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.”