We are en route to the planet Chyrellka to do -- as Dr. McCoy might put it -- a little fire-fighting.

We first made contact with the Chyrellkans ten years ago. They declined membership in the Federation, but at the time of that initial encounter, Captain Brittany Mendez of the Exeter noted that the, Chyrellkans and their colony on Vancadia provided a textbook example of how to peacefully establish and administer a colony.

Unlike most emerging technological civilizations, the Chyrellkans had established a working world government before leaving their own atmosphere. And once their probes showed them that Vancadia's biosphere was almost identical to their own -- except for the absence of any lifeforms higher than tree-dwelling primates -- they went about establishing a colony with Vulcan-like logic and determination.

Without impulse drive technology, all early trips to Vancadia were one-way. Shuttles lifted them into orbit around Chyrellka, where they transferred to orbital-built interplanetary ships. At Vancadia, then, they descended from orbit in one-way landers. It was nearly forty years before the colonials reached the stage at which they could manufacture the boosters that allowed them to return to orbit.

From the beginning, the Chyrellkans had planned for the Vancadian colonists to be given their independence once they'd achieved total self-sufficiency. A decade ago, Captain Mendez noted that with

And yet now the Federation has received an urgent request for help in mediating what the Chyrellkan message describes as "an increasingly vicious dispute between Chyrellka and her rebelling colony."

"Welcome to Chyrellkan space," the leader said. "I am Kaulidren. My people and I appreciate the promptness with which your Federation has responded to our request."

"Thank you, Kaulidren," Kirk said. "Premier Kaulidren, is it?"

The head inclined in an almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment. "And you are Captain James Kirk, commanding the U.S.S. Enterprise. Am I right?"

"You are, Premier. We will be entering orbit in a few minutes and will be ready to beam you and your party aboard as soon as the Enterprise matches orbits with your ship."

"That is most kind of you, Captain," Kaulidren said, holding up one and, palm out, "but no, thank you. Consider it superstition if you wish, but it is disquieting to me, this prospect of having my component atoms disassembled and transmitted unprotected through space in the hope that they can be fitted back together in your transporter room."

"I wouldn't consider it superstition at all, Premier," Kirk said, suppressing a smile as he saw Dr. McCoy, safely off screen, give a quick grimace of agreement with Kaulidren. "I assure you, however, that the transporter is perfectly safe. But if you prefer--"

"I do prefer, Captain, particularly since it is my understanding that your vessel is easily capable of receiving my entire ship. I trust I have not been misled."

"Not at all, Premier. Your ship is somewhat larger than our own shuttlecraft, but the hangar deck will accommodate it easily. Our landing tractor beams can handle--"

"I would prefer to bring my ship in under its own power, if that is possible."

Kirk suppressed a frown. "It's possible, yes, but I understand that your ship is powered by conventional rocket engines. It would be dangerous to use them in any enclosed area, even one as large as the hangar deck."

"My ship is equipped with maneuvering jets -- which would surely pose no threat -- and are fully adequate for docking maneuvers in space."

"In zero gravity, yes, Premier, but in the hangar deck, as in all parts of the Enterprise, a constant one-g is maintained."

Premier Kaulidren was silent a moment. "Artificial gravity," he said finally. "I had forgotten. But is it not possible to temporarily remove the gravity from individual areas?"

"It would be easier to use the landing tractor beams." Or the transporter system, Kirk added silently.

"But it is possible? Without causing major disruptions to your ship?"

"It's possible, yes." No point in arguing, Kirk thought. Save it for things that count, like getting the Premier and his opposite number among the colonists to start talking to each other. "I will make the necessary arrangements."

"Thank you, Captain. I look forward to our meeting face to face and to a discussion of our problems."

Abruptly, the screen went blank.

"They've ceased transmission, sir," Lieutenant Uhura volunteered. "Shall I try to get them back?"

"Not for now, Lieutenant. Mr. Sulu, how long till rendezvous?"

"Just under five minutes, Captain."

Kirk tapped a button on the arm of the command chair. "Mr. Scott? You heard?"

"Aye, Captain, I heard. I canna' say I approve, but I heard."

"I'm on your side, Scotty, but let's go along with the Premier on the small things. Unless I miss my guess, there'll be more than enough bigger ones coming along."

Copyright © 1990 by Paramount Pictures