Approaching Jenefra (part 5)

Posted on Fri Jul 22nd, 2016 @ 11:26am by Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Lieutenant Illise Hale & 1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia & Ensign Tallas Shirol

1,168 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

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."

[NEW]


"I should have stayed in Intel if this was how it was going to be." Damion commented as he placed the PADD he came in with on the table. "It would be a military matter if the Federation was involving itself in their war. We are not. This is a meeting primarily to consider them in joining the Federation. We aren't even supposed to know there is war going on, so going down with Marines is a show of strength, not diplomacy, from someone looking from the outside in. We are placing ourselves in the middle of a war, showing favor to one side. How is that not going to be considered threatening to the Jenefran's enemies? They don't know we are showing up in the name of peace and have no intention of getting involved. Going down with a show of strength will give off the impression that Starfleet, and the Federation, is backing the Jenefran's and demonstrating our strength by appearing with Marines, a group considered by many as a threatening force, not a diplomatic group." As Tallas was about to lean over and whisper to Damion to calm down, he suddenly stood up and planted his palms firmly on the table. He looked around at everyone gathered and concluded. "Am I the only one concerned that the we are giving off a bad impression here? Starfleet has always tried to bring peace to war driven worlds by negotiations and peace treaties. We haven't even considered why all the fighting and why their enemy is such a large threat. All we have is a message that only see's one side and, as we all know, that side could be littered with propaganda. We know its possible. It's happened on Earth and many other homeworlds Starfleet has tried to being into the Federation."

Damon backed off the wall he was leaning on and moved closer to the table. "Damion," he said after making sure he had eye contact "please take your seat. He made sure that his tone wasn't threatening, but still held an air of authority. "We have to remember that Starfleet is the military hand of the Federation. Now in this case we are acting as its envoy. Still, this is a military ship with military personnel. As for their security concerns, we are going to the surface which means the SFMC has operational authority. No one is suggesting that the Calypso's security forces are inadequate. Your team is needed for personnel security. That said, it should be limited to one officer to a team. Like you mentioned, we don't want to hammer them with our military strength." He turned to look at Cameron. "I agree with the Captain, a Fire Team for each of the separate investigation teams is appropriate."

The Colonel crossed his arms in front of his chest and regarded the table. "Whether or not there is something more to our visit is beyond the point. If these people really are interested in joining the Federation then we have to take their request seriously. If they have no objections to the Calypso being here then they also have to expect that we protect what is our own. It's the same promise that we would make to them if they sign on."

Sam nodded, agreeing for the most part with Damon's comments. There was a reason she frequently used him as a sounding board. However, she said nothing, preferring at the moment to listen to the comments and let her crew have a chance to discuss the issue.

"I have to agree," Leroy said leaning back in his chair. His hand was holding Yui's gently, since he didn't want to leave her behind either. "Look, if we go down there with even a fire team attached to the Commodore, this is going to blow up in our faces. It's not like we're a known entity to these people, so we need to act cautiously. My men will be able to pilot drop ships if something happens, but we need to trust Security." Letting go of Yui's hand he stood. He wasn't in his uniform, but he wasn't gone yet. "If I were either side of this disagreement, I wouldn't want a group of people who look like they could eat an army by themselves on my shore. We're here for diplomacy, and having armed men in green isn't the best way to do that. These aren't hostile negotiations where we're out to snipe the leader of the opposing faction here, we're here to see if either group is a good fit for the Federation." Taking a breath he moved over to the replicator, before bringing up a glass of water.

"What we need to do is stop bickering about the fact that everyone wants to play in the dirt, and let our people who are trained to handle diplomatic missions go with a security force of no more than three people. Our diplomats are well versed in how to protect themselves, and we can have the Marines ready for anything that is needed." Looking between Damon and the Marine commander, he knew he hadn't made any friends today. But hopefully by the time he got back from his own mission they will have forgotten about it. "Now thats the last thing I need to say. If you'll excuse me, I'm due to launch in about half an hour."

Colonel Raine didn't appreciate the notion that his thoughts on operational security was nothing more than childish bickering, however, he remained silent and instead gave a simple nod to the Flight Commander. Leroy was entitled to his expert opinion on the matter and wouldn't demean him for it.

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer

Lieutenant Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Ensign Tallas Shirol
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Colonel Damon Raine
Chief Strategic Operations Officer

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia
Flight Leader

 

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