...And They Lived Happily Ever After.

Posted on Wed Dec 11th, 2019 @ 8:39pm by Commodore Jane Saulitis

Mission: For Whom The Bell Tolls
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: MD 14 11:00 Hours
847 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Cassandra rang the chime to the Captain's ready-room, and rubbed the last of the tiredness in her eyes. She had had to write the main part of a report to be sent to Starfleet and Federation headquarters. Even with all the detailed notes she had taken during the seemingly endless days of negotiations, it had taken a good part of the night to complete.

An interplanetary incident had been avoided, despite the the snafu during the very fist day of the proceedings. Once Minister Andrath had been dispatched to replace Minister Emnath, everything had gone generally smoothly. There had been squabbles here and there, but all and all, she thought a good agreement had been reached between the three main power of the Claddin Empire. Even a rudimentary form of currency common to the whole of the Empire had been introduced. This was, however, an aspect that would have to be resolved internally.

In less than twenty four hours Hak would be off her ship. Her father would be gone, as would his new . . . whatever she was.

She still couldn't believe that Mariame was pregnant and that she would have a sibling. Lhaes and her mother were scheduled to get married while they were docked with Starbase Poseidon. So many things had happened with this mission. "Come in," Jane called knowing who it might be before the doors swished open. "Ah, Ms. Reed, please come in. What can I do for you?"

"Good morning, Captain," Cassie said, moving to stand in front of the desk, as she didn't want to take up any more of the Captain's time than necessary. She could almost tell by the way Captain Saulitis was sitting that she had much on her mind. "I finished writing up my bit of the report we're to send to Starfleet and Federation HQ," she explained as she handed her a PADD. "It just needs approval, when you have a minute."

"Excellent, I happen to have as minute right now. Have a seat. I'd actually like to talk to you." Jane gestured to the chair across from her desk and took the PADD she was being handed. "I wanted to thank you for all your hard work, despite what could have been a disastrous situation, you still managed to pull off a very successful negotiation."

Cassie smiled as she sat down. "Thank you. We were fortunate in our misfortune. Had former Minister Emnath's actions been sanctioned by her government..." she trailed off, both of them suspecting, at the very least, what that could have led to.

"Yeah . . ." Jane didn't want to think about what a mess that would have been either.

"I'm satisfied with the results, overall. We managed to get a written agreement, a copy of which is included in the report. I've been told it would be inspected by each government's legislature, and that the Federation would be notified once it was ratified."

"They will be very pleased with the outcome I'm sure. Might even bring in a few more of the races for citizenship after this, who knows. I hear there's a press conference coming up as well. The Federation loves good publicity," Jane nearly snorted. "Can't resist breaking out the dress uniforms, cocktail and holoimagers for special occasions." Though she was a Captain and in charge of a diplomatic ship, Jane could do without all the pomp and circumstance but she understood its importance in negotiations.

Cassie nodded. "It won't be until we arrive at the station. Jennifer's already preparing a statement and I'll answer any questions that will inevitably arise. You'll probably be expected to be there, but if you don't want to go, I'm pretty sure we can come up with a reason for your absence." Her lip slightly curled up. In the short time she'd been on board, she'd learned that the Captain viewed such things as frivolous.

"Oh probably, but people always talk. After that disastrous article about my promotion I think I better stick to such events like glue. Give everyone a clear picture that I'm doing my duty and all that. I appreciate the offer though." And she planned to stay far away from Admiral Harrington while on Starbase 50.

Cassie nodded. "As you wish. I'll have Jennifer send over the statement for your approval once it's ready." She paused for a moment, wondering if she had forgotten anything, then remembered. "I heard through the grapevine that there a couple of weddings in the works. Is there anything I can help with?"

"Oh, no, I don't think so. The one is just really simple. A ceremony in front of Admiral Harrington basically. They would like to keep it private." And frankly Jane agreed with that. It wasn't that she was embarrassed about her mother getting married, but he was much younger than her mother. "I think you've done quite enough for all of us. Go enjoy yourself while on the station."

"Thank you, I will," Cassie replied. "Remember to get some rest as well. You deserve it."

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Cassandra Leblanc-Reed
Diplomatic Officer

Captain Jane Saulitis
Commanding Officer