Being Diplomatic

Posted on Sat Mar 21st, 2020 @ 11:34pm by

Mission: Cruel Meridian
Location: Diplomatic Office
Timeline: MD1 - 1530 Hours
1356 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

After his meeting with the Captain, Barr headed for the Diplomatic offices aboard the ship. It wasn’t a meeting he was looking forward to but his job here required him to do so. The meeting with Majestic’s Captain had gone better than he had expected but wasn’t expecting the same courtesy from the rest of the crew.

He entered the Diplomatic offices and saw, who he assumed he was looking, sat behind a desk. “Excuse me, I’m looking for the Diplomatic Officer?”

Jennifer, Cassandra's assistant, stood from her desk. "Of course. You'll want to speak to Cassandra. To whom do I have the pleasure?"

“Herbert Barr, I’ve been temporarily assigned to the Majestic as Mission Advisor.” He said softly with a smile.

The assistant vanished for a moment, and reappeared a moment later. "Right through here,"

Bert followed the voice to an office. He entered and gave the person behind the desk a small smile.

Cassie had pulled up Barr's file, but barely had time to give it more than a glance when he entered her office. She closed it, circled her desk and extended her hand. "Cassandra Leblanc, nice to meet you. You'll have to excuse the attire, I wasn't expecting anyone today." Indeed, she was wearing a most casual outfit, normally unbefitting a diplomat.

“Herbert Barr, a pleasure to meet you.” He said. “No need to apologise, I’m dropping in unannounced.”

Cassie smiled for a moment, trying to read her guest, get a first impression. "Is there anything I can get you? Coffee, tea, scotch?"

The scotch was appealing but he decided that first impressions might be all he had aboard this ship. “A coffee would be great.” He said with a warm smile. “May I?” He asked gesturing to the empty seat in front of her desk.

Still too early, Cassie thought as she nodded. "Please, make yourself comfortable," she responded as she walked to the small replicator, ordering two drinks: a black arabica, with trimmings on the side, and a café au lait for herself. A tray with her complete order appeared a moment later, and she brought it back to her desk. "So, what can I help you with?" she asked as she sat back down.

“I’ve been assigned to look after the princess for the duration of the mission. The Captain tells me you’ve had the most contact with her. I thought I’d come and see how the land lies before I introduce myself to her royal highness.” Barr said as he poured some milk into his coffee before giving it a stir.

"Well, from what little contact I've had with her so far, she seems like a pleasant enough person to deal with, if not a bit mischievous. I'm sure the Captain has shared the little anecdote about demanding to be carried by Commander Hanover," Cassie related. "I think she's also a bit idealistic, considering."

Bert smiled as he picked up his cup of coffee. “Yes, the Captain did mention that she demanded the first officer to carry her on his back. Sounds like she likes being mischievous.” He said before taking a sip of his coffee.

The young diplomat took a sip of her coffee "Well, she's convinced that the marriage will put an end to the decades-long conflict. I'm not so sure about that: it hasn't always had the desired effect, historically. In the meantime, I've asked Intel to pull up any information they have on the Emperor and a more in-depth history of the conflict between the Tulias Alliance and the Sozon Empire." She handed him a PADD containing the official dossier. "This might help. It's pretty light so far, but we should get a better idea of how things have developed as Intelligence pulls out more information."

The Mission Advisor took the PADD with his free hand before placing his cup down, he began to thumb through the contents. “I see what you mean about being light.” He said before placing the PADD in his lap. “I agree the concept has never gone well in history. I was actually surprised it’s been put forward and accepted.” He paused for a moment. “Has the Princess been vetted for the Emperor? I’d hate the thought of us delivering an assassin direct to his door.”

"Apparently, the Emperor simply chose her from a selection of candidates. Judging from his personality, I suspect he deems himself above it all and didn't bother seeking out counsel. I also suspect that there has been action behind the scenes, which is why," Cassie explained, "I've taken the liberty of reaching out to Imperial advisors, to see if they have at least made an attempt at counseling their leader."

“Have you had a response from them yet?” Barr asked.

Cassie shook her head. "I haven't gotten an answer so far, no."

“Sounds about right.” Bert replied with a sigh. “I’m surprised Starfleet is entertaining this. Of course, we don’t want to see anyone at war but transporting a princess to a destination where she will marry as part of the peace process seems very barbaric. Surely there are other avenues to be looked at?”

"Maybe there's something in it for the Federation, who knows. We were told not to ask any questions, after all. And according to Lieutenant T'Par down at Intel, that betrothal contract is perfectly legal according to Tulian and Sozon laws," Cassie responded, running both hands through her hair, trying to think of a solution to a particular challenging problem. "If the Princess consented to the marriage for any reason, who are we to judge? At the same time, we do have Federation law to consider."

"Of course, but morally this mission doesn’t sit well with me. Don’t worry, I’ll shall be completely professional and keep my opinions to myself.” Bert replied before taking a sip of his coffee. “Seeing as you mentioned Intel, the Captain tells me you’re helping out that department at the moment?”

Cassie scratched the back of head, almost embarrassed by what she was about to say next. "Well, to be honest, Intel, um, ends up helping me more often than not. Especially when I'm looking for something oddly specific that I may not have the proper clearance for. Mind you, now that I lead this department, I may rely less often on Intel, but the people in grey are experts. I can't praise them enough, seriously," she said, finishing her café au lait.

"So, tell me, what are the specifics of your assignment, aside from "looking after the princess"? she asked, resisting the urge to make air quotes with her fingers.

“I’m just to keep her happy during her stay on board. Which leaves the specifics open for discussion. I’m pretty sure that this assignment was given to me just to give me something to do.” Bert said with a shrug.

The comment piqued Cassie's curiosity, but she refrained from asking further questions. Whatever Barr decided to share now or in the future was his own business. "Fair enough. Anyway, my door is always open if you need anything. Was there anything else I could help you with?"

“Actually, the Captain said something about you helping Intelligence with something. I was going to offer my services, if you needed the help, of course.” Barr said before taking another sip of his coffee.

Cassie's eyebrow shot up, somewhat confused, as the man before her had just asked her the same question, only differently. "Hmm. Well, Lieutenant T'Par and I have been discussing about picking apart the betrothal contract to determine the legality of it all. A copy of it is in the package I just shared with you. We should be meeting within the next day or so to discuss it. If you have some insight, let either of us know."

Barr nodded, “I’ll give it a read later and get back to you. If I can help, I will.” He simply replied.

---

Cassandra Leblanc-Reed
Chief Diplomat

Herbert Barr
Mission Advisor