by Edward H. Bart IV

*= Some dialogue contains possibly objectionable language =*

“So are they all, all honorable men.” -- Marc Antony, Julius Caesar

Chapter One

        In the moment right before I woke up, the question pressed against my mind. “Is today the day...” It faded away right before my eyes opened, due to years of training and experience. I know enough not to ask that question during my waking hours, otherwise I would slowly but surely drive myself insane. Still, it makes its way to my subconscious but I never allow myself to complete the question.
        I opened my eyes to see the ceiling above my bed in my quarters. The computer chimed and the light fixture over my bed turns on, low powered. “It is now 0600 hours,” she said.
        In my profession, one rarely gets to have a lifetime companion. That voice is mine. Sometimes I wish... and that is another question I cannot finish. I’m already fully awake and out of bed by the time the computer finishes her announcement.
        I reached under my mattress to check the power charge of the phaser I had hidden there the night before. Some people may think it strange, even disturbing, to know that I keep a fully charged phaser in reach, even in my own quarters. I’ve found myself rudely waken up and wishing I had a phaser at hand one too many times. So no matter where I’m sleeping, be it on a starbase or in a tropical rainforest, I have a phaser if I ever need it.
        I went through my daily stretching ritual, right before I begin my morning exercises. Ten minutes later, I’ve barely broken a sweat, but it wouldn’t have mattered since I stepped into the sonic shower booth. After I showered, I stood in front of my bathroom mirror. I rubbed my cheeks, feeling scratchy stubble and I pulled my shaver out of its power socket. I shaved as I thought about my agenda for the day.
        I washed my face to clear away the dead skin flakes produced from shaving, and took a mouthful of mouthwash. I swished the medicine around in my mouth, then spat it out. I bared my teeth as I smiled at myself, noticing that I haven’t smiled genuinely for longer than I could remember. Most people don’t notice that because I smile too briefly. If someone were to pay attention to my eyes, they would know I wasn’t smiling. I felt a twinge of sadness at the fact that I hadn’t smiled for a long time.
        I walked back into my bedroom and opened my closet. A small chest of drawers sat at one side of the closet. I pulled the top drawer open and pulled out a pair of briefs. I slipped them on, then took a pair of black trousers off the closet clothes rack. I put the trousers on, then looked at the short row of olive green undertunics as I replaced the empty clothes hanger. I pulled a undertunic off, slipping the clothes hanger out of the tunic, hanging it back in the closet.
        I allowed myself a moment to look at the undertunic. It was clean and perfectly stitched. I remembered one undertunic I once wore that had a large hole with charred edges, from one afternoon when I sustained a disruptor blast injury. Another undertunic I once wore had several bloody tears- clawmarks from hand-to-hand combat on Gesiel VI. I knew that this undertunic wasn’t the same one from those times. It was just a reconstituted garment from the ship’s recycler. The molecules in it might have once made a medical uniform or a pair of trousers. There’s no history in clothes anymore.
        I finished dressing myself and open another drawer to get my rank pins. The small black clamshell case snapped open and I pulled out the small gold pins and attached them to my green collar. I gave myself one last look in the mirror to ascertain that I was dressed according to regulations. Everything was in place: zippers closed, pins and combadge affixed in their proper positions, and boots properly shined.
        I opened another drawer and pulled out a slim, palm-sized phaser. I quickly checked its power charge, and slid it into a concealed holster in my trousers. One good thing about black is that it hides a lot. I closed the drawers in the chest, and then closed the closet.
        The computer gave me a musical tone, which told me I had fifteen minutes before the shift change. My morning routine was so well practiced that I am always ready to leave right before the tone. I tapped the control panel next to the door, dimming the lights and setting my personal security on, as I stepped out into the corridors.
        The door to my quarters closed, securing my quarters. Since it was so early for the next shift, I encountered very few of my fellow shipmates. That’s the way I liked it. As I neared the turbolift, I thought about the things I would need to do today, the people I would have to avoid, and the secret routes I would need to take, and the codes I would need to use.
        Also I’d need to carry on my regular duties. Evaluation reports and status briefings, and the such. I take my duty very seriously, to this ship and to Captain Johnson. Some people might say that my mission and my duty are two contradictory things. That my loyalty is divided. Not so. I serve my ship. I serve my commanding officers. I serve Starfleet. I am a loyal Federation citizen. Everything I do, I do for the Federation.
        The turbolift ride to the Bridge is short. There were no others in the car with me, as usual. The doors opened to the bridge. Garak was waiting there.
        I tried not to reveal my surprise of seeing him right in front of me. He did not seem surprised to see me on the Bridge early. I stepped out of the turbolift, passing by him. He smiled at me and I smiled at him.
        He noticed my eyes and I noticed his eyes. The turbolift doors closed and Garak was gone. I turned to walk down to the bridge. Lieutenant Kyle was seated in the command seat.
        “Morning, Lieutenant,” I said.
        Kyle saw me and stood up. She replied back to me, “Good morning, Major Ironsides.”
        
        Kyle looked down at the console panel next to the command seat. “The end of shift status reports are coming in now. Would you like me to compile them onto a PADD for your review?”
        Ironsides shook his head. “That’s not necessary. I’ll review them at OPS.”
        “Aye, sir,” Kyle nodded. “Will you be assuming command now?”
        “No, you still have the conn,” Ironsides glanced over Kyle’s shoulder at the command seat console, “for the next nine minutes. Unless the captain’s late.”
        Kyle gave Ironsides a look as if to say, ‘how often does that ever happen?’ The first officer didn’t see her expression since he already turned to walk over to the OPS station, relieving the young officer who had been manning the station. The nightwatch crew was used to Ironsides’s early arrivals.
        The major stood in the cubicle, running his fingers over the OPS console. “The comm log shows heavy communication in Ambassador Favor’s quarters,” Ironsides remarked.
        Kyle looked over at Ironsides. “Yes, sir. He’s been in constant contact with the Tsugua.”
        “Has he made a report yet over his communications with them?”
        “No, not yet. I assume he’ll prepare one for the captain to read this morning.”
        Ironsides looked down at his consoles. “I’ll be sure to remind the ambassador of that. Anything else noteworthy to report?”
        “No, sir. We’re still enroute to the tau’Tsugu system. Long range sensors show nothing special so far. Stellar Cartography reported that they’ve been able to make a nearly complete map of this sector, based on deep space data from Starfleet Astrometrics, correlated with the map data the Danosm gave us several weeks ago. If you want, you can call up the tau’Tsugu system on the new sector map.”
        Ironsides tapped his console, accessing the new map file. The map showed a 14 planet solar system, orbiting a red giant. tau’Tsugu, the planet that Ambassador Favor had made contact with, was the eighth planet in the system. It had one moon orbiting the planet.
        “This map indicates that the planets show an above average potential for dilithium deposits,” Ironsides said. “Should be good news, if we can verify that.”
        Kyle looked at Ironsides. “What do you know that we don’t, Major?”
        “Pardon me?” Ironsides blinked at the question.
        Kyle shifted in her seat. “I mean, you made special mention of the dilithium indicators just now. I know that you’re not telling us everything. I don’t mean you- you. I meant Command-the captain, you, and Starfleet Command. Almost every week we get an update from Starfleet Command, but mostly it’s minor news about home and casualty lists, things like that. Nothing about the more serious things such as long term projections or resources. After all, we’re out here looking for resources as part of our mission mandates. I know Starfleet Command tells you those things that they don’t release to the rest of us.”
        “I see what you mean.” Ironsides said. “The only reason why I mentioned the dilithium is because that, as you said, is part of our mission mandate. That’s why mining equipment taking up half a cargo bay on this ship. You shouldn’t read too much into things.”
        “But I know they hold back things from us,” Kyle said.
        Ironsides smiled grimly. “You’re talking to a man who’s operated on a need-to-know basis most of his career. You’ll come to accept that there are things going on that people do not need to know, to carry out their duties.”
        Kyle frowned, nodding in acceptance.
        “Oh yes,” Ironsides looked back up at Kyle. “What was Garak here for earlier?”
        “Hm? Oh,” Kyle nodded. “He wanted to add a personal file for transmittal in the next comm dump. I think a letter to an accountant or solicitor on Deep Space Nine.”
        “I see.” Ironsides resumed his review at OPS, working silently.
        Kyle sighed, looking at the deck as her mouth tightened in frustration. She looked back up at Ironsides. “What was it like serving Starfleet? Before the war?”
        Ironsides pondered the question for a moment. At length, he said, “It was different.”
        The turbolift door opened. Ironsides and Kyle turned to see Captain Johnson walk onto the bridge.
        “What were you talking about? Just then?” Johnson asked as he walked down to the center of the bridge.
        “The good old days, I suppose,” Ironsides shrugged.
        Johnson nodded to Kyle, who had stood up from the command seat. “What good old days?” he asked as he sat down.
        “Before the war.”
        “Ah,” Johnson nodded gravely. He looked up at Kyle. “When did you graduate from the Academy?”
        “Stardate 52811.5,” Kyle replied.
        “Ah yes, after the Bajoran wormhole closed and Sisko recaptured Deep Space Nine.” He shook his head. “Sometimes I forget that you and many others on the crew have only experienced wartime service.”
        “Well, that’s not true,” Kyle said. “I’m somewhat of a history buff. There’s always been a Kyle in Starfleet service, all the way back to pre-Federation times. So I somewhat know what it was like in Starfleet in the past, from my studies. I also know things were different because I grew up on Starbase One with my mother. The last time I was there on leave, it was completely different from my childhood memories.”
        Johnson frowned and shook his head.
        “What’s wrong, Captain?” asked Kyle.
        “I’m too young to have a ‘good old days,’ ” Johnson replied with a lopsided grin. “So, there’s always been a Kyle in Starfleet?”
        The young lieutenant smile with pride. “Yes, sir. In fact, my great-great grandfather was a helmsman on the Enterprise during Kirk’s first five-year mission.”
        “Quite a lineage,” Johnson smiled. “From three hundred years ago to today, to you.”
        Both turbolifts chimed, opening their doors as the new shift walked onto the bridge. Kyle looked at the captain. “The bridge is yours, Captain.”
        “Thank you, Lieutenant. Have a good night’s sleep.”
        “Have a good morning, sir,” Kyle said, walking to the turbolift, passing Lieutenant Ruiz, who had just arrived.
        Ruiz took her place at the helm, relieving the nightwatch helmsman, an Onvebian with dark, spindly appendages. Ensign Élo rose out of the seat and glided to the turbolift. Ruiz looked at the helm console’s surface which resembled a mountain range, which corresponded with the optimal position of a being with Onvebian anatomy. Ruiz placed her hands over the rough surface and sighed. “Computer, deactivate holographic enhancements to the helm.” The helm station flattened as the jagged peaks faded, betraying their holographic origins. Ruiz looked at the menus on the console and frowned. “Set console configuration to Ruiz Alpha.” The menus changed positions underneath Ruiz’s outstretched hands. The lieutenant quickly tapped on the helm, looking at a readout, beginning her daily start of shift routine.
        Nearly five minutes after the new shift resumed their positions, the ship’s comm system chimed, signaling the shift change. Johnson looked at Ironsides. “Have you finished reviewing the status reports from the night watch?”
        “Yes, sir,” Ironsides nodded. “I’ve added a few notes of my own. Excuse me.” Ironsides tapped on his panel. “Ironsides to Favor.”
        “Favor here.”
        “I wanted to remind you that you’ll need to submit a progress report to the captain regarding your talks with the Tsugua.”
        “Yes, I’m aware of that.” Favor’s voice had a slight edge of irritation. “Thank you for the reminder, though. Favor out.” The ambassador ended the comm connection.
        Johnson stood up and walked over to the OPS cubicle, looking at Ironsides. “I’d like to see you in my ready room. Bring the status reports with you.” He turned the corner of the cubicle to the nearby door of his ready room and walked off the bridge.
        Ironsides retrieved a blank PADD from an equipment hold in the wall and downloaded the status reports onto it. He nodded to another ensign, signaling for her to take over at OPS for him. Once the young ensign walked into the cubicle, Ironsides went into Johnson’s ready room.
        Ironsides walked up to Johnson’s desk. The captain was seated. He held his hand out for Ironsides’s PADD. The major gave Johnson the PADD.
        “So, what was that all about?” Johnson asked as he looked at the PADD.
        “Pardon me, sir?”
        “Your reminder to the ambassador.”
        Ironsides clasped his hands behind his back. “I wanted to make sure Ambassador Favor turned in a report of his talks with the Tsugua for you, as protocol required.”
        “I think he’s aware of that,” Johnson said. “I think it’s a little bit denigrating to have the first officer remind him of that.”
        “Wasn’t it only a few months ago that you expressed your doubts about his professionalism and ability to follow protocol?”
        “That, ah, was my mistake. I was speaking while under some outdated assumptions about Favor. I’ve had the opportunity to get reacquaintanced with him since then. I’ve seen him work tremendously well with the Romulans and most recently, the Danosm. There’s a reason why Starfleet Command picked him for this post.”
        “Yes, sir.” Ironsides maintained his usual bland expression.
        Johnson swiveled his chair around to face front. He looked up at Ironsides. “I understand that I influenced your opinion of him. Please disregard that. I think it goes without saying that he does not need any reminders.”
        “Yes, sir. I agree with you sir, that Mr. Favor isn’t an incompetent ambassador. I was merely maintaining the hard tack you wished to impress on the ambassador. As your first officer, I can put forth the impressions that you can’t or don’t want to give out.”
        Johnson grinned a tight smile. “Well, those ‘services’ are no longer needed.”
        “Yes, sir. Is there anything else?”
        “That’s all. Dismissed.”
        Ironsides walked out of the ready room and resumed his post at OPS. He called up recent files, and saw Favor’s report on his conversations with the Tsugua. He discreetly made a copy of the report before forwarding it to Johnson’s ready room desktop terminal.

        “Urtha take them all!”
        The Ernor twisted his stiff face into what passed for a frown for his species. It was a particularly fearsome frown to the uninformed. However, the Yiser had seen the Ernor frown that particular frown quite often lately.
        “More unpleasant news from tau’Targu?” Yiser Iroshu asked.
        The Ernor blinked his thin slitted eyes rapidly at Iroshu. “My agents inform me that the Colonial Workers’ Coalition are planning city-wide protests, to be held in a matter of days! Urtha take them all to her deepest abode!”
        The Ernor stood up from his desk, stomping all three of his feet across the floor as he headed to his small liquor compartment. He poured himself a dark green flute of liquor, and took a long swallow.
        He turned to look at the Yiser. “I tell you, Iroshu... I never should have sponsored the Colonial Workers’ Freedoms Act in the last legislature! I shepherded the act through the gauntlet of Parlia opponents! And this is how they repay me! A 27 percent decrease in production, slowdowns, and this so-called Laborer’s Illness... And now massive, not to mention exceedingly public and disruptive, demonstrations! Sometimes I wish they’d try to kill me just so my miseries would be over.”
        Iroshu shrugged her shoulders and gazed at her superior. “Graushi, perhaps this is a time when you should present a receptive face to the Colonial Workers.”
        “What? I most certainly shall not do that! I shall not give in to their excessive demands, whatever they may be! It’s enough to make one consider invoking the Emergency Powers clause...”
        “Listening to their demands does not indicate capitulation,” Iroshu said. “You have little to lose and more than a little to gain.”
        The Ernor stroked his ridged jawbone. “Perhaps. I shall take that in consideration. One thing is for sure. I most certainly do not need this extra spectacle just as a new client is due to arrive.”
        Iroshu nodded sympathetically. “The Fedfleet people may not notice, or very much care at all. They’re quite advanced. I read the projections our scientists gave us. At the speed they’re traveling, they must be traveling beyond spacewarp factor 7!”
        “Yes,” Graushi nodded. “That would be a boon, to get their technology. From what our Chief Negotiator says, they are interested in trading.” He drained his flute clean of the green liquid. He set it down forcefully. “Come. Let us prepare. Seeing as we are having... friction, shall we put it, with tau’Targu... I cannot devote my attention wholly to this Fedfleet visitor. And of course, I cannot look too eager to meet with them. This is why as Yiser of our government, you shall be their host. I, of course, will be on hand if any important decisions are needed.”
        “Thank you, Ernor... I promise I won’t let you or the Tsugua down.”
        Graushi smiled. “I know. Just remember... these are delicate times. Recall that the Parlia are giving forethought to whom they will fund for the next leadership. If you bring the Fedfleet’s patronage to tau’Tsugu, that can only increase our odds for gaining the Parlia’s backing and the people’s favor.”

        Garak slowed as he turned the corner. The lower decks of the Courageous were less brighter, which suited the Cardassian just fine. He was equally as pleased with the infrequency of passing crewmembers as he made his way to a particular communications node.
        He stopped at a wall display, checking the chronometer. He continued on his way down the snaking corridors, before finally reaching a small niche. He could hear the increased hum of EM energy that ran throughout the deck, powering the sensors and weapons that were only several meters away on the ship’s hull. As a Cardassian, he wasn’t bothered by the energy pregnant in the air. He however, was bothered by the sense of claustrophobia.
        He ran through the breathing exercises he learned from Doctor Bashir. The constriction subsided, and he sat down at the empty stool, which was provided for the occasional crewman who checked on this communications node. He ran his grey fingers over the access console.
        “Computer, countdown to communications dump,” he hissed softly.
        “Communications dump scheduled in four minutes and 48 seconds,” the computer declared.
        “Computer, lower volume.” He wasn’t particularly afraid of being caught at this unusual location. As far as anyone knew, he was still in his quarters, thanks to his unique combadge. Still, it paid to minimize the risks.
        Garak smiled softly as a memory rose up unbidden to his mind.

        Garak looked at his shop. One bulkhead had completely buckled, rendering half of the Cardassian tailor’s shop unusable. Clothes and merchandise were still scattered all over the shop. Garak clucked his tongue softly at the chaotic mess.
        Garak entered his shop finally. It had been a day since Captain Sisko declared the Promenade off-limits due to safety reasons. Garak still hadn’t found out just where that shockwave came from that battered Deep Space Nine. “I’ll find out soon enough,” he told himself. He waded through the clutter on the floor to the credit register to verify nobody had stolen any money during the emergency evacuation. The tally was still the same as he remembered.
        He walked into the back where his safe was. It was closed and had weathered the storm well. He opened it and counted the latinum inside. Unfortunately it was still the same amount the last time he checked, which wasn’t much.
        “Ahh,” Garak sighed heavily. The back room was a mess as well. Nothing remained on the shelves. He stooped over, starting the long process of the clean-up.
        A chime sounded softly, alerting Garak to his shop’s comm unit. He walked over to the wall and activated the unit.
        Static ran through the monitor before clearing up to show the face of a mature human woman. Garak knew her face well.
        “To what do I owe for this call, Admiral Nechayev?” Garak smiled.
        “Garak. I have an offer for you.”
        “Yes?”
        “Within a matter of minutes, the U.S.S. Courageous will be docking at your station. They’ve been charged with investigating the source of the explosion that damaged Deep Space Nine. I’ve prevailed upon her captain to ask you to join them.”
        “How kind of you, admiral. Certainly there are others much more adept in these kinds of investigations than me.”
        Nechayev shook her head. “There’s more.”
        Garak continued to smile. “But of course.”
        “You have experience with Section 31, correct?”
        “That’s correct. I’m certain I’ve encountered them a few times in my career as an Obsidian Order agent. Doctor Bashir and I talk about them from time to time. In theoretical terms. I’m still not quite sure if Bashir didn’t take a job with those gentlemen.”
        “He’s still under observation, as you recommended,” Nechayev replied. “The situation’s this. Starfleet Intelligence has reason to believe that at least one Section 31 operative has been installed aboard the Courageous.”
        “Ah. And you wish me to vole him out?”
        “Vole out?”
        Garak shook his head. “I’m sorry. I misspoke. Ferret him out, I meant to say.”
        “Yes, that’s correct. We want you to locate the operative, or operatives, and report to me.”
        “So you can arrest them?”
        “No. So we can keep tabs on them. You’d surveil them.”
        “Is the captain aware of this?”
        “No,” Nechayev said, “the captain is not aware. By no means are you to divulge this aspect of your mission or the identities of the Section 31 operatives to Captain Johnson. He would take it as a personal affront to his sensibilities and disrupt our plans.”
        Garak looked around at his shop. “I’m not sure I wish to leave my shop, especially in the condition it’s in.”
        “You’ve been working for us for a long time, in an unofficial capacity. I’m willing to make it an official capacity. You’d receive a salary stipend, which in addition to the regular Starfleet salary, would give you quite little savings for your shop.”
        “How long will I have to be gone?”
        “Approximately five years,” Nechayev replied. “Right now, it’d be a temporary assignment, but I’m sure I can arrange for it to be permanent.”
        “I see,” Garak nodded. “It should be interesting.”
        “I’m glad to hear you say that. You know where our office is. Go there and the agent in charge will give you the equipment you need for your mission. The captain will be contacting you very soon. It goes without saying that I haven’t spoken to you.”
        “About what?” Garak smiled. “Have a good day, admiral.”
        “Nechayev out.”
        Garak shook his head and put down the box he had been holding. He walked out of the back room and headed to the nearest operating turbolift. He took the turbolift down several decks before shouting for an emergency stop, halting the turbolift car between decks.
        He stepped up to the bulkhead that blocked the turbolift’s exit. He tapped on a innocuous-looking panel. It flipped down to reveal an access keypad. He tapped in a code, and an invisible seam in the bulkhead split, revealing a hallway in the bulkhead. Garak stepped into the hallway, smiling at the guard who glowered at him.
        Garak continued down the narrow hallway before reaching a large room.
        “Hello, Garak. We’ve been expecting you,” a black uniformed agent said.
        “Quinton,” Garak said. “It’s been quite some time.”
        “Not long enough,” Quinton said. “The admiral told us to get a field kit together for you.”
        “Oh, a field kit?” Garak raised his eyeridges. “What does that include?”
        Quinton held up a combadge to show Garak. “A combadge completely identical to the one given to all Starfleet crewmen, except it has a few extras. Mainly you’ll be using this to get around the ship without having the shipboard sensors tracking you.”
        “Quite nice,” Garak said. “The Obsidian Order had something akin to this, but it was a bit more bulky. What else?”
        “Specialized isolinear chips to tap into the ship’s communication system so you can report to Starfleet Intelligence, for example. There’s a few other items too.” Quinton placed the combadge in a black container within a grey cargo box. He kicked the box over to Garak. He picked up a PADD and tossed it to Garak. “It has all the details of the field kit. It also has classified schematics of the Courageous for your edification.”
        Garak thumbed the PADD on, scrolling through its contents. “I see there’s no information about the Courageous’s weapons systems. Only general information along with specifics on the ship’s communications system.”
        “Apparently that’s all you need to know,” Quinton answered. “I wouldn’t recommend overstepping your bounds.”
        “I wouldn’t dream of it,” Garak smiled. He closed the cargo container and picked it up. “I should be leaving.”
        A faint voice played over the comm system. “This is Captain Johnson speaking, all Courageous personnel, report to the Courageous in thirty minutes. I repeat, all Courageous personnel, report to the Courageous in thirty minutes.”
        “I better hurry,” Garak said, walking quickly down the hallway, back to the turbolift.

Chapter Two

        Captain Johnson found the shop and entered the premises. He found Garak in the process of putting his shop back in some semblance of order after the chaos of the shockwave. At the moment, he was folding some shirts. He turned noticing the arrival of a new customer and smiled with intense sinister eyes.
        “Ah... I take it you're Captain Johnson who made that recent announcement earlier, hmm?” Garak asked.
        “That I am, Mr. Garak.”
        “Please, just Garak, plain and simple. I really hate formalities,” Garak said extending his hand. Johnson accepted the hand, shaking it. "Now, what can I do for you, Captain?”
        “Well, since you've been a valuable special intelligence agent for us during this war, I wanted to offer you a different sort of assignment. I hope you accept.”
        “What's the assignment?”
        “Can you keep a secret?”
        “Me? Keep a secret? You'd be surprised.” Garak moved to another pile of clothes, and began folding them.

        Garak checked the red isolinear chip that was in the access panel below the comm system monitor. It was securely in place. The faint announcement from the computer told him he had less than a minute before the comm dump was transmitted out.
        Garak sat back up and watched the console monitor with keen interest. “Communications Dump transmitting to Starfleet Headquarters now,” the computer said. On the monitor, file names zipped by rapidly, too quick for his eyes to read. Garak tapped a menu selection on the monitor and the file names slowed, and a small sub-screen popped up on the monitor, showing a red gauge filling up as the file names flashed by on the screen.
        The console beeped and Garak whipped his head at the sound. He stared at the screen, a smile creeping slowly onto his face. “Yes... yessss... excellent. The quarry comes into sight. Marvelous. I shall know you soon. Very soon. Computer, tell me, which station is this piggyback signal being sent from?”
        “Anomalous signal is originating from Terminal 4-077 in Geological Survey Lab A.”
        “Thank you. Save transmission analysis,” Garak said.
        “Analysis saved.”
        Garak bent underneath the console, pulling out the red isolinear chip. He hopped off the stool and glided back down the dimly lit corridor.

        A quick turbolift trip took Garak to the deck where the Planetary Sciences were housed. Garak put his combadge back on his burgundy shirt and walked down the corridor. He reached a door marked Geological Survey Lab A, and stepped inside the laboratory. A single crewman was sitting at a computer station.
        She looked up at Garak. “Uh, may I help you?”
        “Ah yes,” Garak nodded. “I need a spare computer terminal. It’s a urgent matter.”
        “Take your pick,” the crewman said.
        Garak looked at the terminals in the small laboratory, noting their small designations. “Nobody else is here but you? I wouldn’t want to interrupt someone’s work.”
        “Nobody’s been in here since the shift began except for me. Sensor time has been dedicated to Stellar Sciences, so not much call for us at the moment.”
        “Thank you.” Garak walked over to a terminal at the corner of the laboratory. He glanced at the screen which showed an array of options. He tapped on the screen, accessing several menus.
        He glanced backwards at the woman seated at the other side of the lab, then he looked at the access panel underneath the keypad console. Using his fingernails, he pried the panel open and glanced inside at the array of isolinear chips.
        “Clever.” He looked at the nearly undetectable gadget ensconced between two isolinear chips. He reached at it, pulling a lead off one end of the gadget. Suddenly, it sparked at his fingers, causing him to jerk his hand away in alarm. Faint smoke dissipated and Garak saw that the gadget was melted into an unrecognizable lump. “Clever,” Garak repeated.
        He sat back up and tapped an option on the screen. Suddenly, the monitor ran awash with static. Garak turned around to the scientist. “Excuse me. Ah, Lieutenant Commander. I’m afraid the terminal has developed technical difficulties. When was the last time it was serviced?”
        The woman stood up and walked over to Garak’s terminal. “I think less than a month ago. Let me check the maintenance records.” Garak followed her as she returned to her station. She sat down and called up the laboratory’s maintenance records. “Three weeks ago. I’ll put in an service order. You can finish up on another terminal.”
        “Oh, fortunately, I finished my task just before the terminal crashed. Let me see if I can do something...” Garak walked back to the terminal and ran his hands over the keypad console. The monitor cleared up almost immediately. “Ah. I believe I have found the problem. A bad isolinear chip. If you like, I’ll replace it for you.”
        “Thank you,” she said.
        Garak bent under the console and with his hands hidden from view, he mimed the motions of replacing an isolinear chip. Looking back at the science officer, he slipped out a small palm-sized device and waved it over the mangled gadget. Several lights blinked in unison, and Garak stole a glance at the readout. “Hmm. No cellular residue...?” he murmured quietly to himself. He slipped the miniature tricorder back into a hidden vest pocket as he stood up. “All done, Lieutenant Commander. Have a good day.” He walked out of the laboratory thinking to himself. “Three weeks ago... just after the last major communications dump...”

        Raven walked out of the turbolift and glanced around the bridge. He saw Captain Johnson seated in the command seat, studying one of the monitors next to him. The Bajoran major walked down the gently sloping ramp to the center of the Courageous’s bridge, to speak with Johnson.
        Raven’s silent footsteps failed to attract Johnson’s attention so he coughed softly. Johnson looked up, blinking in surprise. He grinned a sheepish smile, unwilling to admit to being caught unawares.
        Raven merely smiled pleasantly.
        “So, what brings you here, Raven?”
        Raven looked at the viewscreen, which showed warp distorted stars streaking by from the exterior sensors. “I heard you’re gearing up for several scouting missions. I came up to volunteer the Bajoran Militia to accompany the scouting teams as security escorts. I know Major Ironsides is in charge of making the duty rosters, but I wished to broach the idea with you first. I’ve been unable to secure a time to discuss this with him, and he recommended that I speak with you instead.”
        “Oh, I see,” Johnson shifted in his seat. “Thank you for the offer, but I had already planned to have the Marines act as the security detail.”
        “I’m aware of that. Still, I felt that this would be a good opportunity to further the integration of our crews. Most of the people under my command would never have this opportunity to be sent on missions such as these, where they would be one of the lead people in a new sector of space. We spend so much time entrenched, holding onto what little land we possess. Few of us get to claim new land.”
        “Well, the tau’Tsugu system is more or less occupied by the Tsugua, but I understand that the systems nearby are uninhabited. That’s besides the point. I’ll consider it. Do you think the integration process is not going as well as it should be?”
        “No, that isn’t what I meant to say, Thomas. I merely felt it would be a good exercise.” A small smile played on Raven’s face. “More than a few of my people have expressed an interest in piloting the Everest class Runabouts, not to mention the Omega Flyer.”
        “Is that so?” Johnson smiled. “I haven’t flown any Everest class Runabouts myself. Ah well. I’m sure you have a list of candidates to present to me?”
        “Yes. The pilots I’ve selected are all rated for all craft, from holodeck training. They’ll be a fine addition to any scouting team.”
        Johnson nodded. “Allright, Raven. Send me your list of candidates and I’ll review them before Major Ironsides makes a final duty roster.”
        Raven reached inside his robe and produced a small PADD, handing it to Johnson.
        “Oh, I didn’t know you had a PADD already.”
        Raven shrugged nonchalantly. “I like pockets. Very handy.”
        The captain smiled. “Thank you. Let me download this and you can have your PADD back.”
        Raven nodded and looked at the helm station, taking note of Lieutenant Ruiz. He stepped over to her side. “Good afternoon, Lieutenant.”
        Ruiz turned and looked up at the tall Bajoran. “Major Raven.”
        “I was curious as to whether you had found the time to visit the shrine again?”
        “No, I just never got around to it.”
        “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m also sorry that we never had the opportunity to resume our conversation we were having, before the Danosm evacuation.”
        “I suppose so,” Ruiz shrugged.
        “I have a suggestion. I will be in the shrine at the end of the shift to meditate. I know for a fact that you aren’t on duty for the evening shift today. Perhaps you can come for a visit again. There won’t be many visitors, so you’ll have some privacy. And if you wish for some conversation, I will be there.”
        “Okay. Thanks.”
        Raven turned slightly, looking at the other personnel on the bridge as they worked. “I only thought you might be tired of carrying a grudge, and being angry and lonely every day,” he said quietly.
        Ruiz frowned. “How did you know that?” Then she hissed, “You can’t scan my mind without my permission!”
        “I ‘heard’ it the minute I stepped out of the turbolift. If you’re trying to hide your thoughts, you’re doing a spectacularly terrible job at it.” Raven sighed. “If you’re not tired of it, by all means, please disregard everything I’ve just said. I also will apologize if I’ve been too presumptuous.”
        Ruiz looked up at Raven, still frowning sullenly.
        “Good day, Lieutenant.” Raven turned and stepped back to the captain, who was looking at him.
        “What was that about?”
        “Nothing of consequence, Thomas. Just making a suggestion.”
        Johnson gazed up at Raven for a beat. “Okay.” Johnson looked at the PADD and tossed it at Raven, who snatched it out of the air. “I’ll be in touch with you about that. I think it’s a good idea. I’ll pass my approval along to Ironsides.”
        “Thank you, sir,” Raven bowed slightly. “I’ll be in the Training Center if the major needs to contact me. Have a good afternoon, Captain.”
        “You too, Major.”
        The Bajoran officer stepped away, heading back up to the turbolift. The turbolift doors opened and Ambassador Favor took a step out. Upon seeing Raven, he stood to the side, allowing the older man to enter the turbolift.

        Favor nodded a greeting to Raven and continued on to Captain Johnson. The captain was speaking to someone over the comm system. Favor sat down in the empty chair next to Johnson’s command seat, waiting.
        He recognized the voice on the comm. It was Major Ironsides.
        “I haven’t finalized the duty roster,” Ironsides was saying. “I’ve been taking care of other duties. I just finished speaking with the Comm supervisor, who reported a glitch in the comm dump from this morning.”
        “What glitch?” asked Johnson. “Why wasn’t I informed?”
        “There were some anomalous readings, but it’s most likely a bad isolinear chip fouling up a comm relay, sir. I hadn’t mentioned it since I only found out a hour ago. I’m about to speak with a Maintenance supervisor about it.”
        “I see,” Johnson replied. “I want you to look at the list Raven gave me and select three Militia officers and brief them then assign one to each survey team.”
        “Yes, sir.”
        The captain turned to look at Favor. “Is it time for the briefing?”
        Favor nodded.
        “Major, when you finish your meeting, please report to my ready room to listen to Ambassador Favor’s briefing on the Tsugua.”
        “Yes, sir.”
        “Johnson out.” The captain thumbed the comm connection off on his armrest. He looked at Favor. “Let’s go in my ready room.” They both stood up and headed to the side door that led to the ready room. Johnson turned to look at Ruiz. “Lieutenant Ruiz, you have the conn.”
        “Aye, sir,” Ruiz replied, mechanically.
        Favor followed Johnson into the ready room. The captain took a seat at his desk and gestured to one of the chairs in front of the desk. Favor sat down, tucking his saggy robe sleeves neatly away. He consulted the PADD he was holding.
        “The Tsugua are several generations behind us technologically, although they make up for it in enthusiasm in interspecies trade and technological development. They have warp travel for about 150 years, but from what I gather, they haven’t been able to develop starship engines that travel at and beyond Warp Five consistently and reliably.”
        “Why not?” Johnson asked. “They seem to have more than enough time to develop that. Humans broke Warp Five in less than a century.”
        “I think it’s due to the fact that they have a large source of natural dilithium. Dilithium doesn’t occur naturally in large sources in Earth’s solar system, or in any of the neighboring solar systems. So our scientists worked harder to develop more efficient warp travel. The Tsugua didn’t have that kind of motivation.”
        “That makes sense,” Johnson nodded. “I assume that the dilithium in their system is their main draw to us.”
        “That’s right, and they know it. Speaking with their Chief Negotiator, Kojsha, I got the sense that they’re still based on a material goods economy, along the lines of the Ferengi homeworld and several other non-Federation worlds. In fact, the report I got from Linguistics Studies indicate that the word for Chief Negotiator may be derived from their word for dilithium. So it seems that dilithium is at the heart of their economic system. Also their political system.
        “In fact, politics play a significant factor as well. In our conversation, Kojsha made constant references to his political ranking and the connections he had. He was very interested in the hierarchy of the Federation and Starfleet.” Favor leaned over to Johnson’s desktop monitor. “May I?”
        “Go ahead,” Johnson waved his hand.
        Favor tapped on his PADD and a recording appeared on the desktop monitor. It showed a Tsugu speaking. His voice was a guttural but sibilant sound, the product of his species’ anatomy. “... kiro sejae Lodonstonn Kiro’ta, e kinmae Kojsha. Yiser sejae ammae e tinmae Kiro’kin.” The picture froze as Favor tapped on the monitor.
        Favor looked at Johnson. “That’s their ambassador, Kojsha. He’s their chief negotiator, in their language. Lodonstonn Kiro’ta, that’s Chief Negotiator particularly regarding dilithium. You hear the word kiro repeated fairly often. That word means power or ranking in different connatations.”
        “I see your point,” Johnson said.
        A chime sounded from the door. Johnson looked at the door. “Come in.” Ironsides walked in. “Major, good. Have a seat.”
        Ironsides stepped in and walked to the other seat near Favor. The ambassador didn’t wait for Ironsides to sit before he continued talking. “The Chief Negotiator said that once we arrive, we’ll be attended to by the Yiser.”
        “Is that the top ranking or second ranking government official?” Ironsides asked.
        Favor seemed surprised at Ironsides. “That’s a very good question. The Yiser is the second ranking official, beneath the Ernor, who’s the political head of the Tsugua homeworld.”
        Ironsides cocked his head. “Who’s the political head of the other planet, uh tau’Targu?”
        “Targu?” Favor looked at his PADD for a moment. “Yes, that’s right. The best I can gather is that tau’Targu is essentially a giant mining outpost.”
        “It’s not actually a colony world?” Johnson prompted.
        “Not in the sense we’d call it. I’m not sure. Kojsha was very reticent to speak about tau’Targu, so I don’t have much to report on it.”
        Ironsides asked “Kojsha is the Chief Negotiator, correct?”
        “That’s right, Major. If you’re read my report from this morning, you know as much as I know.”
        “I only had a little time to review it after Captain Johnson passed it along to me,” Ironsides shrugged. “Is there any significance to the fact that the Yiser is going to meet with us first?”
        “Good question, I was just about to ask that,” Johnson said as he leaned back in his seat.
        “I don’t know. Given their apparent fixation on rank, I would say it’s almost a gesture as if to say ‘Yes, we’re important visitors, but not so important as to merit an audience with the Ernor.’ Nevertheless, I’d have to say that for the first meeting with the Yiser, it would be best to have you and Major Ironsides.”
        “I’ll keep that in mind after we establish formal communications once we’re in orbit,” Johnson said. “Do we know any of their allies or trading partners?”
        “Kojsha didn’t seem to want to say. He almost all but said ‘Don’t deal with a middleman. Deal with us.’ I’m planning on finding out more.”
        Johnson scratched at his short cropped brown hair. “I think the big question here is, what do they want from us?”
        Favor smiled and shrugged. “Kojsha was careful to avoid making demands this early in the game, but I’d bet a week’s salary that they want faster warp engines. Naturally, we’ll find out for sure later.”
        “Do they have enemies?” Ironsides asked.
        Favor shook his head. “If they do, they’re not admitting to it. It seems what the Danosm told us is true, supporting the Voyager’s mission logs. The inhabited systems in the outer sectors of the Borderlands are few and far between. As we push further into the Borderlands, we’ll run into more populated worlds and systems. From this, I can only surmise that the Tsugua don’t have that many interplanetary contacts. They’re very eager to form a relationship with us.”
        Johnson sat in silence, looking at the grain of the wood that topped his black desk for a moment. Finally he looked back up at Ironsides and Favor. “Okay. I want to hold back on making any promises, formal or otherwise, until we get a better idea of the situation. I don’t like it when people hold things back from me. This Kojsha doesn’t like talking about a few things. Why not?
        “And I’d like to have a better idea of how introducing faster warp engines will affect the Tsugua. It’s a basic Prime Directive question. I want to know more about them before we start handing over things. As always, I reserve the final judgment on any trade talks.”
        Ironsides and Favor murmured their assent.
        “Major, we’re about to arrive to tau’Tsugu in less than four hours. I know you have a number of things to take care of, so you’re dismissed. I want to have you free for the duration of our initial visits with the Tsugua.”
        Ironsides stood up. “Yes, sir.” He nodded briefly to Favor. “Ambassador.” The major turned and walked out of the ready room.
        Johnson looked at Favor. “Nathan, I want to go over a few more details with you before we talk with the Yiser.”
        “Sure.”

        Weiquo turned to look at his comrade. “Oruzi, has the word been spread?”
        Oruzi nodded stiffly. “buu’Keli and buu’Lohou are making preparations already. It’ll take a little while longer for word to reach buu’Uto since you wished us to avoid channels that might be monitored by the Ernor’s agents.”
        “Yes, that’s right. I don’t mind the delay as long as the demonstrations are synchronized. We’re going to show those polits that we’re not about to sit back on our legs! Our demands will be heard, not only on a political channel, but on all public reception channels on tau’Tsugu!”
        Weiquo walked stiffly to the narrow window that let a murky pink light into the chamber. He looked out at the dusky sky, full of particulates thrown up by the massive groundsorters at work in the city. The light red glow from the tau’Tsugu sun darkened and shifted into a sort of violet glow that spread across the sky, except where obscured by the stormy clouds that whipped across the surface of tau’Targu.
        “We can bear this no longer. The restrictive conditions, the hours, the unreasonable quotas...”
        “I know,” Oruzi said, stepping up next to Weiquo. “Nobody thinks you’re doing the wrong thing- least of all me.” She placed a hand on Weiquo’s shoulder. “Save your speeches for those who need to hear and understand.”
        Weiquo’s thin slitted mouth grinned. “Thank you.” He turned to look at his friend. “Speaking of the audience... has the journalist arrived yet?”
        Oruzi shook her head. “Soon. The next lodonstonn transport is due to arrive in less than two hours. Hopefully he was able to stow away without being detected by the crew.”
        “Aitha forbid he’s found. We need someone who’ll put forth our side. The propaganda machines of the Parlia and the Ernor are too powerful. Still, nothing to do but wait until the transport arrives.” Weiquo shook his head slightly. He leaned back on his third leg, sitting back on it, and he crossed his arms. “Has anyone heard more about the aliens that are due to visit the homeworld?”
        “No. I haven’t heard anything further from our source within the Ernor’s gra’Uto.”
        Weiquo coughed a sigh. “I wish we knew more about these aliens. Perhaps they could be allies in our struggle.”
        Oruzi scratched at the floor with her front foot. “It would be nice, but all the other aliens just want the lodonstonn, and they don’t care how it’s gotten.”
        Weiquo laughed wryly. “At the very least, we can take satisfaction that the Ernor gets far less profit from dealing with the alien traders he has now, than he could be getting. He’s not exactly getting the best deal he can either. If he does manage to form another trade treaty with these new aliens, I doubt it’ll be to his benefit.”
        “Not to mention the embarrassment of our demonstrations!” Oruzi laughed. “That won’t endear him to the electors or his Parlia backers, either!”
        “Ahh, there is blue in the purple after all.” Weiquo smiled, feeling a little bit better.

        The U.S.S. Courageous orbited the muddy brown homeworld of the Tsugua. The tau’Tsugu red giant blazed some million kilometers away at the heart of the tau’Tsugu system. Major Ironsides looked at the shadows cast by the red sun as it began setting. The shadows took on a dark burgundy hue, including the shadows of the diplomatic away team consisting of Ambassador Favor, Captain Johnson, Major Ironsides, along with Security Chief Bogarde and two security officers.
        Several more shadows moved closer. Ironsides looked up to see three Tsugua walking up to meet with them. Ambassador Favor smiled and spread his arms out. “Greetings!”
        “Greetings and a fair welcome to you,” one of the Tsugua said, reaching out to clasp Favor’s hand. “Welcome to buu’Uto, the seat of Tsugua government.”
        “Chief Negotiator Kojsha, it is good to see you in person,” Favor smiled. “Allow me to introduce the Courageous’s senior officers and their security escorts.”
        While the ambassador started the round of introductions, Ironsides studied the Tsugua. They all had vaguely reptilian features. Their general skin tone was tan, with variations in darkness. Their heads were dome shaped, with an angular jawbone, ending at a flat chin. Segmented ridges lined the jawbone and chin. Ironsides surmised that it’d probably hurt quite a bit if he tried to punch one on the jawbone. Then again, bare-knuckled punches usually hurt.
        The Tsugua all sported sharp aquiline noses with thin slitted mouths underneath. The mouths formed a wide, downwards pointing V. As typical of most species in the Milky Way Galaxy, the Tsugua had two eyes, which were slightly sunken in their skulls.
        The eyes were their most striking feature, Ironsides thought. They were large, vertically oriented ovals. He couldn’t discern any coloration except for black, and the light red reflections from the sunlight. A protruding, scalloped brow went across their eyes, which were also segmented ridges, a continuation from the jaw.
        Their heads sat atop thick necks, which seemed to be segmented. As their necks moved, each ring segment slid underneath the one above it. Possibly armored, Ironsides surmised.
        Ironsides looked at the clothing the Tsugua wore. They were loose flowing robe-like outfits, with red and purple color schemes. The fronts were decorated with crystalline jewels and bright colored stripes along the hems of the coats.
        The Tsugu at Kojsha’s right had more crystals affixed to his, or her clothes compared to the Tsugu ambassador, both woven into the garments as well as affixed by means metallic attachments, like jewelry. The other Tsugua, standing on the far left, had quite a number of crystal decorations, but less than the other two. Also, the Tsugu had a large dark green stripe running down from his right shoulder to his hip. The green-striped Tsugu was bulkier than the other two. Ironsides was fairly certain the device strapped to the Tsugu’s arm was a weapon.
        Several other Tsugua stood at a distance from the three main Tsugua. From the devices they were holding firmly, Ironsides knew they were security. They bore no decorative touches to their uniforms, except for a series of stripes of different colors running down from their right shoulder to hip, with gaps at various intervals, but the dominant color was a dark green.
        “And this is the first officer of the U.S.S. Courageous, as well as the commander of the Starfleet Marine regiment stationed aboard the ship,” Favor said.
        Ironsides looked up to make eyecontact with the Tsugu. He nodded his head respectfully to the aliens. Favor moved onto Bogarde and the other security officers, introducing their rank and names to the Tsugua.
        Ironsides looked around the plaza they were in. Automatically, he determined the best positions in which to take cover in case a firefight broke out. He determined places where there might be hidden security, in between gaps of visible security guards. Blind spots were tallied.
        “Now you know everyone,” Favor said, finishing the round of introductions. “I’ve already been introduced to you, Chief Negotiator Kojsha, but the others have not had the honor.”
        Kojsha inclined his head and clicked his throat, looking past Favor, at the Federation visitors. “To begin with, I am Chief Negotiator Kojsha. I am in charge of any and all transactions between any private or public party and the government of tau’Tsugu.” He turned to the Tsugu standing next to him, on his right. “This is Yiser Iroshu. She is the second leading politician, and the Ernor’s own personal representative in all matters that do not directly need his presence.”
        Iroshu nodded slightly, acknowledging Favor, Johnson and the rest.
        Kojsha leaned slightly forward to look at the Tsugu standing at the far right. “This is Security Master Wakiza. He manages all security concerns for the government of the Tsugua.”
        Wakiza made a barely perceptible nod. Ironsides felt that Wakiza’s eyes were burning the images of the away team into his memory. Now Ironsides understood why the security guards had the same green stripe that Wakiza had on his outfit. Ironsides started assembling more details in his mind on the Tsugua.
        “We shall not have the honor of meeting with the Ernor today, will we?” Favor asked.
        “No,” Iroshu said. “He is occupied elsewhere, and conveys his regrets at being unable to attend to your arrival. Please consider me as his proxy in all matters.”
        Kojsha looked at Favor and the away team. “Come, the sun is already halfpast the horizon. Time to get business started. The Parlia will be convening soon. You have expressed interest in seeing our mode of governance, correct?”
        “Oh yes, we have,” Favor said.
        “I have already informed the Parlia to expect visitors. Let us go.” Kojsha gestured with an outstretched arm, his broad sleeve swaying from the sharp gesture. Wakiza raised his hand to his mouth and spoke softly into a wristband. Ironsides noticed several green striped security guards moving into new positions. He chided himself for not noticing the wristband in the first place. It was similar in coloration to Wakiza’s wrist skin, with a black oval shaped device on the inside of his wrist. Wakiza let his hand drop back down to his side, and the comm device became hidden from view once again.
        Ironsides followed Johnson and Favor as the away team was led by Kojsha and Iroshu into the nearby large building. The hum of magnetic railcars made Ironsides turn his head. He watched railcars zip by in the distance. Tsugua walked to and fro in broad walkways in crowds.
        Ironsides turned to look at the building in front of them. The building was several stories high and had a broad flat triangular roof which slanted down to the side. A gigantic arch framed the cave-like entrance, made out of a glass-like material. Curled grooves were dug into the surface, creating a pattern of reflections. Several pillars lined the walls, made out of the same material as the arch. They looked like stalagmites from a cavern, although he could tell by the uniformity of appearance that all of the pillars were not naturally formed. As Ironsides passed under the arch, he looked closer at it. The material wasn’t quite transparent, although it was highly polished. Red sunlight glinted off the carved surface.
        “Reminds me of the sculptures the Danosm had,” Johnson remarked softly to Ironsides.
        “Yes, sir,” he said in agreement.
        “Chief Negotiator Kojsha,” Johnson called out, “what are these crystals?”
        Kojsha turned back to look at Johnson. “We named the material lodenntsan. It is a weaker, false version of lodonstonn. It is abundant in the upper strata of tau’Tsugu. We use it for artistic endeavors. The more transparent it is, the more desirable it is.” Kojsha pointed to one of his crystal badges. “This is Grade 2,” he said, holding it up in the air. It glittered like a melting icecube.
        “Very impressive,” Johnson said.
        “Yiser Iroshu has several Grade 1 stones, much more attractive than mine,” Kojsha said, fastening his badge back onto his suit.
        Ironsides glanced at Iroshu’s coat, and he could see a marked difference. He could barely see them except by the reflections of sunlight off their polished surfaces. The party stopped at the entrance to the building.
        The entrance had no doors. Four men could walk abreast and enter the building with ease. It was basically a large foyer with a deep hallway leading into the building. Guards stationed at the entrance nodded, allowing the party to continue into the entry hallway. Ironsides detected a slight grade to the floor. They were walking downwards. He noticed that the interior lighting was dim. He blinked his eyes to fix his focus. Soon, his eyes got accustomed to the lighting. He looked at Kojsha.
        Ironsides watched the way the Tsugu negotiator walked, with their tripedal structure. Kojsha walked by first moving his left foreleg and his hind leg simultaneously. The hind leg seemed to provide some sort of center of gravity while the forelegs were in motion. The knees on his forelegs bent much like a human’s knee, although the knee on the hind leg bent in the reverse. The hind leg vaguely reminded Ironsides of quadruped anatomy, like the joints found on horses’ hind legs. He wondered how fast the Tsugua could run.
        Johnson began speaking with Iroshu, and Ironsides listened offhandedly, while observing his surroundings. After a lengthy walk, the group arrived into a massive chamber with a domed ceiling. The chamber was almost perfectly circular. Rows and rows of benches rose up from the ground floor. The benches were dark colored. Ironsides couldn’t determine what they were made out of, some kind of wood or stone. Similarly colored rails ran in front of each bench, separating each level from the one below it. A large dais was set back against one of the flatter sides of the auditorium. Electric light fixtures ringed the domed ceiling, creating a bullseye pattern of lights.
        The auditorium was just as dimly lit as the entrance hallway was, but Ironsides’s eyes had enough time to adjust. He could see several dozen Tsugua seated on the low, thin benches. They sat uniquely, according to their anatomy. Their two front legs were in front of the bench, and their hind leg was on the other side of the bench. They bent down, the trunk of their bodies sitting upon the bench. Ironsides saw some Tsugua balancing flat electronic devices before them on the railings as they sat. A Tsugu stood up and bent his body forward, lifting his hind leg up and over the bench, walking to another Tsugu.
        “This is the Parlia Addressing Chambers, where debates and other special events such as speeches are held,” Kojsha swept his arms around. “The next debate session is due to begin shortly. We will observe from the visitor’s galley, up there.” He pointed and Ironsides looked up to see a long balcony hanging above the last bench in the auditorium. More rough hewn railings enclosed the balconies. Several other balconies ringed the auditorium as well. Some were little more than catwalks for spotlights.
        All in all, the impression given of the auditorium was that of an underground burrow. Even the air seemed to have a slight chilliness and dampness to it, reminding Ironsides of caves that Ironsides had been in at one time or another in his past.
        “The Yiser will be speaking briefly on behalf of the Ernor before the session begins,” Kojsha said.
        Iroshu nodded. “Before I address the Parlia, I wanted to introduce you to the Parlia’s executive chief. A moment, please while I speak with her.” She walked off to the dais where two Tsugua were sitting, speaking to one of them. One of them stood up and walked back to the group with Iroshu.
        “Captain Johnson, I wish for you and your crew to meet the Parlia Executive Chief, Shikwo,” said Iroshu.
        Shikwo bowed slightly, and Johnson nodded in return. The captain said, “Pleased to meet you, Executive Chief Shikwo.”
        “And you as well, Captain Johnson,” Shikwo said in return. “I sincerely hope that you enjoy your visit to our world and that it turns out to be very beneficial to us all.”
        “That’s the goal here,” Johnson smiled. “Please, don’t let us draw you away from your work.”
        Kojsha nodded and looked at Iroshu and Shikwo. “I’ll take our visitors up to the visitor’s galley now.”
        Iroshu and Shikwo bade Johnson and the others farewell and they walked back up to the dais together. Kojsha and Wakiza led the away team out of the chamber and down a side passage which led up to the visitor’s galley. By the time they sat down on the benches in the galley, Shikwo was standing at the speaker’s stand. A soft spotlight highlighted her presence.
        “Tsugua of the Parlia,” Shikwo began, “before debate begins on Contract 187-A, the Ernor has some words he wished us to hear first. Yiser Iroshu is here to speak his words to us. First, I wish to acknowledge the presence of visitors from the Fedfleet ship Courageous.” She raised her hand, gesturing to the visitor’s galley.
        Suddenly, the members of Parlia started stomping their feet softly as a spotlight lit up the balcony. The stomping faded away and Shikwo continued. “Let us hope their negotiations with Chief Negotiator Kojsha are successful and profitable for us all.” More faint stomping could be heard. The spotlight on the away team faded and the stomping stopped. Shikwo gestured to Iroshu, who was sitting on a stump-like chair. “Now, I turn over the proceedings to our Yiser.”
        Kojsha leaned over to Johnson and Favor. “We can leave now. I have no wish to inflict the tedium of the Parlia on you on your very first visit.” He hissed a wheezing sound which Ironsides supposed was laughter.
        Johnson smiled and Favor chuckled and said, “If you have more planned for us, lead on.”
        “I do,” Kojsha. “Let us move on to other things.” The group stood up, and Kojsha led them out of the auditorium.

SECTION ONE | SECTION TWO | SECTION THREE | SECTION FOUR

 MISSIONS | PERSONNEL | SHIP SPECS | COMMENTS | CREDITS | MAIN