Sitting At The Table

Posted on Tue Oct 17th, 2017 @ 3:14pm by Commodore Jason Myers & Commander Rostra Tang & Ensign Andrew Gervais

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: Dalacari Outpost
Timeline: June 16, 2399 @ 1000

Jason walked into the central conference room. It was a rather well decorated building, and fairly large. This was a theme he had noted aboard Dalacari outposts, though he understood how and why. Behind him was Ensign Gervais, carrying some briefing notes and looking maybe a little awkward given he was now acting as aid to a flag officer.

"Here's the memos and the material, sir." Gervais said.

Jason reviewed it. "Thank you, Ensign." he added as he waited for the others to arrive. He was dreading the arrival of the Klingon delegation, and his usual optimism had given way to a bit of anxiety. He turned to Rostra "Ready to get told how this entire thing is an affront to the honour of the Klingon people?"

Rostra rolled her eyes. Both sets. "You know, I took the liberty of learning a few key phrases in Klingon just in case. The basics mostly, and my accent is terrible but I'm hoping to just have to..."

"... listen. I'll be honest, I'm nervous as hell. Less, because the Ts'usugi sent someone who wants to be here for diplomatic reasons, and less again because..."

"... some good friends of mine showed up." Rostra said softly, hoping it wouldn't travel further than the main table. One of the 'others' who arrived was Shipmaster Tukal and his two security escorts. A slight nod was given to Jason, before the Ts'usugi guests took their seats off to the side. They weren't here to interfere, merely to show support. Two races, at this point so closely dependent on one another for defense and research.

After a pause, Rostra gave a pair of nods, "Okay, I'm ready. I won't be once they arrive, but right now? I'm ready."

Jason smirked as the Klingon delegation walked in, almost arrogantly and viewing these proceedings as little more than a waste of time. They nodded and glared at all parties involved. How dare any of these petaQ question the integrity of the Klingon people. Not that it would matter soon enough.

"Welcome, all." Jason said as everyone sat down. "I am Commodore Jason Myers of Starfleet Command. These are my aides, Lieutenant Commander Rostra Tang, and Ensign Andrew Gervais. Shipmaster Tukal is also here representing the Ts'usugi Empire"

Shortly after the Klingon delegates arrived, the Dalacari official delegation arrived. She was dressed in a soft green uniform with black trim that almost looked less like a uniform and more like a dress. This must be the uniform for their diplomatic arm, as there was very little that said 'military' about this particular Dalacari.

Though, there was little that said 'Military' about any Dalacari garb.

It wasn't just that she was attired so casually for the position but it was also the manner in which she entered. Dalacari almost always walked side by side and usually within a certain comfortable proximity. What even caught Rostra's attention was that the diplomat walked single file, to give the illusion of there just being a Single Dalacari there, and that the distance between her forms was over half the length of the room. She was easily at forty feet of separation, and seemed as cool and collected as any singular being in the room.

"I'm Neelor Palim. I represent the Dalacari Republic's interests and well being." She spoke with a measured cadence as her other form joined her to sit. It was quite obvious that the entrance and the show she put on took a bit out of her, but it was for a good cause.

"A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Palim." Jason said. He'd never seen a Dalacari continue to speak almost as if they are single. Indeed, one of the first things he learned dealing with Rostra back on the Yorkshire was that he would be bounced between both her twin forms in a conversation. At the start he found it dizzying. Now? Not so much.

"I am Commander Jo'Tan. These are my assistants, Lieutenants Drex, and Lieutenant Grilka." The Klingon said. "Now if we may stop these foolish pleasantries and get down to the matter at hand. The Klingon Empire has the right to defend itself against hostile incursions, which is precisely what we did. To have our ship boarded, and our Captain arrested at the hands of Federation thugs who turned him over to a race of invaders and cowards, is an insult."

"If I may, Commander, I might remind you that you chased the drone through a wormhole, and you destroyed it in Federation space. It was retreating when you fired on it." Jason said. "Captain K'mtar was in violation of Federation treaties."

Dalacari were inherently nonconfrontational. Klingons were inherently confrontational. "Commander Jo'Tan." Neelor started, showing deference to his rank. "You must forgive me, my studies of your people and your ways was rushed. So I have a question or two to ask of you, to familiarize myself more with your noble people." she started. Her diplomatic training allowed her to keep one body focused for longer than normal, though even she couldn't hold an entire conversation in just one body.

"Should a child strike an adult in your culture, is the child put down?"

"Of course not. They are a child. Discipline is applied, but we would never execute one." Jo'Tan replied.

"Is the child the equal of an adult in your culture?"

"No." Jo'Tan said "We train our children in our ways and raise them to be what is expected of a Klingon."

"Was the drone that threatened you your equal, or like a child to an adult?"

"I understand your analogy, madam." Jo'Tan said. "And to answer it, it would have been a child. But the parents of children on my world, and undoubtedly on yours are handled in accordance with the law. It remains an incursion into Klingon Imperial Space whether anyone accepts this or not. We have a right to defend our borders."

"And my final question. When you traveled through the Darkstar Project gate under..."

"... cloak, and destroyed our property and seriously damaged one of our cruisers, would it not then be you who were the incursion?"

"Yes." Jo'Tan said. "It was an incursion. In Defence of something we had no idea what it was. It was unresponsive to our hails. Commodore, if someone breached your borders, did not respond to hails and it was weaponized would you not have considered it a threat?"

"Interesting you should say that, Commander." Jason said. "I would refer you all to Starfleet General Orders 8, 12, and 33. General Order 8: Upon sighting a warship within Federation space and identifying it as belonging to a foreign power, the commander of the Starfleet vessel/installation shall determine the reason(s) for that craft’s presence in the vicinity. If there is conclusive evidence that the vessel has hostile intentions, the Federation vessel may take appropriate action to safeguard the lives and property of Federation members or other non-aligned persons under current Federation protection. In such cases, the commander may use their discretion in deciding whether to use force to disable the hostile vessel. However, care should be taken to avoid unnecessary loss of sentient life." He paused. "Shall I go on?"

"Please." Jo'Tan said.

"General Order 12: When approaching a vessel with which communication has not been established, all Starfleet vessels are to maintain maximum safety precautions, regardless of the origin of said vessel, be it a foreign power, an hitherto unknown ship, or a Starfleet vessel. And lastly, General Order 33: If a commanding officer deems that an individual or group of individuals pose a direct threat to the safety of Starfleet personnel, Federation citizens, or those under current Federation protection, they may take any actions necessary to safeguard the lives of those threatened. In such cases, the commander may use their discretion in deciding whether to use force. However, care should be taken to avoid unnecessary loss of sentient life."

"There you have it." Jo'Tan said. "Your guidelines are the same--"

"No. They are NOT." Jason said. "Specifically the part where it says 'care should be taken to avoid unnecessary loss of sentient life. Without anything, I or many other Commanding Officers might have attempted something else first. And either way, it's not like the weapons systems were locked on you. Also, I might remind you that we have been sharing intelligence about the Delta Quadrant with the High Council for the last 18 years we've been in here. Which surely any competent commanding officer could have read."

"Are you suggesting that my Captain is incompetent?!" Jo'Tan said, his temper starting to flare. "Do you read every little document that comes your way? Or did you when you were the Captain of your own ship?"

"No. I had briefs from Intelligence and Strategic Operations that were sent to me or they informed us as needed about various defences and cultural matters so I could make an informed decision under General Orders 8, 12, and 33." Jason said.

"Allow me then to read the Treaty of Khitomer." Jo'Tan said. "Nothing in this Treaty shall undermine the right of the Klingon Empire to act in accordance with its own defence orders and regulations. "

Jason finished. "You forgot the last paragraph. Except those actions which are taken against an ally of the Federation, its members, or any other allied world of the Federation. Should the Klingon Empire be required to act in this way, notice is required to be provided by a designated representative of the Empire to the Federation Council within 24 hours. In fact, they deny this entire incident. Why might that be, Commander?"

"I cannot presume to speak on behalf of the High Council." Jo'Tan said. "But my Captain could easily clarify his position if he were not being held like a criminal targ. Why are we being denied access to him? What is his condition? How do we know he is not being tortured by these beings?!"

Neelor Palim shook her head, "Then you know nothing of our people. We prize life highest among anything else. Your Captain is being treated as well as he allows himself to be. Though he is quite disruptive and has all but destroyed his holding area twice now." she stopped, then her twin took over. Seems she was a professional in terms of dealing with other single life forms, limiting her focal shifts when possible.

"I can arrange for you to view his current condition through a monitor, but at this time direct communication between you and he would be, as it is said elsewhere, difficult to arrange."

"I think under the circumstances, we should allow him to be seen, though I will defer to your authority on direct contact." Jason said. "If you could, Neelor." he asked

"Certainly." and she gave a comm pad on her shoulder a tap, "Engine. Please bring a viewing padd to Conference Room seven." and there was a pause before an obviously artificial voice replied. "Compliance."

A minute or so later the room door opened and a security drone, unarmed, entered with a Dalacari PaDD on a tray. "Your. Requested. Viewing. Padd. Ma'am." the drone stammered out, which Neelor thanked before taking the PaDD and opening up a security feed. The feed showed a single Klingon in a room that looked like it was the target of Klingon Rage. Along the side of the display were indications of the Captain's vitals. Elevated heart rate, oxygen blood intake, and other vitals.

"Do you confirm that is Captain K'Mtar?" Jason asked.

"Yes. He appears to be... satisfactorily treated. I expect to be consulted before any medical or interrogations are completed."

"I will not bind the Dalacari to act outside their laws as they are not members of the Federation. However, I would ask the Dalacari to please observe the treatment of Federation Citizens as per the New Earth Accord and inform us of any action being taken against Captain K'Mtar." Jason said, rather impressed by Gervais and Michelle's memos regarding Federation law and treaties.

"Of course." both of Neelor's forms replied in tandem.

Now then, Commander... Let's discuss this further... You violated Federation space and destroyed the drone just outside the Tango Sector, which is just over the Klingon border. You then cloaked and proceeded through the wormhole into space protected by the Dalacari Republic, the Federation, and the Ts'usugi Empire. In short, Commander... You have violated an agreement signed in good faith and it so far seems to be with your government's blessing unless you can prove otherwise. That is the Federation's final position on this matter. And I CAN presume to speak as a flag officer for the Federation government and administration in this sector. Now then... What are the Dalacari Republic's demands and position?"

"Two hundred thousand tons of fabrication materials to assist in the reconstruction and repair." Neelor started, having those requests at the ready, "And the economic equivalent for five hundred and fifty million Dalacari eBit units. This fund will go directly towards financing the repairs and to the health and well..."

"... being of the victims of the assault. This will cover the requisite six month trauma care for newly singular Dalacari for the survivors of the incident." a pause, "We'd also ask for a signature of a non-aggression pact of a twelve month duration, Federation standard time, until such a time as a more permanent arrangement..."

"... can be made.

Jason hid his shock at the demands. Don't mess with the Dalacari, it turns out. Though privately, he did agree that the terms they were asking were more than fair. He had seen a room of single Dalacari when him and Rostra served on the Yorkshire... It was not a pretty sight.

"I will take the proposal to the High Council." Jo'Tan said. "But do not expect all of that to be accepted. In the Alpha Quadrant, it is the responsibility of the home government to pay for the medical needs of its people. And its defence needs following an attack."

"It is in this quadrant too, Commander. But the Federation sees no objection to those terms due to what is frankly your commander's negligence." Jason replied.

"May we recess so I may communicate those terms?" Jo'Tan asked.

"Sir, the Wellington is attempting to get a hold of you." Gervais said, whispering in the Commodore's ear.

"I think it would be appropriate. I have some ship business to attend to myself." Jason said.

"Very well. And Captain... My sympathies on the loss of your ship's officers. A truly dishonourable act, assuming it was not a mechanical failing."

"I appreciate that, Commander. I will pass that on to Commander Bowman." Jason said. "We will reconvene in an hour." he said, standing up as the Klingon delegation left. He turned to the Dalacari... "So... That didn't go as bad as I expected."

Rostra seemed to exhale a breath she was holding the entire meeting. Once the Klingons were out of the room, she turned to Neelor, "You did exceptional!" she complimented, while Neelor just gave a nod and a smile each.

"No, it went about as well as I'd hoped, and thank you Miss Tang." the diplomat started before turning to Jason, "And it was a trade off on our demands. The materials for repair would be nice, the economic assistance to handle the extra expenses they put upon us would also be nice but..."

"... both would be very helpful. I have to thank you Commodore, for assisting in this matter." and then one of the twin forms turned to the shipmaster in the stands. "And thank you, Shipmaster. I'm just glad your services weren't necessary."

To that, Tukal gave a chuckle, "Oh, the night is young... I believe is the Federation saying. In any event, this is just the eye. He hasn't said yes yet. Which actually, is a good question. Commodore? How likely are the Dalacari terms to be even taken into consideration, let alone agreed to, if their central government denies any wrongdoing?" he paused in thought for a moment, "How likely are they to consider this a hostage negotiation instead?"

"They'll agree to the non-aggression pact because they know we won't let them get away with it. The reparations? That could be problematic unless they start owning up to it. Though the denial is rather troubling, I must admit."

Neelor gave a pair of nods, "The Non-Aggression pact is the only true concern. With some of the asteroids we've been pointed towards for mining, we'll recoup the repair materials in no time. The medical expenses were mostly punitive." the diplomat admitted. "The Republic was truly curious as to their reaction to having to actually pay..."

"... for their actions, instead of just words. Though it's still moderately troubling that the only reason they're here, and the only reason they're even considering an accord of non-aggression is because of the Federation's presence. To think that you have this kind of control without the looming..."

"...threat of violence or anything is actually a little frightening." Neelor said, though she didn't look afraid. "In any event, thank you. Now the hard part... waiting. Though there's the not-so-small matter of the event. Something about an accident or an explosion? I'm sorry, I was so wrapped up in preparation that I honestly..."

"... missed the excitement."

Jason nodded. "More often than not, the Empire stumbles to the right thing. But the last few years it's become incredibly corrupt and eating itself from within. It's a tragedy, really. Most Klingons are actually not the kind you see before you today." He said before pausing. "As for the accident, an explosion killed 9 members of our senior staff yesterday. They were en route to what would have been a reception."

"Dia no..." the pair said, almost flinching. "I.. I'm so sorry. I..." she stammered for a moment, before collecting herself, "Wherever they are bound beyond, Dia's graces they reach there safely." it sounded like a prayer of some form.

"I'm certain the Overseer will be collecting any data he can for your investigation. When we're done here you should make..."

"... it a point to see him. And, please extend our considerations."

"We will. I will be following up on the progress of our investigation and will also keep you posted as well." Jason said. "And thank you for your sympathies."

Gervais sat back and watched. This was far less dramatic than he expected. But... at least the table hadn't been flipped over in some angry Klingon rage..

"You look relaxed, Ensign." Jason said.

"You didn't think that was going to go a lot worse?" Gervais asked.

"Nah. It's the next rounds that are going to be the challenge. Assuming Jo'Tan even contacted the High Council." Jason said. "They both just want to be heard and feel like their opinion matters to the other. Even through all the bluster. That's all anyone here wants. And we'll make sure there's no war today."