Approaching Jenefra (part 3)

Posted on Thu Jul 21st, 2016 @ 8:45am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant JG Talia "Phoenix" Richards & Colonel Damon Raine & Commander Hans Munich & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Lieutenant Mara Cross & Lieutenant T'Pral & Lieutenant Arnon Barak MD, PsyD & Lieutenant JG Victoria Drani M.D.

1,170 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

When everyone had gathered, Sam stood. "When we arrive at Jenefra it is imperative that no one on the planet know that we're here to see Princess Kalikana. She asked that we keep her request confidential. The official reason for our visit is to meet with the King and his council to see how they stand on joining the Federation. We'll need to find a way to investigate the current instability and I will have a talk with the Princess."

[NEW]


Mara had placed the PADD on the table in front of her looking in the direction of Sam. "Do we know why the Princess has asked to speak with us?" She asked.

"She has questions about the war between the Jenefrans and the Qunari. She wants us to investigate," Sam said. "So, while we're making an official meeting, we need to get them to ask us for help, or find a way to investigate this war. That will be up to Intel and the Marines."

Mara nodded to the answer she was given; she had follow up questions but concluded that this might not be the best time for it. So she simply leaned back in her seat and listened to the rest of the briefing.

"While they do the covert work," Sam continued, "we need to keep up an official presence. I would like Lieutenants Hale, T'Pral, and Cross to work with the Jenfran Council and make a formal inspection of Jenefran technology. See if they're ready for membership in the Federation. Starfleet will want an official report. Lieutenants Barak and Drani, I'd like you to act as diplomats once the official meeting is over. I'll make an excuse to return to the ship, which will give me a chance to talk to the Princess."

"Those also serve who pass the canapes..." Arnon said, grinning. "I shall attend, phaser set to charm and bedazzle!"

Drani only rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Understood, commodore. I would also like to tour their primary medical facilities."

"Definitely," Sam replied. "See if you can get a formal tour. I'd like to learn as much as I can about this people."

T'Pral had been content to simply listen to the proceedings, being new to the ship. "Commodore, surely their technology should be at an appropriate level already, else the Prime Directive would preclude our contact with them in the first place?"

"Perhaps," Damon started, "however an official inspection needs to be made to be sure that they aren't using banned technologies, among other things."

He turned to face Samantha. "What is their stance on us having a military presence available for the inspection?"

"They haven't said, which allows us a bit of latitude," Sam said, a bit of an impish smile dancing in her eyes. "I definitely want you there -- just in case."

T'Pral nodded once at the clarification and fell silent once more. She made a mental note to review the legalities before the away mission.

Sam turned to T'Pral. "Damon is correct. While they seem to have the proper level of technology to join the Federation, we need to make sure it won't conflict with Federation guidelines as well as legalities."

T'Pral offered a single nod to her, "Indeed, Commodore. I will review Federation guidelines prior to our arrival."

"Lieutenant Wolfe and Ensign Roberts, security and fighters will be on alert. I need you if anything goes amiss," Sam concluded.

"That works," Phoenix replied. "It'll give us a chance to make sure all the fighters are back up to spec. We can also do a few drills while we're there, just to have another eye in the sky."

Damion looked over to Phoenix, than back to Sam. "That doesn't work for me. You're walking into a potentially hostile situation. The two races are at war with each other and we are potentially stepping into the cross fire. If there is some kind of attack appearing without protection, even though this is still a diplomatic mission, would be unwise." He let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. "If you're not going to take me with you, at least take someone from my department that will be able to watch out for you if things get wild."

"Officially, we don't know they're at war," Sam clarified. "So I don't want to go down acting like they are. However, if you feel that we need an officer or two, fine. But I would prefer them to stay in the background as part of the team and not to draw too much attention to their presence. I would rather not let the Jenefran Council think we suspect something is wrong." Sam was confident that the Jenefrans would not put their visitors in danger -- especially if it jeopardized their chances of joining the Federation. Besides, Damon would be there, and Sam knew that he would always keep her safe. She flashed a quick smile at her husband and then turned to Munich.

"The safety of all the diplomatic party is our utmost concern." Munich started. "I have thought of some alternate Communications devices that are less likely to be taken in a search. They will seem like the items we used on the last infiltration mission."

"Hans, yes, see what you can come up with, just in case," Sam continued. "Maybe a sub-dermal implant would work."

Damion let out a sigh and shook his head slightly. "That's not just something we can ignore, Captain. We know they are at war and there is a potential threat. So, protocol says, we have to act accordingly. Believe me, I don't want anything to happen down there anymore they you do, but since when has that ever been how things worked out?" He paused slightly and looked around. "It's better to be safe than sorry. Better to plead forgiveness than permission. They have to understand that we have ways of doing things too and going down there in the middle of all the danger is risky. Are you sure there isn't some neutral ground we can use for this meeting? Like on the ship or somewhere they know won't be compromised?" He looked back to Sam, glancing over to Damon before looking back to her. "You said so yourself, they wouldn't put us in danger since their goal is to make it into the Federation, so going down there with a small force, might not be a bad thing. It might also make them feel safe and show them how much we are pushing for this thing to go off without incident."

(To be continued...)

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Mara Cross
Chief Operations Officer

Lieutenant Arnon Barak
Chief Counselor

Lieutenant Victoria Drani
Chief Medical Officer

Lieutenant T'Pral
Chief Engineer

Colonel Damon Raine
Chief Strategic Operations

Ensign Talia "Phoenix" Richards
Fighter Pilot

Lieutenant Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Lieutenant Commander Hans Munich
Acting XO

 

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