Getting Down to Business

"Send him in, Lieutenant."

Captain Stephen April entered the room.

"Please... be seated, Captain."  Admiral Anastasia Carrera walked to the other side of the desk.  "Captain... what do you know about the Khalindarians?"

"They're a warrior race," April said.  "They're physically similar to humans, but with the same blood-type as Bartokians.  They sport tattoos as marks of honor and achievement, and their leader is called the Aramar.  I don't know much more than that."

"I don't know if you're aware of this or not.  The Romulans have been in heavy negotiations with the Khalindarians for some time now.  With all the recent chaos going on in the Romulan Empire, the last thing we need is for them to get stronger than they already are.  We have been continuing a dialogue of our own with the Khalindarian Supreme Aramar, Ankena.  He has agreed to have the Khalindarians join the Federation."

Vice Admiral Williams turned to April.  "Here is the problem.  We want this done quickly.  If the Romulans get word of what we're doing... they may see it as us trying to push them down.  Things could get ugly."

Admiral Carrera continued.  "There is also the matter of what the Bartokians will think when they find out their old adversaries are becoming Federation members.  And since you may have to pass through Bartokian space on this voyage, it is a concern that I think holds some weight."

Williams added, "Captain.  I don't think I have to tell you.  The Federation isn't what it used to be.  We seem to have more enemies with every passing day.  The Romulans, the Borg, the Jem'Hadar.  The last thing we can afford is another set of people who are against us.  Or... upsetting an already valued member of the Federation."

Admiral Carrera said, "I do not know what kind of response you can expect from the Bartokians.  We will try to get their approval on your passage through their space.  But... there are some among their race who still hold a grudge against the Khalindarians.  You may encounter some... resistance."

Vice Admiral Williams added, "We selected the Arcadia, because you have the fastest ship we've got.  This assignment must not fail."