Meeting the Faltans, Again

Posted on Mon Feb 4th, 2019 @ 10:10pm by Commander Abigail Prescott & Lieutenant Srash & Lieutenant JG Casshan Kincaid & Candy Templeton & Dreyem Taga
Edited on on Mon Mar 11th, 2019 @ 2:28pm

4,499 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: Mission 2: Into The Breach
Location: Captain’s Lounge and Governor Taga's office
Timeline: MD05 - 1800

Walking into the lounge with snugly fitting black trousers and a fuschia blouse, Candy looked immediately for the Captain. Now that she had Romulans aid in connecting with the Faltans, she wondered if she really even needed the Captain anymore. Besides, he had treated her so rudely on their last meeting. Then again, she had pointed out to the universe his flaws. Like most men, he was naturally sensitive to them.

Of course, why she was summoned, she did not know. It was a curiosity and Candy never could refuse to solve a good mystery, even a small one such as receiving the summons from an irate, disgraced Captain. Walking into the room, she strutted in as if she owned the place. Her high heels made her look taller than she was and there was just something about her presence that exuded alluring qualities, even when she was not trying. Finding the Captain, she said, "You called, Captain? Were I to guess, this is not a social call. Am I right?"

It was then that Casshan entered and immediately made his face expressively blank, a reporter, wonderful. he thought, like we don't have enough problems right now, and he came to stand next to the woman.

“It seems you’ve been summoned, Miss Templeton. The Faltans have invited us back to their capital. I’m not sure what they want but I’m sure we’ll find out. That is if you’re willing to go?” Refelian replied. He half hoped the reporter would decline but it was too good of an opportunity to turn down.

"Have I, now?" Candy asked with a grin. Clearly her conversation with the Romulans had paid off. "It is nice to know that I am desired," she told Refelian with every bit of innuendo dripping from her mouth. "How could I possibly resist such an invitation?" Her faux ditzy blond persona took over. "Do I look alright? Do you think that I should change my clothing?"

Refelian raised an eyebrow before glancing at Kincaid then looking back at the Federation News Service reporter. “You look fine, Miss Templeton. Do you have everything you need? We’ll be beaming directly to the Faltan Government Building.”

Casshan leaned over and whispered quietly. "I think your makeup needs reapplying," he commented. Why is she so smug, like she knew this was coming, he thought as he picked up on her innuendo. He stepped back and faced Candy. "Lieutenant junior grade Casshan Kincaid," he offered her his hand as he introduced himself.

Before Candy took Casshan's hand, she took out a compact from what appeared to be thin air, checked her makeup, shifting her lips, face, and then eyes from one side to another before deciding she looked as delicious as ever. Clearly, this Casshan had no taste or was mean-spirited. Regardless, she took his hand and said, "Candy Templeton, FNS reporter. I apologize that we have yet to speak but the Captain made it quite clear that he did not want me interviewing his staff after my report came out. When people don't like information, they suppress the press first." She shrugged. "Perhaps we could chat over a nice Andorian Sunrise someday soon."

Observing the woman tend to her appearance made Casshan smile as it was the intended effect he wanted from her then as they shook hands after she replied. "Perhaps the public is not ready for the information which is why it may be withheld until chaos is not a predicted outcome upon its release. But then the Press likes to add drama to make things exciting don't they Miss Templeton?" Casshan asked and smiled. "I'd like that, though maybe a different beverage."

Candy gave Casshan a mildly annoyed look, her profession having been insulted. "I suppose we like to add drama as much as counselors try to project their problems onto their patients," she retorted. "I believe that the public is not as gullible or unprepared as you might wish to believe, Mr. Kincaid."

"So you personally know what's best for the public Miss. Templeton? Considering you don't have to deal with the consequences of what you report, true or false. Yes the people have a right to know but when the time is right," Casshan said calmly. "Anyway we could chat like this over our beverages later, we have a meeting-" he heard the door open and glanced over to see someone walk in.

Srash was the last to enter the Captain's Lounge. His ears went back slightly at the sight of the reporter. Shorish had told him about her and he knew to be wary around her. "Lieutenant Srrrrash, rrreporrrting as rrrrequested," he dipped his head slightly to Refelian.

Candy did a double take when Srash walked in the room. Shorish was an engineer but he introduced himself as Srash.... Twin? Interesting.... Candy looked at Srash and asked in an airy voice, "You would not, by chance, be related to Shorish?"

Deciding he would have some fun with Candy, Srash blinked blankly at her. "Who is Shorrrrish?" He sounded thoroughly confused as he asked.

Candy tilted her head slightly and responded, "Engineer. Looks like you," she told him skeptically.

"Rrrreally? I'll have to go meet this engineerrrrr," Srash said looking excited at the possibility of having someone who looked like him on the station.

"I will introduce you, if you would like," Candy offered.

"Yes, I would like that," Srash said with a happy grin, before turning toward the rest of the group and giving them each nods of greetings.

He turned to see the Caitian and grinned. "Lieutenant," Casshan greeted.

“Excellent. We’re all here, shall we?” Refelian said motioning his hand towards the door.

"Ready when you are sir," Casshan said before turning to the door and hoped things will be better than last time. However he was very suspicious of Taga and the Faltans.

Grinning, Candy replied to Refelian, "I think we shall."

Before they could move though, Mint walked into Refelian's office looking grim. "Captain," she looked at the others gathered there and decided telling him the full news wouldn't be prudent. "Your presence is requested in the medical bay."

"Now?" Refelian looked concerned, but after getting a firm nod from Prescott he sighed. "Commander Prescott will go in my stead," he gave a nod and moved to walk out of his office. "Please pass my sincerest apologies to Governor Taga for my absence."

"I will, Captain," Mint said with a sad smile, watching him walk out the door before turning to the rest. "Alright, let's go," she said without further ado and led the group to the transporter bay.

---

The team materialized in Governor Taga's office. Mint noticed the curtains were closed, probably to bait Refelian. She stepped forward and gave Taga a small bow. "Good evening Governor," she said. "Captain Refelian sends his regrets that he could not attend this meeting due to a family emergency. He sent me in his stead."

More likely he was afraid of another assassination attempt. Can't say that I blame him. Maybe he also strategically believes that Mint's pheromones will soothe the males. Of course, it could upset Taga. He should have sent a male. Candy thought and concluded.

A male in formal clothing standing next to the governor looked at the half Orion that came in and smirks a bit "Here, go..." Taga spoke handing the man a paper that was now signed as he nodded to her and took his leave with the now claimed paper. Not giving a word to the Commander as Taga looked at her "Evening Commander, who is the rest of your company?"

Mint kept a neutral look on her face and indicated each person as she spoke. "This is Lieutenant Junior Grade Casshan Kincaid, our Chief Diplomatic officer. And this is Lieutenant Srash, a security officer." She didn't give any further information than that. Most of her gut said not to trust Taga, but she was willing to give her a chance.

Srash nodded politely as his name was said. "A pleasurrrre," he intoned.

Casshan nodded his greeting but remained silent as he continued to observe while allowing his passive senses to collect insight into Taga and what she has planned.

Not giving them a formal greeting back as Taga pressed her comm device on the desk "Bring in Miss Templeton..." With that she had a soft grin on her face. This might give some awkwardness to the present Starfleet Officers in her office.

Candy strutted in with the confidence of a lionness in charge of her pride. The fact that she was called to this meeting only meant that the Romulans had done their job and that the Faltans appreciated her reporting. She gave a large smile at the group, with an added wink at Mint.

Mint gave Candy a nod of greeting, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. She watched Candy out of the corner of her eye. This would not go well, but Mint knew she had to give this a chance.

Candy nodded back and gave Mint a wink.

Giving her sincere nod to Candy "Good evening miss Templeton, I am sorry for as my ears have received the sadden news that you are banned from Faltan Station due to your wonderful article?" Taga placed her hands over each other and smiled with some empathy on her face to Candy.

Candy nodded her head to Taga both in agreement and in deference to her power in Faltan. Interesting. How would she know that I was banned? Inside agents? The mystery gets deeper. "Freedom of the press has been suppressed from time to time in our culture. However, each time it has, the perpetrator is found wrong or brought to justice in the long run. Hopefully, it is a short ban or Commander Prescott will see fit to persuade the Captain to change his mind."

"We shall see," Mint said indifferently, not giving away how she felt about the report nor Candy's ban. Though she was quite curious to find out how Taga had learned of this. She was not surprised to hear that Taga thought the report was wonderful. This was the woman who seemed to enjoy the fact that Refelian had been shot.

She rose her hands as Taga kept her smile up "Now now, no need for hostility. We are impress merely impressed by your work miss Templeton and it is refreshing to have such open minded and daring, I must admit, action to get to the bottom of the news," Taga spoke as she placed her hands over each other. "Now while Captain Refelian is not allowing you on the base, please feel free to take a guest house in Faltan City, Miss Tempelton. We are quite open and if I may say so, friendly to our news reporters."

Candy was no fool. All politicians had an agenda. She was not sure of Taga's but she was sure that she would find out for herself and the Romulans. Candy decided that she needed to be honest with herself. It was not for the Romulans at all. It was for the story. This could be a Pulitizer Prize. Her heart leapt. "I am very pleased to hear these things and would welcome your hospitality." She gave a winning smile at Mint and then told the Governor, while meaningfully looking at Mint, "It is nice to hear when someone is not afraid to give an interview."

"Open minded," Casshan muttered, "Open, I doubt it." He added in a low tone as he continued to get a read on Taga's game. He knew they had to be planning something, it's unlikely the Faltans wanted peace abruptly after so much time. Then again they might simply use the peace to position forces inside the base to strike. He must prevent that while examining their intentions for genuine Faltans who do want peace.

Mint bit back her retort to both Taga saying something about open mindedness and to Candy's dig about the interview she had yet to give, through no fault of her own. "Speaking of open minded," Mint said politely. "While we are here, I would like to discuss openness between our people."

Candy watched the interaction of Mint and Casshan with the governor and mentally took notes. There was something about Casshan that she did not like but she could not put her finger on it. By the same token, she didn't trust Taga. And Mint.... Well, they had history....

Casshan stepped over to Candy, then lean in so only she and he could chat quietly while Mint and Taga went on with business. "Why would Refelian ban you from the station? Seems a bit harsh, it would only make you biased against Starfleet."

"You would have to ask him," Candy replied with a shrug and a smile. She definitely did not like Casshan. She got the impression that Casshan would read anyone without permission. He pretended to be concerned but there was something more under that vermeer.

Leaning back in her chair as Taga looked at Mint and narrowed a bit her eyes "There are ...to many noises going on on Faltan. I can't put my finger on it, but it seems to aim at your place Commander" She looked briefly to Candy and then back at the others "You want to ease our pains together, do something about the explosions that my military keeps bugging me about?"

"Explosions?" Candy wondered aloud. "Where are these explosions?"

Was she talking about the Bird of Prey and the Romulan embassy bombings? Casshan wondered his eyes narrowing slightly that he knew for a fact that the Faltans had a hand in. Though the other powers could have seen fit to destabilize the station by doing the deeds but what would they gain? He thought, they would have to deal with the Faltans as well sooner or later. Unless the Governor wanted to join in the galactic scene knowing how important the station was to the three major powers surrounding them.

"Where were these explosions Governor?" Casshan asked with a concerned tone.

Looking at Casshan with a grim smile as she crossed her hands over each other "Well it seems coming from Faltan Station, seeing how tense some of you area...I am curious in how the Commander sees a healthy relationship be build if you are now already withholding information. Even trying to keep us look like fools? Is that maybe..." Taga smiles a bit "Yea...makes sense that Candy does not know, the explosion happened after her ban right?"

"As there are ongoing investigations, no one knows what has caused the explosion," Mint said, raising one eyebrow slightly. "And we are not going to release information of an active investigation. I will say that the safety of the Faltans is not at risk," she smiled sweetly. "In due time, Governor, the information will be released. I hope all is going well with your investigation."

She probably influenced it somehow, Casshan thought. How could he trick her to confess? Did she have other contacts in Starfleet or the Federation? He really wished he could probe her mind but remained passive with his abilities. "Does everyone know of her ban? Was there a station or Federation wide announcement?" Casshan asked.

Candy told Mint, "While you may not know what caused the explosion, Mint, you do know that what exploded was a Klingon ship." She then turned to Casshan, "The order went out to all of the command and all chiefs. Refalian was quite thorough. Nobody was to be permitted an interview unless Refalian specifically authorized it. Dictatorship at its worst."

Mint literally bit her tongue to stop her sarcastic retort. After a moment she smiled at Candy. "That is about all I know about the explosion at this moment as I was off-world responding to a distress call when it happened. Captain Refelian and I have yet to have time to sit down and discuss the matter. As for your ban, it came from Admiral Banda, not Captain Refelian. He is simply carrying out his orders. If you have an issue with it, I suggest taking it up with the Admiral. Now is not the time to discuss it. Can we please move on to the reason we are here?"

"Well, the reason you and your people are here and also why Miss Tempelton is here. Is simply because you broke the agreement" Taga leans backward and taps on her desk as a few images of Faltan scientific and medical team personnel with Red Guards next to them "I am rather disappointed that you people interfere with Faltan policy. I swear that I told Captain Refelian not to intervene with Faltan people" She leans a bit back "I am ..." Looking at Candy and smiling at her "A caring and kind woman Commander. You know what? I will give them back to you...without a single mark on them."

Candy shrugged. "Banda. Refalian. No difference. The result is the same. He carried out an order that was in violation of Free Speech." She looked interested at Taga. "What exactly are you saying?"

"Interesting you ask that Miss Templeton, I am here inviting Starfleet right here in my office after al the bad publicity between our two governments. To give a truce, a token of some peace between our tense relationship" Taga hovers her hand to the screen of the officers "Starfleet tends to break the law or as you would say 'bend the law' to favor themselves. And while the pact or agreement was made, they got caught and I can throw them in prison and charge them for it. But I would like to look away for once."

Candy looked hard at Taga. There had to be much more to it. No politician, no matter what the race ever did anything out of the goodness of their own heart. She decided to ask the Romulan's question now. Taga needed to be thrown off balance. "I am curious, though, Governor Taga, if the law is so concerning to you, then why did Faltans kidnap the Romulan Ambassador's wife off of Faltan Station's property? She swears that kidnapping was directly connected to you. And there is still the unsolved attempted murder regarding Captain Refalian... I do have a lot of questions...."

"What I would like to know is how do you know those were Starfleet officers? Can we meet them and investigate ourselves your claims? If you have nothing to fear then you will allow us to verify the truth." Casshan asked then held up a hand before turning to Candy.

"Was the article you published taken down or destroyed? Did you have the Captain's permission to publish his exact words or was any of it edited?" Casshan asked the reporter. "If it was taken from active status then that's a breach of free speech but if it remains available to the public then it is not. If you breached one's privacy wishes then you are the one who breached Federation privacy laws if you didn't gain the Captain's permission to publish his words in any other context then he spoke them in. If you were in his shoes would you expect anything less of someone interviewing you?"

He turned back to the Taga. "Yes, I do wish to hear your answers as to the evidence against you from a range of sources just given Governor? If you have nothing to fear you will tell the truth. Oh and what was the content of this Agreement/Pact, may I see it?" Casshan asked with a smile.

Candy turned to Casshan and wanted to bite his head off. Instead she gave him a smile of contempt. You're killing my moment. Don't you know when to shut your mouth? I thought you were a counselor and the Chief Diplomatic Officer. How is this diplomatic? You're instigating her, Fool! You could have used my mouth but no, you went and made my questions worse, not to mention that you have no right to inquire as to my issues!

Casshan glanced at Candy and smiled back. ~I haven't asked specifically about the kidnapping, or murder attempt. Only the starfleet officers she just showed us and reminding the Governor that lies will only aid us not her. Maybe if we had discussed what we would do at this meeting beforehand, we could have been a united front for the Truth.~ He told her telepathically and then added after a mental sigh. ~Yes I could have suggested collaboration as you too could have before we arrived, I apologise for my lack of foresight. I will strive to improve. As for your issues Miss Templeton when it involves my fellow Starfleet officers it is my business as Starfleet is a team.~ He looked to Taga expectantly.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Candy yelled, staring directly at Casshan. She turned to Mint and asked offended, "Is it still not considered rude, bordering on forbidden for Starfleet officers to be reading minds without the other's express permission?!"

He had taken a step away from Candy when she yelled at him. He quickly composed himself. "I didn't read your mind, you screamed your thoughts at me." Casshan said calmly having been trained to be a calm, centered person when confronted with such situations. "Hook me up to a lie detector if you don't believe me. Since non-telepaths don't know what it feels like having thoughts screamed at them."

Casshan went into formal mode while facing Commander Prescott. "I will submit to any punishment you see fit Commander and," he turned to Candy. "I extend my sincerest apologies for sharing my thoughts with you Miss Templeton." He faced Governor Taga. "Forgive my interrupting this meeting," he gave a quarter bow and retreated out the door to stand guard outside.

Letting the whole circus role, Taga just sat back in her chair and wonders if the people forgot why they were here. Thought she was interested in the sudden probing of the diplomat and knew that she could use this against Starfleet at some stadium. The nasty Romulans did the same thing, damn that ambassador. When the show was over, Taga looked at Candy and smiled softly "A reporter to the heart, I respect that miss Tempelton. But sadly I have no idea what you are talking about in regards to a kidnapping... I mean I would love to see the proof for that if we had something to do with it" Looking at the Commander "The officers will be released to Faltan Station as a sign of ....good will. Take it or I will throw them in prison for interfering in Faltean affairs."

Mint did her best to not react to the insanity that had erupted in front of her, but inside her blood was boiling. Kincaid had made a huge mistake and broke protocol completely. That she would deal with later. Now, however, she had to deal with these apparent Starfleet officers that Taga had. "If they are Starfleet officers, we will take them to our brig. There is no reason any of our officers should have left the confines of the station. We have banned our officers from entering Faltan territory," she looked to Candy briefly before turning to Taga again. "I am curious, however, speaking of prisons, if your investigation into the shooting of Captain Refelian has gained any leads?"

Pfft, of course she would direct our attention away from her to someone else. Casshan thought as he passive telepathically eavesdropped on the ongoing conversation back inside. He then began to wonder what Commander Prescott might punish him with. There's nothing he hadn't already done back at Starfleet Medical, and he was thankful he'd already met with the ambassadors earlier today should she limit his duties in both departments.

Candy was interested in the interplay between Mint and Taga and was glad that Mint picked up on her own line of questioning. Now let Taga remember it to be only Mint's so Candy could keep her goodwill with the Governor. Candy also knew that leaving the room did not stop Casshan from eavesdropping and she wondered what Mint would do about it. Candy was certain that would be an interesting discussion for the two of them to have in the future. However, her interest was not in Casshan. Her interest was in the story. She needed the truth of all of this and getting Taga alone would eventually give her clues on how to find the rest of the information. She just knew it. And Candy, when she needed to be, could be patient.

Looking at the Commander, Taga narrows a bit her eyes "The investigation, well sadly whoever did it, was clean and quick to erase its evidence. We did locate the blast site to be in our clock tower, but we are unable to find enough evidence to suspect anyone. I mean Starfleet is not really popular by the public, so it can be anyone," she replied with a bit of a smirk. "I will arrange to transport of your officers. Let's not repeat such an incident again."

Candy wondered if this was the end of the meeting. She hoped not; but, if it was, she had plans on staying with Taga. There was too much to discuss.

Mint now believed everything Taga said to be complete and utter lies. She had other sources of information that stated otherwise, but she wouldn't reveal her hand to this terrorist supporter. No, she would bide her time. Wait for Refelian to give the go ahead. For now she simply smiled sweetly at Taga. "I'm sure your people did their utmost best to investigate the incident, I surely hope nothing further shall happen," she said with a nod. "And I will be sure to make sure all Starfleet officers in the vicinity are reminded of the ban on visiting Faltean territory. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

Shaking her head to the Commander, "That will be all. Have a pleasant day Commander," Taga spoke with a smile on her face.

Looking at Mint, Candy said, "I will remain here with Governor Taga. I believe that we have much to discuss. Captain Refelian was well aware that I had intended to do this."

"That is fine," Mint said with a nod. "But I expect you in my office tomorrow afternoon for that interview," she said with a nod. "Good day Governor, Miss Templeton." And with that, Mint have a polite half bow and turned to walk out with Srash hot on her heels after giving his own bow.

Outside the office, Mint didn't even looked at Casshan. "Let's go Kincaid," she said as she passed him, heading for a place they could beam out from.

 

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