On stardate 6097.4, the Montana was inbound for the Gibraltar system. On behalf of the Federation Council, the Montana transported Special Representative Valek to Outpost Zeta Gibraltar to decide the political status of the Excalbian refugees living on the planet. Captain Haynes also brought orders from Admiral Howe for Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise to cooperate with the charges of Outpost Zeta Gibraltar. The Montana's transporter chief, McGillicuty, was eager to get Special Representative Valek off the ship.