Approaching Jenefra (part 4)

Posted on Fri Jul 22nd, 2016 @ 11:06am by Commodore Samantha York & Commander Hans Munich & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Lieutenant T'Pral & Captain Cameron Bourne & Lieutenant Illise Hale

1,146 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

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."

[NEW]
Sam shook her head. "I'm not ignoring it. From what I've been told, the fighting is not in the capitol, so there is no immediate danger. I'm taking Marines as they are known to accompany diplomatic envoys -- and because I hope the war is mentioned so I can offer their assistance. I'm not overlooking the danger, I'm making it look like we don't THINK there is any danger. If what the Princess says is true, there is every chance someone in the Jenefran Council has a hand in keeping this war going. For that reason, I am keeping my cards well hidden."

"Then you'll forgive me if I disagree. If the enemies of the Jenefran get wind of a potential ally that will shift the power status of the Jenefran, than an attack is a potential risk because then they may realize they can't win and won't survive. Times like these, when your life and principles are at risk, you are placed against a wall and those who are against that wall tend to do things they normally wouldn't do. Attack areas they normally wouldn't attack." He said firmly. "A Marine force would only give them more of an impression that the shift of power is more in the Jeneferan's favor. Even if we come waving a flag of peace those Marines, that firepower and show of force, is all they will be focused on. Not only is our crew in jeopardy but innocent people as well. We've seen what war does to people on our own planet. Out here, its no different and can be far worse."

T'Pral glanced between them, unable to hold back any longer. "Arguing is illogical. Any presence from an outside, advanced faction, whether peaceful or not, may shift the war. Imagine you look to your enemy and see they have visitors more advanced than you. It does not matter what the visit actually is. Additionally, a planet at war is not ready for Federation membership. It would have to cease, and the world come under a stable, single planetary government."

"Which is why we are going to meet with them and get some answers," Sam replied, agreeing with the Chief Engineer. "I am more interested in finding out why two people who have supposedly been at peace for centuries are suddenly killing each other. Or the Princess is lying to us. Either way, we need information. My goal in this meeting is to find out why Kalikana asked us for help -- and if there is any truth to her concerns, and if there is, to find a peaceful resolution to this war. That will require tact and a little careful exploration. If they are not ready to join the Federation, so be it. But, until we know who is telling the truth, we have to pretend that we are simply here for a formal dinner and to discuss the Federation."

"If one is to study only war that is what you will get." Munich said calmly. "There has to be a balance to what we do; having a small 'envoy with Marines is acceptable. Peace has always had knights, soldiers and other protectors of those who seek peace. But bringing a platoon where a small force that will not escalate the tensions is unwise. We have transporter room and trust me ." Munich smiled. "They all function, you can drop a platoon into the scrap nearly instantly and Drop shuttles filled with the remainder in short order if you want to make it an inter-galactic incident. This is peace let us be nice unless provoked. It is better in diplomacy to offer the twig of peace rather than the sword of war."

"I would recommend four marines plus myself for away team security" Cam suggested turning to Sam, "If these people are at war, than it is only prudent that we protect ourselves, and if they are not, than it will not matter if we send down soldiers or not. As too escalating the conflict, if out presents causes an increase in hostilities, than all the more reason to have a squad of highly trained soldiers to protect the diplomats from becoming hostages"

"Highly trained soldiers. Envoy of Marines are acceptable. Glad this ship, and its crew, have the full confidence in it's Security teams." Damion replied, insulted at the accusations and comments.

Illise shifted uncomfortably in her seat a little at the tension in the room. She picked at her muffin a little, not really hungry any more. She looked at Damion, "That is not the point being made at all. The meeting with the Princess is foremost a military matter. However," she turned to Sam, "an inspection of the Jeneferan technology is a Starfleet concern. A formal Starfleet security presence would be valuable for our tour. Our inspection of their technology should also include weaponry and security measures, as there are many military technologies that are banned by the Federation." She looked back to Damion. "As the Chief of Security this task would fall to you, but as the mission is supposed to be strictly diplomatic, I do not think that they would allow you to be armed." He considered for a moment, "Although we may be able to convince them to allow you a standard phaser."

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant T'Pral
Chief Engineer

Lieutenant Commander Hans Munich
Acting XO

Captain Cameron Bourne
Marine CO

Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer

 

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