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From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson)
Subject: STWDF 1/20
Message-ID: <Bv3n7C.137@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1992 20:21:11 GMT
Lines: 214
- STAR TREK ---------------------------------------------------
- WHEN DIPLOMACY FAILS ---------------------------------------------
Part One of Twenty
Yep, a fourth "middle-generation" story. It took me
a while to get the time together to start writing this one,
since several of my projects started to stack upon each-other
recently, but I've finally decided to make a go of it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER ONE
Captain's Log, Stardate 10162.4
The ENTERPRISE refit is nearly complete, and we'll
be able to set sail in twelve hours. From the outside
you can hardly tell that the ship had been damaged.
We've taken on several new crewmembers, and assigned
others to permanant positions. It seems as if everyone
is finally setting down.
Thus far Star Fleet has been reluctant to change our
oders from Neutral Zone patrol to exploraiton. I've
been pushing Jameson for the change but so far I
haven't had a great deal of success. It seems that
once again the ENTERPRISE was a reputation.
"Engineering reports that all system are operating as
normal, Captain," Grissom reported cooly. "We shouldn't have
any problems leaving spacedock."
"Excellent," Riley replied genuinely pleased. "For once,
we'll be getting our assignment with everything working," he
mentioned, remembering the last time the ENTERPRISE left dock.
"Have your modifications to the warp engines and sheild
generators been completed?"
"Yes, sir," Grissom replied. "All new equipment is
performing as per specifications."
"That's a lot of work, Lieutenant. You wouldn't be
pushing yourself too hard?" Riley queried with a concerned
look. "The last thing I need is an overworked engineer with a
scheduled trip to the Neutral Zone."
"I'm just keeping my mind off of things, Captain," she
answered a bit more warmly. "Counselor Rogers tells me that
keeping busy works wonders for the soul."
"Joanna, right?" Saavik pondered. "If the new ship's
counselor feels that working hard keeps you happy, then the
bridge crew will hardly disagree with her."
Riley raised an eyebrow at that. "Far be it for me to
dispute my first officer, but I just want to make sure that
you're all right. I know things weren't easy for you."
"I'll be fine, sir," Grissom replied, a bit annoyed. "I
just need some time to settle. All I can do is put it behind
me, right?"
"I'm sorry," Riley replied. "I guess I'm still a bit
overprotective of the matter. You'll be fine, of course." Riley
let the sentence trail a bit, trying a bit too hard to close
the uncomfortable conversation. "We'll be departing in a couple
of hours, make a final pass over the equipment."
"A bit paranoid, sir?" Saavik pondered with a faint hint
of a smile on her face. "The odds on another successful
sabotauge so soon after the IRON CLAW II incident is almost
insubstantial."
"Almost, indeed," Riley agreed, pointing out the keyword
in Saavik's statement. "Please make another pass. I trust your
judgement, but paranoia comes with the job," he explained to
Grissom. "Dismissed."
"Thank you, sir," Grissom offered as she turned to leave.
"I also wanted to thank you for what you did," she continued, a
bit hesitantly, unsure of exactly how to express herself. "On
Earth, I mean. Thank you, Captain," she finally managed, and
headed from the bridge.
"She is recovering quite well, wouldn't you say,
Captain?" Saavik observed. "It takes a substantial amount of
courage to return to duty after what happened with Captain
Heito. I am impressed."
Riley nodded. "I just hope she doesn't push herself too
hard," he admitted. "Anyway, I think she'll come through all
right. Besides, she needs this ship as much as the ENTERPRISE
needs her. She's got a new focus on life."
"You're beginning to sound like a psycologist," Saavik
observed.
Riley smiled. "Part of the job, Commander," he quipped.
"Besides, I'm just going along with what Doctor Rogers
suggested, keeping her busy to get her mind on a new track."
"Captain," R'ress interrupted, "Incoming message from
Star Fleet Command. Shall I punch it up on main viewer for
you, sir?"
"Please," Riley replied, turning his chair away from
Saavik to face the front screen. It was still a bit early for
them to be recieving mission orders, but Riley was beginning to
get used to being rushed around the galaxy.
"Captain Riley," Admiral Jameson's voice began cooly,
"It's a pleasure to see you again. How's your ship checking out
this time?" There was an obvious look of worry on the Admiral's
proud visage, largely due to the fact that he was barely paying
attention to Riley even as he spoke.
"Better than last time, Admiral," Riley admitted
sarscastically. "The ship meets specifications, if that's what
you're asking, sir. I would like another shakedown for her,
though, just to make sure that all of the bugs are worked out
of her," he saw fit to add in light of recent events.
"I'm afraid that you will have to wait for that
shakedown, Captain," the Admiral confessed. "We need your ship
to perform a special favor for us," he tried uneasily.
"Favor?" Riley replied revealing too much that he didn't
like the prospect already. "What favor did you have in mind,
sir?" he continued in a more corrected tone.
"You are no doubt aware of the intense tensions between
the Romulan Star Empire and the Federation," Jameson started in
more of a statement than a question. "The Federation, while
capable, does not wish a war with the Empire. To that end, we
are sending a special envoy to Romulus. The ENTERPRISE will
take him there."
"We'll what?" Riley responded as his throat fell into his
stomach. "With do respect, sir, the ENTERPRISE isn't the wisest
choice for this mission," he protested. "The ship already has a
reputation in those quarters and Saavik and I," he continued
until he was cut off by the Admiral's counter-protest.
"The ambassador is already in transit to your vessel,
Captain," the Admiral explained. "I've heard the protests
already, but I still think that you're the best man for the
mission, and that the ENTERPRISE is the best ship."
"I suppose it's too late for me to refuse this mission,"
Riley stated, biting back his tongue from saying too much more.
"Orders recieved, Admiral. I trust the admbassador will have
further details?"
"Yes, Captain," Jameson grimaced. "The ambassador will
inform you of your objective and further details when he
arrives. Admiral Jameson, Star Fleet Command, out."
The main viewer cut itself off, displaying the massive
interior of the Stardock once more. "Out," Riley grunted after
the rude cut-off.
"I hate diplomatic missions," Tiber muttered as he
checked over his instrumentation panel. "They could have sent a
soddin' frieghter for this."
"Nevertheless," Riley began, reasserting his control over
the situation, "We will show the ambassador our upmost respect
and give this mission the same attention we did in Genesis
Sector." He stood to leave, indicating to Saavik that she
should do the same. "Even if it pains us to do so," he added to
no one in particular.
"Sorry, sir," Tiber falsely apologized even as the two
commanders of the ship stepped into the turbolift. "I should
learn to keep my mouth shut sometimes," he continued after the
doors closed.
Campbell looked up from her own computer console, a bit
surprised by the comment. "I'm sorry," she began catly, "we're
you looking for an argument?" Tiber didn't reply.
"You could have handled that better," Saavik observed as
the turbolift doors closed behind them. "Tiber particularly
seems to regard you as a role-model. He emulates a great deal
of your mannerisms."
"Really?" Riley responded, a bit flattered. "I didn't
realize that. I guess my mind's been on other things lately,"
he hinted. "Anyway, you're right. I shouldn't be so mouthy. I'm
still getting used to the chain of command."
"It's only been a few weeks," Saavik responded. "Allow
some time to pass before you berate yourself. After all, you
did not come into Star Fleet my normal means, therefore no one
should expect you to act as a normal Captain."
"Level please?" the turbolift chimed after patiently
waiting for several seconds.
"Deck nine," Riley replied. "Main transporter room," he
added. With a pleasant beep, the turbolift started to move
ever so gently down the few decks to the transporter room.
"You are doing well, Captain," Saavik decided. "Consider
that in the six weeks you have been Captain, you have triumphed
over two major crisises, and stopped a rapist hiding behind his
rank. Your commendation was quite well deserved."
"Not as deserved as some other people," he muttered in
reply. "I just make decisions, everyone else does the work," he
protested as the turbolift doors opened. "I'm just fortunate
that the crew works well under pressure. They deserve the
medals as much as we did."
"Guilty feelings?" Saavik pondered.
"A little," Riley admitted. "Grissom saved the ship from
the IRON CLAW, and after what she went through on Earth, she's
the one who deserves a medal. Not me."
Saavik said nothing in reply, but allowed a slight smile
to appear on her face. Her Captain was more compassionate than
he let on after all.
It was only a short walk to the transporter room from the
turbolift. But it was enough that Riley wondered why the
engineers didn't design a direct link betwwen the turbolift and
the room. It would have been far more efficient, or was he just
getting lazy. After almost a full minute, he decided that he
was simply being lazy.
When the doors opened to the transporter room, Riley was
less than impressed with the visitor. "Ambassador," he managed
through a bit a muffled anger. "Welcome aboard the ENTERPRISE.
I didn't expect your coming until a few seconds ago."
"My decision to accept this mission of peace came
suddenly, Captain," the Vulcan started, stepping off of the
transporter pad. "I trust that my arrival does not inconvience
you or your crew."
"It doesn't," Riley tersly replied. "It's just
unexpected, Ambassador. Star Fleet didn't inform me of any
particular mission until two minutes ago." He stepped foward,
moving closer to the ambassador.
Saavik finally spoke, trying to relieve the obvious
tension that had been generated in the room. "Welcome aboard,"
she began, "Ambassador Spock."
--
"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship."
- Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II
Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu
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From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson)
Subject: STWDF 2/20
Message-ID: <Bv3vLo.I9r@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1992 23:22:35 GMT
Lines: 124
- STAR TREK ---------------------------------------------------
- WHEN DIPLOMACY FAILS ---------------------------------------------
Part Two of Twenty
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER TWO
"I cannot believe that arrangements with my government
have been made without discussing the matter with me," Romulan
Ambassador Faxok grunted as he stormed into the door. "I
recieve urgent word about the Neutral Zone situation three
hours ago. Word that stated I was to meet you now."
"I take it that you are not accustomed to emergencies,
Ambassador?" Admiral Jameson commented as he took notice. "You
know how tricky things have been as of late, you know quite
well," he hinted.
"I don't know what you mean, Admiral," the ambassador
protested. "What are you rambling on about?"
"The war vote, Ambassador Faxok," the President of the
Federation muttered. "We've just recieved word from one of our
special teams that your senate is expected to make a formal
vote about war with the Federation in the early part of the
next week."
"I hadn't been notified of such a vote," Faxok quietly
replied. "Are you sure about this information, Mister
President?"
"The several sources we have are reliable," the Admiral
replied as he called the information on the wall viewer. "We
can't state the sources names, of course, but they are
reliable."
The Romulan ambassador carefully took a seat beside the
two Federation representatives. "I suppose it was only a matter
of time before the Senatorum would go this far."
The Admiral shifted positions to regain his composure.
"What's going on in your Senate that's been causing it to make
so many stupid decisions?"
"What stupid decisions?" Faxok grumbled. "What do you
mean with that question?"
"First, the IRON CLAW II is sent to attack Federation
Starships, alongside the FIERY RAVEN and her fleet. A bit much
for the actions of a rogue starfleet, don't you think?" Jameson
countered.
Faxok bit his tongue at that remark.
"Then your goverment starts massing up for an offensive
at your border," Jameson continued. "And there's rumors about a
political split in the Senate. We have fourty-six ships of
cruiser-grade or better along your border. We've got tachyon
buoys set up all along your defense grid. We know that the bulk
of your fleet is on the wrong side of the Neutral Zone lying in
cloak. Tell me that something isn't going on," he dared.
"The Senatorum is split, Mister President," Faxok
admitted after a moment's regret. "The Empire's resources have
become limited due to circumstances," he trailed, leaving the
comment vague. "About half of our Senate wishes to rebuild and
recycle our wasted material."
"The other half?" the President asked menacingly.
"The other half wants to expand, namely into Federation
territory. Our starfleet has been edgy, siding with the
expansionists," the Ambassador admitted.
"My God," Jameson muttered.
"Then we have acted correctly. Ambassador Spock feels
that he can make a difference if he can address your Senate,"
the President commented. "Senator Pardek has agreed. Your war
vote was why we rushed the proceedings."
"You will be sending your envoy to us?" the Ambassador
questioned. "Strange that I haven't been notified, Mister
President. If I were more paranoid, I would take offense."
"The decision was made too quickly to inform all parties
involved," Jameson countered. "The envoy himself did not even
know until this morning. The situation in the Neutral Zone
demands immediate attention. We apologize for not getting
proper word to you in time."
"I appreciate your cander in the matter, Admrial," Faxok
offered. "How will your ambassador arrive, so that I may begin
arragements on my end?"
The President scanned over his computer, looking casually
at the flood of information passing by his desk. "Our envoy
will be sent aboard a starship and should arrive fairly soon
afterward. The ship is making final preparations now, and I
believe that the envoy has already beamed aboard."
"You already have a ship in mind, Mister President?" the
ambassador queried with a bit of surprise. "Your prudency in
this matter is more than impressive."
The President looked over his computer screen yet another
time. This particular habit of his was beginning to annoy the
Romulan ambassador to no end. "The ENTERPRSIE will reach the
neutral zone in five days. There one of your ships will escort
her to Romulus, so you can recieve Ambassador Spock."
"The ENTERPRISE?" the ambassador queried with a concered
look. "Since the IRON CLAW and FIERY RAVEN incidents, the
ENTERPRISE has recieved a bitter reputation with us. Can you
not send another ship?"
"ENTERPRISE is the most available," Jameson offered,
finally seeing the chance to assert himself. "Besides, that
reputation she has could keep your predators at bay," he
smiled, delighted that the Romulans were already fearing the
newest EXCELSIOR class vessel.
The Romulan ambassador grimaced, displeased at
Jameson's assertations. "It isn't the ship, it's her captain
and first officer. Our people will not appreciate the two of
them in our space."
"Because they're mutts?" Jameson bit. "I'm afraid that I
can't find that acceptable reason to assign another command
crew to the mission."
"Very well, Admiral," Faxok relunctantly agreed, seeing
how offended the Federation Admiral became. "Mister President,
we will issue one of our vessels to intercept and escort for
you. It is in our best interests, after all," he completed,
standing to leave.
"It is," the President agreed. "And you should do well to
remember that, Ambassador. The Federation does not desire a war
with your people, but we are more than prepared to do so if the
situation does not improve."
--
"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship."
- Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II
Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu