Pantora
Papanoida Estate

"So Andoria is a frozen moon?"

Dinner had been peaceful with plenty of conversation thrown back. The topic that came up the most was the subject of Andoria and its people, given how similar they looked to Pantorans.

"Yes, in orbit of Andoria Prime." Shantherin answered Senator Chi's question.

"Is it an ice planet or is it more like ours? Perhaps a reverse of Orto Plutonia, our own planet." Chi asked curiously.

"No, I'm afraid not." Shantherin shook his head. "It's a gas giant."

"I see." Chi replied. "And your people are one of the founding members of the Federation?"

"Yes, alongside Mr. Spock's people, the Vulcan and the Humans of planet Earth and the Tellarites." Shantherin answered politely.

"And you are a xeno-biologist." Chi's sister spoke next.

"Yes. It's a biological science direct to studying living organisms." Shantherin nodded, somewhat uncomfortable and it was shown by how his antennae would curl.

"I think you've taken enough of his time, girls." Papanoida cut in gently, amused at his daughters looking slightly embarrassed. "I apologize Lieutenant Shantherin. I see the fact that you look so much like us has left us all rather curious."

Shantherin simply nodded. "It's no bother. Granted, being part of a diplomatic party is not my specialty I am proud to represent my people and the Federation in this new galaxy."

McCoy commented with a smile. "Curiosity is never a bad thing, Mr. Papanoida. We knew ahead of time that Pantorans looked similar to Andorians. Lieutenant Shantherin might not be an ambassador, but we asked him to come along to help put everyone at ease. Sorry for the surprise."

"Oh, we had similar reasons to invite you here instead of the assembly." Papanoida stated. "We thought you'd more at ease in our home, rather than surrounded by the politicians of the assembly. Likely to make you more open with us."

"Politics, ever the same no matter the universe." McCoy shook his head.

"And what do you hope for us to be open about, Mr. Papanoida?" Robert asked.

"The truth is, Ambassador as a Baron, I have connections and contacts stretching from here all the way to Coruscant. Our people are independent and proud and though we are considered part of the Republic, it's only so we can maintain our independence and way of life." Papanoida stated. "Now, for the first time ever, a new galaxy with new people has arrived quite literally on our doorstep and you've possibly changed everything we've believed in. The chances are a great many things are likely to change and I would like to see how what possible changes this could bring to our world before too much happens."

"Are you stating that the people of Pantora are open to accepting diplomacy with us?" Robert questioned.

"That depends on what you are hoping to gain from us." Chairman Cho cut in.

"We're explorers, Mr. Chairman. The only thing we would ask is a complete understanding of your people's history and culture. Maybe even a chance to do a little exploring around your system since this is a brand-new galaxy for us." Kirk answered.

"And what would you gain from accessing our people's long history?" Cho asked with a critical gaze.

"Aside from knowledge, nothing." Kirk answered. "As I said, we're explorers and our most important law is that every planet, whether they join us or wish to simply maintain diplomatic relations has the right to self-govern."

"Our Prime Directive, Mr. Chairman." Spock respectfully cut in. "It forbids the direct intervention into any non-Federation planet or culture."

The Chairman glanced at Spock, saying nothing before sitting back in his chair. "And what would we gain in return?"

"What would you hope to gain?" Robert asked. "Do you want access to our history and culture? Well, cultures, I should say since we are made up of more than one species. Mr. Spock's people, the Vulcans are a race of logic and rationality while Lieutenant Shantherin's people, the Andorians are a race duty and honor."

"All which would be very useful to know." Senator Chi stated.

Cho, however, did not seem impressed. "I'm more interested in learning what can be used to protect our planet and people. And what would you ask in return? How much would we be made to pay for anything you offer?"

"Nothing since Federation does not utilize money in its economy." Robert answered.

That seemed to cause the Pantorans to pause, looking at Robert in surprise.

"You don't use money?" Ion asked.

"We do have a form of currency such as energy credits along with gold pressed latinum however it is mostly used for dealing with colonies, corporate entities and species not part of the Federation." Robert admitted with a small smile. "We do deal in trade for raw materials that some races might not have access to. Starfleet's primary mission is one of exploration, we don't seek to conquer anyone or force anyone to compensate us in any form of trade."

"But as you have pointed out, knowledge can be very useful." Papanoida stated.

"A tour of our vessel could perhaps give you some ideas on you could want in exchange." Kirk stated. "And perhaps you could show us around your system."

"I believe that would be a great idea, Admiral." Chi stated. "I am curious to see a ship that was able to cripple three battleships."

"That's a bit of exaggeration, Senator. We didn't so much cripple as we overloaded their computer systems." Kirk admitted. "And we had help from the Naboo people."

"Maybe so, but until now no one believed that the droid armies used by the Nemoidians could be disabled in such a way outside of an ion pulse." Papanoida stated with a small smile. "You will find that there is no shortage of people who dislike Nemoidians, especially those who are in the Trade Federation. They're a cowardly and greedy species that prides itself on wealth and possessions above all else. Our own people have trade agreements but it's at arm's length at best."

"I got that impression when I met Viceroy Gunray during the Naboo crises, myself." Kirk admitted. "Unfortunately, there's many people similar to him and his people, even in our galaxy."

"In any case, I think a tour of your ship and our system would be an excellent idea. I am sure I can speak for all present Pantorans, that those transporter devices of yours are amazing. Just how exactly do they work?" Chi asked.

"It breaks down your structure at the quantum level, beams it to another location and reassembles your molecules at the location." Kirk answered, noting that the surprised and slightly fearful looks on the Pantorans. "It's quite harmless and painful. We've had the technology for nearly over a hundred years and we've refined to the point it's perfectly safe."

"And has it ever been used as a weapon?" Cho spoke, finding the idea of his molecules being torn apart and reassembled outright terrifying.

"There have been a few occasions, mostly to transport a bomb during the heat of battle when an opportunity but that was long ago." Kirk admitted.

"It's okay if you're nervous. I don't exactly like it either but I find the idea of being stuck in a shuttle where you have limited breathing room and where something could go wrong and you end getting sucked into the vacuum of space more nerve racking than the transporter." McCoy grumbled.

"You'd have a better chance of being killed by lightning than a shuttle or transporter incident, Doctor." Spock stated.

"Spare me, Spock."

Kirk made a small smile as he turned to the Pantorans. "It's completely optional. You can try the transporter, or we can take a ship up to our shuttle bay."

The Pantorans all seemed to share a look, considering Kirk's offer for a moment before Chi made the surprising gesture of stepping forward. "I will try."

"Chi!" Ion gasped.

"Given that they appeared here with their transporter device it's obvious they are confident, Ion." Chi stated, glancing at her brother. "It would be fair of us to give it a try."

"I must protest." Cho stepped forward. "No matter how much they claim it to be safe, we cannot trust the words of strangers that such a device is safe, especially when its being offered to our own senator. I will not abide by this method of transportation."

"Then don't but I volunteer myself all the same." Chi replied calmly. "Father, I will not ask anyone to join me but I ask that you please trust me to try. This is why we asked them to come here after all."

Papanoida looked between his daughter and the Starfleeters. "I do trust you, my daughter. Which is why I chose to join you." He stepped up next to his daughter. "Risk or not, I will stand by my family all the same."

"You can-" Cho protested but was cut off.

"Then I will as well." Che stepped forward, standing next to her sister.

Ion looked cautious but joined them as well. "I will join as well. At the very least, I cannot stand by and allow my sisters to tease me for being afraid."

His sisters looked amused while Cho was flabbergasted. "Papanoida, this is madness."

"Madness seems to be an ongoing theme these days, Chairman. We'll contact you from orbit." Papanoida stated, glancing to Kirk who took out his communicator.

"Kirk to Enterprise."

"Sulu here, Captain."

"We are beaming up with four Pantoran delegates. Lock onto the life signs next to us and energize." Kirk instructed.

"Aye sir."

A second after he put his communicator away, the landing part and the four Pantorans vanished into beams of blue light. Cho was left gaping while the family servants watched in awe.

Pantora
Orbit
USS Enterprise
Transporter Room

The Pantorans barely had time to blink as the light of the transporter overtook them and the next they knew, they were standing on the transporter pad.

"I…I…" Chi looked down at herself to make sure she was all right and then looked to her father and brothers. "I didn't feel a thing."

"Neither did I." Che spoke next, a giddy smile on her face as she looked around. "This is incredible."

"Welcome aboard the Enterprise." Kirk had already stepped off the transporter pad with his officers, facing the Pantorans with a smile. "You might not be the first in the galaxy to try our transporter, but you are now the first Pantorans to do so."

"Amazing…" Ion muttered with an awestruck look on his face. "And this is normal in your galaxy."

"Well, almost all advanced races we've met have a form of transporter technology." Kirk admitted. "The Naboo people were surprised as well but they got used to it very quickly. So, perhaps I can interest you in a tour."

"Perhaps I should be the tour guide, Jim." Robert suggested. "You and your officers head up to the bridge and assure the Chairman that the Papanoida family is unharmed."

Kirk glanced at Robert who nodded. "Good idea. If you'll excuse me."

Kirk left the transporter room, followed by Spock and McCoy.

Shantherin turned to the Pantorans and nodded respectfully. "I have to return to my duties as well, Senator."

"Of course." Chi nodded. "But would you be willing to tell us more about your people should we meet again?"

"I would be. You can find me during break time in the recreation room." Shantherin admitted. "Your people do seem act close to mine. I am sure they will be interested in hearing more."

With that, Shantherin left the room.

"Well, shall we begin our tour?" Robert gestured.

Bridge

Kirk and Spock exited the turbo-lift and walked onto the bridge where Sulu immediately vacated the captain's chair. "Admiral on the bridge."

"As you were. I just came back from a diplomatic dinner so I think we can skip formalities, Mr. Sulu." Kirk rubbed his head as he walked over to his chair. "Has anything happened while we were away?"

"Nothing much except for one thing." Sulu answered.

"Oh?"

"Admiral," Uhura spoke up from her station. "The chairman of Pantora has been on the comm channel for the last ten minutes, demanding what we have done with the Papanoida family. He seems distressed, sir."

"There was a bit of a culture shock." Kirk admitted with a small smile. "We just introduced transporters to the Pantorans and the Papanoida family were the first to give it a try. The Chairman was…a little nervous."

Spock raised an eyebrow. "Indeed, Admiral."