Pantora
Papanoida Estate
"The Federation ship is in orbit, Senator. They claim to be 'beaming' down in a moment."
"Thank you." The senator said with a grateful smile before turning to an older man. "And thank you, father for helping."
"Think nothing of it, my child."
Baron Notluwiski Papanoida was an influential figure in Coruscant affairs, a well-known intelligence provider, and lover of the performance art, and he was known to frequent the finest auditoriums and holo-entertainment venues, including the Galaxies Opera House in the Uscru Entertainment District. Papanoida fathered several children, including Ion, Che Amanwe, and Chi Eekway. Papanoida was once a humble playwright on his homeworld of Pantora, and had a number of hits that became immensely popular among his people. The success of his plays helped fund Papanoida's growing entertainment empire, and Papanoida himself became an influential trade guild baron.
He kept much of his past shrouded in mystery, so it was not known how Baron Papanoida was able to cultivate his information network that some claimed even rivaled the famed Bothan Spynet. He spent some time working in the Wroonian holodrama industry and during that period, he acquired and refurbished the Rainhawk-class transport Falfa. Due to the numerous contacts, he had made over the years, he was up to date on all important galaxy affairs.
The news of the ship from a new galaxy crippling three Trade Federation ships being one of them.
It hadn't taken long for news to spread all over the galaxy what had happened at Naboo, between the complaints of the Trade Federation senator and aides about the loss of three battleships in what had been only a trade dispute between their organization and the Naboo and Supreme Chancellor sharing all that he knew about the event and the visitors. For the last few months, contact had been limited between this new galaxy and Naboo until word had spread of an embassy being built on Naboo and Coruscant followed by first contacts being made with planets such as planets Alderaan, Mandalore, Chandrila and Corelia with the possibility of an embassy existing on these planets as well. The Pantoran Assembly had been in debate whether or not to make contact with this ship representing this new galaxy called the Milky Way.
Finally, Pantora's own Senator made contact with Naboo, forwarding an invite to the ship called Enterprise to open a dialogue with the Pantoran Assembly.
The Senator being Papanoida's own daughter, Chi Eekway.
As a young and impetuous Pantoran, Senator Chi Eekway Papanoida's sphere of control included areas of space dominated by unallied trader guilds that often stretched the limits of Republic law. She learned valuable lessons trying to govern citizens who cherished their frontier spirit. It spoke well of her skills to have earned the respect of a people well known for their disdain for government. Her devotion to Wroonian spirituality was visible in details found in the ornate molf-tasseled overcloak she wore and helped her earn support and respect.
Chi's near-supernatural levels of empathy helped her quell even the most contentious of political disputes. Perhaps her tenure during a time when an overriding Republic was drawing power away from the individual sectors colored the views of her fiercely independent constituents. For her exposure to a rough-and-tumble culture of law-benders, Chi learned the art of the bluff and a diplomatic style more confrontational than the usual measured approaches found in the Senate. In heated exchanges, she has even been known to drop veiled hints at the power her allies could bring to a dispute.
It was she who brought the news of the first contacts being made with the new galaxy and suggested Pantora should do the same, believing it would help give them a proper understanding of this new galaxy and perhaps expand Pantora's own sphere of contacts and resources. In addition to the information on the Enterprise, she had learned that Naboo was in talks to begin trade negotiations with the state on the other side of the wormhole leading to this new galaxy, the United Federation of Planets and possibly petition for membership. A chance to form new trade with an entirely new galaxy would be a boon for the Naboo, especially after the Republic Senate had been of no help during the blockade by the Trade Federation.
Papanoida had agreed with his daughter, believing that a chance should be examined and soon enough the rest of the Assembly had agreed. He had even allowed them to act as hosts to the newcomers here in their estate, believing they would be less on guard and more open with them than they would in the middle of the assembly.
"I don't like meeting these people here. We should be having it in the assembly where they can be monitored."
Of course, not everyone was on board with the idea as Papanoida and his family was.
"Chairman, we've been over this." Chi stated, lowering her cup of tea. "The best way to understand these new people would be in a place where they would not feel the need to act official at all times. In a place of comfort and welcome, they will be more inclined to reveal their true intentions."
"And if their intentions are hostile? You could very well be leading us all into a trap."
Chi Cho was the exalted ruler of the Pantoran people and the Supreme Chairman of Pantora, the principal moon of the Pantora system, elected through democratic means. Cho had an extremely strong sense of patriotism and did not hesitate to go into battle for his planet or the Republic. This would be considered admirable; however, he was also very arrogant. As the Supreme Chairman, Cho also served his people under the nominal title of Exalted Ruler.
Motivated by the instability that led various other worlds to fall to force of arms, Cho promoted Pantora's military capabilities and colonialist structure, including the treatment of the uninhabited Orto Plutonia as a protectorate. He also maintained ties to the Galactic Republic, a galaxy-wide government in which Pantora had representation in the Galactic Senate. Cho was a steadfast defender of Pantora's interests, but he became ruthless in his beliefs and patriotism through his long years of service. Seeing the downfall of hundreds of worlds around him to violent force made him a staunch war hawk, disinterested in diplomatic work or finding peaceful solutions to conflict.
As much as Papanoida respect the Chairman, he knew that Cho had little consideration for Pantora's allies, seeing the Republic and the Jedi Order as nothing more than tools of blunt force.
Moon only knows what he considers these…outsiders to be.
Papanoida's thoughts were disrupted by a strange sound and before him and his family's eyes, six pillars of light appeared before.
"Ah!" Chairman Cho responded with a shocked cry, taking out his personal pistol as the lights faded to reveal Admiral Kirk, Commodore April, Spock, and, to the surprise of the Pantorans, a blue skinned white humanoid with twin antennae like structures sprouting from the temples of his head, seemingly lacking eyebrows dressed in the same manner of uniform as the others.
Kirk raised an eyebrow at the sight of Cho pointing his pistol at them with widened eyes and a gaping mouth and raised his hands. "I'm Admiral James T. Kirk of the Enterprise. We sent word we would be beaming down to your location."
"Yes, of course." Senator Chi immediately stood up, throwing a look at Cho to put his pistol away which he reluctantly did so.
"I apologize for the surprise, but I was under the assumption that you had been informed of our transporters well in advance." Kirk stated, glancing to Chi. "I take it you are Senator Chi Papanoida."
"Yes, I am. Admiral." Chi nodded her head politely and gestured to her father. "This is my father, Notluwiski Papanoida."
Papanoida made a formal bow.
"My sister, Che."
Che was next, offering own bow.
"My older brother, Ion."
Ion folded his hands behind his back, presenting himself as an officer and bodyguard.
"And this is our Chairman Chi Cho."
Cho said nothing, offering only a critical gaze to Kirk and the new arrivals.
"We welcome you to Pantora." Chi finished her introduction. "May your stay here be a pleasant one, no matter how brief."
"Kind words, Senator." Kirk gestured to Robert. "May I introduce Commodore Robert April, our current ambassador."
"Senator." Robert greeted kindly.
"My science officer, Mr. Spock."
Spock raised his hand and offered the signature Vulcan salute. "I wish you and your family peace and long life."
Chi raised an eyebrow but offered a smile all the same. "As do I, Mr. Spock."
"My medical officer, Dr. McCoy."
"Senator." McCoy cordially stated.
"And finally, Shantherin th'Clane, senior exo-biologist." Kirk finished his introduction to the blue skinned officer who offered a bow.
"Greetings."
"You… look much like us." Ion admitted, having been as surprised as the other Pantorans.
The only difference was the forehead and the hair. If not for that, they would have sworn they were looking at another Pantoran.
"I am Andorian from the planet Andoria, one of the four founding members of the Federation." Shantherin stated politely, if not a bit stoically. "We learned that Pantorans shared a similar look with my people and Admiral Kirk asked me to join the landing party, to help put everyone at ease."
"I see." Papanoida stated with an intrigued look on his face. "In any case Admiral, we bid thee welcome to Pantora. If you'll follow me, we'll bring this to our conference room."
The Pantorans lead the Starfleet officers to a briefing room with snacks and drinks already prepared at the table.
"I hope you'll find our food to your liking. We share enough similarities with humans in our galaxy that we enjoy the same kind of food. Though I am not sure if the same can be said for Mr. Spock's species." Chi said as she sat down, followed by the rest. "I apologize for our unfamiliarity."
"I am a Vulcan, Senator." Spock replied. "Logic dictates that taking offence would be unnecessary."
"I see." Chi replied. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."
"Thank you, Senator." Robert said once seated. "I am sure we will have much to learn from each other."
"So as long as our people are granted access to your ship to ensure you are not a threat to the people of Pantoran." Chairman Cho cut in.
Robert glanced to the chairman. "That is acceptable. We can provide access to our history and information on member species."
Cho scowled. "And there will be no restrictions?"
"Aside from records on Starfleet's strength and defenses there's nothing to hide." Robert calmly replied.
The look from Cho told Robert that was not an acceptable answer, but Papanoida cut in. "That is of course reasonable, Ambassador. In the meantime, we are looking forward to learning more about you and your galaxy."