When the USS Cardinal dropped from warp between the systems of Setu and Theta-Khamor, the crew found the Akaru vessel already waiting for them. On the viewscreen it appeared as a slender yellow shape built around an elongated central body. Its aft section swept back into a high, finlike tail. A band of sensor nodes could be seen beneath that raised structure. A single nacelle slung underneath the main body flashed lights that glowed like green embers. A large, illuminated collector housed within the sculpted metal capsule formed the brightest verdant light.

Moments later, Captain Raku, Commander Smythe, and Counselor Ikastrul Zaa dematerialized from the bridge and rematerialized inside the forward meeting room. The space had been chosen specifically as a comfortable spot for first contact discussions. Rich, figured woods lined the walls. Finely-tuned lighting highlighted the flame maple grain beneath the thinly-dyed finish of the long table. A curving bank of windows displayed the slow drift of dust and stars outside like a mural painted in motion.

Two Akaru beamed into the room next. Praetu, dressed in bronze-toned robes, stepped forward first. His skin matched the warm metallic hue of his garments. The round, bowl-shaped sweep of his hair appeared deep maple in color. It framed large copper irises set a bit wider apart than those of most humanoids the crew encountered. Deszta wore her golden hair in neat braids tied back and resting just below her shoulders. Light brown skin and striking green eyes gave her sculpted facial features an exotic appearance.

“Captain Raku,” Praetu said, voice smooth and resonant. “Commander Smythe. Counselor Zaa. I greet you on behalf of the Akaru’bak, the governing fellowship of our world.”

“We’re honored to host you aboard the Cardinal,” Raku replied with a respectful incline of his head. His dark, earnest eyes flicked briefly to Zaa. She turned from him to bow as she smiled towards the pair.

Praetu gestured gracefully to the seats around the central table. The group took their seats across the table from each other. “I serve among the Akaru’bak as chief researcher and envoy. Deszta of the Red Hills accompanies me as our cultural liaison. Together, we represent our people in matters concerning this region and the emerging uncertainties around interstellar diplomacy.”

Deszta offered a small smile. “Our ship, the B’elle VI, carried us here. She is an advanced science vessel, at least by our standards.” She smiled as she looked around the room in awe of Federation technology. “Its design differs greatly from Federation principles, as I understand them. We travel with the guidance of sonic arrays. Our sensors use harmonic reverberation to map the unstable regions of space beyond Setu. We are one of the new ships to feature this new technology.”

Commander Smythe raised an eyebrow. “A sonic-based navigation suite. Sounds impressive. I imagine it gives you advantages in areas where subspace behaves unpredictably.”

“A great many,” Praetu agreed. “Our techniques were developed to deal with phenomena that do not respond to light-based instrumentation. The basis behind their principles ties back long before our people took to the stars.”

Deszta added, “Much of our current work involves seeking ancient relics. There are believed to be many historical objects scattered among nearby systems. We believe sites on Khamor IV might hold artifacts linked to our earliest myth-histories.”

Raku leaned forward slightly. “I read that your people live across two continents and that the Akaru’bak coordinates with regional leaders to maintain a unified, peaceful world.”

Praetu nodded with quiet pride. “We align governance among the continents through dialogue and consensus. Iryax, our central guide, relies on our fellowship. We act as a web of advisors, scholars, and negotiators. We do not rule so much as we harmonize.”

Deszta rested her hands lightly on the table. “We also lack a military in the traditional sense. Our vessels carry protection systems, but there are no ranks. There is little focus on stratification. Only career disciplines and assigned responsibilities.”

“That’s not so different from Starfleet in some ways,” Smythe replied. “We’re explorers before anything else. Diplomacy and science are the entire reason ships like the Cardinal exist. This brings us to the matter at hand. I’d like to hear your thoughts and concerns regarding the territorial dispute between settlers of Khamor III and IV.”

Praetu’s expression grew thoughtful as his fingers grasped his chin. “The Romulans have engaged with us more frequently since the destruction of their homeworld. A delegate from their resettlement council contacted the Akaru’bak months ago. They spoke of establishing a colony on Khamor III, and of forging trade with our world.”

Deszta’s green eyes narrowed faintly at her thoughts. “The Klingons, however, did not consult us at all. A House called Ma’ToK simply arrived and began laying claim to Khamor IV and its orbital moons.”

Counselor Zaa folded her hands. “House Ma’ToK is”, she paused, smirked and shared a look of understanding with Deszta. “Outspoken. They’ve criticized the High Council for years and have recently taken actions to distance themselves from it. Establishing an autonomous ‘homeworld’ in this region fits their pattern of independence. If they believe the Romulans intend to take Khamor III uncontested, they might escalate simply to make a point about strength and sovereignty.”

Deszta released a slow breath. “This is not the first time misunderstandings have arisen. Years ago, Klingon scouts accused our mariners of being poorly-disguised Romulans. They believed our facial similarities were an attempt at deception. Our relations have never recovered.”

Commander Smythe looked closer at the facial features of the two Akaru. The delicate lines across their brows and long ears did remind him of Vulcans and Romulans.

Raku offered a sympathetic nod. “Klingons value challenge, but they also value reason. If we present proof of a danger, they will listen.”

Commander Smythe turned to the Akaru. “What exactly is the danger you’re concerned about?”

Praetu clasped his hands. “In 2383, one of our research teams excavated a relic site on an unnamed moon. Our scholars had predicted its location from one of our oldest prophecies. When they unearthed the artifact something changed. Spatial anomalies increased in number and intensity throughout that systems. Our sensors later confirmed a correlation between mining and the growth of new interspatial interference.”

Deszta looked uneasy. Her delicate fingers tightened slightly as she spoke. “Another prophecy seems to point towards Khamor IV. Many of us dismissed it at first. It is hard to ignore that scans do show unusual readings beneath the crust. It’s enough to worry some of our researchers.”

Smythe nodded slowly. “Our officers, T’Naagi and sh’Zeles, are meeting with your scientists now. They’re eager to compare data. I know they haven’t studied readouts quite like yours.”

“We welcome the exchange,” Praetu said warmly. “Your vessel’s curiosity is admirable.”

“There is so much we hope to learn,” Raku said enthusiastically. After a moment’s thought, he added, “Have either of you eaten today?”

Deszta blinked, as though only now remembering her own stomach. “Not properly. We left Setu before dawn. There has been much to prepare.”

“Well,” Raku said with a faint smile, “our head chef is setting up an interstellar brunch in the officers’ mess. If you’re willing, we’d be honored to introduce you to Federation cuisine.”

“Brunch?” Deszta repeated, intrigued by the unfamiliar word.

Zaa leaned slightly toward her. “A meal that blends breakfast and lunch. Our chef delights in learning new flavors. If you describe your spices or staple foods, he’ll probably find a way to replicate or acquire them.”

Raku chuckled. “A good portion of our exploratory detours over the past few months have been driven by his culinary negotiations.” He stood, backing his chair away from the table. “Let’s have a quick bite, then have a quick look around the ship. We’re set to get back on course to Theta-Khamor soon.”

Smythe grinned. “Once we finally swing back toward the Setu system, I’d love to try some Akaru dishes. I’ve heard your coastal markets are incredible.” The mahoghany-complexioned commander stood. Ikastrul and the Akaru rose next.

Deszta’s expression brightened. “We would gladly welcome you onto our shores.”

Praetu stepped aside as the captain gestured toward the exit. The soft hum of the ship filled the comfortable silence as the group stepped through the meeting room. Through the windows, the yellow Akaru vessel glowed gently in the star-spotted dark.

Their conversation continued in warm, curious murmurs as they departed. Their voices faded into the corridor as the doors whispered shut behind them.