Edward Shield and Lianna Young are both standing outside the waiting room of the Federation Council chamber. They are to meet with the Council, the president and the admiralty of Starfleet regarding their sudden appearance on Earth. Both of them feel like they're in trouble, and they have no reassuring words to say to each other to the contrary. With the members divided on a decision, they agree to put it to a vote. During which time they allow their crew to enjoy a limited-shore-leave on Earth while they deliberate.