Walking on Eggshells [Back Post]

Posted on Sun Jan 29th, 2023 @ 6:43am by Fleet Captain Maxwell Culver & Commander Vianola Paxidor & Colonel Galen s'Khev

2,119 words; about a 11 minute read

Mission: Mission One: Goodwill Tour [Part One]
Location: Triton Seabase: Mess Hall
Timeline: MD2: 2000 hours

Max stepped into the Mess Hall in full duty uniform, the first time he’d worn one since coming aboard. He nodded at the officers who would be with him for this meeting. It was a shame, it was also going to test his diplomacy, but he had to sit before the assembled Romulan statesmen and explain why there were more than a dozen Starfleet orbital defense platforms high above the planet.

Galen walked into the Mess Hall with a small amount of smugness within him. Although he made sure that no one saw this smugness. He would enjoy watching Max squirm as he tried to explain that the defense platforms were not signs of aggression. His would would be cut out for him, as Romulans are born suspicious of any government. It would be even harder because the XO was not sure if he believed the reasoning behind the platforms.

Vianola welcomed the Captain and XO into the room quickly as she had been setting the security aspect of the meeting up rather rushed like. There were some local delicacies on the table she'd managed to procure for the gathering delegates. She thought it nice to show they were sourcing from the planet as well as from their own technologies. Maybe it would prove a respectful touch for stuffy Romulan individuals.

“Ladies and gentleman,” Max said, interrupting the susurration of quiet speaking. “Please, if you’ll be seated, he can begin this meeting duly.”

The Romulans broke their conversations up and came to the table, just under a dozen of the representatives had made themselves available. Max looked each one in the eyes and once that was done, once he judged their seething anger, Max asked -almost innocently. “What’s the problem?”

The table erupted in yells from each Senator, getting louder by the minute as they tried to be heard - one over the other. Max crossed his arms, one over the other, and settled back into his seat with a smirk. He was amused by their own folly.

Turning to his Romulan counterpart, Max asked, “Do you think you can get your esteemed Senators to settle down and be reasonable during this conversation, otherwise we’ll be here all night - I’d prefer not to sit here spinning our wheels, Colonel.”

"I can most certainly get them quieted. But there is one problem. They will start yelling again. You are approaching this wrong, captain, you must give them a sign of trust and they will listen. Romulans live on lies and they assume you will lie." Galen tried to give a word of advice to his Captain. This was advice that he hoped Max would follow.

Galen stood up. "Esteemed colleagues. Nothing gets done when we all speak. Please remain quiet and all will be revealed. Let us observe the old ways, as it was in the Senate. The floor will recognize those who wish to speak in turn."

The Senators heeded the word of the Romulan and quieted down. Almost as if Galen's words held more weight than Max's.

“Now that I’ve judged your anger, ladies and gentlemen, I’m sorry you feel Starfleet has overstepped our governance. On the launch of Triton Seabase, two dozen Cerberus class orbital defense platforms and two Hell Hound class platforms were constructed in quick manner by the Starfleet Corps of Engineers.

“The issue we face tonight is a misunderstanding; not by Starfleet, but by your own governance and diplomats. According to title twenty nine, section fourteen,” Max paused as the text was displayed above the table holographically and sent to each senator’s PaDD.

“The Romulan Star Empire requested the orbital defense platforms as an additional security feature provided by Starfleet. Now, I know your signatures are all on that document as are the Chief Diplomatic Office’s staff, several admirals and my own.

“I will give you time to read that section thoroughly. Take your time, it does get quite wordy.” Max settled back down into his chair, a diplomatic smile on his face.

Galen's face did not show the confusion that was in his head. He found it hard to believe that even Romulan Senators would forget such a clause. Especially if it were they who asked for it. He wondered what the gambit in play was at this moment.

“Title 29, Section 14 articulates that the orbital defense platforms are the easiest way to achieve planetary transporter capacity while also providing tactical defense for the entire planet, ladies and gentlemen,” Max said smugly.

The Romulans stood and shouted at the captain. He caught some very unsavory Romulan curse words. He would save as many as he could for later. Still, as the Romulans screamed angrily at him, he sat with his arms crossed.

"Gentlemen..." Galen shouted over the din as he tried to gain control. "...As I stated before nothing will get done when we all shout. I understand you may be upset, or angered, or perhaps confused. However, we must allow the Captain to explain. Now take your seats and look over the aforementioned section. Then the Captain will entertain your answers." As the Senators quieted down again to read, it seemed that Galen and steered this meeting back on track yet again.

Max stood again. “Title 29, Section 14 acknowledges the planetary need for defense from outside forces, including but not limited to, the Romulan Free State, The Romulan Republic and the new Klingon/Reman Alliance - which the Federation is currently working with, diplomatically, to stay within the confines of their current borders. Unfortunately, they have, and are, grabbing up as much Romulan space as they can before they agree.

“We could be in their line of sight and a small Starfleet contingent isn’t going to stop the Alliance. The point of fact is, we are in a dangerous position. The planetary defense platforms will provide enough defense until a larger task force of Starfleet starships can arrive to assist in our defense.

“Unless you’re hiding a small fleet of your own that we aren’t aware of,” Max said and paused. “Either way, the defense platforms provide planetary transport and new hubs can be built in each city.”

Galen leaned over to whisper in the Captain's ear. "At the moment most of what they are doing is blustering. No one wants to look weak in front of the others and concede. What you are going to have to do is give them something. Something that will allow them all to save face with each other and their constituency."

Max whispered back. “I have some leeway from Starfleet as we foresaw this problem. What do you think is worth having that might stop this bickering?”

Galen leaned on his hand and thought for a moment. He stared forward and it appeared as if he had gone in a trance. A short moment later he snapped back to the present. "There are two options as I see it, although I believe the second option I am about to present to be a less likely choice.

“First allow them all to have access to Triton's engineering bay, and staff. This would allow them to use us to repair and clean up their respective districts. Would not cost us anything save manpower and makes them look like gods to their people. They got the "Mighty Federation" to do their bidding.

“The second option would be to allow them access to the platforms with a secure override that comes from the Bridge. Should they try to do something untoward we can override." That second choice left a bad taste in his mouth but Galen decided that all options should be presented.

Max didn’t like either option, but perhaps there was a nugget of wisdom there. “Ladies and gentlemen!” he shouted and was subsequently ignored. Having had enough, Max balled up a fist and brought it down, shattering the glass at his station. It had hurt badly.

It certainly brought silence to the room.

“I have not been through all of the Praetor’s Tower, mostly due to governmental restrictions, however,” he paused as the Senators considered that statement. “But my understanding is that the lower levels have been deemed irrecoverable. I can have a team of Starfleet engineers here within a week and recover those bays so you can have real-time access to Triton Seabase and its scientific studies.”

Max sat back down as a quieter susurration began to ensue. He leaned into Galen, “Do you think that will be enough?” he asked.

Galen was impressed it was not something he would have thought of, but it certainly had the effect that was needed. "I think for the time being this is going to be a perfect solution. However, the Senators will grow restless with this idea and then we will be back here. So, I for one hope that we will have something else to throw at them when the time comes."

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. By that time, I hope we’re in a better position than we are now, diplomatically speaking, of course,” Max answered quietly.

“Thank you for your patience, Senators. Colonel s’Khev and I have spoken about current circumstances and the diplomatic problem that has arisen.

“Starfleet is willing to admit that the current misunderstanding is of diplomatic urgency. I have been given some leeway to resolve the occasional situations such as this unfortunate diplomatic problem. I’d like to recommend a solution that would benefit both of us. Specifically, I’ve been made aware that the Praetor’s Tower’s lower levels have not been able to be recovered. The Starfleet Corps of Engineers could have those decks brought online in three to four weeks.

“The colonel has suggested this might be a reasonable compromise. The upgrades will allow you to follow Triton Seabase’s research and discoveries in real-time.”

The susurrations quieted more than before. A Senator stepped forward, more senior than the rest. “I am Senator Krillak. I have been chosen as diplomatic envoy for this situation. I also speak for my city, Ser’ral, the most traditional Romulan city on the planet.

“We have spoken amongst ourselves and the majority find this an acceptable solution to the mismanagement of the transportation request. I acknowledge freely that the mismanagement was equal on both sides.”

“Thank you Senator Krillak. I will have the requisition order drawn up immediately. I expect the Corps will take two weeks to plan the project and another two to four weeks to implement the repairs.”

“This is acceptable,” Senator Krillak answered. “Now, the time has grown late and we should return to our cities. You have well handled our anger and disagreements, even amongst ourselves. I will not forget this soon. Thank you, Captain.”

Senator Krillak turned and bowed at Colonel Galen. “Thank you as well, Colenel s’Khev. It is likely this accord could not be achieved without your wisdom.”

"That is high praise and I am honored for your words Senator." Galen spoke the traditional response something he knew Krillak would appreciate. He punched his chest and bowed his head in salute as well.

“The honor and the praise is in the work, Colonel,” Senator Krillak answered in kind. A very Romulan exchange until he turned to Captain Culver. “The honor and the praise is in the work, Captain.”

“The honor and the praise belong to the Romulan Empire, which you represent, and the United Federation of Planets.”

Krillak turned, making sure his robes billowed behind him majestically. He tapped his staff on the floor twice to signal the conference was ended. They would make their way to the transporter room on their own, each city state’s representatives transporting out one at a time.

Max sighed as he settled into his chair and realized the mess he had made. His fist hurt, but not enough that he thought he’d broken it.

“Hell of a night,” he muttered. “I think I need a Tylenol.”

For the first time since they met, Galen smiled genuinely. He even let out a laugh. "Welcome to Romulan politics. The pain medicine costs extra."

"Can't deny the food’s good though." Vi said as she loaded her plate up with more. She sometimes surprised herself about how slim she stayed with the amount she ate... but she did love her grub.

Max sighed. “Glad one of us enjoyed that, at least. I’m calling this meeting adjourned. No offense, Colonel, but I’ve had enough arguing with Romulans for one night.” With that statement, Max stood up and exited the Mess Hall.

 

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