Diplomacy, Part 2

Posted on Wed Aug 8th, 2018 @ 2:46pm by Commander Abigail Prescott & Captain Horatio Refelian & Commander M'Mira & Lieutenant Bradley Damon & Lieutenant Calista Aereen MD & Lieutenant Mika Rai'z D.Sc.
Edited on on Mon Sep 3rd, 2018 @ 3:31pm

4,550 words; about a 23 minute read

Mission: Mission 1: The Return to Faltan
Location: Various
Timeline: MD04 - 1325

It was a lovely day again on Faltan, the sun was up and beating warm rays onto the Station. Harry was immensely proud of his crew for all of their hard work since they arrived 4 days ago. Progress was being made, it was slow going but the differences where visible now. The Captain was also enjoying the fresh air, something you didn’t get on a starship. Although the air was somewhat fresh from the air recycler it couldn’t compete with the real thing.

He entered the hangar where he’s requested the Danube class runabout to be positioned for the senior officer’s Diplomacy mission to Faltan City. Being the first to arrive he took it upon himself to start the preflight checks. He hadn’t flown for years, perhaps now was the best time to get back on the saddle or in the seat in this instance.

Lieutenant Damon entered the hanger bay and walked towards the runabout. He spotted the captain, and came to attention, "Captain." It was a strange feeling not being armed on this mission.

Mint wandered into the hangar bay, still preoccupied with the long list of repairs she still had yet to assign a team to fix. She looked up from the PADD in her hand and shook her head. 'That dude is going to throw his back out if he keeps standing like that,' she thought as she eyed Damon.

She came to a stop not far from Refelian and gave him a quick salute. "Captain," she grinned at him. "Lieutenant," she shot over her shoulder to Damon by way of greeting. "How are we this fine day?" she asked them both.

Before either could answer, a sauntering M'Mira arrived behind Mint and answered for her, "Rrrready for a short cat nap." She grinned, showing her canines at Mint and the Captain. "I prrrresume that there is no assigned seating?" She gave a quick look of disgust at the Security Chief. "Perrrhaps if you don't mind, I can find a good spot on the runabout? If you don't mind, Captain...."

“Feel free, Commander.” Harry replied with a smile as he continued preparing the Runabout for launch.

A PADD in hand, Mika arrived, giving a smile at his approach. "Good afternoon, everyone." It had been a good and productive day so far, and he was looking forward to their 'excursion'.

Calista entered the hanger, the single runabout moved to the centre. She nodded to the Captain as she approached and moved into the runabout, she took a seat at the table in the aft section and took the moment to replicated a coffee.

The Captain moved into the Runabout and took the helm to begin the final flight checks. “Looking forward to this?” He asked the assembled officers.

M'Mira did not hesitate. Graceful and in a few bounds, her tail keeping her balance as she leapt, M'Mira entered the runabout. Once there, she inspected all the seats, found the one with the most sun coming through and sprawled across that seat and the one next to it.

Mika wasn't far behind, and took his seat close to her. He had never served with a Caitian before, hadn't seen many. Finding she reminded him of his cat, he watched her and couldn't help but wonder how much alike they actually were. "Absolutely, Captain," he replied.

The Caitian obviously was exhausted because she did not apparently notice that Mika had taken a seat next to her. She stretched out further, one of her claws finding its way to his shoulder, bright red nail polish sparkling on her nails.

"I'll be happy if the Minister of Health actually starts taking my calls." Calista said, entering the front cabin. "We're suppose to be responsible for joint disaster preparedness, and a few other things. Unless they've pulled out of the treaty which is till on the books for us."

Mint replicated a coffee for herself before taking the co-pilot seat. "I just hope everything goes well," she watched Refelian work for a moment. "I have a slightly uneasy feeling in my gut," she admitted. "Probably just nerves though."

Damon listened to the other officers talking. He had nothing to add to any of the conversations, so he kept to himself. He had hoped to speak to the commander before they landed concerning the captain's safety.

Mika was staring down at M'Mira's claw. And if he could have raised one eyebrow, he certainly would have. "Umm, Commander," he said quietly over to her.

If M'Mira heard Mika, she did not indicate it. Instead, a gutteral sound came from her mouth as her claw stretched out further and her head flopped down towards Mika.

Turning his head more towards hers, he sighed, Alright… and then even more, couldn’t help but smile. "Well, hi there."

M'Mira woke with a start. She took a look at her "hand" resting on Mika's shoulder. Startled, she withdrew it immediately and gave Mika a sharp look. "Lieutenant," M'Mira said in accusing tone, "just exactly what do you think you're doing?!"

Mika’s eyebrows started to scrunch together and he smiled. “I was about to ask you the same thing,” he teased mildly. “You placed your...hand on me after falling asleep.”

"I would do no such thing," M'Mira insisted. "Besides, I simply do not sleep in such an undignified manner." She stuck her nose up in the air indignantly. "I think you're playing a little game with me."

“Not without your permission,” he smiled, and then apologetically, “but I am sorry you think I have.”

Being unable to argue with the point of not having Mika play with M'Mira without her permission, she said nothing and tried to relax again in her chair.

“Alright, the Runabout checks out. Off we go.” Refelian said as he engaged thrusters to take off. “I should warn you, I haven’t flown a Runabout for about 15 years.” He said with a small chuckle.

"Oh boy," Mint said sarcastically. "Of course you wait til now to tell us that," her tone was jovial, but she still worried that someone would take it the wrong way. "Let's hope it's like riding a bike, as they say."

M'Mira shrugged. "Wake me up if something goes wrong. I cannot imagine that the Captain cannot handle himself for a short trip." With that, M'Mira closed her eyes, but not before giving Mika a look to make sure that he was not going to take her hands again.

*****

After the short and uneventful journey to the Faltan capital, Refelian landed at the coordinates that had been sent by the Faltan government officials. Harry powered down the Runabout and turned to his officers. “I don’t need to remind you, but best behaviour please, if this goes well then it will make our life’s easier here."

Mint bit back a sarcastic reply. Now was definitely not the time to be playing around. For once, she actually looked quite serious. Words seemed to fail her, so she simply nodded in affirmation.

Mika gave a nod to the captain and said, "Of course, Sir, "thinking he really had no desire to see the situation worsen. Not only could it affect the station but possibly the precarious situation with the miners too.

Calista followed the other staff as they emerged from the runabout, she pulled a pair of sunglasses on, as the group walked towards the nearest building. Two rows of guards stood on either side of the path near the entrance and a small delegation of Faltans were waiting under the portico. "So are those security or an honour guard of some sort." She said quietly.

As soon as Damon stepped out of the runabout, he took a position near the captain, in order to better protect him from any potential danger. Damon looked at the guards and the hairs on the back of his neck rose. He moved closer to the captain.

Springing out of the runabout, M'Mira decided to take a position next to Mint. She whispered to Mint, "I don't suppose that the Captain is referrring to either of us." She gave a worrying glance at the Chief of Security. "Do you suppose that our numbers may be a concerrrn to the Faltans?"

"We informed them of the number in the confirmation did we not?" Calista said as the group exchanged awkward glances.

Mika was last, following behind the others. The atmosphere was feeling anything but welcoming to him.

An older man approached the group of Starfleet officers, flanked by two armed guards. “My apologies for not being here when you landed. I was detained momentarily. I am Chief of Armed Forces Dintu Rhize, don’t be alarmed by the armed guards they are for your protection.”

Refelian frowned as he stepped forward, “Captain Horatio Refelian, these are my senior officers. Why do we need armed guards for our protection?”

The Chief of Armed Services have a nervous laugh, “I’m sure the Colonial Governor will explain everything. Please, follow me.” He said gesturing towards the path he and his men had just walked up.

"Why does it always bother me when people say that." Calista muttered quietly.

Mint felt that the Chief expected them to be trouble, but judging by their past relations with Federation officers, she couldn't really fault him. However, something about the man bugged her. Still not trusting her brain and mouth to behave, she kept her mouth shut and followed slightly behind and to Refelian's right.

Damon, standing near the captain, leaned over to him. "Captain. In light of this development," he indicated the "guards", "I suggest we return to the runabout so we can arm ourselves. I am sure the commander would agree with me. Your safety may be in jeopardy, sir."

“No, we need to start trusting each other. We’ll be fine, we’re here under a flag of peace. I won’t jeopardise it for having a phaser.” Refelian replied as his team continued to follow the Chief of Armed Forces and his guards. They approached a large building, which he assumed was the government that would hold the meeting. They entered through a side door, Refelian guessing it was the access door to the landing pad. They then proceeded to the main reception area which housed a massive staircase.

“Impressive.” Refelian thought out loud as the began to climb the stairs.

Mint let out a low whistle of appreciation at the grand staircase. "You can say that again," she said to Refelian as they began to climb. Her head swiveled as she marveled at their architecture.

M'Mira shrugged and told her commanding officers. "It isn't bad. They could use a bit more gilding on the stairwells but otherwise, it is quite tastefully done," she admitted with approval. In the meantime, she tried to ignore Mr.-Shoot-First-Ask-Questions-Later.

Damon wasn't there to admire the scenery, his focus was on visually scanning the area looking for any threats.

Once at the top of the staircase they we’re lead down a hallway laced with interesting art work. Paintings and sculptures lined the hall way, all were very impressive. At the end of the hallway two large and heavy looking doors automatically opened to reveal an office with a large hand crafted desk with various pads and documents scattered all over it. Behind the desk was a large window with a grand view of the Faltan capital, including a very tall clock tower which reminded Refelian of a taller version of London’s ‘Big Ben’.

“Greetings and welcome to Faltan City. I am the Colonial Governor Kiter Tidz.” Said the man who rose from the seat behind the large desk. “These are my staff,” The Governor said gesturing to the small group of people waiting at the side of his desk. “Deputy Governor Deyem Taga. Chief of Diplomatic Services Ebe Sirdith. Chief of Medicine and Science Ogya Kaiho. I believe you have already met our Chief of Armed Services Dintu Dhize.”

As their title and name was said each person nodded their head. Refelian smiled at each of them in turn before making his own introductions. “Commander Abigail Prescott, Executive Officer. Lieutenant Commander M’Mira, Chief of Operations. Lieutenant Bradley Damon, Chief of Security. Doctor Calista Aereen, Chief Medical Officer and Doctor Mika Rai’z, Chief Science officer.”

“A pleasure to meet you all.” The Governor said with a warm smile. “I know relations between our peoples hasn't been the best. I’m open to a fresh beginning but it will take time.”

“It pleases me to hear that you are open to relations being less hostile. In end, the Federation will accept whatever happens. If you want us to stay away then that’s fine, but trying is a good start.” Refelian said.

The Governor smiled as he press a button and servers began to enter the room with trays of food and drink. “Please, mingle. Drink and eat as our guests.” The Governor announced.

*****

The Governor and his Deputy both took drinks before heading towards Refelian, Prescott and M’Mira. “Welcome to you all.” The Governor said again. “What do you think of our city?” He asked as he gestured to the view from his window.

M'Mira looked at the Captain and then at Mint. They did not answer immediately, so she responded honestly, "I think that it is in a much better state than Faltan Station. Have you been there recently?"

“No, why would we go there!” The Deputy was defensive in her response.

Mint had been eyeing up some of the servers, internally debating on if she should take a drink or not. "Well," she turned her attention back to the Governor and Deputy. "There was a small administrative team there. We assumed you had communication with them," she clarified, "and wondered if maybe you'd met with them at the station."

Damon didn't mingle...he never mingled....he stayed very close to the captain...sizing up their hosts.

M'Mira gave a sidelong glance at Mint. These people were full of themselves. Why would they not go there, indeed? She gave a small snarl of disapproval.

Refelian didn’t like how quickly or defensively the Deputy Governor responded to M’Mira’s question. “It’s a lovely city you have created here. I believe the Commander only asked if you’d been to Faltan Station recently so you could tell us when you had last seen them to get a time frame together. We lost contact with them about 6 weeks ago.”

The Governor smiled, “My apology’s Captain, we did have very occasional contact with the team left behind but it was generally every few months. They used to like to come to the city for an evening out.”

M'Mira's ears perked up. "And what forms of entertainment are there around here? Anywhere to get one's nails done? Musicals?"

“I’m not sure we’re ready to open the city to your whole Stations inhabitants. We need to take small steps to rebuild bridges, but most of the population aren’t happy you have return.” The Governor said.

“Yes, surely the Federation should have given us some warning of the station would be brought back to an operational status.” The Deputy chimed in.

“I was lead to believe you were informed, Governor. My apologies, a large amount of Starfleet vessels entering orbit all of a sudden must have been alarming for you.” Refelian in a genuine tone.

Mint tried not to let a reaction show on her face, aside from a mild curiosity. 'Alarming indeed,' she thought. They definitely must have been concerned, no wonder they seem so closed off and borderline hostile. She looked to M'Mira for a second before turning her attention back to the Governor and Deputy.

“Is this why you came here, Captain? To interrogate us about your missing team? I suppose we’re number one on the suspect list.” Dreyem asked, attitude all over her voice and demeanour.

Refelian chuckled, “Of course the Faltans aren’t suspects but as you are the locals I was going to inquire as to whether you seen or heard anything about the team.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it.” The Deputy replied, angrily.

M'Mira growled, replying in kind. "The Captain does not lie. You can take him at his word. However, I have heard that those who are most willing to cast aspersions without basis are usually the ones that cannot be trusted. Do you think that is true, Deputy?" Her tail stood nearly upright from behind her as her pupils narrowed.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said defensively. “All I know is the people of Faltan are ...” she paused for a moment to consider her words. “Keen on having Starfleet here. We have been on this planet for a very long time and have no wish to join your Federation.”

"We are not here to ask you to join the Federation," Mint frowned. 'Is that what all this hostility is about?' she thought, frustrated with the stonewall they were getting. "We are here to help keep the peace in this sector."

“Indeed. We’re here to be friends, nothing more. If you tell us to leave and let you be, we will.” Refelian said sincerely.

“Then leave! And take that station with you!” The Deputy hissed.

“Deputy Taga! That’s enough!” Bellowed the Governor. “We need to co-exist with these people. I don’t want a war from outbursts like.”

Taga huffed and stormed out of the room, slamming the doors shut behind her.

“I’m ever so sorry, Captain.” The Governor said clearly embarrassed.

“Not at all, Governor. No harm done. She has strong feelings on the subject, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy.”

M'Mira exhaled audibly and looked at Mint. "I do not understand these reactions. They make as much sense as a dog chasing its own tail."

Mint's eyebrows shot up at the Deputy's reaction. "I understood that relations with the miners was never that good, but I didn't realize that there was issue with the Starfleet personnel as well," she tried to keep her emotions out of her voice. "However, what was done was done and all we can do is move forward and work on building a better relationship."

“I concur, Commander.” The Governor said with a bow of his head.

“Agreed. We move forward from this.” Refelian said with a smile. “I think we should mingle with some of the others from the Faltan Government. Might improve this if we find common ground with each other.”

“Of course. Mingle away.” Governor Tidz said with a laugh.

*****

“So, your head of the Station's Security?” Rhize asked as he approached the Starfleet Lieutenant.

"Yes sir, I am." Damon kept an eye on the captain's position.

“How hard is it keeping it secure all the time?” The Chief of Armed Forces asked.

"You rely on the people in your department. I haven't been on the station long, but I reviewed the records and I saw that the officers under my command were well trained. But when I have the time, I'll start a series of exercises and drills for them. What are the problem your facing here?"

The Armed Forces chief nodded, “I know what it’s like, I have multiple cities to keep safe not to mention the Government to protect. What numbers do you use for guard duty in your control centre?”

Damon wasn't comfortable with answering such a question. Why would this person need to know the answer to such a confidential question like that. Was he part of a group that was planning on attacking the station? Which left him with 3 options: tell the truth, lie or report this to the captain. "We keep a staff of 50 security officers in our control center at all times." It was a lie, but Rhize didn't have to know that. Once he got the chance, he would inform the captain.

Rhize nodded, “Interesting. What shift rotation do you use?”

"12 hour shifts, with additional personnel on standby duty, ready to be deployed where and when needed." He looked at him. "Would you excuse me? I need to find the commander."

*****

Aereen looked around hoping perhaps the minister of health was present, not seeing the face on the file she read she smiled to Ogya Kaiho, the Cabinet Chief's who's portfolio included Health. "Ms. Kaiho it's an honour to meet you, I was hoping you'd have a few moments to discuss some health care matters."

Kaiho looked down her nose at the Starfleet Officer, “What could we possibly discuss?” she asked abruptly.

"Well under the treaty that governs Starfleet use of the facilities we are to assist each other should medical emergencies arise. I was hoping to meet with someone in the health ministry to review our emergency procedures and the like to ensure the best results should a medical emergency occur." Calista said through a forced smile.

Mika had first taken a moment to enjoy the art and decor, before taking in the heavy atmosphere. While some of the Faltans were seemingly relaxed, there were enough to make him hesitate to approach, with their tense posture and guarded expressions.

Getting a drink, he looked for Aereen, knowing what her goal was, and finding the Trill where he figured she would be. The body language of the Faltan's Chief of Medical and science wasn't giving off good vibes. So he felt it best he should join her, if not for diplomacy, for solidarity.

With his drink, Mika joined them catching the last exchange, and frowned inwardly.

“I can say in uncertain terms, the Faltan’s will not be aiding the Federation and we will not accept any of your help either. We’ve managed long enough without your help why would we start asking for it now.” The Chief Of Medicine And Sciences replied, affronted by the idea.

The Faltan Chief of Diplomatic Services stepped towards them, “Forgive me for eavesdropping on your conversation, but what gives Starfleet the right to think some threat is an excuse to offer aid at the drop of a hat. It’s very offensive.”

"No offense was intended," Mika spoke up, his tone straight forward and patient, "Our goal is to only improve the situation. And yes, that means aiding, but it is not in the sense that we feel you can't handle your own affairs. We simply wish to facilitate in whatever way you deem best. To work with you, not to take over. "

“So why have Starfleet deemed it necessary to reactivate their Station here on Faltan.” The Chief of Diplomacy argued. “Your here to try and force us into this Federation. We’ve heard other like Union and Raeya have refused this as well. The inhabitants of the Raeyan Transit Corridor simply wish to be left alone.”

Able to relate to the man's last statement, the concern Mika was now feeling grew on his face. "I think I understand...but if I may ask, why is it you feel the Federation would force you to join?"

“That’s what you Starfleet types do. Try and muscle in on other people’s worlds and before you know it, bam! They’re in the Federation and their identity is lost.” Sirdith said.

“I feel the same.” The Chief of Medicine and Science, Ogya Kaiho said. “We have done so well for so long on our own. We don’t need the Federation here.”

He wanted to assure them that the Federation didn't force anyone to join. He truly believed that, but he wasn't a diplomat, and if the Faltan's caught on that he was a Ba'ku, knew anything about his people, they could back him into a corner with his own past experience. Without the right words, it could fuel the situation even more. "Is that why we were invited here today," Mika wondered, "to make that more clear?"

“You were invited by our Governor, who a fool with no back bone. I doubt he would have been elected if our people had known of Starfleet’s plans to return here.” Sirdith stated. “I for one have no intention of going to your Station.”

Mika nodded, thinking he understood even more, but the level of their hostility was blowing him away. He gave the Doctor a look as if to say, I think we should walk away.

"Well the terms were agreed to by the Faltan's when the treaty was signed as the base was first set up, as such as Chief Medical Officer I'm formally offer our assistant should you have need of it." Aereen said, "And to be completely honest I couldn't care less if your people want to join the Federation or not, it's not our job to try to convince you to join. The reason the Federation is the size it is and growing is because most enlightened races we encounter see the value of joining a peaceful organization that provides substantial resources to developing member worlds, ensures mutual defence, and peaceful existence. if that's not your cup of tea then fine, but the Klingons are Romulans are far less cordial about expanding their territory." She set her glass down on a table and left the slightly stunned looking Faltan's in the hands of Mika.

Feeling impressed, Mika watched her, but before following her, there was one thing he still wanted to know. With disappointment in his eyes, he looked back and firmly directed to Sirdith, "As much as I personally understand your wanting to be alone, the depth of your attitude as a diplomat really surprises me. It makes me wonder what exactly happened here to make you feel this way."

“We prefer to deal with smaller entity’s rather than big imposing ones like the Federation. If you’ll excuse us, I think all has been said. Good day.” Both governement officials moved off without another word being spoken.

*****

After about an hour of mingling, Governor Tidz got everyone’s attention by tapping a knife against his glass. “I’d just like to thank everyone for this. I know it hasn’t been easy for either side but still an effort has been made which I’m grateful for...”

Harry listened to the Governor, he hadn’t been impressed by what he had heard at this gathering and if the outburst from the Deputy Governor was anything to go by this could turn into a dangerous situation very quickly.

A flash of light from the clock tower opposite caught Refelians eye, he moved to the large window behind the Governors desk. It was about 10 floors higher than there current position. He felt a presence approach from behind his right shoulder. At a glance he noticed it was first officer. Another flash of light, “What do you make of that flash of light, Comman...”

Refelian didn’t have a chance to finish his sentence as a projectile pierced the glass window and hit the Captain in the shoulder...

 

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