USS Eagle

“Captain Kirby, are you certain your engineer’s findings are correct?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”  Kirby was a bit annoyed at the question, but he understood why it was asked.

“Sabotage.”  Limmar slumped slightly in his chair, but quickly recovered.

“If you need any assistance in your investigation, you have the full resources of my ship and crew.”

“Thank you, Captain.  I’ll let you know.”  Limmar pressed a button on his desk and the image on the Eagle screen returned to their orbital view of Lenal III.

“He’s not a happy camper,” said Commander Allen.

“No he’s not, and neither am I,” said Kirby.

Equamar

“You know, Jahk, if you spend some time thinking about it, this isn’t really so bad.”

Jahk studied the face of his Uncle Teras, his father’s brother.

“Princess Yari is intelligent, she has a sweet personality, she’s charitable and giving, and she’s hotly gorgeous,” said Teras.  “Have you looked at her tail?  It makes me wish I was your age again.”  He smacked his lips.

Jahk sighed.  “Yes, that’s all true, but….”

“But you don’t want to be forced,” said Teras.  “I get it, but do you understand, truly understand what’s before you?”

Jahk shrugged.  “Yes, all the countries on Lenal will benefit from joining the Federation.”

“There’s more.  Once we officially join, you and Yari will travel to Earth.  There will be much to discuss.  We’ll need to set up an embassy and assign diplomats.  Only a few Lenali have ever been to space.  You’ll be the first to go to another world.  Your names will be remembered for centuries.”  Teras paused and studied his nephew’s face.  “Jahk, when we’re young, we have our fun time, but that eventually changes when we focus on important things like family, children, career.  I know you’re only twenty-two years and you still want to party, but what you’re going to do is one of the greatest feats in our history.  I would gladly trade places with you.”

Silence filled the room.

“Maybe you’re right,” said Jahk.  “I just wish my father would have included me when this was being discussed.”

“My brother has always been owalla-headed, but he’s a good king that cares about the people.  If there would have been another way, he really would have done it.”  Teras patted Jahk on the arm.  “Everything will work out.  You’ll see.”

USS Eagle, Ready Room

“When we attend the formal introduction dinner tomorrow, who do you want to go?” said Allen.

“The senior staff,” said Kirby.  “Us, Weaver, Saunders, Ohtani, and Iziraa.”

“Dress uniforms?” said Allen with a chuckle.  He knew how much his captain disliked them.

“Dress uniforms,” said Kirby, a sour expression on his face.

“Of course, there’s a lot more to worry about than what we wear,” said Allen.

“Yes.  I’m confident the Equamarans can conduct a proper investigation, but I’m concerned this could be out of their league,” said Kirby.

“Oh?”

“I’m sure their history is filled with political intrigue, but trying to kill the prince could be an inside job, from someone in Canbolla, or even one of the other fifty-seven countries on their world.  Anyone could have their reasons for not wanting the marriage, the alliance between the two countries, or even joining the Federation.”  Kirby paused.  “This could be too deep, even for us.”