Detailed synopses...

THE EXPLOSION The Klingon moon Praxis explodes in a blinding light of fire. The explosion sends out a huge shockwave through space, through the entire Beta Quadrant. Captain's Log: Stardate 9521.6 USS Excelsior, Captain Hikaru Sulu commanding. After three years, I've concluded my assignment as master of this vessel, cataloging gaseous planetary anamoly in the Beta Quadrant. We are heading home under full impulse power. I'm pleased to report that ship and crew have functioned well. Captain Hikaru Sulu lifts his tea cup from the platform in front of him. A science officer comes up to his Captain and shows him a PADD. Sulu looks at the report on the PADD, and comments, "According to this, we've completed our exploration of the entire sector."

AN INCIDENT! He then turns around to Commander Rand, a former member of the Enterprise, to send a communique to the Klingon High Council. "This is the Federation Starship Excelsior. We have monitored a large explosion in your sector. Do you require assistance?" Commander Rand sends the message, and soon Sulu asks for more data. His science officer reports that he has confirmed the location of Praxis but cannot confirm it's existence. Sulu orders Praxis on screen and soon realizes that a chunk of the moon is missing. Rand soon gets a message from Praxis and Sulu orders it on screen. Before they receive a message from Brigadier Kerla of the Klingon High Council, images of the chaos are relayed. Soon, Kerla addresses the Excelsior and her crew. "There has been an incident on Praxis, however, everything is under control. We have no need for assistance. Remain outside the neutral zone and obey treaty stipulations. This transmission ends now." Sulu is shocked and Rand wonders if they should report this. Sulu asks her if that is a joke.

A RETIREMENT PARTY? Captain Kirk, Captain Montgomery Scott and Dr. McCoy gather at Starfleet Headquarters for an emergency meeting. Bones wonders why they are here, and wonders if Starfleet brass is throwing them a retirement party or not. Scott says that a retirement party suits him as he has just brought a boat. Soon, Chekov and Uhura join the foray and Uhura is disappointed as she is supposed to be chairing a seminar at the Academy. Chekov wonders if this meeting isn't just for top brass and Kirk isn't sure. McCoy wonders where Sulu is, but Kirk reminds him that he is on assignment onboard the Excelsior. The meeting soon gets underway, as a woman announces that the meeting is classified and introduces the CinC. When the CinC enters, everyone in the room stands in respect. He gets them seated by saying, "As you were," and starts the meeting. He starts the meeting briefly by saying, "I'll make this as simple as possible. The Klingon Empire has roughly fifty years of life to it." There are gasps and shock around the room. "For full details, I'm turning this briefing over to our Federation special envoy." and he points toward the back of the room.

OUR OLIVE BRANCH Captain Kirk, who has been quiet all along, voices his opinion. He agrees with Admiral Cartwright's sentimentality. He informs the CinC that the Klingons have never been trustworthy, but Spock elaborates his point further by saying that it is imperative to support the Gorkon initiative. Spock also points out that the less conservative empire has chosen to support military solution and die fighting. Soon Captain Kirk is informed by the CinC that he has been chosen as the first olive branch. Captain Kirk is stunned at this announcement and Spock also informs him that they have volunteered to rendezvous with Chancellor Gorkon and escort him through Federation space. The CinC reminds the captain that there are those who feel the same about the peace treaty as himself and Admiral Cartwright, but they'll think twice about attacking the Enterprise under his command. Spock then states that he personally vouched the captain in this matter, and Kirk is more angrier at Spock. The CinC reminds the captain to accord the Chancellor full diplomatic courtesy. When Captain Kirk tries to salvage his position, the CinC closes the meeting by announcing, "If there's no further business, I wish you and your crew Godspeed. I remind you that this meeting is classified." Everyone stands and prepare to leave the room. Before leaving, Admiral Cartwright says to the bewildered Kirk, "I don't know whether to congratulate you or not." Bones says that he wouldn't and leaves Kirk and Spock standing alone in the room.

WE'VE VOLUNTEERED? After everyone leaves the room, Kirk vents his anger toward Spock. "We've volunteered?" Spock says that there is an old Vulcan proverb, "Only Nixon could go to China." Kirk then vents his anger further by asking him how he could vouch for him, and that it was an arrogant presumption for him to do so. Spock announces that it was his father who suggested that he open negotiations, but Kirk knows who his father is. Kirk informs Spock that he should've known how he felt about this, and Kirk announces that the Klingons are "Animals." Spock says that this could a historic occasion, but Kirk reminds him not to trust them and not to believe them. Spock elaborates his point further by saying that they're dying and Kirk doesn't care. He wants them to die. Kirk then points out to Spock that this crew is due to stand down in three months, and that they've done their bit for king and country. Spock should've trusted him.

I'VE NEVER TRUSTED KLINGONS, AND I NEVER WILL While on their way to the rendezvous point, Kirk records his log. Captain's Personal Log, Stardate 9522.6. I've never trusted Klingons, and I never will. I could never forgive them for the death of my boy. It seems to me that our mission to escort the Chancellor to a peace summit, is problematic at best. Spock says that this could be an historic occassion, and I'd like to believe him. But how on Earth can history get past people like me. Captain Kirk makes a log entry after their departure, whilst unpacking his bag in his quarters. He takes out a photo of David and places it on his deck to remind him of his loss. Soon, as he makes his last sentence, there is a cough outside his quarters. He looks to see Lt. Valeris standing in the doorway. He says to her that she could've knocked, but Valeris immediately announces that they are almost at the rendezvous point. "Right," says Kirk. Soon, Lt. Valeris asks permission to speak candidly, and Kirk does not protest. Valeris says that it is an honor to serve with him. Kirk tosses his bag onto his bag, and says to Valeris that she piloted the ship out of spacedock, well. Valeris reminds Kirk that she always wanted to try that.

ENDINGS TO DISCUSS While the Enterprise continues its course to the rendezvous point, Lt. Valeris visits Captain Spock's quarters. Valeris studies a painting on Spock's wall, and is puzzled by its interpretation, as Spock congratulates her on her graduation, whilst preparing a Vulcan tea. "You have done well, Valeris. As your sponsor at the Academy, I have followed your career with satisfaction. And as a Vulcan, you have exceeded my expectations." Valeris soon gets to the bottom of her distress, as she asks the captain what the painting represents. Spock explains that it is a painting of an Earth mythology, that all things must come to an end. At that point, Valeris turns to face Spock. She tells him that she is here to discuss the ending about to come, and that she addresses him as a kindred spirit, that the affairs of the Federation is coming to a dreadful outcome. Spock says that history is replete with turning points, and that they must have faith. Valeris is confused, as she doesn't understand the concept of faith, and asks if that is logical. Spock counteracts Valeris saying that logical is the beginning of wisdom, and not the end. Soon Spock announces his fate, and says that this will be his final voyage aboard this ship, as a member of her crew, and he intends Valeris to replace him. He hands Valeris his Vulcan tea, and before Valeris takes a sip, she says, "I could only succeed you, sir." Soon, Uhura's voice filters through the comm-system, as she informs the crew that a Klingon battlecruiser is approaching off the port bow. Spock takes a sip from the cup.

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER? Soon, Captain Kirk approaches the Bridge, and an ensign informs the Bridge crew of his arrival. Spock and Lt. Valeris arrive opposite Kirk. Kirk watches onscreen as a Klingon K'Tinga class cruiser flies by closely. Chekov asks the captain if he should raise the shields, and Kirk informs Chekov that they've never been this close before. When Kirk doesn't move, it is Spock who reminds the captain that the Chancellor is undoubtedly awaiting their signal. After Kirk takes a stern, angry look at Spock, he crosses in front of the helm station, and orders Commander Uhura to open hailing frequency and Lt. Valeris to bring them alongside, right standard rudder, Z plus five degrees. Spock also crosses to his station. Soon, Uhura informs Kirk that hailing frequencies are open. Kirk begins the communication, "This is the Starship Enterprise, Captain James Kirk commanding." Soon, an imposing image of a Klingon Chancellor appears onscreen, and announces himself as Chancellor Gorkon, of Kronos One. Kirk explains to the Chancellor that they've been ordered to escort them through Federation space to their meeting on Earth. The Chancellor kindly accepts this, and soon Kirk adds a twist, in order to ensure diplomatic courtesy. He invites the Chancellor and his party to a dinner aboard their ship, much to the surprise of Spock and his crew. After excepting the dinner invitation, Kirk closes the channel by saying that they will beam them aboard at nineteen-thirty hours. After closing channel, Kirk goes to the Turbolift, and in passing Spock, he whispers, "Well, I hope you're happy?" Before Kirk can get into the Turbolift, Valeris shouts after Kirk, "Captain, there is a supply of Romulan ale aboard. It might make the evening pass more smoothly." Kirk thanks the lieutenant, and after Kirk gets into the Turbolift, Chekov lets out a sigh of anguish, "Guess who's coming to dinner?"

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