Rakh'bar was not pleased, even for a Romulan. The captain of the Melbourne had received an urgent message, which had turned him off course. As a result, the only way to reach the StarQuest anywhere near on time was by shuttle. This was the kind of thing about the Federation that disturbed him. No priorities, no focus. Now he had to explain to the captain (a Klingon!) and first officer (a Zakdorn) why he was late. He didn't remember much about Zakdorns, except that they had keen intellects, so perhaps he could be reasoned with. But a Klingon??

The shuttle carrying Rakh'bar approached StarQuest at several percentages past the recommended maximum speed for such vessels. Coming out of warp, the Romulan was impressed by the sight -- not an easy thing to do. It looked deadly. Rakh'bar smiled. To pilot this vessel would be worth putting up with a Klingon captain.

Steering the shuttlecraft Newton into the shuttle bay, he wondered how the peace-loving Feds had justified the creation of such a ship, which from the specs could only be meant to wage war. Perhaps they weren't so dumb after all. And perhaps a Klingon was the perfect choice for such a vessel.

Rakh'bar picked up the bag which contained the few items he deemed worth bringing on a mission, and stepped outside into the hangar bay. He walked quickly towards the man who had to be the first officer. Klemendat saw the young Romulan approaching, and tried to put a friendly look on his face.

They headed for the turbolift. Klemendat struggled not to show his annoyance at Rakh'bar's rude silence. Were it not for that third glass of Bordeaux, he knew that this level of self-control would have been impossible, much less his friendly act.

Klemendat entered the Bridge just ahead of Ensign Rakh'bar, then stepped aside to point out the flight control station. "The Federation's latest technology is in your capable hands, Ensign."