The Captain's daydreaming was abruptly stopped by the Operations Officer, Ensign Valdago. "Captain, we're being hailed from the surface."
The viewscreen showed the face of a male Jem'Hadar that also had hair. He held it short and brushed back. Lt. Lataro was taken back by the sight of the Jem'Hadar, but he said nothing.
"Welcome to Denmar IV, Captain Maruu. We have a welcome party set up at the surface. I am sure you will enjoy it here."
I bet you do, Lataro thought. As the captain was talking, Lt. Lataro conducted a series of scans of the planet's surface. He noticed that the whole environment was comparable to Riza. Beautiful hillsides, rolling waves, and moderate climates; natural. He also noticed that there were no climate control machines. These were completely natural. Immediately, Jon began to think about a romantic picnic for him and K'Lara. Captain Maruu bowed his head in respect.
"Thank you, sir. What am I to call you?"
"I am Major General Pemon. You, however, are a guest and may call me by my first name: Etik. May I call you Stephen?"
"Of course."
"Thank you. You may have as many of your crew as you like come to our planet to enjoy themselves. You are our guests of the Jeorri. We know how you have been attacked by the Kirusans, and we wish to help. We wish to create an alliance." Pemon bowed his head.
He seems nice enough. But I wonder... Lataro thought.
Maruu approved. "You are very kind. Some of my crew and I will transport to the surface at once." He closed the link and began to leave. "Commander, you have the Bridge. The rest of you, you have the day off."
Maruu began to leave the Bridge when he was stopped by Lt. Lataro. "Sir, those were Jem'Hadar!"
"No, Lieutenant. They were Jeorri. As far as we know, the Dominion never told us where they got the genetic code to make the Jem'Hadar. The Jeorri may be the missing link. We have to find out what we can."
"Very well, sir. I would like, however, to send down a few small survey teams intermixed with a small security contingent. It is protocol. I don't really like the idea of you beaming down there first, but for first contact, it makes sense. However, I will be accompanying you."
"Really, Lieutenant?"
"Aye, sir. After all you do want your best man don't you?"
"Maybe so."
"Maybe, sir?" Captain Maruu and Lt. Lataro headed for the transporter room. On their way, the Captain agreed to the survey teams, but he instructed Lataro to be discreet. They were guests on the planet, and they didn't want to prove hostile to the Jeorri. However, the contingent was a good idea. They might as well get as much information as possible.
"Ensign Garza," Lt. Lataro opened a com line.
[This is Ensign Garza. Go ahead, sir.]
"Ensign Garza, there are to be no teams to beam to the surface until the Captain and I return." Lataro said into his com badge.
[Understood.] Lt. Lataro hopped on to the transporter pad. "Sir, whenever you're ready."
"Very well Lieutenant. Chief, energize." Captain Maruu ordered.