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looked to be the transport craft’s bridge. The Dolysian, also a male, wore what the doctor presumed was a sort of simple uniform, with a broad-shouldered dark green coat tailored to the alien’s slender physique. His human companion was a dark-skinned man, sporting what McCoy noted was a nasty abrasion on one cheek and a large cut on his chin. Though he wore a simple gray tunic instead of a uniform, his hairstyle and sideburns identified him as a member of Starfleet.
    As he was wont to do in such situations, Kirk spoke first. “I’m Captain James T. Kirk of the Federation Starship Enterprise . May we be of assistance?”
    On the screen, the Dolysian replied, “ Greetings, Captain. I am Renchir Thay na Berrong of the Unified Police Force, and I bid you welcome. As it seems our names can be somewhat cumbersome for humans to pronounce, Thay will suffice. I have been sent to assist you. I have been ordered by the leadership council to escort you through the Pass and on to Gralafi, and to lend whatever support you may require due to the unpleasant circumstances which have brought you to us. ”
    “Unpleasant and certainly unintentional,” Kirk said. “On behalf of the United Federation of Planets, I welcome your assistance. We hope to remedy the situation as quickly as possible so as not to pose any further inconvenience.”
    McCoy sensed Sortino leaning toward him, and then she spoke just loud enough for him to hear, “He makes quite the first impression. Are you sure you even need me on this mission?”
    “ We are eager to help in any way possible ,” Thay continued, before indicating his human companion. “ We have brought with us one of your comrades, as we felt it appropriate that you hear from him directly .”
    Although he recognized the man’s face from his review of the Huang Zhong personnel files, it still took McCoy an extra moment to recall the crew member’s name. He stepped forward so that Kirk could see him in his peripheral vision, then said in a low voice, “That’s Ensign Suresh Kari, Jim—one of the engineers.”
    Kirk nodded, acknowledging the doctor’s report before turning his attention back to the screen. “Ensign Kari, it’s good to see you. How are you feeling?”
    “ Bruised and a bit beat up, sir, but ready for duty ,” Kari replied. “ I’m one of the lucky ones. Only three of us survived the crash, and our injuries are fairly minor. The ship itself is a total loss .”
    McCoy forced himself not to offer any visible emotional response to the report. Three survivors meant eleven casualties. Based on Kari’s report, there would be no need for his trauma team on Gralafi.
    It was obvious that Kirk also was disheartened by the report, but he drew a deep breath before asking Kari, “Captain Arens?”
    The ensign shook his head. “ I’m sorry, sir. He died of his injuries, along with Commander Hebert. Our science officer, Lieutenant Boma, is the highest-ranking survivor .” McCoy noted how Spock and Kirk exchanged knowing glances, each recognizing the name.
    Thay added, “ Those who survived the crash were transported to the medical facility at the Havreltipa colony on Gralafi, Captain. None of their injuries are life-threatening, but you likely will be better able to treat them. ”
    “We’ll be doing that very shortly, sir,” Kirk said. “EnsignKari, we’re going to beam you aboard the Enterprise for a full debriefing. Thay, we have some final preparations to complete before we’ll be ready for your escort through the rift. Please stand by.”
    The Dolysian nodded. “ Yes, of course. We shall maintain station here until you are ready .” As the transmission ended, the image of Thay and Kari dissolved and the energy field once again was visible on the main viewscreen, serving as a wondrous backdrop for the transport ship.
    Turning to face Spock once more, Kirk asked, “How much time do we have?”
    Without any apparent need to consult his instruments, the first officer