“Greetings, Captain Sarrik.” The Dolmari crossed its arms over its chest, hands touching the opposite shoulder and gave a slight bow. “This one is Ssumadi, of the Kastarran Council. This one’s companions are Tiktikit, also of the Council, and Xahkto, Minister of Resources. We welcome you to Dolmark.”

Reva introduced her officers, returning the bow. The Dolmari stood around four feet tall. They were a stocky species, with broad, blunted muzzles. Their pebbled, leathery skin came in shades of browns and green-browns. Wispy hair contrasted with the reptilian look.

Reva took in her surroundings. A fountain burbled in the middle of a broad sunbaked courtyard. Pockets of shade were created by colorful eye-catching swathes of thin cloth stitched together and roped to carved stelae. The archaeologist in Reva itched to learn more about them. Did the carvings represent myths? History?

Buildings of stone surrounded the courtyard, the largest to the north. Despite the natural building materials, Reva caught glimpses of tech. But that tech? It merged near seamlessly with the natural environs.

As it should be.

Reva frowned, pushing the random thought away. She groaned inwardly as the headache that often accompanied these stray thoughts started up behind her right eye. A frisson of guilt and apology ghosted through her mind, as alien as the headache thoughts were.

“If your survey team would be so kind as to follow this one, we will bring them to the Colraak dilithium mines,” Xahkto said.

“Of course, Minister.” Reva nodded to Lt. Marin, head of the trio of engineers. Two of Faarn’s security officers accompanied them. “Lieutenant, check in with Commander ap Gareth every hour.”

“Yessir.” Marin and her group dutifully trailed after Xahkto.

Ssumadi and its companions led the rest of the group to the large, northern building.

Inside, Ssumadi headed down a corridor. The walls and ceiling tightened, turning to a snug tunnel. Dim lights were set at regular intervals, brightening slightly as the Dolmari passed by. Intricate mosaics in shades of brown, black, white and green covered the floors throughout the complex, breathtaking in their intricacy.

The tunnel widened to a small circular chamber, joining three other tunnels. As Ssumadi led them deeper in, Reva took note of the various twists and turns. While this was a diplomatic mission, and thus they shouldn’t need to worry about making a quick escape, the Captain always preferred to know all her options. No doubt Faarn was doing the same. The Tellarite security chief took her job very seriously.

The group came to a rounded cul-de-sac. Five doors fanned out around it. Carvings of vines and flowers covered the doors. The tiling along the floor branched out, weaving a pattern of vines and rose-like flowers along the edge. Curiously, tiny doors were inset to the inside of the ones closest to the tunnel hallway.

Ssumadi entered the middle-most door, largest of the five. Inside, several more Dolmari sat along one half of a round table. Others, larger and more muscular, lined the wall behind them. Clearly guards of some sort, these Dolmari had narrower, taper muzzles. As the Starfleet officers entered, the Dolmari at the table rose to greet them.

“This one is pleased to introduce the Kastarran Council, Captain,” Ssumadi said. As the Dolmari named each, they bowed to the Starfleet group. Reva returned the bow, introducing her own people in turn.

“We are honoured to be here,” Reva said, “and hope a beneficial trade agreement can be reached.”

“As do we.” Ssumadi gestured to the table. “Please, be seated. Refreshments will arrive soon, and we may begin.”

Reva and her crew took their seats around the other half of the circular table. As they settled, Dolmari attendants brought out platters laden with unfamiliar fruits and beverages, their scents mingling in the air, a delicate blend of sweet and tangy. Other platters contained cheeses and thin crackers with black flecks.

The conversation started with pleasantries, Ssumadi’s voice soothing and rhythmic, easing them into the discussion. Yet, beneath the surface, Reva sensed an undercurrent of tension—a hesitation that was masked with practiced skill by the Dolmari diplomats.

“As you are aware, the Dolmari have remained isolated for quite some time,” Tiktikit began, his voice solemn. “Yet, the growth of the Federation intrigues us. We are eager to explore the possibilities of mutual benefit.”

“The Federation values the unique contributions of every culture. We’ve seen how sharing resources and knowledge can strengthen bonds and ensure prosperity,” Reva replied.

As she spoke, Reva could not shake the feeling of scrutiny by more than just the Council and guards. her instincts sharpened by years of diplomacy and exploration.

Reva’s ears picked up someone entering behind her. A huge guard slipped by, bowing low to Tiktikit. Irritation flickered across the council member‘s face, but he waved the guard forward. The guard crouched down, whispering a sibilant message to Tiktikit that had all of the council members exchanged glances. A flash of unease flickered through Reva’s mind.

“Please excuse my disrespect, Captain, but a family matter has come up that I must attend to personally,” Tiktikit rumbled.

Reva stood with the Dolmari, returning his low bow with equal gravitas.

“One must tend their family,” Reva replied. “There is no disrespect there, Councilor.”

Ssumadi continued the conversation, as Tiktikit slipped away with the guard.

“We are interested in trade with the Federation, Captain, but we have reservations as to how much of a disruption frequent offworlder visits would be. And if your technology can be fully adapted to our world. We prefer it to be as unobtrusive as possible.”

“I understand your reticence, Councilor. I did notice how nearly invisible your technology is. Impressive,” Reva gave Ssumadi a faint smile. “I have little doubt that our engineers, and yours, can find a common ground.”

An hour in, an attendant placed a small, ornate device on the table, Ssumadi offering a brief explanation.

“This device projects a map of our mining operations. Please, feel free to examine it as we continue our discussions.”

Reva leaned in, examining the intricate projection. The map was detailed, showing not just several mines but how the surrounding mining camps blended with the ecosystems. It was clear the environment was important to the Domari. They had invested significantly to maintain harmony between industry and environment.

“Which mine is Colraak?” Reva asked.

“This one, Captain.” Ssumadi pointed to one of the larger mines, quite a distance from them.

As Reva studied the map, a familiar sensation washed over her—another fleeting memory not her own, like a shadow skittering across the edges of her consciousness. She felt a brief pressure, invisible fingers pressing against her mind, and then it was gone, leaving her with just the murmur of council discussion, the hint of a headache, and vague unease.

Despite the apparent cooperation and shared interests, Reva’s instincts whispered caution. There were layers to the Dolmari intentions—something unspoken yet tangible waiting to surface. As the first meeting drew to a close, commitments were made to continue talks, and the Dolmari extended an invitation to explore more of Dolmark in the days to come. Reva rose with the others, offering farewell with carefully worded pleasantries. The Colraak mines were a significantly rich source of dilithium, not to mention several smaller mines containing parsteel.

As they departed the council building, Reva turned to Kaalir.

“I’m interested in what Marin and Ch’shraonness have to say about the mines.”

A loud buzzing sound stalled Kaalir’s response. Reva had barely a moment to register a flight of cat- sized dragonflies heading towards them. The relentless drone of dragonfly wings filled the air, their metallic sheen glinting ominously in the dim light.

BACK INSIDE

Reva echoed the inner voice and turned, forcibly pushing her young protege ahead of her. Her charge gathered up Faarn and Ssumadi, pushing them back into the building. The Dolmari and Starfleet security officers that had preceded them out of the building had drawn weapons and were firing at the determined insects, but there were too many. Two more flights entered under the colourful canopy, surrounding bigger dragonflies with six wings.

Amid sounds of phaser fire, Reva heard sounds of metal falling to the ground. She turned to see another dragonfly go down in a shower of sparks and metal. Then phaser fire hit one of the larger bugs and her world erupted into an inferno.

Unbidden, Reva’s hands slammed against the open doorway. Pain ripped through her head as a surge of energy zinged down her arms. Her jaws locked and body went rigid as a blue forcefield shimmered over the doorway, cutting off the hellacious flames as another dragonfly exploded. Reva stood frozen against the door, somehow keeping the forcefield over the opening. She could feel each pulse of energy sustaining it, draining her, leaving a trail of fiery pain in its wake. Where this ability came from was a mystery- a gift and curse wrapped in one.

As the flames subsided to pockets in the courtyard, Reva sagged against the wall. The bluish forcefield faded as her hands fell away. Reva’s heart pounded as she processed the chaos outside.

Her mind raced with thoughts of her crew’s safety, and the implications for their mission. She realized the attack wasn’t just a threat to their lives but to the delicate negotiations with the Dolmari. This disruption could set back diplomatic relations, if not derail them altogether. Beneath that, slow anger that wasn’t entirely Reva’s, began to simmer at the audacity of the attack.

“Captain!” Faarn pushed her way forward, catching Reva as she slid bonelessly to the ground. The streaks of fire down her arms was fading, but her head felt like an ax had been buried deep behind her right eye.

“I’m fine.” Reva coughed, wincing at the spikes of pain through her head. “Check the others. Outside.”

Faarn nodded, dashing into the courtyard now littered with metallic dragonfly parts, and bloody organic parts. The acrid stench of burnt circuits mixed with the coppery tang of blood and burning flesh, creating a nauseating cocktail that clogged Reva’s nose. Something Reva knew from experience would take a long time to fade away.

As the echo of the explosions faded, Reva steadied herself, drawing a deep breath and clearing her mind as she reached for her communicator

“Reva to Cardiff.” Reva coughed again. “We need a medical team down here. Beam the mining team back up.”

“Aye, Captain. Will do,” Gareth’s voice was tense. “Everything be good down there? Shall we beam your team up as well?”

“Far from good, Commander. We’ve been attacked. Everything is under control here, for the moment.”

“Attacked, Captain?” Gareth growled out. “We should–”

Reva heard voices in the background, interrupting the Commander.

“Captain, we can’t beamt he mine team up. They’re shielded against transport.”