up. "May I call you Cynthia?" he asked politely. She nodded as she knew he knew she would. "Believe me, it is my honor to be your escort and tour guide, as you put it."

"I'm sure you know that we have a few thousand questions our viewers want to ask about you and your people, your world, and the United Federation of Planets."

"Of course," he answered magnanimously. "What would you like to know?"

"Well, first, how does your transporter device work?"

Tynen regarded her silently for a moment then he flashed a roguish grin. "You certainly start with the difficult ones first, don't you, Cynthia? I suppose I can attempt to explain even though I'm certain my chief engineer and my first officer will be holding their breaths in the hopes I might get this right," he teased. "Well, a transporter is a subspace device capable of almost instantaneously moving an object from one location to another."

"A typical transport sequence begins with a coordinate lock, during which the destination is verified and programmed, using our targeting scanners. We can target an individual or object by tracing the homing signal of a communicator or using the ship's sensors to scan for the bio-sign or energy signature of a subject, which are then fed into the transporter's targeting scanner for a lock.

"Next, the life form or object to be transported is scanned on the quantum level and converted into a matter stream which is then transmitted to its destination across a subspace domain. Finally, the initial process is reversed and the object or individual is reassembled at the destination."

She glared at the man who smiled smugly at her because she knew he knew she had no idea what he'd been talking about. "Thank you, captain," she muttered. Then she decided to seek some payback of her own. "Please allow me to apologize for asking this question of you but you are Human, aren't you? Honestly, with you people, we can't really tell."

"Yes, I'm Human, Cynthia. I was born on Earth, 'my Earth', in the Big Easy known far and wide as New Orleans in the great state of Louisiana. My helmsman, an intelligent young woman I should say, was also born close to my neck of the woods in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Next question?" he asked with a slight smirk.

"Are you married? Do you have any children?" she asked him.

He smiled and it was beatific. "In answer to your first question, yes…yes, I am. I'm married to the most courageous person I've ever known. You'll meet her shortly. She's the first officer of this ship."

"She would be Commander V'Lar, is that right?"

"That's right."

Cynthia squirmed a bit before she asked her next question. "Is it true she isn't Human, captain?"

The question didn't appear to bother the captain in the slightest as he led them out of the room into a wide corridor. "That's true, Cynthia. She's Vulcan. Her people were one of the founders of the Federation along with the Andorians, the Tellarites, and Humans. As for children, well, we've only been married for about two months now, so you need to give us a little time!" he teased.

As they walked toward their version of an elevator, she and the others were shocked by the numbers of similarly uniformed aliens and humanoid beings walking through the hallway mingled in with Earth-like humans. Although nothing looked at all like a sentient version of a praying mantis, the number of humanoid variants astounded her and was more than a little disturbing.

Just as the 'tour' group had exited the elevator into a new corridor, Senator Quantrell spoke up. "Captain Tynen?"

"Yes, senator?"

"I wanted to ask you about your Prime Directive."

"Please, senator."

"How does it work in regards to members of the Federation and worlds which are not part of the Federation?"

"Well, senator, the Prime Directive is part of the Articles of the Federation. It states that the Federation is not authorized to 'intervene in matters which are essentially the domestic jurisdiction of any planetary social system.' It futher states that each sentient species has the right to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution. Indeed, the Articles state this right is considered 'sacred' and no Starfleet personnel may interfere with the normal and healthy development of alien life and culture."

"What does it mean 'to not interfere?'"

"That has been interpreted as forbidding the introduction of superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Starfleet personnel may not violate the Prime Directive, even to save their own lives and/or their ship, unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation."

Cynthia decided to jump in then. "Captain, the Prime Directive sounds most comprehensive as you've described it."

He gave her a tiny smile and said, "You'd think so but it really isn't. No directive can cover all contingencies, Cynthia. For instance, please note that I said Starfleet personnel may not violate the Prime Directive. However, it doesn't say that it is applicable to all Federation citizens. That gap has caused problems for all concerned in the past, so we have taken steps to address the situation wherever we can."

"So, you're saying that the Federation doesn't have all the answers, captain?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Senator Quantrell," Tynen said to the legislator. "Even though we have some advanced races as members of the Federation, none of them would be arrogant or foolish enough to say they were omniscient or perfect. None of us are God, senator, and that's kind of the point of the directive. Who are we to know how a race should evolve or if we should intervene by introducing our notions of superior knowledge into their society? Unfortunately, it has taken a few tragic events in our recent past for us to learn that humbling lesson."

"Tragic events, such as...?"

The captain gave Cynthia a sad smile. "Over a hundred and thirty years ago, a United Earth Starfleet vessel, the precursor of our own Starfleet, visited a planet in the Sigma Iotia system and left a book with the planet's inhabitants that featured American gangsters from our early twentieth century. The inhabitants actually developed a whole society based on the depiction of the mobsters in the book. That society only changed after one of our vessels visited the planet twenty five years ago and repaired the contamination. Now, we are helping that society move away from criminal activity to more productive pursuits."

The captain paused for a moment to catch his breath, then said, "A factor in why the Iotian situation wasn't truly a violation of the Prime Directive is the fact the United Earth Starfleet didn't have the Prime Directive at that time. Moreover, the vessel that had contaminated the society had been lost shortly after the contact with Iotia; we had no idea the contamination had occurred until a century had passed. However, a more egregious and knowing violation occurred around the time we'd uncovered the Iotian contamination. Then Captain Kirk and the crew of the starship Enterprise discovered that a Federation cultural observer, a famous historian, blatantly violated the Prime Directive by reforming the government of a planet called Ekos to emulate that of Nazi Germany."

Quantrell gasped loudly at that. "Nazi Germany! If yours was anything like ours, why would the man choose that form of government? Was he insane?"

A grim Tynen shrugged. "Yes, ours was exactly as despicable as yours was. As for Professor Gill's mental state, I don't think so; I believe he was just terribly short-sighted. You know the archtype, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. How a well-esteemed historian like him could make such a collosal blunder such as that, though, is difficult to fathom. However, Captain Kirk did say Gill expressed his sorrow for his part in the debacle right before he died trying to right his terrible wrong. But wrong it was and many on Ekos and its sister planet Zeon died because of his 'social experiment.' Now, even after a quarter of a century, both of those worlds are still wary of the Federation, and rightfully so."

"So, captain, what steps has Starfleet taken to make certain violations such as you've just relayed to us never happen again?" the reporter asked.

"Well, Cynthia, now we ensure that all cultural observers must sign an agreement that states they shall not violate the Prime Directive or else they shall be subject to long-term confinement. In addition, we no longer send a single cultural observer on an assignment. There are always at least three observers and at least one must be separate from the other two to avoid being influenced by a member of the other team. Finally, each observer is provided the means to contact Starfleet via subspace and Starfleet must annually visit the observers to ensure they are adhering to the Prime Directive and their reports match the planet's actual societal conditions."

Moments later, their group entered through a massive door that led into what appeared to be the ship's shuttle bay and saw off to one side a row of chairs in front of a large view screen. On a small stage to the side of the view screen, Cynthia spied a tall, exotically beautiful woman with cascades of lovely brunette hair and a petite, dark woman in a silver, gray, and black outfit. "Ladies and gentlemen, please take a seat," Tynen said as he indicated the row of chairs to the members of his party.

In a few moments, they had seated themselves with the president smack dab in the middle of Senator Quantrell on her left and Cynthia on her right. Then the captain joined the two women on the dais and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to Commander V'Lar," he indicated the tall, exotic, stern-looking beauty, "and to Major Gemma of the Klingon Defense Force," he indicated the petite alien with a craggy forehead. "The major is the chief engineer of the Imperial Klingon Vessel, the Pagh."

After both women nodded to their audience, Cynthia asked, "Captain, if your people believe in the Prime Directive so strongly, why are you here to fight against the Minbari alongside us? Doesn't this intervention conflict with your directive?"

"No," he said. "You are a star-faring nation and we are not here to interfere with the development of your society. Moreover, the Minbari came to our area of space, and instead of seeking to open communications, they decided to murder millions of innocents. Starfleet is here to make certain that the Minbari learn the extent of their 'error,' when we come for them."

The way he'd said that almost made her feel like someone had walked over her grave. "Speaking of the Minbari," Cynthia said, "they managed to destroy your starbase at Regulus, didn't they?"

Tynen narrowed his eyes at her like a hawk sizing up its prey and she almost gulped. "That's true and I want to make it clear to everyone listening, including the Minbari, why we're here. The starbase at Regulus was a civilian station. It was open to every sentient species. The facilities on that planet were used by scholars from all over the Federation and beyond. Major Gemma could tell you that even her people, who had been our recent adversaries, used the libraries and developed a community there, the first joint community of its kind in our mutual history. The Benzites, whose planet hasn't yet joined the Federation, had scientists there. Two of their people have applied and been accepted into Starfleet. The Gorn, a reptilian species that we have had limited contact with in the past, had sent an important delegation to Regulus to determine if our two governments could establish peaceful relations. Twenty-seven million, six hundred thirty thousand, two hundred and twelve sentients lost their lives in an unprovoked, cowardly attack by the Minbari Federation. The irony is that the Minbari killed a very high ranking official of the Gorn government, not unlike what the Minbari accused Earth Alliance of doing to them. None of these people knew of the war between Earth Alliance and the Minbari. But the Minbari assumed that Regulus was a colony world of the Earth Alliance, so they butchered innocents, individuals they believed had no worth. They're wrong and the innocent shall have their justice if this ship and crew have anything to say about it."

The man took a glimpse at the Vulcan woman and somehow managed to calm himself. Using a less forceful tone, he continued. "You see, Cynthia, as I've said before, the United Federation of Planets was founded by a coalition of several races; the Tellarites, the Vulcans, the Andorians, and Humans. These races came together, despite their differences, for mutual protection and economic growth. From that small core of worlds, came the vast Federation we know today. Other governments joined not because of force. They joined because they saw the benefits and chose to participate in the work that made the Federation prosper. Our society finds there is strength in celebrating infinite diversity. The people of the Federation have no desire to turn ourselves into some sort of 'racially pure' society as envisioned by some of your purportedly 'learned men.' Why the thought of doing that is almost enough to make me lose my religion," the captain drawled with a roguish grin and Cynthia smiled. She'd heard that saying down in New Orleans, particularly during Mardi Gras. She knew it basically meant 'a temporary state of sin brought on by anger or frustration.'

Just then, she heard a woman's voice overhead as an elder Vulcan male in elegant robes and a Klingon male with a medium build garbed in a more ornate uniform than Major Gemma's entered the hall. "Bridge to Captain Tynen."

Tynen punched a button on his podium. "Tynen here."

"Captain," the unseen woman announced proudly, "the fleet has arrived."

Tynen smiled. "That is wonderful news, Lt. Mazan. Thank you."

"You're welcome, sir," the woman said and terminated the call.

Tynen then regarded his audience, his bearing exuding proper military decorum. "Madame President, Senator Quantrell, Secretary Hannah, General Hague, General Bainbridge, ladies and gentlemen—my first officer, Commander V'Lar, shall describe the Federation starships that will engage in a pass and review for your inspection. Immediately thereafter, Major Gemma shall describe the Klingon starships that will engage in a pass and review. As your EarthForce personnel can confirm for you, the pass and review is steeped in military tradition. Thus, I must ask you to refrain from asking any questions until the pass and review has been completed. Once the pass and review is over, our stewards will provide food and beverages for you."

"Now, before we begin, we have anticipated that you may ask about the markings on Starfleet vessels. Each vessel is identified as 'U-S-S' or a 'United Space Ship' along with an Anglicized name. Each vessel also bears the letters 'N-C-C' and a number. Those letters stand for 'Naval Construction Contract' and the number is the actual number of the aforementioned construction contract for the vessel. Also, please note that a class representative of our combat vessels has been chosen to engage in this pass and review by the commander of the expeditionary force, Rear Admiral John L. Tapin. Your viewers will not see the total number of combat vessels nor the support vessels such as cargo ships, tenders, medical ships, and other support vessels in our fleet for security reasons, Cynthia."

Then he took a step back from the podium as his alien wife stepped forward. She pressed a button on the podium and the view screen switched on to reveal the vacuum of space. Overhead, orchestral music began to play a tune of subtle horns accompanied by string instruments that evoked a maritime feeling inside of Cynthia. Great choice in music, she mused as she grinned. Well, they certainly know how to put on a good show!

Suddenly, a bright star moved toward them through the darkness, growing larger by the second until it took on a recognizable form. It appeared to be a large disk connected to a single nacelle by a thick neck. At the front edge of the disk appeared three round portholes that were brightly lit and directly above the disk appeared a large bump-like protrusion with a round light on top. On top of the edge of the disk closest to her she saw a flashing red light. And on the top of the neck-like pylon was another white bowl-shaped light.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the Vulcan woman said, "as the captain had informed you previously, Starfleet is an organization of exploration. Our ships are primarily designed for peaceful exploration. However, with the current hostilities between us and the Minbari in mind, we shall endeavor to apply combat designations to each of our starship classes for your frame of reference. A review of the history of both your Earth and the one in the Alpha Quadrant reveals the closest equivalents available for our use are those used by the twentieth century naval forces of the nation-state known as the United States of America on both worlds."

"At present, the ship you see before you is an example of the Predator class. The disk shaped section is called a primary hull. This particular vessel is the USS Summers. In naval terms, she would be considered a destroyer, designed for short-ranged interdiction and tracking movements of enemy forces."

Then, as the Summers veered away from their ship, another vessel appeared in the distance. It rapidly grew larger until it was completely recognizable. At first, she'd thought the Summers had doubled back. It was then that Cynthia noticed this vessel had two nacelles connected to a small secondary hull with arching pylons. Meanwhile, the large disk was connected to the secondary hull by a thick neck. Other than those differences, the new ship looked much like the Summers had before.

"This vessel is an example of the Avenger class, a design created at the same time as the Predator class and adds a small engineering hull for longer duration mission profiles. She is the USS Dancer under the command of a refugee from the Orion Syndicate. The Orions are not Federation members; however, some of their citizens have sought refuge in the Federation and have decided to follow our way of life. The Dancer would be considered as either a destroyer leader or a light cruiser analog. It was designed to conduct long-range interdiction and to lead a team of two Predators during fleet engagements."

After a minute or so, the Dancer veered off in the same direction as the Summers had. Moments later, another vessel powered toward their ship. This time, the primary hull appeared to be much larger than the disks of the two previous ships. She had a curved, semi-saucer fore and an elongated, rectangular aft while two backward-angled pylons attached to the bottom of the hull held nacelles.

"Now, you have before you an example of the Miranda class named after Prospero's daughter in William Shakespeare's last play, the Tempest. This class is quite versatile and has been used as a supply vessel, a medical ship, a science vessel and a cruiser. This particular cruiser is the USS Edith Cowan named after an Australian pioneer of women and children's rights."

Soon, the Cowan moved off into the distance but before they knew it, another starship cruised into view. This vessel had a large, disk-shaped primary hull like the Cowan's except this one was completely round. It also had a large engineering hull connected to the primary hull by a thin-necked pylon. Underneath the engineering hull were attached two flared pylons which placed a nacelle on each side of the ship. Although the ship looked impressive, the squat appearance it had due to her nacelle placement made her seem ungainly.

"Next, is an example of the Belknap class. This particular ship is the USS Freya. Named after the Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, War, and Death, the Freya is a strike cruiser analog, designed for speed and power in missions behind enemy lines. They are designed to take a tremendous amount of punishment and are primarily warships rather than exploration vessels."

As Cynthia fervently hoped Starfleet had brought along a lot of ships like the Freya, the strike cruiser spun on its axis, stretched toward a distant star, and hurtled away in a wave of distortion. While she attempted to catch her breath after witnessing that exciting exit, another vessel moved out of the distance and closed with their ship. This time, the dish-like hull was more the size of the Predator/Avenger class ships, but the engineering hull looked more like the Belknap class ship. However, instead of having the nacelles at the end of pylons a good distance away from the engineering hull, the nacelles were tucked inside cowls below the primary hull and above the engineering hull.

"The next vessel you see before you is an Andor class missile cruiser. This vessel was designed and is entirely crewed by Andorians. The vessel is used for medium range bombardment of targets by photon torpedoes. It is, in and of itself, not an attack cruiser; rather it is a cruiser to support offensive operations in a particular threat arena. As for the missile cruiser's weapon of choice, photon torpedoes are capsules that contain matter and antimatter. When fired, the two combine and produce a large explosion known to destroy Minbari vessels." She paused momentarily to sip some water from her glass then said, "This ship is the USS José Rizal, named after the national hero of the Philippines," the Vulcan said, her Filipino pronunciation spot on.

Then, as before, the Rizal cruised into the distant darkness soon to be replaced by another ship. This one looked much like the Freya, yet it appeared to be quite graceful in comparison. Its pylons were attached to the top rear portion of the engineering hull and swept nacelles out to each side of the ship.

"For years, referred to as the 'Queen of Battle,' the Constitution class is the most celebrated starship design in Federation history. Formerly a heavy cruiser with enhanced science capabilities as well as respectable offensive abilities, an uprated power plant, better engines, improved weaponry, and judicious upgrades have converted the class into our equivalent of a battlecruiser. This example of this notable class is the USS Roberta Bondar, named after the first Canadian woman into space."

Moments later, the Bondar flew off into the eternal night of space just before another vessel closed in to take her place. This vessel appeared to be the odd duck in the bunch. This ship was composed of a saucer-shaped primary hull with two backward-angled pylons at the aft end. The pylons rose vertically from the ventral side and dorsal side and each supported two warp nacelles at each end.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what you see before you is the sister ship to the vessel of which you are now aboard. The Constellation class was named after the Constitution class starship, the USS Constellation, which was lost with all hands when she was sacrificed to save several Federation worlds from a doomsday weapon created by a long-dead, advanced alien civilization. These starships are classified as deep space explorers, capable of ten year mission durations without the requirement of starbase support. This particular ship is called the USS Hathaway. Both the Hathaway and our vessel, the Valkyrie, are fast battleships, similar in function to the twentieth century Earth's United States Navy Iowa-class battleship. Like that ancient battleship, these ships are capable of engaging hostile capital ships in sustained combat on equal terms. They are the fleet's fastest starships capable of high warp velocities without compromising combat ability or protection."

As the Hathaway spun on her axis and powered away from their ship, the largest ship they'd seen so far drew closer. Cynthia noticed that it had a huge primary hull with a large bump at the center of the dorsal side and a sensor dome at the bottom of the ventral. The saucer was attached to a backward-angled neck extending downward from the aft of the ventral side to the engineering hull, which appeared roughly tubular with a flat platform on the dorsal side; the engineering hull had some kind of glowing dish at the bow. Two nacelles were located above the engineering hull, slightly above the primary hull, supported by pylons that attached to a bulge on the top of the engineering hull that also ran to the sides, and swept upward from an angle (slightly more than 90°) to the nacelles.

"Finally, we have reached the end of the Federation portion of the pass and review." A pout formed on Cynthia's lips just then. Surprisingly, she'd actually enjoyed the Vulcan woman's presentation and found her to be quite informative and charming. Why, Cynthia had even begun to think of V'Lar as a kind of interstellar Arwen!

Now, V'Lar said, "The ship you see before you is one of the flag ships of the fleet. This ship would also be considered a battleship equivalent yet it has a larger crew complement and is longer than a Constellation class ship. I am certain that most of you recognize the lines of the Excelsior class starship. The Excelsior class is intended to become the new 'Queen of Battle' if circumstances warrant it. They are heavily armed and highly versatile exploratory cruisers. The particular vessel that is making her pass at the moment is the USS Jeanne d'Arc," the exotic alien noted with an impeccable French accent, "or, as those from English speaking nation-states refer to her as 'Joan of Arc.'"

As most of the audience gasped at the thought that Federation Earth obviously had the same heroes on that planet as had been on their own, V'Lar said, "Thank you, for your kind attention, ladies and gentlemen. Major Gemma?"

V'Lar took a step back and the smaller Klingon woman stepped forward and addressed the dignitaries. "Greetings, Earth Alliance officials. Unlike Starfleet, the Klingon Defense Force does not require equivalents in regards to our vessels." As she began her presentation, the overhead music changed from the sweeping maritime melody that had made Cynthia think of three mast sailing ships to an Asiatic-sounding melody consisting of horns, plucked strings, stirring percussion, and male voices singing a martial tune. Then she said, "Although our vessels can perform science missions when required, our starships are warships at all times."

Soon, a small avian looking spacecraft with a feather pattern on her spread wings approached the Valkyrie. "The ship you see before you is the first of our Bird of Prey models. We call her the B'rel. She is capable of planetary landings and is used for scouting, espionage, and conducting raids. In your parlance, we would call the B'rel a frigate."

As the tiny ship tilted on its side and winged off into the distance, another olive drab ship approached cautiously. It looked like a manta ray in both basic shape and color. The spread-wing primary hull, long neck and bulbous nose module made the ship look ominous.

"This vessel is the destroyer class we call the Qa'Hos. The Qa'Hos is a formidable opponent for its size and carries many disruptor arrays. She is used to shadow enemy formations and to ambush them. They usually work in threes."

As the deadly little craft turned and followed the path previously established by the B'rel, another Klingon warship cruised menacingly toward them. It looked a lot like the B'rel, but it was bigger, much, much bigger!

"That ship is the K'Vort light cruiser. She shares the same design elements with her little sister; however, the 'great wing' is a powerful warship in her own right. In comparison, the B'rel is only 120 of your meters long with a crew of 20. The K'Vort, though, is 320 meters long and carries a crew of 300 warriors. The K'Vort can challenge a Federation battlecruiser or a Romulan Warbird in glorious combat; she's that capable!"

As the K'Vort faded from view like a ghost and unsettled the Earth Alliance contingent by doing so, the major smirked but held her tongue until the next vessel came into view. Suddenly, a sense of foreboding gripped Cynthia's soul as the last ship approached. If she'd thought the Qa'Hos had looked like a manta ray, this massive vessel looked like a devil ray that had abused steroids!

"Ah, we have come to the zenith of our cruiser design," Gemma purred. "The ship you see before you is Brigadier Kerla's flag ship, the Deathgame! She is a C-7 heavy battlecruiser. Not only is she armed with scores of phasers, disruptors, and photon torpedoes, she also carries warp-capable missiles and attack shuttles. Fortunately, Deathgame has brought several of her sisters along on this expedition." Then Gemma gazed long and hard into the floating mini-cam as she growled, "I hope this message reaches the Minbari and that they have the opportunity to watch the dawn of their destruction as it draws nigh. To them, I say, wallow in your despair, you dogs, for we shall come for you shortly!"

As the wide-eyed and gobsmacked Earth Alliance people regarded the dour Klingon woman, Tynen stepped forward and said, "Thank you, Major Gemma, and thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your scrutiny of our pass and review. I am told we shall be joined shortly by Admiral Tapin, Brigadier Kerla, and Captain Sulu for refreshments. Until then, please enjoy the food. Before you do, though, let me just say the Valkyrie is one of the first starships to fully use the Federation's newest molecular synthesizer generators for food production. With it, we no longer have the need to carry our food supplies with us wherever we go. Instead, the generators create our food for us in any form we desire, from steaks to apples complete with seeds."

"Wait a minute!" Brian snapped. "Are you saying you can generate your own food from non-food stuffs?"

"Yes," Tynen said as the dignitaries approached the catered tables. "The apples and pears that you see are completely synthetic. We have their molecular patterns stored in our computers. We call up those patterns and the food is created in any manner you want. The technology is over a hundred years old, but we've refined it to the point that many people can't tell the difference between a synthetic food stuff and agriculturally grown food product. The molecular chains of the organic molecules are identical to their naturally grown counterparts. Now don't hold back; try everything! And those of you on a diet, not to worry…your secret is safe with us," he cajoled as the Earth Alliance people began to fill their plates with food while they struggled to accept both the frightening wonders of the Federation's culture and the presence of the Alpha Quadrant starships in their own backyard.

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