The art of diplomacy
Posted on Sat Oct 24th, 2020 @ 4:23am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Lieutenant Commander Shylow Vitari & Lieutenant Bonnie "Bon-Bon" Durnell & Lieutenant T'Strella Drake & Lieutenant Aurora Vali & Chief Petty Officer Remal Kajun
Mission:
Diplomatic Masquerade
Location: Conference Room
Captain Kaylen Rhenora looked at the mirror, taking in the fine lines and the greying hair that seemed to multiply every time she looked. Her dress uniform still fitted snugly, its stiff fabrics and embellishments reminding the wearer of the gravity of the occasion. She was due in the conference room shortly - currently decked out for a formal dinner between both parties. She was dreading engaging in small talk with Maccet, he would no doubt be full of double meanings and hidden threats.
Remal walked up behind her and placed his large hands upon her shoulders in a reassuring clutch. “Don’t worry, that’s my job remember? You’ve got this. Two hours and they will be back on their ships and crawling back to their rock with their tails between their legs.” His stomach churned at the mere thought of a group of Cardassians on board the Liberty but he knew the power the Federation held and the strength the Bajoran people held ever since the end of the occupation. “You look wonderful by the way, did you know?”
"Thanks" she whispered back, giving his hand a squeeze. Once again she wondered how she had managed all these years without his comforting presence. "I can't wait for this to be over"
‘Soon’ he thought. Face the music and things would go back to normal. They always did in time. She turned to face him and he dared a brief kiss before allowing her to go off on her own once more. He felt he should join her, but as a civilian with no real position, this would be a meeting left to the brass.
The conference room was a picture of functionality and tasteful minimalist decoration. Ronson had outdone himself this time and Rhenora made a mental note to thank him for his efforts when she next caught up with him. She was the first there, and took the opportunity to run her eyes over the menu. The galley had prepared delicacies from both homeworlds in an effort to bring some kind of harmony and unity to the table. Starters and finger food lay arranged on platters on the table, tall flutes containing various beverages on a sideboard along one way. It was more than adequate for the task at hand.
Vitari allowed herself to be preceded by the soft click of her step, gliding through the portal on carefully metered steps as she glanced around the near empty room upon her arrival. She wasn’t surprised to not be the first, but she had expected others to slip in earlier. The tension she had caught building had been dripping through various minor interactions and her early arrival was in it’s own way a little telling of her beliefs that peaceful negotiations under the circumstances was likely a premise at best, but Starfleet would never pass the opportunity to resolve without conflict and so here they were and she had a job to do, so, despite the delicate trappings of her almost constrictive attire, she was ready for work.
Inclining her head in greeting, the slender officer allowed herself to drift to the Captains side, her gaze casting briefly across the assorted consumables arrayed with all the semblance of welcome, perhaps for some it wasn’t even a pretense she mused, “Ready for the grand event?” she enquired softly.
"As ready as I'll ever be" Rhenora admitted, looking around at the display before her. The board was set and the pieces would begin moving soon.
Vitari offered a consoling smile, “If we are lucky, they might even try something, then you get to find out how well I can move in heels.”
One by one the senior staff of the Liberty arrived, followed shortly after by Ronson.
"Ma'am, Gul Maccet and his delegation have signalled they are ready for transport" he whispered in her ear, keeping his tone hushed.
"Permission granted, escort them here when they arrive" Rhenora advised and took a deep breath. She schooled her mind into the art of diplomacy and awaited the arrival of he who would become her challenger.
Savar had entered in his dress uniform and heard Ronson report to the Captain that the Cardassians were ready to come aboard. “Now it begins.” He said quietly to Rhenora. “Remember to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
"Always, I'm glad there's plenty of us in the room. I don't trust them as far as I could kick them" she admitted quietly, keeping her voice low. Any minute the Cardassian delegation would arrive and very much make their presence known. The double meanings and hidden conversations made Rhenora's head hurt before things had even begun.
Savar saw her discomfort. “Would you prefer if we ‘accidentally’ directed them to an airlock? We can make it look feasible.”
"Nothing would make me happier, the paperwork on the other hand would be a killer" she admitted wryly, as much as the thought was entertaining.
“Not so Captain. I can fill the report out in one word. Ooops.” Savar replied not missing a beat.
"And there begins the interstellar incident" she retorted, taking a deep breath.
T'Strella Drake, arrived in her platinum gown shimmering around body like quicksilver in a Moonlight lake.
She picked up a glass of sparkling water, her gloved hands properly decorated with simple platinum rings. Around her neck a strand of Tahitian platinum pearls. She noted the Captain and Aurora had arrived, she nodded politely…. Efron walked in; he smiled at her and moved around the room, taking holovides of the event.
T'Strella also wore her Sir Francis Drake pendant, a gift from her father…. As she moved around the room talking with Delegates, Archeologists and Star Fleet Officers, she kept her eyes, ears and senses open...
"Captain, may I present the Cardassian Delegation?" Ronson stood at the open doors, the delegation behind him.
"And so it begins," Rhenora murmured and she turned around, her XO beside her to address the delegation.
“Indeed.” Savar whispered so only she could hear.
"Welcome to the USS Liberty, please join us" she welcomed the 5 members of the cardassian team, Maccet amongst them.
Maccet entered, flanked by four of his best officers, mostly there for show as they would barely say two words during the course of the meal, as directed. Actually they were instructed to mingle, not that that word afforded much room for word play. He looked around at the players, nodded to each in turn then spoke directly to the small blonde woman he would have to endure, at least for now. “It is a pleasure to be here. I’m sure we can agree a short delegation is all that is needed here.” His face showing no hints of malice, he motioned towards the table and his officers obeyed.
The group split into two distinct groups, the Starfleet crew up one end of the table and the Cardassians at the other. Once everyone was settled Rhenora raised her glass.
"May I propose a toast - to an equitable solution for all parties" she announced.
Maccet tilted his head to the side, even as his hand raised his glass in solidarity. “Equitability.” He scoffed. “I’m sorry Captain, but pray tell, how will the Federation judge equitability in this endeavour?” The room grew silent as the tension grew thick. It was an honest question after all as in Maccet’s mind this was a Cardassian owned planet in Cardassian owned space and the Federation simply had no jurisdiction here.
Aurora stood alongside Savar observing the proceedings. She didn't need her Betazoid senses to feel the tension in the air, you could practically cut it with a knife. Maccet's question had just sent that tension level to a whole new high and she waited to see how it would be responded to.
“The Federation will not judge, we are merely here as there was a distress call from the planet you are mining. Given this planet has been listed in your own records as uninhabited, the Federation Council has followed protocol and sent us to investigate and mediate on their behalf”
Rhenora’s tone was even and measured. Each word carefully considered. He was 100% correct, they had no actual jurisdiction over a Cardassian planet in Cardassian space. It was a thin line but lives depended on Maccet not crossing said line.
“Forgive me Captain.” He said with a forked tongue. “Where the Federation is concerned, there is always an air of judgement. Running around the galaxy trying to save every tree, like the huggers you are.” He allowed himself a small chuckle. “And forgive me again if I laugh in the face of your so-called protocol, as I have seen it bent and twisted to serve individual agendas time and time again. So I ask again, where is your unbiased representative to judicate these proceedings?”
The Captain held her tongue, refusing to be goaded by Maccet’s ‘oily’ personality. Everything he said had a double meaning, a triple standard and a hidden undertone that just made her head hurt. She let the others in the room fill the uncomfortable silences and took a few moments to regather herself.
“ I could ask you the same thing” Rhenora replied with a more measured tone than she thought herself capable of. He was baiting her. “ If there was no distress call you would have wiped out a civilisation that conveniently did not exist on your records all for the sake of ore.”
Savar didn’t speak, instead he was focused on Maccet and the words he used to draw Kaylen’s temper. So far she had refused to be baited . He noticed that the aides remained quiet, not reacting to any of the talk around them.
Maccet lowered his glass, “And you have been so noble as to race to the rescue. You arrived early enough, I trust you have found and saved this so-called civilisation before we could wipe them out, as you so eloquently put it?” He held his tongue at the mention of the ore. Ore they desperately needed to rebuild his world because of the actions of the Dominion and the Federation.
“ So you agree that there is a civilization there? And that you are knowingly mining a planet that is inhabited?” Kaylen was gaining momentum but kept her words carefully chosen. Everything she said would be used against her.
He chuckled, “Personally, I am here to eat, drink and partake of your fine company dear Captain.” He squinted. “I was just curious ‘if’ you had found anything worthy of this meeting or ‘if’ it was more prudent for you to be on your way, to, shall we say, get on with our business here.”
The Captain paused, considering his words and having a very rapid internal debate as to if she should reveal what the away team had found. Surely the distress call was enough to summon the Federations assistance.
“ As I have previously mentioned - we are responding to a distress call received from the planet you claimed as uninhabited. “ She said simply - watching and waiting for his reaction.
“Gul Maccet, I believe you and others in the Cardassian High Command knew the planet was inhabited but were unable to put your plans of ‘removing’ the inhabitants before we arrived and you are here because you have no other recourse.” Savar spoke calmly, rationally and waited for a reply if one was forthcoming.
Rhenora held her breath and waited to see what Maccet would do with the accusation. All eyes were on the Cardassian.
Maccet inclined his head towards the new player. “And who might you be, to operate under such audacious presumptions?” He of course had read the files, had learned the faces and knew his foes as well as his documentation allowed.
“I am Savar, First Officer of the Liberty and I notice you did not deny the assumptions.”
Rhenora held her breath, Savar had said what they were all thinking and for once Maccet was on the back foot. She made a note to commend him after the dinner.
“Well Savar, First Officer of the Liberty, I personally leave assumptions and underhanded insinuations in the hands of the bureaucrats. If of course there was no other recourse, I would not be here. As we see this, you should not be here, distress beacon or not. And if there is no evidence of a civilization, my first course of action would be to kindly ask you to remove yourselves from our space.”
“Most convenient but it does not lessen your culpability in this matter.” Savar replied evenly.
“Culpability. A strong word for a member of a club dedicated to interference. The Cardassian Union is not what it once was, but we have learned to govern ourselves in a manner which, so far, has appeased our local law enforcers and I will maintain that. However, until proof is found to show otherwise, we are in no way in violation of any of your protocols.”
“What you see as interference Gul others see as standing up and coming to the aid of those who cannot help themselves. Much like the Federation helped Cardassia during the war.” Savar pointed out.
“ We aid all who require it, no matter their allegiance” The Captain reinforced, diverting the tension that was beginning to rise once again. “ Surely you would allow us some time to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain if there is indeed an underground population on the planet”
He swallowed the bile that had been building up in his mouth, the distaste placing a grimace upon his face. The mere thought of the Federation and their help of Cardassia churned his stomach. The decisions to involve the Dominion in Cardassian affairs was a sore subject and not a decision he was a part of, but not one he could deny he would have made himself. He addressed Savar first, “We have shown our gratitude, Mr. Savar, for the Federation’s kind and most humble assistance during the war. Now we wonder where the Federation stands when we are attempting to rebuild our home. This planet and her resources belong to us and we will do with it as we please.”
Savar heard the sarcasm in Maccet’s words and ignored it. “Sarcasm is wasted on me Gul Maccet and the Federation is willing to help Cardassia rebuild but believes this should first be attempted by the Cardassian people. Do you not agree?”
“Guilt, on the other hand, is not. I do, actually. Cardassia will only be strong by her own hand, however aiding us by staying out of our way is also beneficial to all.” He turned back to the Blonde woman he held so much disdain for. “I have been authorized to allow your people Twenty Four Earth hours to find something significant that would indicate life on Orias III. Do so and we will withdraw, no questions asked.”
“ I acknowledge your claim to this planet - however it was claimed as uninhabited, now there is evidence that is not the case. We cannot stand by whilst you commit genocide on a population just because their mere presence inconveniences you” Rhenora’s ire rose despite her efforts to control it. “ We will take your twenty four hours and your word that you will withdraw if we find significant occupation here”
“But.” He continued. “Fail to find significant evidence and we are authorized to...” A pause as he carefully chose his words. “...remove you from our space. By any means necessary.” He threatened. “Not my words mind you, the counsels. But take them to heart.”
“ And there is the threat” Kaylen retorted, unable to conceal her scorn at the tone. “If we find nothing of significance you have MY word that we will be on our way. Nothing would make me happier than to leave your space”
Savar spoke again. “So, Cardassia can only be strong by her own hand. Your words not mine. Does that take into account the innocent lives that you will step on and ignore to regain your former glory?”
Maccet regarded the man with interest, an adversary in every sense of the word. “I cannot attest to our past as a people and I cannot shy away from our future. However, when rebuilding what we have so sorely lost, the needs of the many will always be foremost in our minds, but the few shall not suffer by these hands.” He held out his hands palm up to show his sincerity while in the back of his mind adding Savar to the top of his list of people he would like to see tortured.
“You cannot attest? Yet you wear the uniform of a Cardassian military officer. Where were you when the military was wholesale killing innocent people who like you claim now for Cardassia only wanted to govern themselves? Would you have us believe you stood in a corner silently.” Savar asked.
The tension rose another few notches if it were possible, the air becoming so thick one could slice it with a blunt knife if required. “Commander…” Rhenora whispered, admiring his efforts to get Maccet to reveal his true intentions. The toes were well and truly right up to the line.
“I withdraw the question. And I apologize if I upset the Gul.” Savar replied.
Maccet gave a sly smile then a bite of what looked like a piece of shrimp, tail and all. He had once been in Savars place, a subordinate forced to take orders he didn’t agree with. Forced to be the scapegoat for being the one to follow those orders. He understood what it was like to be passionate about something only to be silenced by those with power. Once he swallowed and took a sip of the fruity, bubbly beverage he had been served, he responded.
“ Gul Maccet, turning our situation back to the task at hand. Shall we schedule a meeting for 36 hours time to discuss the results of our investigation. May I assume that you shall also be conducting your own investigation?” Kaylen enquired, taking a sip of her wine and wishing that it was more alcoholic than it actually was.
“Captain. That sounds reasonable assuming it will take your people that long to find, something, or anything for that matter. I see no need to send people, unless you feel the need for an escort service?” He wanted the ball in her court. He wanted her vulnerable and exposed.
“ So I can be assured we will not be hindered by any incidents during our time on the planet? Being a Cardassian planet my people’s safety will be at stake and any ‘incidents’ will be reported to the highest authorities” Rhenora made her words absolutely clear - she expected her teams to be left alone.
“I need not remind you that you are here of your own accord, perils and all. My people will not interfere with you or your people on the surface of Orias III. You have my word as a Gul. If your people can’t handle the dangers that may or may not await you, you may leave at any time. Otherwise, I will be on my ship awaiting any pertinent updates you may have to offer. No questions asked.” He took a bite of something spicy and his neck inflamed, but he swallowed and kept his facial expression neutral. A bottle of Canar sounded good right about now.
The Captain knew where to push and when to leave things at the level they were. Pushing here would lose what ground they had made during the dinner. She had assurances that the team would be left alone on the planet - that was something.
“ We will of course keep you updated as to any progress we do make on the surface. No proverbial stone will be left unturned - I can assure you of that” Rhenora said firmly.
“Good to hear.” He clapped his hands together loudly. “Then let’s stop with the chit chat and eat shall we? Oh and as long as you’re turning over rocks and do uncover anything of value I trust you’ll remember the resources here belong to Cardassia and only Cardassia.” He turned creepily jovial, “Unless of course you find life amongst the rocks, of course.”
Rhenora glanced at Savar with a raised eyebrow, making a mental note to check for any traps or hidden/planted weapons or objects.
“ We have no interest in your ore, only in those who may be murdered as you mine it” Rhenora quipped.
They were strong words, but words he had already heard. He gave a quick eyebrow raise and a tilt of the head in admonishment, then took another bite of the yellow gloppy stuff. It looked like something he had eaten in the Federation Penal Colony, creamed corn, he thought they had called it. It was nice as it slithered down his throat. There was nothing quite like the feeling of having the upper hand. “Come now Captain, murder is such a strong word. And we both know neither of our hands are perfectly clean.”
Rhenora cleared her plate efficiently and carefully set her cutlery on top of it. She desperately wanted to be out of the room where she could talk without fear of her words being twisted and taken out of context. Not to mention she simply wanted to be away from Maccet. She hoped he couldn’t sense her discomfort. She kept quiet, knowing her own hands were tarnished with Cardassian blood. Best not to bring that up here.
“You object to the word murder would mass genocide ease your conscience?” Savar asked.
Murder, genocide, both the same. The only difference was a matter of scale. Maccet could point this information out as well as a number of things the Vulcan race was culpable for however this was not the moment to break down and debate. He had placed the right nuggets into their brains and now was a time to smile and nod.
A half hour passed quickly, mostly silent with some soft murmuring as the meal disappeared before them. Maccet allowed his words to stew like a slow soup in the backs of their minds.
Desert came out, accompanied by matched hot and cold beverages. The Captain sighed in relief, soon this torture would be over. “ I trust the meal was to your satisfaction Gul Maccet?” She offered diplomatically.
“Honestly, the food was not great, but the conversation was, most, filling.” He smiled as he stood, his entourage taking his motion and standing as well. He moved around to the end of the table where he could come shoulder to shoulder with Captain Kaylen.
She rose as he did, doing her best not to look up at his face as he towered over her.
“ We will keep you informed of any discoveries we have in the next 24 hours” She reinforced.
“I trust you will, but in case I didn’t tell you, the twenty four hours started the moment we arrived. So, thank you for dinner, will you be so kind as to escort us off your ship, Captain?” He was cordial to the T, but he had one last deep scarred nugget to implant into her brain before he left. All he required was a lasting moment alone.
“Of course” Rhenora replied automatically, gesturing towards the door. “ If you’ll follow me”
He nodded his approval and allowed her and her team to lead them out of the dinner hall, down the corridor and into the small transporter room. He noted the path, the timing to move from one location to another and the amount of armed guards stationed in the hallway, few to say the least. This was a diplomatic meeting after all, and they were there under a banner of peace.
They entered into the room and his entourage moved onto the transport platform. He walked to the step, then turned around and extended his hand for her to take. An offer of friendly encouragement.
She took his hand in the traditional greet/acknowledgement of the Federation.
“ Thank you for attending the dinner - I trust this forms the basis of an adequate working relationship between us” She said diplomatically, the words tasting bad in her mouth.
“Well, I trust you’ll use your time wisely. In the meantime my future is in your hand, Rhen.” He eyed her deeply ensuring she understood the deep set meaning behind his use of her nickname. Then he released her hand and moved onto the platform. “Twenty three hours and ticking. Energize good sir.” He added, nodding to the transporter chief.
The delegation vanished in a swirling mass of coloured particles, leaving a somewhat shocked Captain in the transporter room. Things just got a whole lot more personal.
Meanwhile Aurora looked to Savar, "Well that was uncomfortable!" She too was glad the gathering was over. "I'm seriously glad he's gone."
“Agreed Aurora.” Savar answered looking at the vacant space where Maccet had stood just moments before. “However I feel, like the proverbial bad penny, we will see him again.”
"Undoubtedly" The Captain replied sagely before turning to the two officers before her.
"Assemble some away teams Commander and get back down to the planet. Expect traps, planted evidence and all manner of tampering. I have a feeling there will be what he wants us to see, and what he doesn't want us to see" she ordered, releasing the collar from the restrictive dress uniform. "We'll keep watch from up here and remind Maccet of his agreement to not interfere"
“At once Captain though I believe away teams should be kept small to three or four members. Easier to keep track of.” Savar replied.
"I will leave the teams and their makeup up to your discretion Commander, we need to make the most of the time we have" Rhenora advised, fully trusting Savar's judgement.
