Doctor Lori Weaver made her way through the lounge and joined her shipmate and friend, Science Officer Haia Ohtani. The two women were having lunch.

“So you decided to try the sushi after all,” said Haia.

“I had no choice. You would have kept on me about it into the next century,” said Lori.

Haia chuckled, watching carefully as Lori took her first bite. “Well?”

“It’s not bad for raw fish,” said Lori.

“Yeah, replicated.” Haia laughed.

“It’s still raw,” said Lori. “Have you heard the rumors?”

“I don’t pay attention to rumors,” said Haia.

“But the word is, we’re going to get a new ship. No more cramped Raven.”

“If we go back to a Raven or we get something else, it will happen when it happens.”

“How can you not think about it, especially with that new Diligent-class ship docked at Devron,” said Lori. “It arrived last night, a few hours before we did. The captain and XO have been in meetings all morning.”

“They’ve been in meetings before,” said Haia. “It will happen when it happens, if it happens.”

“I give up.” Lori tossed her hands in the air.

“Maybe your answer is coming now,” said Haia. She motioned with a tilt of her head.

“What?”

“Hello, ladies. May I join you?” Chief Engineer Nick Saunders slid into an empty chair at the table, not waiting for an answer.

“What’s up, Nick? Do you have any news? Lori is ready to pop.” Haia smiled.

Lori smirked.

“As a matter of fact, I do. We’re transferring to another ship,” said Nick.

“I knew it! Is it the Diligent in the docks?” said Lori.

“The Eagle, and yes,” said Nick.

“How do you know?” said Haia.

“I’ve already been on board. It’s ours now.”

“I don’t know much about a Diligent,” said Lori.

“Well, it’s bigger than a Raven, obviously. It’s a ship that packs a punch, kind of a bigger version of a Defiant,” said Nick.

“So another ship that’s not big on science,” said Haia, a pout on her face.

“There’s always science somewhere out there,” said Nick. “You’ll do fine.”

“I hope you’re right. When do we officially board?” said Haia.

“Not sure, but the captain and XO are with the admiral now, so it will be soon,” said Nick.

“How many crew? It will give me more to do,” said Lori. “Sometimes things got dull on a Raven.”

One hundred twenty,” said Nick. “We’ll all get our own rooms now.”

“Yes!” said Lori. “Haia snores. She sounds like a buzz saw. Peace and quiet will be nice.”

“I do not snore.”

“I recorded you.”

“An obvious fake. I don’t snore.”

“Mm hm,” said Lori.

Nick chuckled. “I need to get back to the Eagle. I had a short break, and when I saw you, I wanted to pass along the good news. Keep it to yourselves until it’s officially announced.” He got up, but paused. “You tried the sushi. I’m impressed.”

When Nick had gone, Lori looked at Haia. “You snore.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Oh, yes you do.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

The friendly argument continued, amusing anyone nearby that could hear. 

Ferenginar

Hok was staring at the clock on the wall. The white numbers were oddly-shaped, perhaps in some ultra-modern style, instead of the traditional manner in which Ferengi numbers were written. Many traditions had changed over the years, ever since the reformations that were started by Grand Nagus Zek, and continued by his successor, Grand Nagus Rom.

Hok was very young when Zek created the reforms that changed Ferengi society, reforms that were not well-received. He wasn’t sure what to make of them; his father had railed against them in public, but how could anything that would increase the profits made by Ferengi, all Ferengi, be a bad thing? The reforms would even give his moogie a chance to earn profit.

Moogie…

Hok sighed and looked at his moogie’s face. Her eyes were closed, and her color was almost white. It scared him to look at it, but he felt ashamed to look away. How could he not look at his wonderful moogie when she was in a coma, likely because of his father, his brother, and now him?

Hok gently ran his fingers across the back of one of her hands.

“I wanted to tell you, Moogie, that I’ll be leaving Ferenginar for a while, maybe for a long time,” said Hok. He felt guilty saying it, though he knew his business license being revoked was his father’s fault and not his.

“I’m going to try to get a fresh start so I can care for you better. Until then, Glosh will be looking after you. You remember Glosh, don’t you?”

Glosh had wanted to enter into a marriage contract with Hok’s mother, but Hok’s father made a better offer to his moogie’s father, so he was awarded the contract instead.

Hok grew silent, not knowing what else to say. Lovingly kissing his moogie’s hand, he patted it softly and got up. Looking at her face one last time, he left her room.

Earth

===Hok sat in the chair, rocking nervously. He stared at the light blue walls covered with citations and awards. He admired the achievements, but they intimidated him. Why would such a man approve a Ferengi that had his business license revoked?

Hok turned his attention back to the Starfleet Admissions Officer, Commander Lee Travis, as he finished reading Hok’s file. The man was a Hewmon, tall and well-built, with dark, curly hair that had tinges of gray on the sides. His brown eyes were serious and showed a confident and efficient man.

Turning off the computer console on his desk. He looked directly at Hok just by moving his eyes.

Hok swallowed.

“Well, Mr. Hok, your file isn’t something I normally see. Your background check took a long time. It seems some of your relatives were suspected of associating with… certain elements.’

Hok didn’t say anything. He didn’t know what to say. What could he say?

Travis studied Hok for a moment before continuing.

“Your test scores are high enough for you to be accepted.”

Hok felt hope inside, but he held his grim expression.

“But there are just some things in your background, that cause me to be concerned.”

Hok’s shoulders slumped.

Travis drummed his fingers on his desk. Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Are you willing to work hard and accept the ideals and beliefs of Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets?”

“Yes, sir. I am,” said Hok.

“Because your citizenship papers have arrived. You’ve been accepted as a citizen of the Federation.”

Hok began to feel hope.

“All right, Mr. Hok, you’re in. I’ve been authorized to offer you a position in the academy instead of an enlistment. It’s against my better judgment, but if you’re up to it, you’re in.”

Hok was stunned. This was better than he envisioned. An officer in Starfleet, one of the very, very few Ferengi to do that!

“Yes, sir! I’m up for it,” said Hok.

“Don’t make me look like a fool,” said Travis, his voice stern, eyes like phasers.

“I won’t, sir” said Hok. “Count on it.”

Ready Room

“You called, sir?” said Roger.

Matt motioned for Roger to sit.  “Our orders have been changed.”

“More supply and aid runs?” said Roger.

Matt chuckled.  “We’re actually being diverted from the one we’re on now.”

“Oh?”

“We’re going to rendezvous with the freighter Blue Star, transfer our cargo to them, then head for the B’Qal system.”

“Other than being a source for tritanium, what’s so important that we need to go there?” said Roger.

“B’Qal IV is an ally to the Federation, and as you mentioned, an important source of tritanium ore.  However, for years, an isolationist group, Ym’ruxin, The B’Qali word for one people, has tried to force all non-B’Qali off their world.  The group has never been more than an annoyance, but yesterday they launched a well-organized, large-scale attack all over the planet.  In short, they’ve seized control.”

“What does Command expect us to do?” said Roger.

“They’ve taken the Federation ambassador, her staff and security force, as well as most of the Central Parliament,” said Matt.  “We’re to get our people back, locate the president who is in hiding, and find a peaceful way to resolve this.  Because the Ym’ruxin attack was so large and sudden, it’s suspected someone is supplying and funding them.  We’re to find out who and what their agenda is.”

“That’s a tall order.  Why us?” said Roger.

“We’re the closest ship.  More will be sent when available.”  Matt paused.  “Rog, the ambassador is Joanne Tucker.”

“Joanne Tucker?  From the Academy?” said Roger.

Matt nodded.  Joanne Tucker was one of the best and most loved teachers at Starfleet Academy.  She taught courses on diplomacy and interspecies relations.  It was both a happy and sad day for her cadets when she was able to become a diplomat herself.

“Assemble the senior staff for a briefing in thirty minutes,” said Matt.

Roger nodded and headed out.

Alone in his ready room, Matt imagined how it must have been on B’Qal when the attack came.

B’Qal IV

In the darkness, there was a low rumbling.  It seemed like something unreal, something on the edge of awareness.  It quickly grew in volume and intensity, rushing inward, like some voracious predator falling on its prey.  Everything shook, and all that existed, was swallowed by its fury.  With a gasp, Federation ambassador, Joanne Tucker, abruptly sat up in her bed, her eyes heavy and her mind clouded by sleep.  Blinking, she looked around her bedroom, wondering what had disturbed her rest.

A sound louder than thunder crashed around her, vibrating her stomach, shaking the room, and knocking objects off the nightstand.  There was a pounding at her door.

“Ms. Ambassador!  Ambassador Tucker!  Are you all right?”

Jo knew that voice.  Pushing away the last bits of slumber that held her, she jumped out of bed and ran to the door, just as another explosion shook the building.

“Commander Stone.  What’s going on?”  For the briefest of moments, Commander Robert Stone, the commanding officer of the security contingent guarding the Federation embassy compound on B’Qal IV, eyed Jo.  She was 5′ 6”, with long, brown hair, brown eyes, and an attractive face.  She was past age 60, and though she had some extra pounds she had vowed for several years to work off, she was still a beautiful woman.  She was wearing a white nightgown that was low-cut, and just short of revealing what lay hidden beneath it.  Feeling her face growing warm with embarrassment, she grabbed her bathrobe and put it on, tying it closed around her middle.

“We’re under attack, ma’am,” said Stone.  “It’s not just us, it’s all over the city.  Explosions and gunfire erupted precisely at 0000 hours.  I need to get you to your shuttle.  Now.”  His strong voice emphasized that last word.

“Attacked?  By whom?” said Jo, not quite believing what Stone had told her, though another explosion rocked the building.

“We don’t have time to discuss it,” said Stone, his voice much firmer.  He grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room, almost dragging her behind him.  She scrambled on bare feet to keep up with him.

Everything was a blur as they raced from the living area, down a connecting corridor, through the offices, and to the corner of the building that held the shuttles and runabouts, though her sharp mind was analyzing the situation.  The only possibility was the Ym’ruxin was behind had the attacks.  For years, they had been against all alien influences being on their world.  They had tried politically to make changes, but because there was so much prosperity from exporting their minerals to the Federation, they had been defeated, both in Parliament, and in general elections.

Jo had been on B’Qal IV for about a year, having established very good relations with the president and governing officials.  It was a relationship that greatly benefited both sides.  It hadn’t always been good for her, as the B’Qali didn’t trust her when she first arrived.  No matter what she did, there was something there, something she couldn’t get past.  She had searched through the cultural database to see if she was violating a custom that offended them, but there was nothing.  She finally learned the reason why, when Zala, her B’Qali aide that was her liaison to the government, explained that her name, Joanne, was the same as a B’Qali word, j’yoa’an, that was slang for crude sounds an ill-mannered person made in public.

In B’Qali, her name was Fart.

Once that became known to her, and she explained to the B’Qali leaders that on Earth, her name meant, God is Gracious, she had been accepted with open arms.  The B’Qali had a rich religious history, so they considered her to be a blessed woman; her arrival on their world was viewed to be divinely inspired.

Now that things had changed, and the compound was under attack, Jo hoped and prayed for all the blessings she could have would be bestowed upon her.

Jo and Commander Stone were almost to the shuttle area, when there was a cracking sound, and the power in the building went out.  Stopping for a moment, Stone turned on a flashlight he had, and they resumed their trek, but now, slowly and cautiously.

“Why haven’t we seen anyone else,” Jo said in a whisper.

Stone didn’t answer.  Jo thought he might be keeping bad news from her.  Perhaps he just didn’t know.

“Stay here,” said Stone.  “I’m going to scout ahead to make sure it’s clear.”  He turned off the flashlight.  “If it is, I’ll blink this on and off once, and you get here fast.”

Jo nodded, but was unsure if he saw her in the dark.  “Okay.”

Stone moved off and disappeared around a corner.  The explosions in the complex had stopped, but she could still hear the echoes of shelling in the distance.  What were the Ym’ruxin doing to her beloved B’Qal?

With the noises of combat in the city, and the eerie silence inside the embassy, goosebumps began to form on Jo’s skin.  Pulling her robe tighter around her, she strained to hear something, but there was nothing.

After a few long seconds, there was a crash in the darkness ahead.  Several blasts of energy weapons fire ripped through the air.  There was a sickening thud, and it was deathly silent again.

Jo was already afraid, but she was now beginning to panic. Her breathing had increased, and her heart was pounding; her blood felt hot.  She began flexing her hands, balling them into fists.  It was primal, like every instinct in her was screaming at her to run.  She had to force herself to calm down.  It was taking all her inner strength.

There was a shuffling sound and two shadowy figures cautiously advanced.  They were tall and had broad shoulders.  Recognizing the silhouettes of B’Qali males, Jo ducked into a doorway, daring not to breath.  Her heart began to pound again.  This time, so loudly, she was sure the two could hear it.

The B’Qali stopped when one reached out and grabbed the arm of the other.  He began sniffing the air.

“Come out now, Human, and you will not be harmed.”

Jo tried to make herself as small as possible, sliding to the floor and scrunching her knees against her chest.  Her toes dug into the floor.  She wrapped her arms around her legs and buried her face on her knees.  Her eyes were closed so tightly, they began to water.

“Come out now.”

To Jo, the B’Qali voice had become unintelligible gibberish in the background.  All she could hear now, was the treasured sound of her mother singing her a song, when as a little girl, she had been wakened in the middle of the night by a thunderstorm.  She could feel the comfort and safety of her mother’s loving arms wrapped around her.

She never wanted to leave that place.

Observation Lounge

“An isolationist group named the Ym’ruxin, or One People, seized control of the government of B’Qal IV,” said Kirby. “It was totally unexpected, as the group was never violent in the past and they didn’t have the resources to do something this big.”

“So an outside influence is behind it?” said Iziraa.

“That’s one of the things Command needs us to find out,” said Kirby. “Reports coming out of B’Qal are limited, but from what we’re hearing, in a brilliant military operation, the Ym’ruxin launched approximately forty simultaneous attacks at key strategic points all around the planet.”

“What was the response from the B’Qali military?” said Iziraa.

“It was disorganized and ineffective,” said Kirby.

Iziraa frowned, her antennae leaning forward. “Shameful.”

“Izi?” said Weaver.

“They let down their guard and failed in their duty. The leaders should be punished,” said Iziraa.

“That’s for a later time. We need to focus on the immediate task,” said Kirby.

“Yes, sir,” said Iziraa.

Kirby could understand his security chief’s reaction.

“The most impressive part of this is how the Ym’ruxin were able to conceal troop movements, weapons, recon, and communications. They did all this under the noses of the government, which makes it more likely they had off-world help. Within a period of one day, the Ym’ruxin managed to take nearly complete control of all critical planetary infrastructure.”

“What does Starfleet expect us to do?” said Weaver.

“The Federation ambassador, Joanne Tucker, her staff, and security people have been taken. We’re to get them back,” said Kirby. “Most of Parliament were also taken, but the president is in hiding. We locate him and try to find a peaceful solution.”

“Sir, you do realize that won’t be possible,” said Iziraa. “Finding a peaceful way, I mean. The Ym’ruxin and their backers aren’t going to say, oops, we’re sorry, and give back what they took. They’re all in on this.”

Kirby knew Iziraa was right. “Regardless, those are our orders. We’re still four hours out. I want a plan in three. Because there might be opposing ships waiting for us, we’re going in on yellow alert.” He glanced at the XO.

“This isn’t going to be easy,” said Allen, “and though we don’t have a lot of experience working together in missions like this, we’re Starfleet and we’ll get it done. You all have access to everything we know about B’Qal and its people. There’s not much time, so study and learn what you can.”

Kirby could sense the atmosphere in the room. He was nervous, realizing the scope of what lay ahead, but he also knew his people would do everything possible.

According to the chronometer on the wall, Ambassador Joanne Tucker had been sitting in a chair in the main lobby for about a half hour.  The two B’Qali that captured her were silently standing guard.  Commander Stone was lying on the floor, his hands and legs in shackles.  He had awakened from being stunned, but he hadn’t said anything.  The man was proud of his position, and took his duties to the utmost, so she could imagine how he must be feeling about not being able to get her to safety.  Of course, she didn’t blame him, and at the first opportunity, she would tell him.

Things were quiet at the embassy, but sounds of fighting could still be heard around the city.  Being a diplomat, Jo was a very patient person, but she was beginning to become irritated over waiting and wondering what was going to happen next.  As if on cue, she heard someone coming.  By the sounds of the gait, she could tell it was a B’Qali female.  When she arrived, the two males snapped to attention.  When Jo saw who it was, her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.  A chill ran up her spine.

“I apologize her waking you, Ambassador, but as you can see, other plans were made.”

Jo glared at the female, anger inside her beginning to boil.

“What are you doing, Zala?  Why are you part of this?”

For the last year, Zala had been Jo’s trusted B’Qali aide.  They had many discussions about B’Qal IV, its people and customs, and about its future.  They had talked about their past, about their dreams for the future.  They had shared stories about their families.  All that time, Jo had considered her to be a close friend.  It turned out to have been a fraud, a ploy to get close to her, to learn inside information.

Zala held out a PADD.  “We’ve accounted for all embassy personal, except for these six.  Everyone has been taken alive, so if you want to keep it that way, you’ll help us find them.”

Jo looked at the PADD, then glared at Zala.  She wanted to leap out of the chair and strangle the life out of her.

“My guards would shoot you before you got two steps out of that chair,” said Zala.

Jo grunted.  How well Zala knew her.  What had she done wrong to not know Zala just as well?

“The six people, Ambassador?”

Jo didn’t want to help the Ym’ruxin find the others, but at this point, it was probably the smart thing to do.  They had made it a point not to kill any of them, so it was best to keep the missing six alive.  Zala could be lying about that, but they could have killed Stone.  Capturing everyone could also be the reason they hadn’t seen any bodies when they were trying to reach the shuttles.  She decided to take the chance that Zala was telling the truth.

Jo snatched the PADD from Zala and studied it.  After a few minutes, she tapped the keyboard area, and handed it back.

“The two names in green aren’t on B’Qal anymore.  One was transferred to another post.  The other returned to Earth to visit a sick relative.  In the basement of the main building, we have a secret vault.  It’s hidden behind a row of computers in the southwest corner.  The three in red are probably hiding there.  The instructions on how to find and open it are written there.  The one in yellow, I don’t know.  He could be anywhere.”

Zala gave Jo a look of skepticism.

“Fifty people work here,” said Jo.  “Personnel are transferred in and out all the time.  I don’t personally know everyone.”

Zala carefully studied Jo’s face, then handed the PADD to one of the guards.  He nodded and left.

“Once we find everyone, and after I’ve heard from my superiors, you’ll be moved to a more secure location.” Zala paused, her tone changing from harsh to polite.  “I’ll see to it that you have other clothes to wear.”

Jo didn’t say anything.  At this point, it didn’t really matter anymore why Zala had done what she did.  The Federation would eventually send help, so for now, all she could do was wait.  Being an ambassador, waiting was something she was very good at doing.

Kirby stepped out of his ready room and glanced at the XO, who nodded towards the forward view screen.  Seeing a B'Qali male sitting at a desk in an office, Kirby took a position in front of the screen.

The B'Qali were humanoid, with light green skin, the texture reminding Kirby of an alligator.  They had no hair, but on top of the head was a small ridge, like the dorsal fin of a shark.  The males were larger, with broad shoulders.  Both B'Qali men and women had equal rights and status.

“I'm Captain Matt Kirby of the Federation starship, Eagle.  With whom am I talking?”

The B'Qali waited a few seconds before replying.  “You may address me as, Jack.”

“Jack?”

“Yes.”

“All right, Jack.  You know why we're here.  How do we get our people back?”  Kirby preferred the direct approach, never caring for the diplomatic dance way of trying to get things done.

Jack smiled.  "I like you already, Captain Matt Kirby."

Kirby wanted to say that warmed his heart, but he kept that to himself.  Perhaps he could be diplomatic after all.

“Things have changed here on B'Qal.  The Ym'ruxin are in control now.  If you want your people back, the Federation must formally acknowledge our legitimacy as the new government.”

“That's not my decision to make, Jack, but I can assure you, holding hostages isn't going to get that recognition from the Federation Council.”

“Hostages?  My dear Captain, we have no hostages.  With everything that's happened, we have outsiders in protective custody.”

Kirby heard a derisive harrumph from Lieutenant Iziraa at tactical.  He gave her a quick, stern look.

“I assure you, Jack, we can protect our people.”

Jack let out a deep sigh.  “All right, Captain, now that we've introduced ourselves and started with being polite and diplomatic, let's get to the matter at hand.  We're both men of action, not fancy words.”

Kirby was actually relieved Jack said that.  “What else do you want?”

“Remove all non-B'Qali and never come back.  If you have any government officials, especially the President, in protective custody, you will return them to us.  Do that and we'll continue supplying the Federation with tritanium.”

"Again, these are not my decisions to make, but I will pass along your demands," said Kirby.

Jack nodded.

"In the meantime, as a show of good faith, I'd like to speak with Ambassador Tucker," said Kirby.

"That might be possible," said Jack.

"I insist," said Kirby.

"We'll see," said Jack.

Kirby started to protest, but Jack held up his hand.  “As you Humans say, Captain, we hold all the cards.  I will see if it's possible to talk with the Ambassador.  I'll contact you once I know for certain."  He tapped a button on his desk and the image on the screen returned to the planet below.

“So much for that,” said Kirby.  He turned to face the XO.  “Roger, begin implementing Plan B.”

Eagle Bridge

“Scanning now,” said Ohtani.

Though it wouldn’t take long, Kirby slowly drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair.

“No life signs and the power is still out.  It’s deserted, sir,” said Ohtani.

“Thank you, Haia,” said Kirby.

Transporter Room

“Kirby to Allen.”

“Go ahead,” said Allen.

“You’re all clear.  Begin Plan B.”

“Acknowledged.  Allen out.”  The XO looked at his team.  “Let’s go.”

Federation Embassy

Allen, Saunders, Iziraa, and Hok were in the communications center of the embassy building.  Each were dressed in black, carried phasers, flashlights, and tricorders.  Saunders had some equipment in a backpack.

“Nick, start setting up.  Iziraa, Hok, scout the immediate area in case our scans missed something,” said Allen.

It took time, but Captain Kirby had finally persuaded Jack into allowing them to talk with Ambassador Tucker.  The conversation would be short, with Jack making a point to say there would be transporter inhibitors and sensor scramblers so the Eagle couldn’t beam out Tucker.  Plan B was using the communication system in the deserted embassy to hack into the B’Qali comm link, thus tracking Tucker’s location.  Its success depended on the Ym’ruxin not thinking of them trying such a bold move.

Somewhere on B’Qal

Ever since the Ym’ruxin had taken control of the Federation embassy and taken her captive, Jo had been locked up in a jail cell, though she didn’t know where that was.  It must have been a cell to keep someone other than a common criminal, as it was clean, had a reasonably comfortable bed, and some privacy in the bathroom.  It even had a small shower stall, which allowed for some privacy.  As promised, Zala had gotten clothes for her to wear, other than her nightgown and robe, though a blue jumpsuit and sandals, with no socks or undergarments, wasn’t quite what Jo had in mind.  Still, things could have been much worse.

Since being brought to the cell, Jo had not been given any news or updates on what was happening.  She hadn’t seen Stone or any of her staff.  In fact, the only people she did see, were the B’Qali that brought her meals everyday.  They must have been given strict orders about contact with her, as they entered the cell, did what they had to do, and left as quickly as possible.  All her attempts at getting them to talk, had resulted in silence. They wouldn’t even look at her.

Jo had heard stories about prisons from past eras, that the inmates did little else, but spend time in their cells and think.  In her time there, she had experienced the same thing.  Where were the other people from the embassy?  Were they being treated well or badly?  Were they even still alive?  What was going to happen to her?  When was the Federation going to send a ship?  Maybe one had arrived.  Were they having any success in their negotiations?  Would she get out of this?  Was her family informed, or was this being kept quiet?

If Jo wasn’t a patient and disciplined person, she could have imagined herself going crazy.  One’s thoughts and imagination could take them to some terrifying places.

There was a sound at the door.  The cell didn’t have bars, but an actual door, with a window.  She had eaten already, so what was happening?  Perhaps someone was finally coming to deal with her.  A female B’Qali she didn’t recognize, walked in, closing the door behind her.  She was carrying a pouch.

Jo remained sitting on the edge of her bed.

“Stand up,” said the B’Qali.”

Jo didn’t move.

“I said, stand up.”  The tone was forceful.

Jo did as she was told.

The B’Qali held out the pouch.  “Go into the bathroom, wash your face, clean your teeth, and brush your hair.”

Jo glanced at the pouch, then back at the woman.

“Has your time here made you deaf?  Do as I say!”

Jo frowned, took the pouch and entered the bathroom.  Her mind racing, the only thing that made sense to her was they were letting her talk to someone.  A starship had arrived.

Federation Embassy

“Someone is coming.  Two for sure, but probably three.”

Iziraa followed Hok’s gaze, her antennae leaning forward.

“They’re around the corner to the left.  We need to tell Commander Allen.”  Hok hurried back to the comm center.  After a few seconds, Iziraa went with him.

“Sir, several people are coming this way, probably B’Qali.  They’ll be here in minutes,” said Hok.

Allen frowned.  “How much longer until you’re finished, Nick.”

“I’m almost there, but we still need for the Ym’ruxin to call the Eagle, and for us to tap into their signal.  We’re going to be here for a while.”

“Sir, if we shut off our lights, hide, and keep quiet, maybe they’ll pass by,” said Iziraa.

“And maybe they won’t,” said Saunders.  “We don’t know why they’re here.”

Hok set his phaser and tricorder on a desk and grabbed Nick’s empty backpack.  He moved quickly towards the exit.

“Mister Hok?” said Allen.

“I’m saving the day.”  Hok chuckled and rushed back into the corridor.

“Should I go after him?” said Iziraa.

“No.  Set up a position here,” said Allen.  “I think I know what Hok is doing.”

Corridor

Hok found a door with a name plate on it, someone’s office.  Using all his strength, he slid the door open enough to slip inside.  With his flashlight on, he began searching the room.  Finding two PADDs and some knick-knacks on a shelf, he put them in the backpack.

“You there!  What are you doing?”

Hok turned to the source of the stern voice.  Two B’Qali were in the doorway, with a third in the corridor.  All had weapons drawn.

“Ah, friends!  I’m here to retrieve some of my belongings.”  Hok didn’t need to play up being nervous.

“Your belongings?”  The B’Qali laughed.  “You mean steal what you can before we throw your carcass off our world.”

“Steal is such a harsh word,” said Hok.  “Opportunity plus instinct equals profit.”  Hok smiled.

“Whatever, Ferengi.  This embassy is Ym’ruxin property now.  I could shoot you where you stand.”

“There’s no need for that, friend.  I can put everything back.”  Hok flipped the backpack, spilling its meager contents onto a table.  “No harm done.”  He smiled.

The B’Qali whispered among themselves, though Hok could hear every word.

“Go with him.”  The leader pointed to the B’Qali in the corridor.  “You’ll be escorted to the spaceport and sent off world on the next available transport.  Count yourself lucky, Ferengi.”

“That’s generous of you, sir, but before I leave your beautiful planet, I need to return to my residence.  I have belongings.”

“You’re trying my patience.  Fine, you’ll be escorted out.  Go get your possessions.  Don’t take too long to leave safely.  That window won’t be open for long.”

Hok bowed.  “Thank you, sir.”

The two B’Qali in the office stepped aside, with Hok joining the third in the hallway.  Things didn’t go as planned, but at least he brought the B’Qali down to two instead of three.  He hoped he helped.  With one leading and two behind, Hok tried to think of something, anything.

After two, quick phaser shots and the loud thumping of two bodies hitting the hard floor, Hok’s security training kicked in.  Several well-placed punches and the three B’Qali were unconscious.

Hok nodded a thank you to Iziraa.

“I knew you couldn’t take all three.”  Iziraa chuckled.

“What happens now?” said Hok.

“We drag their bodies into an office and hope they aren’t missed for a long time,” said Iziraa.  “Or wake up.”

“I’ll keep an eye on them,” said Hok.  “I can also get back to searching for things to acquire.”

“Well, this is a Federation facility, so you’d be securing Federation property,” said Iziraa.  “I’ll update Allen.”

Hok watched Iziraa leave, wondering if she understood who he truly was and what he wanted.

Eagle Ready Room

Not wanting to show his annoyance to the bridge crew, Captain Kirby was waiting in his ready room for the call from B'Qal to speak with Ambassador Tucker.  He didn't know how long overdue it was, but patience was the foundation of this mission.

The door chime rang.

“Come in.”

The door slid open and Doc Weaver entered.

“How are you doing, Matt?”

“I'm not happy.”

“I know,” said Weaver.  “I can see the sour look on your face.”

“What does Command expect me to do?  How is one, small starship supposed to resolve a planetary crisis?”

“Getting right to the point, I see.”  Weaver slid into the chair across from Kirby.  “I'm a doctor, not a captain, so I don't know what to say, but I know you'll figure it out.  The crew believes in you.”

“Thanks for saying that, and I believe in them.”

“This sounds cheesy, but together we'll figure it out.”  Weaver offered a comforting smile to go along with her encouraging words.

“When you hear good ideas, please pass them along.”  Normally a commanding officer didn't show his doubts in front of the people in his command, but Lori was different.  Matt could always be himself with her and that was something he treasured.

“When we get an official answer from the Federation Council about the Ym'ruxin, maybe you'll have a better idea on what to do,” said Weaver.

“I don't see how.  They won't recognize them as the rightful government.  They'll pressure me to get something done,” said Kirby.

Lori's silence told Kirby she agreed with him and didn't know what else to say.  Sitting together and not talking, they waited for the call.

B'Qal

Zala strode into the office previously occupied by the President.  Jalak, the leader of the Ym'ruxin, was seated behind an ornate desk, a satisfied expression on his face.

“It suits me, eh?”

“Yes, I suppose it does,” said Zala.  “The Ambassador is ready.  I made sure she understands what she's supposed to say to the Starfleet captain.”

“Will she cooperate?”

“Yes, but she's very clever, so if she can find a way to thwart us, she will.”

“I'm sure the desire to live will keep her in line.  Is there anything else?”

Zala paused.

“Is there anything else?”

“It's probably nothing, with fighting still going on in pockets of the capital, but I sent a small team to recon the embassy in case there's still anyone hiding, or to find intelligence we can use.  They haven't returned and they aren't answering our calls.”

“Why do you think it's probably nothing?”  Jalak's tone and expression indicated his displeasure at the news.

“There's still a lot of chaos and disorganization all around us,” said Zala.  “Even you've got to admit our operation has been more successful than we imagined.  They're probably busy or they just aren't able to hear us.  It's a big building.”

Jalak paused while deep in thought.  “Send anyone you can spare to search the Embassy.”

“What are you thinking?” said Zala.

“The Federation ship has been sitting up there doing nothing, or appearing to do nothing.  Perhaps they aren't doing nothing.”

“They sent their own team to the Embassy?  But why?” said Zala.

“That's what your teams are going to find out.  Hold off on letting the Ambassador talk to them.  Maybe they're planning something we won't like.  Report to me when you learn anything."

Zala nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait.  I want you to lead it.”

“I will.”

When Zala was gone, Jalak leaned back in the chair.  “I won't underestimate you again, Captain Kirby.”

“How did you come to the decision to pull your team from the embassy?”

“Science Officer Ohtani was monitoring the area around the embassy with focused sensor scans,” said Kirby.  “When she saw about twenty B’Qali soldiers moving in, I had no choice but to recall the team.”

“And the conversation you were supposed to have with Ambassador Tucker?” said the Admiral.

“Jack, who we later learned was Jalak the leader of the Ym’ruxin, never contacted us, we concluded they knew we were there and cancelled the meeting.  I had to protect my people,” said Kirby.

“What happened next?”

“The situation was bad, but was made worse when the Federation contacted us and said they weren’t recognizing the Ym’ruxin as the official government,” said Kirby.

“You didn’t expect that they would, did you?”

“Of course not.” Kirby paused.  “The Ym’ruxin confiscated all the independent ships and freighters in orbit and began using them to forcibly remove all non-B’Qali.  I got tired of doing nothing, so I sent a general comm telling Jalak if he didn’t let us have the ambassador and the embassy personnel, I would take military action.”

The admiral wrinkled his nose.

“After being ignored again, we fired on an unmanned weapons depot.  That got their attention and a few hours later, we got our people back.”

The admiral chuckled.  “Questionable legally, but you did get them back safely.”

“I felt like I was letting down everyone,” said Kirby.  “We still needed to discover who was behind the attacks.”

“What did you do?”

“We stopped and detained every ship that left B’Qal.  It took time, but we were able to ferret out agents working for a faction of the Orion Syndicate.  It was surprisingly easy to get them to talk,” said Kirby.  He handed the admiral a PADD.  “This is everything we learned.”

“Captain, I get the feeling you think you did a poor job.  I can assure you that you and your people got the job done.”

“Not a poor job, sir, but we could have done better,” said Kirby.

“Everyone made it out alive and we know who is behind it.  Now we can get to work on a solution.  You and your crew take a few days and enjoy some time off here at the Devron base.”

“Yes, sir.  Thank you, sir.” said Kirby.

The admiral nodded and got up to leave, so Kirby stood as well.

“You really did get the job done,” said the Admiral.

“Yes, sir.”  When Kirby was alone in the small lounge, he went to the window and watched the activity outside.  He had no idea what would happen next, but at least he and his people were no longer a delivery service for humanitarian aid.  They were beginning to make a real difference and that felt good.