Being Diplomatic

Posted on Tue Dec 18th, 2018 @ 12:40pm by Lieutenant JG Casshan Kincaid & Captain Horatio Refelian & Ensign Callan Armidale & Rakena Kejaad & Telhas thu'S'Terion Sa-Shasol'kor t'Cheleb-Khor & Lieutenant Srash & T'datroh
Edited on on Mon Dec 24th, 2018 @ 8:01am

4,585 words; about a 23 minute read

Mission: Mission 2: Into The Breach
Location: Lightwoods Cafe, Commercial & Recreational Hub
Timeline: MD04 - 1330hours

Although the base was in organised chaos with the embassy and bird of prey bombing, Casshan still had to meet with the Ambassadors, especially T'datroh to get a cooperation going to find out who, what and why. With that the four galactic powers can work for better peace in the region and all can then work on the Faltans.

Three hours after the bomb as the various departments now worked on clean up and investigation. It seemed like the best time now, Casshan thought as he got out of his vehicle in the Lightwoods Cafe parking lot. The cafe had a direct entrance like many hospitality establishments in the Commercial and Recreation Hub. Casshan wearing his starfleet dress uniform entered to help get the place set up. He had sent invitations to the Romulan, Cardassian and Klingon Representatives after he had finished with assisting with the first responders to the bombed bird of prey just after his meeting with Captain Refelian that morning.

Once inside Casshan looked around for Malec, and whipped around when he sensed intent behind him. He was about to defend when he saw it was Malec. "Okay remind me never to sneak up on you Casshan." Malec said somewhat disappointed that he couldn't surprise the Betazoid.

Casshan instantly felt guilty that he reacted but it was simply picking up on strong emotions that just 'bleed' off people in close proximity to any full blooded Betazoid, and reaction thoughts that 'scream' off those same people. He'd have to work on that now. "Sorry and please call me Cash like I told you too. But keep it down, I don't want everyone using it." He smiled.

"And I am honoured that you let me, Cash," Malec tested the nickname as if tasting a new flavour.

"So where are we?" Casshan asked fighting the blush. "I called Security just before I left," well the whole base would know about the bombing by now but not the details, Casshan thought. "I left the bomb site to organise protection for the Ambassadors and thank you so much for letting me host them here, the Diplomatic Hub was too close to the bombing for my liking. I don't want to give the terrorists high-profile targets." He said with a kind of love sick puppy expression before he snapped out of it and offered his hand.

"You're welcome Casshan," Malec said before realisation blinked and he went concerned, looking the diplomatic officer over as his hands went to hold Casshan's shoulders and arms, "Wait you were in the bombing?"

"No, I was with Captain Refelian." Casshan said not breaking eye contact but became hyper-aware of the heat of Malec's touch, it was like a drug and he could just melt into the Trill's embrace. Though reason and picking up on a few peoples strong curiosity from around them snapped him out of it. "I'm okay," Casshan took a step back but found Malec not letting go of his hands as the movement put them in position for Malec to hold them, and firmly.

Malec started to rub Casshan's hands a little, "Please don't scare me like that!" Malec said. "I only just met you and," he smiled as he noticed Casshan finally glanced down at their linked hands. Malec's thumbs tracing the lines of the tattoos. "I'd love to see your tattoos sometime," that got Casshan's blood boiling just a smidge too high.

Casshan gently pulled his hands free and smiled. "Well you will have to be a good boy then," he said sensing that a few emotions directed at them and some surface thoughts of jealousy which when Casshan focused on them were just fleeting thoughts about having someone interested in them. "Is everything ready?"

"I believe so Cash, the kitchen is nearly finished." Malec said, "When are the representatives coming?"

"Should be in half an hour, security should be here soon." Casshan said, though he knew that the chief, a Lieutenant Junior Grade Jonah Masters, was off on the Minotaur but whoever was in command of the security department would send whoever they could spare that wasn't attending to the bombing. Casshan also knew that the Representatives would probably bring a few of their own security staff.

It wasn't long after the counsellor had mentioned it when a small security detail made their appearance. Amongst them was Callan Armidale, dressed in dark blues and light tactical gear, like the rest of the group. He and several of his colleagues hopped out of their vehicle and onto the pavement just outside the cafe. The young security officer dipped the visor of his baseball cap a little lower to shield his eyes further from the sun.

The chosen location of such a high-level diplomatic meeting was, at least to Callan, rather odd, but he did not question it. His job, along with his colleagues from the security department, was to ensure adequate protection of attendees. Several of his higher-ups had already assessed the cafe as safe, and had given the team a thorough briefing.

Callan took up his spot - the back corner of the cafe, at a junction just between the open dining area and a corridor leading past the kitchen, eventually to the back/staff entrance. He discretely gave his comm receiver a small tap, notifying the rest of the team that he was in position.

A young-looking Vulcan woman in an uniform of ancient style, with a trillpa (a Vulcan sword) girded entered the room. "Is here a Lieutenant Kincaid?" she asked strictly. Her tension was barely hidden behind an emotionless mask. She had never been good in self-control.

At the voice Casshan turned around and then glanced back at Malec. "Or now," he muttered surprised then took a moment to compose himself. "Yes I am Lieutenant Casshan Kincaid, Chief Diplomatic Officer of Faltan Base."

Malec smiled back but remained silent.

The Vulcan woman smiled. "A pleasure to meet you. I am Lieutenant N'Veyan, Chelb-Khor Regiment of the Duchal Guards of His Highness and Excellency, Ambassador Telhas thu'S'Terion. I am here to ensure that the Duke will be safe during your meeting." She was nervous and excited. For the first time she was in charge of her Duke's security. To her it was a great honour.

"I was not expecting any of the Representatives, or do they prefer the term Ambassador? To arrive so soon Lieutenant and thank you for your presence, Starfleet Security has yet to arrive to secure the cafe area we will be using." Casshan said and offered his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, wait, Duke?"

"Me?" N'Veyan laughed, and it was pure amusement that made her laugh. "No, I am no duke, not even noble. I am just responsible for the Duke's safety today. He will arrive as soon as I confirm this place is safe. Is it safe?"

"Do you see any threats, apart from the other Ambassadors? It's not just you, seeing to the Duke's security today is it?" Casshan asked, "I wasn't aware the Romulan Star Empire had such nobility, could I ask you about it later?"

"It is actually not a Romulan title. It is a... complicated, I would say," N'Veyan smiled excusing. "Maybe you should ask the Duke, he will probably explain if you ask him. As for threats, my primary sorrow are those I cannot see. But I will inform the Duke that it seems to be safe." She took a small device with a display out of her uniform jacket and entered some text. "He is informed," she stated while putting the device back into her jacket.

"Thank you," Casshan said.

Some minutes later Telhas entered the room. As usual, he wore his navy blue Vulcan duke's robes. He greeted N'Veyan with a slight nod and waited for the other ambassadors' arrival.

Gul Reskat wore his uniform with an unwavering distinction. Approaching the venue where Ambassador Kejaad had been invited for dinner. Two of his footman stood sentry at the door.

The Gul turned as the door to the Cardassian skimmer opened and out came Consul Kreev. A sly smile crept across his face as he extended a hand to the Ambassador.

The Cardassian woman wore a plum coloured gown with loose cap sleeves. She wore opera length gloves in black. The gown was lavishly embellished and beaded with handmade Cardassian glass beads. The unmistakable click of her heels resounded around them as she and Kreev approached Gul Reskat who opened the door to them to enter the cafe.

Next the Klingon Ambassador T'datroh walked in flanked by a warrior on either side of her. She walked gracefully for Klingon but still looked like she meant business, wearing her leather Ambassador’s clothing and draped in a regal cloak. She glanced at the other gathered Ambassador and scoffed. “Being in a room with a Romulan and Cardassian isn’t want I wanted to do today. I have an embassy construction to over see.”

Lieutenant Srash surveyed the area before approaching Kincaid and the Ambassadors. "The area is securrred sirrr," he said with a nod to Kincaid. His eyes continued to roam though, looking to each of the security officers he had with him to secure the cafe.

"Thank you Lieutenant," Casshan smiled and winked at the Caitian before turning to the Klingon Ambassador. "Could you really avoid attending any diplomatic events, that is your duty here? I'm sure this isn't the first time you all have met each other Ambassadors." He mimicked a salute to each of the Ambassadors that their own peoples would do showing respect. "I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Casshan Kincaid, Chief Diplomatic Officer for Faltan base, you will come to me with any and all concerns that your governments may have regarding the surrounding sectors."

"Besides your position, what suits you of getting the results of your negotiations implemented?" Telhas asked bluntly. "For example, I am a Senator myself, which means I can use my influence in the Senate to get ratified whatever I negotiate. Ambassador Kejaad is well connected within the highest ranks of Cardassian politics, the Klingon ambassador..." Telhas shrugged. "I did not read her dossier yet, but probably it is similar with her. So tell me, what networks do you have? Because unless I am convinced that you can really put diplomacy into action, I do not see much reason to come to you with my concerns when I could use other channels which I know are efficient." He looked at Casshan inquiringly. "Please do not take this personal, but I prefer to talk to someone who can really move things forward. Can you?"

Rakena looked on as her Klingon and Romulan counterparts began impassioned speeches.

“My vessel had an explosive planted aboard. I must say it’s very convenient for that to happen when there’s Romulan targs roaming free with no escorts. I lost several good warriors in that attack.” T'datroh said looking at the Romulan Ambassador before turning her attention to the Starfleet diplomat. “As for Starfleet, they promised my government that this was a safe place for an embassy! Not only have I been here less than 3 days but Klingon blood has been spilt. Revenge is something is Klingons do very well!”

"I have also been promised that this was a safe place!" Telhas said angrily. "Yet my embassy had been bombed, my wife abducted and more than ten Romulans killed!" Then he turned to the Klingon ambassador. "I am absolutely sure that you will find evidence of Romulan technology in the debris of your ship, which is of the same quality as the evidence I found of Federation technology in the ruins of my embassy. It was false proof, placed by terrorists serving Faltan's government. Of course, you would take even obviously false proof to justify any attack on any Romulan. Unlike you, I am not a war thirsty person. Yet, being the civilized man I am, your false accusations solely relying on blind hatred can be easily dealt with. You accuse me? Fine, get your bat'leth and I get my sword, and we shall settle this issue with a duel!" Although he seemed much in self-control, any empath could read the extreme fury that was hidden under a rather cool surface.

T'datroh gave the Romulan Ambassador a teethy grin. “I like you, Romulan. No slyness in you like the rest of your species.” She said before waving her hand and dismissed her guards. “So, tell me why these Faltan’s would try and take on the might of the Klingon and Romulan Empires? Do they have a death wish? Why is Starfleet in bed with them?”

"Ambassadors!" Casshan cheered. "Do you want the whole hub to know everything as we are still in the common area of the cafe. If you had arrived at the time I had invited you all, Starfleet security would have been set up and your safety assured."

Rakena mumbled under her breath in Cardassian to Consul Kreev.

The cafe had several people at tables and a few eating when the Ambassadors turned up.

He gestured to the VIP room. "Please enter and be seated then we can discuss the events. As most of you brought your own security they will partner up with Starfleet security and maintain guard over us, any objections?" Casshan asked with a glare directed at each one in turn daring them to.

Rakena spoke first, waving her hand at Casshan. “Gul Reskat will be keeping close watch, and he works alone when ensuring my safety. He will join us in the dining room.” She didn’t ask, she commanded. And the elder Cardassian woman left the group towards the dining room, Kreev and Reskat followed close behind her.

Unimpressed with the situation, T'datroh followed the Starfleet officer before taking a seat. She crossed her legs and waited for the other Ambassadors to do the same.

Telhas entered the meeting room and took a seat. He just sent his orders to wait outside and secure the area to N'Veyan telepathically.

Srash followed behind the Ambassadors and stood by the door to the VIP area. He would be the doorman from here on out, making sure no one entered aside from Ambassadors and waiters. From his position, he could see the rest of the cafe and the other security guards. He nodded and his tail swished happily behind him. Things were going well from his perspective, thus far.

"Well that was interesting." Casshan began. "To answer questions. The diplomatic corps has high standing in Starfleet and the Federation, I have the ear of my commanding officer and with many other diplomatic officers we advise the Federation Council about local events. Of course you all are still welcome to go to Captain Refelian with any concerns however he still cannot push through results without Federation Council permission or Starfleet Command's blessing," he had a breather break and gestured to the ambassadors.

"Don't you all have to consult your governments as well before any agreement to be formulated and or finalised?" Casshan asked with a smile. "We get to have all the fun though."

Casshan then frowned. "About the embassies and bird of prey bombings, have any of your investigations revealed anything as to how, who and why? Starfleet Security will be available to assist in every way. Of course our medical department is open to all." He said.

Rakena laughed. "You'd have us use your doctors!?" She asked incredulously. "Really, the entire situation here is laughable and I question the motives of the Federation in their premature invitation to our respective parties."

"Ah, I must have forgotten, why did your government accept and send you here Ambassador Kejaad?" Casshan asked flatly after consulting a padd from one of his aides who turned up during the meeting.

"Shall I cancel all interactions between Starfleet and the Cardassian embassy, since our operation here is so laughable and you are quite capable of handling things on your own should the Faltans attack your people here?" Casshan asked with a serious expression. "The Faltans don't have any official contact and or interactions with the Federation to answer an earlier question, you can check with Captain Refelian if you do not believe me."

"Before we waste our time with unnecessary debates," Telhas said sternly, "Answer us just one little question. Why are we here? I do not mean on Faltan, but in this very room?"

"Yes, I was thinking the same thing!" The Klingon Ambassador said. "But true to form, everyone has said lots and nothing at all at the same time. So I mirror my Romulan counterpart and ask why in Gre'Thor are we here?"

"As Diplomatic officer I needed to meet with you all as I am now responsible for tending to your governments concerns where the surrounding sectors and this one are. Especially since your governments seem to think this sector is of value to them." Casshan said. "Now to more important issues. The bombings Ambassador T'datroh, do you know how, who and why? Or do you just want to blame someone?" He was not going to take any nonsense.

Casshan stood. "I suggest we work together to find who, how and why so we can punish those responsible. The Romulan embassy bombing could be by the same people. I will not allow terrorists to get away with killing your peoples and destabilising what diplomatic relations your great Empires and my Federation have worked so hard to build." He said with passion. "While we deal with this you all and I will discuss security of your embassies to prevent further bombings."

Telhas leaned back in his chair. "My embassy is secure now. I have a quantum singularity reactor and highly sophisticated shields installed. Destroy the embassy, and the planet gets sucked into the singularity within a microsecond. But do not worry, I made sure that those who were responsible for the bombing were informed about this."

“I will personally enjoy cutting, whoever did this to my ship, tongue out with my dak’tagh.” The Klingon said with sly smile.

Rakena rolled her eyes at the blatant barbarism of the Klingon.

Casshan smiled. "Tell me Ambassador," he looked to Telhas, "you recorded the look on their faces when you told them?" He asked.

"I did not tell them directly. I told Governor Taga. She will deliver my message, she hired those who are responsible." Telhas grinned. "But I will never forget her expression when I tricked her into confessing that it were her hired guns. Unfortunately, I could not unravel everything in that case. The bombs must have been placed by someone wearing a Starfleet uniform. I did not hire locals and my personal guards are loyal for sure. As you want to find those who are responsible, you should maybe check if you have been infiltrated. There were none of your security present at the building site before the bombing, so I think we can exclude your security. Also all wearing the blue of science and medical. During the first construction phase, before the bombing, I had support from both, engineering and operations. Maybe these departments are a good start. I suggest we should debate these options with the new chief security officer. And I will see to it that I can get you all a copy of the complete files of my investigations. However, I cannot decide alone on that."

"I will speak with Captain Refelian and get things set into motion. I look forward to bringing those responsible to justice, together," Casshan put more passion into that last word. He then turned to Klingon representative. "Now, Ambassador T'datroh. Has your warriors found anything that can lead us to those who bombed your ship and embassy? I understand it happened only this morning but you must be in contact with your staff." He said lowering himself back into his seat.

The moment he looked up and spotted Malec by the window, Casshan held up his hands. "The cafe owner has prepared a selection of delicacies from Qo'noS, Cardassia and Romulus for your refreshment Ambassadors. We cannot put our full attention to Justice on empty stomachs would you agree?" He asked with a smile.

The Klingon Ambassador nodded her approval of refreshments before replying to the Lieutenants question. “Our initial scans have shown the device to be Starfleet in origin. However as we are on a Starfleet base, Starfleet technology is abundant. I would like whoever is leading the Starfleet investigation to confirm these readings and would like further analysis of the blast. We are merely equipped with embassy raw materials and basic scanning equipment.”

Telhas would have preferred Vulcan food, but he would not complain about Romulan food either. Their host did not know, so this was okay for him. "Starfleet you say? Just like the bombing of my embassy. Lady, gentlemen, would you mind if we schedule a meeting for tomorrow in my embassy? I need to clarify you to see the classified files of our investigations. You may not get a copy, but you can bring your experts to verify there is no fraud. You can also prepare yourself, look up the name of Victoria Saracenti, also known as Fallen Angel or Vic. As far as I know she and her group did not only commit capital crimes in the Romulan Star Empire, but also in the Klingon Empire and the Federation. I am not sure about the Cardassian Union, unfortunately. We should all be on the same level of knowledge. Do we all agree?"

“I’m eager to know what information you have, Ambassador. We seem to have a common enemy. But why? Why do they seek to alienate us? Surely they know the whole force of our respectful empires could come down upon this puny planet.” The Klingon said.

"This is the question. Maybe they believe the Federation will not allow us to punish a planet within their sphere of influence. Or they think we do not waste our resources for such an unimportant piece of rock," Telhas mused. "But maybe they think they can ignite a war between any of us and the Federation. After all, the thing they want most is to get Starfleet off this planet. Unfortunately, we can only hypothesize until we have sufficient intelligence."

Rakena pushed her plate away and sat listening to her counterparts. “I do not envy the position you’re all in, but I will put any resources at my disposal to assist in the investigation.” The Cardassian turned and out of the corner of her eye caught Gul Reskat peering around the room suspiciously. He was probably fearing an attack in this cafe.

"Unfortunately it seems speculation is all we will get from the Faltans officially as they have no Ambassador or diplomatic contact with this base. So we may have to resort to... different... methods for finding answers." Casshan said, "I'd prefer reason and peaceful ways but as I said they have no official diplomatic channels I can use. And please any direct attacks will solve nothing but start a war, is it agreed?"

"And yes I agree that we should combine resources and considering the attack was on the Klingons, that those responsible should be turned over to you," Casshan gestured to T'datroh. "For imprisonment," he added then leaned forward towards the Klingon Ambassador to speak confidentially. "Once they get there..." He muttered with a half shrug before straightening his posture.

"So meeting at the Romulan embassy tomorrow to discuss plans of action and to learn about this Victoria Saracenti, also known as Fallen Angel or Vic?" Casshan finished.

“Will Starfleet Intelligence be in attendance? I would like to hear what they have to say in the matter. Maybe even that captain of yours.” T’datroh said.

"This seems reasonable. Mister Kincaid, please get the station's chief intelligence officer to attend our meeting tomorrow. Starfleet must have a file on Miss Saracenti and her group, just like the Klingon Empire and my Empire. She committed crimes in each of our nations," Telhas added. "Oh, and Mister Kincaid, please get us the cafe owner for catering tomorrow. I take care of the costs."

“Do you think they could get some live gagh for tomorrow?” The Klingon Ambassador said as she looked at the food which had been laid on and was unimpressed with it.

“Gagh would be lovely, so long as it’s fresh.” For the first time, Rakena made eye contact with the Klingon woman.

The Klingon turned to the Cardassian Ambassador, “You have good taste if you like fresh gagh. Once my embassy is fully set up and a supply line established I will be shipping in fresh gagh regularly.”

Rakena smiled. "Libations aside," she eyed the meal on the plate before her, "I hope you are okay with Gul Reskat's attendance tomorrow Ambassador Telhas." She offered a dignified pause. "He is, after all, my Head of Security and my Military advisor." She glanced at the uniformed Cardassian man.

"Of course," Telhas said without hesitation. Turning to the Klingon Ambassador he said "The same for you. If you want to bring some of your crew with you, feel free to do so."

"You didn't bring any with you Ambassador T'datroh?" Casshan teased with a smile. "Yes I'll speak with our host afterwards to organise the meeting catering," he smiled more. It gave him more time to be with Malec. "I will speak with our Chief of Intelligence as well about this Saracenti, though they may not be available for the meeting. You know the intelligence types."

Takena rolled her eyes. “Yes well, if that’s all.” She exchanged a quick glance with Gul Reskat and then Consul Kreev. Reskat pulled a communication device, and whispered into it unintelligibly. The Ambassador peered quickly around the table. “Tomorrow then?” She nodded curtly and stood to leave.

“Apparently fresh gagh is not a priority when setting up a new embassy.” T’datroh hissed. “Until tomorrow.” She added before giving everyone a curt nod and walking out.

Telhas stood as well. "Mister Kincaid, if you do not mind I would like to meet you in my embassy this evening. I just want to make sure that everything goes smoothly tomorrow. Is 1800 good?"

"Tomorrow," Casshan called out to Takena and T'datroh as he watched them leave. He then turned to Telhas and eyed the Romulan with an eyebrow raised. Well there goes his time with Malec, Casshan thought. "I don't see why not Ambassador, 1800 it is. I understand that there is a transporter hardline to your Embassy from the Diplomatic Hub, the technicians haven't had a chance to test it yet."

"It is not yet connected to a transporter in the Embassy at the moment, so I would not try to test it." Telhas winked. "You can travel by vehicle. If you prefer a transporter, this is handled by my cruiser, the ISV Kaiell. You know, security precautions."

"Of course," Casshan said with a nod. "See you at 1800." He smiled, unsure of what to expect. Although Casshan had a complete hold on his senses, he could have sworn the Ambassador may have additional agendas by wanting to meet alone. That pointed ears fetish suddenly flashed through his mind and instantly Casshan threw it into a box and locked it just as quickly, now was not the time.

"Excellent. Until later then." Telhas gave Casshan a slight nod and left the room.

 

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