As the doors to the antechamber closed
behind the representatives of the Valarian government and their Starfleet counterparts,
a large, reverberating echo was heard throughout the palace. Commander Kira
Markos, Lt. Commander Tyran Nige and Ensign Dinara Jin were in the process of
completing a First Contact mission to the Valarian government, and were now
the recipients of a semi-private audience with the King of the Valarian monarchy,
King Purol.
Once the doors to the antechamber were closed, King Purol sat down on a small
couch in the middle of the room, and motioned for the three officers to sit
down nearby on another couch to his left. "So, what did you think of our
little ceremony, Commander?" asked Purol as he made himself more comfortable
on the couch he was sitting on.
"Quite a lot of pomp and circumstance, your majesty. I must admit, it reminded me of the history of ancient Earth in the Medieval Ages." Replied Kira in the most diplomatic tone he could muster as he sat down where the King had indicated.
"We have always strove to preserve our customary way of life in the face of our advancing technology. It reminds us of who we were, and affirms who we are today. But, let us get down to business, Commander. As you know, I have expressed an interest in allowing Valaria to become a member of the Federation. However, I do have some questions regarding what that membership will cost, in terms of manpower and resources, and what benefits will be gained from the joining."
"Those are excellent questions, Sir, and I will try to answer them to the best of my abilities." Replied Kira as he took a moment to gather his thoughts. "In reply to the first portion of your question, there will be very little required from your people in terms of manpower and/or resources. We would require that a member of your court represent your government's interests by taking a seat on the Federation Council that is located on Earth. Also, we would like to invite interested members of your society to enroll in Starfleet Academy, where they would be dispersed throughout the Federation's active Starbases, Ships, and Outposts. Third, and finally, we would begin the process of sharing our respective technologies."
"And what would be given to the Valarian government in return?" questioned Elsie, who stood behind the King.
"Some of the benefits gained will be a result of the sharing of technologies, and increased opportunities for your people to explore the galaxy along with the Federation. But the main thing that will be gained is our protection from hostile forces, assistance in times of natural disaster, and support in research and scientific advancement. As citizens of the Federation, your people, and planet, will have the protection and benefits of being part of a multi-world government, with all of the resources available to you in times of need." Replied Kira to the question, as he concentrated on keeping eye contact with Minister Elsie during his entire brief response.
"So what you are saying is that the Federation is a cooperative effort among different worlds with the goal of sharing of resources in order to help all to survive." Surmised King Purol.
"That is correct, Sir," replied Nige, "Separated, we are merely isolated worlds, each trying to preserve what is our own; but united we work together to maintain and improve each of our worlds."
"There is much to discuss prior to our decision to proceed with the joining of our governments, however, I believe that this joining will benefit both of our parties." Said Purol as he rose from his chair. "For now, let us dismiss these proceedings for today, and let us begin again in the morning. I believe that it has been a long day for you and your crew, Commander, you must require some rest."
"Yes, it is rather late, Sir. Some rest would be appreciated." Said Kira as he, Nige and Dinara rose from their seats as well.
"Very well then, we shall begin the formal negotiations tomorrow morning. But until then, one more ceremony is required. If you will accompany me to the main chamber once again."
"Of course, Sir." Replied Dinara.
As the King walked ahead of the rest of the group back toward the doors that they had entered moments ago, Nige took this moment to get Kira's attention. "Kira, once this ceremony is complete, we need to check in with Captain Evans and report our progress to him."
"Thank you for reminding me, Tyran, we'll contact Evans as soon as it is socially acceptable."
As they entered the great hall once again, the three officers noticed that another ceremony was prepared for their return. King Purol moved towards his throne and sat down with the help of his attendants in preparation for the days' closing ceremony.
As Nige looked around the great hall to admire the architecture and designs of the palace, something caught his attention. Out of the corner of his vision, Nige noticed a strange, jittery motion. As he slowly turned his attention toward the strange motion, he saw one of the courtiers "flicker" like a glitch in a holodeck character. He watched as the courtier slowly raised an arm toward the direction of the King, and he noticed that a standard Federation type two phaser was in his hand.
Acting quickly, Nige nudged Kira and simply shouted, "Protect the King!"
Blindly responding to Nige's shout, Kira threw up an energy shield around the King just in time to avoid a blast from the courtier's phaser. Realizing that the blast was deflected, the assassin tried to run toward the palace exit amidst the shouts and rabble of the frightened court. Nige was already in pursuit at this point, and was nearly on top of the assassin. Suddenly the assassin turned in defence and aimed a blast toward Nige. The blast dissipated around Nige as it hit another one of Kira's energy shields. *Thank the Prophets Kira was watching!*
In turning around to fire a shot at Nige, the assassin lost some of his momentum, which allowed Nige to tackle him square in the chest. The force from Nige's blow jilted the phaser out of the assassins grasp, and toward Dinara. She had noticed the assassin as well, and was right behind Nige. Picking up the phaser, she aimed it squarely at the assassin and calmly said, "I wouldn't move if I were in your shoes."
Realizing that he was caught, the assassin lost the will to fight, and allowed Nige to drag him to his feet. As the palace guard surrounded the three outsiders, Kira made his way toward the centre of the circle of guards.
"Just who are you, and why were you trying to harm the King." Said Kira.
The assassin was silent, refusing to give away any information. It was at this moment that King Purol made his way to the centre of the proceedings.
"Who is this man?" asked the King.
"I'm not sure, Sire," said Elsie as she entered the growing circle, "I don't recognize him."
"And you won't recognize him with this costume on." Said Nige as he forcefully wrenched the assassins' arm behind his back. "He would have got away with harming you, Sir, if his costume had not 'flickered.' He's wearing a holographic costume."
"I can fix that." Said Kira as he moved his hand toward the assailant. A small blue energy ball formed in his hand that suspended itself a couple of inches above his palm. "Move aside Nige."
Nige complied by releasing the arms
of the assailant, and moved to a safe distance. As soon as Nige was clear of
the assassin, Kira released the ball of energy and let it fly toward the assassin
on a collision course. The assailant tried to duck, but the energy ball hit
him squarely in the chest and shoulder, causing his holographic disguise to
short circuit and slowly disintegrate. Once all the vestiges of the costume
had disappeared, all that was left was the figure of a Romulan spy.