Preparations

Posted on Sun Jul 28th, 2019 @ 9:06am by Commodore Jane Saulitis & Lieutenant Commander T'Par

Mission: For Whom The Bell Tolls
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD 05 09:00 Hours
921 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

T'Par had spent the last several days researching the Claddin Empire or, at least, what Starfleet knew about them. She had also spent some time consuming their media and learning about their history. The best way to get to understand a people was to get in their heads, learn how they understood themselves. Of course, she was only beginning that process. With a multispecies, multicultural society like the Claddin, it would likely take some time. She was, however, ready to have a preliminary discussion with her captain. She stepped up to the door and sounded the chime.

"Come in." Jane called. With all the new people on board she really had no idea who it might be. She was somewhat surprised to see her new Chief of intelligence though. "T'Par, what can I do for you?"

T'Par stepped in when asked. "Captain, I was hoping we might, I believe the human expression is 'touch base,' regarding the upcoming negotiations."

Jane had a hard time not grinning when T'Par used the human statement. "Of course. Was there something specific you wanted to learn or just discuss the situation in general?" Jane offered her the seat across from her desk. She knew better than to ask if she wanted coffee, Vulcans were pretty serious about their work and usually didn't interrupt anything for a beverage.

T'Par seemed to consider the question. "I have been making a systematic study of the information already available to Starfleet, Captain, including their past foreign relations, trade arrangements, major personalities, even their art and popular entertainment. If there is anything to which you'd like to direct my attention, I would, of course, give it particular focus." She sat when invited. "However, I mostly wanted a preliminary discussion."

"Ah, well I always believe that a broad overview is important. Basically, I'm led to believe through Starfleet that the Claddin want a third party representative present to discuss a new trade route as two members of their empire, the Bordere and the Felev don't feel as if the empire is taking sides in the dispute. It sounds routine but it seems these things rarely are. I would encourage you to do some research on both races and to talk to our diplomatic officer as well."

"That was my understanding as well," T'Par said. "It is curious that they trust out impartiality more than that of their own central government. It might not be significant."

"Yes, it is. But I understand their reasoning. It's hard to find someone truly impartial when one had been apart of a society and been exposed and indoctrinated into to their culture and idiosyncrasies. Some form of bias always exists. Let's hope Mr. Tadez can keep an open mind and help them with their issues."

"It is an interesting line of reasoning, captain," T'Par said, a tad more skeptically. "I believe there is a good chance Mr. Tadez will validate it in this case. He is a capable negotiator."

Jane couldn't help but smile. Vulcans were so amusing sometimes. "Yes, I'm sure he is if his Starfleet record is accurate. T'Par," she asked curiously. "May I ask you a somewhat personal question?"

An eyebrow shot up and she paused for just a moment before answering. "You may, captain?"

"I know Vulcans try to live logically and without emotion. But do you find yourself in situations from time to time where you find Humans amusing?"

"I do not believe I would use that word,"T'Par answered, which wasn't a no. "Am I to take it you find Vulcans amusing?"

"Occasionally. Humans have many different varieties of comedy. One particular one that I'm acquainted with is ancient, from before the 20th century. It's called a straight man. As men were often the only ones allowed to carry on and expose themselves in such a fashion during this time period the term wasn't ever changed though later in comedy women certainly did it. A straight man is someone who acts normally around a bumbling goofy comedian. And some of the laughs are had because of the exchange between the two. Vulcans remind me of the straight man in comedy sketch. I will have to introduce you to the subject one of these days. Maybe we should have a movie night. George Burns and Gracie Allen or Abbott and Costello."

"I am sure it will be enlightening, captain," she said dryly, a slight raise of an eyebrow the only sign of something like amusement. "It would be interesting to see Earth cinema as it was meant to be seen, instead of in holodeck adaptations."

"Yes it would. Unfortunately I was born in the wrong century for that. Another human saying that we love to keep repeating, life isn't fair." Jane gave her a small smile. "Was there anything else?"

"Nothing prevents you, captain," she said. Again, there was that slight arch of a brow that might signal something like amusement, though she would never admit it. "Ironically, you could easily create an old Earth cinema on the holodeck itself."

Then she shook her head. "No, captain. Nothing else at this time."

"It's true, I could do almost anything with a holodeck, but it still wouldn't quite be the same as seeing something like that during the time period when the people were still alive. But I won't bore you with the details. Expect an invitation soon to such an event though." Jane stood up to see her out.

Lieutenant JG T'Par
Chief Intelligence Officer

Captain Jane Saulitis
Commanding Officer