Gemini Read Free

though the viewscreen automatically dimmed, the flash was still painful. Then nothing was left but floating debris.
    â€œNo organic remains,” said Spock, peering into his viewer. “Mr. Kyle was correct, its crew is gone. Quite probably to planet Nador, which is barely within transporter range.”
    â€œBeam in as much of that debris as you can get,” said Kirk, pointing at the screen. “I want all available knowledge about these people.”
    â€œAcknowledged, Captain.”
    â€œDamage report?”
    â€œMinimal,” replied Spock, after checking the reports coming in from the ship. “The missles were unable to penetrate our shields, or our hull when we were unshielded. No appreciable damage.”
    â€œExcept to our pride,” muttered Kirk, seating himself. Then he took a deep breath. Their assailants had escaped, but the ship and crew were safe. Maybe McCoy was right, maybe he was too hard on himself. Maybe. “Secure from red alert. Viewer ahead, continue plotted course.”
    The planet Nador occupied the center of the screen now, growing larger with each second, a piebald sphere of blues and greens, not unlike a place across the galaxy which most of the Enterprise crew called home.
    â€œStandard orbit, Mr. Sulu. Lieutenant Uhura, open a channel to the Nadorian palace. Standard greetings.”
    â€œTransmitted, sir, I have a response,” replied Uhura several seconds later.
    â€œOn screen.”
    The lovely view of the planet they now orbited dissolved, to be replaced by the interior of what was obviously some sort of official building. In the background Kirk caught a glimpse of what he thought was a human figure, but was instead an elegantly carved statue, then turned his attention to the face of the magistrate, which occupied most of the screen. A middle-aged man bordering on elderly, he had the uncertain air of a man who had been used to commanding authority, but had found, rather recently, that his power base had eroded out from under him. The man on the viewscreen began the conversation with an odd mixture of sympathy, respect, and very mild contempt for his subject.
    â€œCaptain Kirk, welcome to Nador. I am Lonal, acting regent for Their Serene Highnesses, Princes Abon and Delor.” He said this firmly and courteously, then, at the end, added a rather incongruous and—Kirk thought—rather servile smile, almost as an afterthought.
    â€œGreetings, Regent Lonal,” said Kirk, putting on his diplomat’s face. “Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise, representing the United Federation of Planets. I bring you best wishes from the Federation Council.”
    â€œMost welcome, I am sure. May I convey the wish of Their Serene Highnesses to your and your senior staff to dine at the Royal Palace this evening? Their Highnesses are quite anxious to meet you.”
    â€œThank you for the invitation, Regent Lonal. We look forward to meeting Their Serene Highnesses. Kirk out.”
    The screen want blank and Kirk turned to Spock. “‘Their Serene Highnesses’? They rule this planet jointly?”
    â€œThey have, and will again,” replied Spock, “if the populace decides to reject Federation membership. Little is known of the princes aside from the facts that they are identical twins and are, if I am correct, thirty years of age.”
    â€œI am sure your figures are quite correct,” said Kirk dryly.
    â€œThank you, Captain,” said Spock, with no trace of irony.
    â€œCaptain,” said Sulu, turning in his chair, “why not ask the regent about that ship?”
    â€œI’d rather broach a subject like that face-to-face,” said Kirk. “I assure you, that matter has not been forgotten. In fact … Uhura, open a channel to Commissioner Roget’s quarters.”
    â€œI have him, sir.”
    â€œOn screen.” The screen flashed on again, this time to show a definitely elderly man