Teapot Diplomacy

Posted on Wed Oct 11th, 2017 @ 8:02am by Commodore Jason Myers & Captain Michelle Bartlett & Commander Rostra Tang & Ensign Andrew Gervais

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: Dalacari Outpost
Timeline: Between "The Unexpected End" and "Unexpected Succession"

After their arrival, the team walked through the VIP airlock of the outpost looking around for someone who may be there to greet them. There were a few hostile stares, not to be unexpected in view of recent events, but most simply went on about their day. Jason was intrigued by the size and layout of the station. It was designed quite well, almost something very Dalacari about it.

"This is incredible." Gervais said.

"Thank you." Rostra said, with no small amount of pride. "Dalacari enjoy their space, being as we need a little extra." she noticed the glances, the stares, the feeling of almost being unwelcome. Though, under it all, the average Dalacari knew this was going to be resolved. It was the not-so-average Dalacari that had her worried. Approaching the group was another Dalacari, in a uniform unlike that of the Federation's. He was obviously attached to the station staff, and his presence seemed to remind some of the group that they had places to be. Behind him, almost in a flanking posture, were two automatons. Obviously mechanical, with no attempt to hide their nature. They were armed with hand weapons, but were not brandishing them.

"I apologize for the cold reception. I'm station overseer Gid Savit. It's my responsibility to oversee all arrivals and ensure the station runs smoothly." he introduced himself through one form, before the other took over, "I hope you don't take offense at my security detail. When I heard there was a group forming, I wanted to make sure there were no ill intentions."

Jason stepped forward. "Quite understandable, overseer. This is Commander Michelle Bartlett, Lieutenant Commander Rostra Tang and Ensign Andrew Gervais." he said. "I am Commodore Jason Myers."

He paused for a moment, "I have a message for the highest ranked Federation official from Shipmaster Daisan Tukal of the ICF Nebula Flare."

Jason raised an eyebrow. They certainly were wasting no time. "Oh?" he inquired

"The message simply is that he wishes to meet with you and your party at the nearest convenience in Lounge Six. He requested an informal meeting. A..."

"... meet and greet, I believe would be the most appropriate parallel." he sounded unsure, but more of the parallel then anything else. "I will also inform you that this station is..."

"... patrolled by Dalacari drone forces, though I understand that due to the *nature* of the other parties involved, Starfleet has been requested to provide..."

"... security in addition. I request that any such security forces follow Dalacari procedure, and set their weapons for stun only results." on that, he sounded quite sure.

"The vessel I was on is unable to bring security forces. I've already ordered one of the vessels in the blockade to transport some over. They will be happy to assist. And I can assure you, that they will follow Dalacari procedure." Jason replied. "The senior staff from the Wellington should be arriving fairly shortly. Commander Tang has briefed me on the incident, and once again Captain, I must extend my sympathies on the Federation's behalf for such a needless act of suffering."

The overseer nodded in that peculiar way that only a Dalacari could pull off, each head dropping and then rising in sync. "On behalf of the Republic, thank you for your presence and your compassion." and after a pause, the Overseer then began to explain the station's construction and how to get from place to place. It was actually easier than one would expect, with color coded hallways for various function spaces, and trams that ran the inner circle of the station every fifteen minutes. Exactly every fifteen minutes, as they were autonomous.

"There are seventy two binary pass transporters located on station for emergency movement of personnel and each cargo bay has their one unipass transporter..."

"... system. We have three Thinking Engines online on the station, with two in reserve. They handle the drone traffic as well as run overflow for the transport..."

"... buffers. If it weren't for the recent events which brought us to this moment I'd welcome you and bid you relax. You'll understand if I save the invitation to ..."

"... relax until after this is all behind us."

"More than understandable. Duty has a nagging way of calling. Especially lately. I look forward to further conversation." Jason said.

"Of course. If you need anything just ask the system. The central computer system has been programmed to provide hospitality to all guests, and members of all..."

"... races involved in the negotiations have been listed as guests. Until then..." and he took a step back before turning to head off, his security drones following suit.

Michelle looked at the other two... "Knowing what I do know about Dalacari, I'd say that went satisfyingly well. We made it without being ambushed. Let's continue this streak." she said with a smirk.

"Agreed." Jason replied.

"They seem pretty friendly all the same." Gervais said. "We can't blame a few for disapproving glares either. You think we'll be able to patch things up?"

"If they see we're acting in good faith, I think they'll give us a chance." Michelle said. "I can't imagine there being any more curveballs."

The trek to Lounge Six wasn't too terrible actually. The station had a pleasant lighting and color scheme without being overbearing while what sounded like soft pleasant music was just low enough to actually be considered background music. The rounded edges and the soft carpet spoke of the Dalacari concern for well being, though the carpet was mostly just a texture for the floor rather than anything even approaching shag. After all, the drones that walked here couldn't risk building up a static charge.

Coloration on the walls and the floor served as a simple guide to and from any location, and on their way the three Federation officers were passed by no less than a half dozen drone security forces, each of which noticed the trio and gave them a nod of recognition. Security was tight, but not oppressive.

Eventually the three of them found themselves at the door to Lounge Six, which irised open as they approached. The interior had plenty of table space, monitors with various feeds and scenes on them, a drone tending the bar, and the only actual living beings in the room were a trio of Ts'usugi. Two in a dark red, while the third wore a drab green. Even knowing nothing of their station, two were obvious security, while the third was the Ts'usugi of the hour: Daisan Tukal.

He looked exactly how he did in the image in Rostra's report: A well decorated, tall, and proud young man of a shipmaster. Young, but not obnoxiously young like certain prodigy ensigns. There was a discussion going on apparently, in the native tongue of the Ts'usugi. Tukal was telling his security forces obviously something important, the way they were glued to his every word. Then, his instructions reached something of a crescendo, and the whole trio of them started to burst out laughing.

Once the laughter died down, and the Federation trio were noticed, it was back to casual politeness. Tukal approached the three and gave a smile, "My apologies, but it doesn't translate well. I believe the expression is, you had to be there." he said with a chuckle. "It's good to meet you, given the circumstances. My name is Daisan Tukal." and he offered his hand. His grasp of the Human tongue was quite proficient.

"Shipmaster Tukal" Michelle said, shaking his hand. "Thank you for meeting with us. This is Lieutenant Commander Rostra Tang, Commodore Jason Myers, and our pilot Ensign Andrew Gervais."

"Apologies for the delays in placing our security personnel." Jason replied. "The Wellington's transporters are having a bit of a problem. Another vessel in the area should be transporting some over and have been instructed to cooperate fully."

"THE... Rostra Tang?" Tukal said with a smirk, "The one that broke the Cho'Tegra encryption algorithm in twelve passes?"

Rostra, now quite on the spot, gave a nod. "The same."

"I've read some of your work, or should I say, other people's reports on your work. I'm impressed." he then turned to Michelle and the others, "Never let her leave your sight." he pseudo-warned. "Though, it is good to meet each of you. Jason Myers, Commodore. Andrew Gervais, Ensign, and... I'm sorry, you didn't introduce yourself. I'm only terrible with names once."

"Oh, of course. My apologies. Commander Michelle Bartlett."

"Michelle Bartlett, Commander. Excellent. Allow me to introduce my security detail for the events. Fujia Marro, my master of security, and his younger brother by four minutes, Norro. Aside from their outstanding service record, I felt it an appropriate subconscious show of support to the Dalacari to bring twins. Considering how many people easily mistake a Dalacari for twins, I might as well continue the illusion."

"As for delays in getting feet on the floor, I have every confidence in the Dalacari's automated system. Some view it as a little superstitious, that cold impersonal touch of a machine having control over your every moment of life." he said, his voice giving to the grave tone of a childhood fireside story. "But, we're explorers in craft that pierce the Dark. We place our lives in the hands of cold steel every moment."

"I've seen what I'm allowed to see about the Wellington. She's a beautiful ship, be proud of her. She'll take you where you need to be."

"I see you've done your homework." Jason said with a grin. "It seems we have much to discuss, Shipmaster. After some tea, of course. But I do want to again stress in no uncertain terms that while the Federation and the Klingon Empire are allies, the Federation government and local authorities strongly condemn this attack and views it as little more than an act of thuggery."

"Please, I understand that it's easy to trip over ranks. Tukal will do. Mother spent a lot of time picking it out, and it hardly ever gets used." he actually gave a smile. "And thank you. I know that on the playground not everyone can be friends, but when someone watches their friend act like a bully, it takes courage to stand up to them. For that, thank you."

He made his way to the drone bartender, and placed an order. "You know, Dalacari replicators are almost a full four years ahead of our own Insipp units, which puts Federation replicators just as far behind. We don't change because, well to be honest, I think we're used to the taste. Though an Insipp unit can do wonders for tensile materials. Essentially, it's amazing as long as you don't plan to eat anything it produces."

That seemed to trigger a chuckle from his two security officers.

Michelle grinned, as did Jason at the joke. "You're not wrong on that." Jason said. "My reports on you say you're the youngest shipmaster in the fleet... How did you rise so quickly?"

"The same as any Shipmaster, Captain, or Overseer really. Recognizing chances, and having the ambition to seek them. I studied when I could, and climbed the ranks whenever possible. I took a few chances, taking postings on ships that would normally never see any attention, and performed as though I was undercommand for the Emperor herself." he took a sip of his tea, "I was given a chance to command in a Cho'Tegra assault when our Shipmaster was critically injured. I assumed command and defeated the assault party." he recounted, "The shipmaster was pleased enough with my performance that he opted to take his time recovering."

"I'm sure the nurses had nothing to do with it." Marro said with a chuckle.

"I'm certain I don't know what you mean." Tukal said into his tea. "When word reached the Empire of this incident, I immediately requested the transfer to the ICF Nebula Flare, specifically for this venture. Anyone that attacks a Dalacari craft, to me, is a bully. I requested the Nebula Flare specifically because she's a weapon of war. I wanted to send a wordless message that bullies are not welcome." his features turned grim, though softened after a moment, "But, I wanted to command her so that words were used first. I believe that very few scenarios are only solved through violence."

"Agreed." Michelle interjected. "What concerns me the most is - And i do hope you'll indulge us, Shipmaster - Even for the Klingons, this seems an incredibly aggressive act. The first bit of it is unfortunately, to be expected. The unexpected bit of it is the travelling through Federation space cloaked, entering the Delta Quadrant and commencing an attack."

Tukal gave a nod, "Of course. We are, after all, far more then the sum of our stereotypes. I'm certain for every ten violent Klingons there's at least at least one who recognizes the power of restraint." he offered, then stood up and started to walk around the lounge. "So, I'm a Klingon. Qapla!" he started, and his Master of Security gave a chuckle, "Even their language sounds violent." he pointed out. Tukal could only nod in agreement. "Well, they did slaughter their own gods, according to their own mythos. So, I'm a Klingon. I'm patrolling space. My space." It seemed silly to watch a grown man pretend to be a starship in an empty Lounge.

"I see something different. Something I've never seen before, and ... I assume it's a threat. I attack. It retreats, and I can become invisible." Tukal went through the motions. Marro and Norro at this point were a moment away from hysterics. "So I follow it, through a tear in space and see... so much I've never seen before. And I want to attack it all." he mused aloud, then returned from his play session. "It does sound very unexpected. Why would a warrior race, who if nothing else knows the virtues of combat, attack against such odds?" he returned to the bar, and his tea.

"Unless they KNEW they were in no danger? What if the master of that ship KNEW his ship was in no true danger, KNEW he would be taken captive at the worst... and knew we'd all be here in one place talking peace?" Something didn't sit right, and Tukal turned to his master of security.

"Contact the Nebula Flare. She is to maintain full battle readiness. Inform the Dalacari station overseer that it is a show of support for the security of this station."

"One of our junior officers also feels there might be more to this." Michelle said. "Commodore, I'd recommend speaking with Intel and get them to coordinate with Strategic Operations. Have them go through all chatter we can monitor. There's got to be something we can find."

"Are you suggesting, Shipmaster, that this might be a clever ruse?" Jason asked.

"One of our greatest philosophers was often cited as saying that in war, everything is a deception." the young shipmaster cited. "Now, I wouldn't call this war, but I certainly would imagine there's more to this then the surface shows."

"Commander? Your thoughts?" He asked, turning to Rostra.

"He's got an excellent point. It's not like the Klingons attack every probe and beacon they find because it obstructs their view of Quonos or something." Rostra commented with a smirk.

Just then, a blinding flash of light could be seen from the windows. "What the bloody--" Jason said, looking as he saw what looked like a Federation Captain's Yacht exploding.

"Oh my god..." Michelle said. "I think it's Captain Ross's shuttle."

"I think you're right, ma'am. But I've never seen an explosion like that." Gervais said.

"Ensign, go get a report from the Station Overseer." Jason said. "I want to know what's going on."

"Aye, Commodore." he said, running out of the room.

As the Ensign was leaving the room, a voice came over the intercom that was easily identified as the Overseer. "Attention. Attention. This is a Class Two situation. At 2136 Station Time, an explosive event occurred outside the perimeter of this facility. A fighter swarm has been dispatched to deal with incoming debris and begin a preliminary evaluation of the event. At this time, I request all guests and hands remain calm. Station operations are not compromised."

"A standard reply if ever I heard one." Tukal commented as he looked out the view. Already, a small detachment of Dalacari drone fighters were closing in to the scene to scan and survey. The Ts'usugi turned quickly to Jason and Michelle. "This matter will be addressed and investigated. You have my complete support in this matter, and my resources are at your discretion."

Seemed Ts'usugi didn't ever just say 'Thoughts and Prayers'.

The station shook a little, but Michelle and Jason simply looked at each other in disbelief. "I've never seen a yacht explode like that." Michelle said as she turned to Jason.

"Shipmaster, I fear you might be correct." Jason said. "My men will undoubtedly be doing their own investigation and will happily coordinate with authorities in this sector. I will order their full cooperation, though I am sure they would do so without an order. I will also inform the flagship."

"Gervais to Myers." Gervais said. "Commodore, I've got bad news."

"Proceed, Ensign." Jason said.

"Sir, the explosion we just saw was the Captain's Yacht. The Operations staff is reporting no signs of survivors." Gervais said. "They're all gone, sir."

Michelle looked at Jason then out the window at the debris. "That was most of the senior staff. I.. Good god. They're... They're gone."

Tukal was silent for a moment, his posture relaxed, his ears went from perked up to a more relaxed flop about the back of his head. He stood this way, silent, for that entire moment. Then, he brought his arm up and spoke into the bracer along his forearm. When he spoke, rather then the elusive tongue of the Ts'usugi, he spoke in Federation standard. He wanted the Federation members here to know what he was saying.

"Nebula Flare, Operations. This is Tukal." he paused, "I want all sensor and detection logs from the past hour compiled and ready for Federation review. Commodore Jason Myers and Commander Michelle Bartlett are to have full access in regards to any matter in connection with the investigation of the destruction of the yacht just witnessed."

"Yes shipmaster. Compilation in five minutes." came the voice back over his comm.

He then turned towards Jason and Michelle. "I don't know how much it will help, but I've never heard of an investigation turning away information. The Nebula Flare's sensor logs and deep subspace scanning equipment are at your discretion. In regards to any investigation, you two speak with my authority."

Rostra's blink was almost audible. "W.. wow."

"That about sums it up." Michelle said, still shocked that people she'd been in a meeting with daily were now no more. What was even going on? Perhaps that Klingon engineer *was* right. "Under the circumstances, we will gladly remain aboard to host any dignitaries and address concerns or just have tea as a way of getting to know them. We leave those arrangements in your hands, though it doesn't feel right to host the full reception in light of this."

"Shipmaster, I appreciate your cooperation and I assure you we will provide all information we find ourselves. If I may just have a word with Commander Bartlett."

"Of course. Take all the time you need." He didn't mean to come off an cold, but to him there would be plenty of time to mourn once the culprits were found. A very common thinking when it came to his people. With a nod, he and his security detail left the Lounge.

Once they were alone, Jason turned to Michelle. "Commander Bowman was going to be transferred off after the coming mission. And now she's in the chair"

"She's now the senior officer." Michelle said. "Which means..."

"He told me he asked you to be First Officer. And I can't have her permanently in the captain's seat. To do so would dishonour the Captain's final wishes, and I intend to at least give him some sort of peace of mind in death." he said, staring back out at the debris. "My god, Shelly. I can't... There are no words."

"I know." Michelle said. "But she is the senior officer at the moment, as I said. Do we rescind the transfer?"

"No." Jason said. "I will place her in command on an interim basis. After Colonel Blanchard, you were the next in the chain of command, were you not?"

"I was." Michelle replied. "I would usually take Delta Shift for him. Captain Ross honestly didn't care who commanded that shift as long as a senior officer was on the bridge at 0000. Much like another Captain I once served under."

Jason chuckled as he knew that was pretty much EXACTLY how he used to treat who had the bridge on Delta Shift. "Then in that case, Commander, as Task Force Commanding Officer, I hereby appoint you First Officer to Commander Bowman until she is reassigned. I will assume responsibility for directing the negotiations"

"And after?" Michelle asked.

"It's not the time to discuss that yet." Jason said, fully intending to offer her the captain's chair. "There'll be time once we're out of this mess. Get back to the shuttle, and keep me posted. I want to know everything that happens aboard that ship."

"Yes, sir." She replied.

Jason turned to Rostra. "As for you, I will need you here to assist with the mission. Make sure you coordinate with Strategic Ops on board the ship. This mediation is up to us now."

"Well, you promised me an interesting assignment. Please keep any future assignments nice and boring? Please?" Rostra was holding herself together rather well, but the difference between a Dalacari's resolve and a Ts'usugi's resolve was staggering. The Shipmaster was ready to act. Rostra looked like a strong feather could send her into an emotional roller coaster.

"Sir... should I ask the Shipmaster to come back to the room?" Gervais asked.

"Please, Ensign." Jason said.

Gervais walked over to the iris door, and soon the Shipmaster and his security pair were back in the Lounge. Tukal took a position next to Jason and the others, looking out the view port window at the scene of the event. "Ts'usugi do not consider condolences until a resolution is made. To mourn the dead before we find out why and how they died seems pointless to us. Mostly because we're going to wind up mourning them again when the investigation is complete."

He turned to face them, "So please, don't think me impolite or distant. We just, don't mourn as you do." It was easy to forget that everyone here was an alien to everyone else. Almost.

He held the glance for a moment, the reflectionless eyes of the Ts'usugi made his glance all the more bizarre. Then he turned back out to the view of space. "So... accident, or incident?"

"I don't know what to believe." Jason said. "I want to say accident, and yet... My training, my experience, my intuition all say this is no accident. Of course, the question then becomes.. Who benefits from this?"

"Who doesn't?" Gervais asked. "It's got to be an Organization thing. They're the only ones dumb enough to try and maneuver things this way."

"I'm sorry... the Organization?" Tukal inquired. "I suppose they couldn't just name themselves The Group or A Bunch of Like Minded Beings?" he joked, then his face turned serious again.

"I imagine they're an internal malcontent group? A splinter faction of some form?" he clarified. "We had a group similar to that a few decades ago. Called themselves the Chosen of the Emperor. They felt that our expansion was happening too quickly, and we should focus on appeasing the First Emperor and waiting for a sign that we were allowed to return to Ts'usu." he started.

"They commandeered a Dark Ship and plotted a course for Ts'usu. On the way there, however, dreadful really. Their drive malfunctioned and all hands were lost. Shame really." Tukal's deadpan recitation of history told all the story that needed to be told.

Jason nodded. "They're much like your Chosen of the Emperor, except they're content with Federation expansion but not with the rise of another power in the Alpha Quadrant known as the Cardassians. They feel the Federation needs to become a similarly more authoritarian and militaristic society in order to curtail the Cardassian leadership's advances. They think we're too soft. If this is truly something they've done, it's almost too competent."

"It's a mistake to underestimate your enemy, Commodore." Tukal said, in a tone that only a Shipmaster could to a fellow Shipmaster. "In any event, all we can do here is waste air and time. The Dalacari have already begun their investigation at the scene, and they certainly keep us both in the loop."

"Is there anything in particular we should look for that points to the involvement of this... organization? Comm frequency ranges, explosive type preferences, battle cries?"

"I can send the information regarding the kinds of encryptions we know they use, as well as the frequency ranges. It may be to your advantage to try and find any recent communications. We will of course provide any ship communications as necessary. Security will be ordered by me to co-operate fully. " Jason said. "Ensign Gervais..." he said before turning to Andrew.

"Sir?" He asked.

"As of now, I'm temporarily assigning you to be my adjutant. Coordinate all information and keep me informed. I need to let New Earth know what's going on." Jason replied. "Not sure if it's much of a promotion in these circumstances but I did read your Academy records. I think you'll do well."

"Of course, sir." Gervais asked. "I'll do what I can."

"I look forward to seeing you at negotiations tomorrow. In the meantime, I need to contact the ship and issue orders. Under the circumstances, I think it would be appropriate to postpone the official reception."

"A joint Federation / Ts'usugi venture..." he mused, then gave a stern nod, "Commodore." and with that the young Shipmaster and his two security escorts took their leave. Purpose in their pace.


====

Lieutenant Commander Rostra Tang
Mission Advisor
USS Wellington

&

Daisan Tukal
Shipmaster / Commander
ICF Nebula Flare

&

Fujia Marro
Master of Security
ICF Nebula Flare

&

Commodore Jason Myers
Task Force Commanding Officer
Starfleet Command

&

Ensign Andrew Gervais
Chief Support Craft Pilot
USS Wellington

&

Commander Michelle Bartlett
Chief Diplomatic Officer/Acting Executive Officer
USS Wellington