PICARD HAD NEVER been prone to discomfort in low- or zero-gravity conditions. In fact, he always had enjoyed the feeling of weightlessness, taking to zero-g combat training at Starfleet Academy like a newborn horta to a granite quarry. So it was with no sense of apprehension whatsoever that the captain, accompanied by Commander Riker and Counselor Troi, stepped into the observation lounge’s reduced gravity, which had been lowered for their guests’ life-support requirements.

His spirits were also buoyed by the knowledge that what had begun as nothing more than a make-work assignment had, in less than a day, evolved into a wondrous opportunity to establish first contact with a new species. For a fleeting moment, Picard wished he could be a fly on the wall of Admiral Nechayev’s office when she relayed his report to her peers. He smiled at the thought of the reactions it was likely to engender within the halls of Starfleet Command.

A group of five Dokaalan waited for them in the observation lounge, seated around the conference table. Hjatyn sat at the table’s far end, flanked on each side by two companions dressed in robes similar to their leader’s though somewhat less ornate than those he wore.

“First Minister Hjatyn,” Picard began, nodding formally to the elderly Dokaalan who stood at the front of the five-person delegation, “I am Captain Picard. It is my privilege to welcome you aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Allow me to introduce my first officer, Commander William Riker, and my ship’s counselor, Commander Deanna Troi. It was our intention to meet with you in your offices or some other location of your choosing, but we are honored that you traveled here to meet with us.”

The Dokaalan replied, “This momentous occasion warrants more than our limited amenities can provide, Captain, as you will soon see for yourselves. In the meantime, it is our honor to visit such a magnificent ship. When I was informed of your arrival and your efforts to rescue my people, I knew I had to thank you personally. This is a tremendous day for all of my people.”

It was praise that still felt undeserved to Picard, despite his earlier talk with Counselor Troi. “First Minister,” he said, “though most of your people who were injured have been treated and released, my chief medical officer and her team are still monitoring a few whose injuries were more severe. However, I must offer my sincere apologies for the loss of your people during our rescue attempt. I regret the circumstances surrounding their deaths.”

Bowing his head for a moment, when Hjatyn returned his gaze to Picard a small smile graced the Dokaalan’s features, and there was also moisture in the corners of his eyes. “While we mourn their loss,” the minister said, “many more would have shared their fate if not for your actions. I also understand that two of your people were killed. We will honor their sacrifice in the same manner that we commemorate those of our people who have given their lives in the defense of others.”

Nodding in agreement, Picard directed Riker and Troi to take a seat before moving to his customary place at the head of the conference table. “I have been informed that we will arrive at your colony’s central complex within the hour,” he said. After docking with the Enterprise to allow Hjatyn and his party to board, the minister’s vessel remained linked with the starship as it navigated a new course through the asteroid field to the heart of the Dokaalan colonies. “In the meantime, I imagine that you have numerous questions for us, just as we have many for you.”

His smile widening, Hjatyn replied, “Indeed we do, Captain, beginning with the obvious one: Where are you from, and how far have you traveled to find us?”

Picard did not doubt the Dokaalan would comprehend the staggering distances involved in traveling from the Federation to this area of space, or even in understanding the basic concept of the technology employed to make the journey, but there would be a time where discussing all of that would be more appropriate.

“We have come here on behalf of the United Federation of Planets,” he said, “a shared society of many cultures from many different worlds who have joined together in the spirit of mutual cooperation.” He indicated Troi. “Counselor Troi was born on a different planet than Commander Riker and myself, and my crew is comprised of representatives of many other member worlds, as well.”

He noticed Hjatyn’s warm expression falter a bit as the minister said, “While my enthusiasm at your arrival is unbridled, Captain, I also hope you will understand my need to be cautious. Several of my aides advised against this meeting, offering instead the need to be suspicious of your motives.” He held out his thin arms, indicating the conference room and, by extension, the rest of the Enterprise. “One look at this vessel is enough to tell me that, were you so inclined, you could conquer our people with minimal effort. Therefore, I must ask what your intentions are now that you are here.”

Picard recalled the reports submitted by Lieutenant Vale and Dr. Crusher regarding some Dokaalan’s reactions to learning the identities of their unexpected benefactors. While some of the miners rescued by the Enterprise were most receptive to their new visitors, many more had expressed doubt, suspicion, and even fear.

With that in mind, he replied, “Some of the people we rescued from your outpost have expressed concern that we may be here as invaders, and I hope that I can put that worry quickly to rest. We have traveled a great distance to see what is here, and we do so in peace. There is much more here than we expected or even hoped to find, and my crew and I are most anxious to learn all that you can teach us. However, should you ask us to leave and never return, then we will do just that.”

Noting the palpable silence as Hjatyn seemed to ponder his words, Picard glanced to Riker and saw the subtle change in his first officer’s expression. He too was worried that everything that had come so far had happened for naught. The look in Counselor Troi’s eyes seemed to mirror Riker’s but Picard could not be sure. Was she sensing Hjatyn’s unease?

He forced his own features to remain fixed as he waited for the Dokaalan’s response. In truth, the Enterprise already had completed the mission as set out by Admiral Nechayev. Still, he would be saddened if understandable yet misplaced xenophobia guided the first minister’s decision and prevented him and his crew from making the most of this opportunity.

Thankfully, it did not come to that.

“It seems to me, Captain,” Hjatyn said after a moment, “that given the resources at your command, were you of a mind to harm us you would have done so already, and not bothered with the compassionate action of rescuing my people. My instincts tell me that you are telling the truth.” Smiling, he added, “Besides, did we not invite you here, after a fashion? I am told that you discovered two of the three unmanned space vessels my people dispatched prior to our world’s destruction.”

Picard nodded. “Yes we did, though the story surrounding their separate discoveries is a lengthy one. Suffice it to say that the first probe was found long ago, but it was determined that the available technology and resources were insufficient to reach your planet in time.” Choosing his next words as carefully as possible, he added, “With that in mind, those in positions of leadership at the time deemed other priorities to be in greater need of attention. Several events, some with long-lasting repercussions that were both positive and negative, transpired in the period soon after the probe’s discovery. I’m afraid to say that the matter was soon forgotten, at least until the second probe was found only a short time ago.”

“I think I understand what you mean, Captain,” Hjatyn replied. “To be honest, I am not even sure if anyone involved with the probes’ construction or their launch from Dokaal survived the catastrophe. Most people today have either forgotten about the probes or never learned about them. As you said, other concerns became more important after a time.”

It’s certainly understandable, Picard thought. From the reports Vale and Crusher had given, most of the miners rescued from the outpost possessed no knowledge of the probes. Perhaps the story had been relegated to myth, or simply forgotten in the face of struggling for mere survival.

“What is amazing,” Hjatyn said, “is that someone has found one of the devices only now, after all this time. Even more astonishing is that it was still in a condition which allowed you to hear the plea of our people.” Smiling, he added, “I think I am beginning to appreciate just how far you have come to find us, Captain.”

“It seems that your people already had an appreciation for the vastness of space before your world was destroyed,” Troi said. “After all, the probes were equipped with engines that allowed them to travel faster than light. Did you have a space exploration program in development prior to the disaster?”

Hjatyn replied, “Of a sort, yes, though it never progressed to the point of manned flights beyond the boundaries of our solar system. Several science and engineering specialists who escaped the catastrophe tried to re-create and even build upon the technology lost with our planet, but their attempts were unsuccessful. Oh, they were able to develop a prototype engine, two actually, and a plan was even put in motion to send two ships away from our system in search of other life. They were launched on separate trajectories and each succeeded in leaving our system.

“According to messages we received, tragically, the crews of both ships died during their flight from unknown causes. At the time, our scientists theorized that traveling faster than light was somehow harmful to living beings, and the technology was abandoned.” Indicating the Enterprise officers with open arms, the minister added, “Obviously, that was a mistaken conclusion, or perhaps it is only correct with respect to the Dokaalan. Either way, it is unfortunate for us.” The elderly leader smiled at that, and Picard found himself warmed by the expression of emotion. Yes, he decided, despite the earlier tragedy, a good thing had happened here today.

Leaning forward in his seat, Riker said, “I imagine you had your hands full as it was. According to some of the people we rescued, you’ve had to make do with what are essentially temporary facilities since your planet was destroyed. That you’ve managed to survive this long is remarkable.”

“Necessity has always proven to be a fine motivator, Commander Riker,” Hjatyn replied. “When Dokaal exploded, we were faced with sustaining not only the existing mining contingents but several thousand evacuees as well. We had to reallocate our limited resources to accommodate our increased numbers. Many of our original outposts still exist, though they have been pressed into service for far longer than their original designers ever intended. They are in constant need of repair, and many lives have been lost due to accidents or structural failure. Such incidents have become more common in recent years, which is why there has been a concerted effort to construct new facilities, such as the central habitat and control complex that now serves as the heart of our community.” Shrugging, the aged Dokaalan added, “Though our level of technology is primitive compared to yours, I think you will be most impressed by the ingenuity of my people.”

“Of that I have no doubt, First Minister,” Picard said. According to the analysis provided by Data and La Forge, Dokaalan technology in many respects was on par with that of Earth during the late twenty-first century. Had they continued with their research into faster-than-light travel, or perhaps been inspired by the presence of an extraterrestrial race as humans had once been, that comparison might have even been closer. “In my travels I have learned that there is always something to be learned. Also, once I notify the Federation of your situation here, I’m sure there will be no trouble obtaining aid for your people.”

To the captain’s surprise, Hjatyn seemed for a fleeting moment to be troubled by the proposition. It was only a flicker in the elderly leader’s eyes, one which he covered quickly enough. “We have always been a self-sufficient people, Captain, even before our planet was destroyed. I am not sure the idea of long-term outside assistance will be palatable to them.”

Before Picard could further any debate, the minister held up a frail hand. “However, there will be time enough to discuss such a kind and intriguing offer.” The captain and his officers stood in deference to the leader as he rose from his own chair. “Forgive me, Captain, but at my age I grow fatigued easily. With your permission, I will return to my vessel. There are still many preparations required to give you and your crew a proper reception, after all.”

“As you wish, First Minister,” Picard said, putting on his best diplomatic smile to cover the momentary unease he had felt. “We can meet again at your convenience.”

“Excellent,” Hjatyn replied. “I am so looking forward to introducing you to the rest of my people, Captain. I hope that you will want to meet them and see all that they have accomplished, just as I hope to see more of this breathtaking vessel and meet your crew.”

“I’m sure we can see to that,” Picard replied.

The Dokaalan leader nodded in satisfaction. “Though we must certainly pause to remember those who have fallen, this will still be a wondrous occasion for celebration.”

After asking Commander Riker to escort the Dokaalan delegation back to their ship, Picard waited until the doors to the lounge had closed and he was alone with Troi before turning to her. “Counselor, would I be mistaken if I said I thought Hjatyn seemed a bit uncomfortable during the meeting? Did you sense any duplicity or deliberate withholding of information on his part?”

Troi nodded. “His mind is incredibly focused, Captain, but he was holding back something. He could simply be acting with caution, as I did sense his relief when you accepted his request to end the meeting. It’s possible he still views us as a threat, but that type of reaction is normal in first-contact situations. Such an event is often unsettling, after all, even when the exchange is welcomed by the contacted party. I’ve detected similar anxiety in some of the miners we rescued, though many more are enthusiastic at meeting us.”

Frowning, Picard considered the counselor’s words. He had participated in enough first-contact missions to be familiar with the type of trepidation she described, but that did not soothe the gut feeling he had experienced while observing Hjatyn during the meeting. Was there something more than simple fear there?

“These people haven’t had the benefit of a normal civilization for a long time,” he said, still trying to rationalize his own misgivings. “After being on their own for so many years and succeeding in marvelous fashion despite the odds against them, it seems natural to me that they would apprehensive with any change in their routine, be it good or bad.” Picard knew from practical experience that feelings such as the Dokaalan seemed to be displaying, justified or not, could injure relations with a new species to such an extent that years might be required to repair the damage.

I certainly did not travel this far for that to happen, he thought.

“Considering how long it took us to get here,” he said, “I am not in a terrible rush to leave just yet. With that in mind, we will simply have to work that much harder to alleviate their worries.”

As he rose from his chair and headed back to the bridge, however, Picard could not shake the feeling that there was something more going on here.

Getting paranoid in your old age, Captain?

The thought teased him. Could some sort of residual bitterness, brought about by the circumstances that had brought them here in the first place, be making him overly cautious and causing him to second-guess every action? Perhaps.

Then again, perhaps not.