Sorehl

One solution I've heard was the designation of "full members" and "associate members" with different voting powers. Full members can sit on the Security Council, get two reps in the Assembly versus one, and so forth. None of it established onscreen. There's been a lot of fan fiction attempts over the years. The old FASA sourcebook "The Federation" made a pretty good attempt, although it looked like... the United Nations with a centralized military organization. Also, from fan fic during the original TOS era, the fifth founding member was purportedly Alpha Centauri. But it never gained traction onscreen, so its hardly canon. Denobula is a good guess, but then where are they? (Which makes one wonder, has anyone tried to explain why we never see the Denobulans after ENT? Massive planetary disaster? A return to isolationism? Perhaps there's a Challenger plot idea in there...)

The organization of the Federation government is one of the more unevenly depicted aspects of Trek canon. It gets even worse if one attempts to reconcile the Pocket books. The general concept seems to have been that the UFP has similarities to the United Nations. If so, then it would have a large body consisting of one or more representatives of every planet, like the UN Assembly. These would pass laws and such. It would have smaller councils, notably the important Security Council. Trek lore has suggested it has five permanent members (the original founding planets) and rotating members, but this has never been established onscreen. There would be a huge administrative arm like the UN Secretariat. The "Articles of the Federation" suggested an independently elected president as head-of-state and head-of-government, as opposed to a parlimentarian prime minster chosen from among other elected representatives. This has its own issues. Uninventively, everyone seems to be called Ambassador by default, regardless of their role as an external negotiator, an internal legislator, or a council member. TOS had Commissioners, a title I appropriated for my character in his civilian role (for the moment). But there should be envoys, attaches, civil servants, undersecretaries, ministers - a whole wealth of non-Starfleet titles. I know Joy has done a lot of independent (and other sim-related) development considering the structure of the Federation government. I've often desired to try and think it through in a forum topic, but I've been reluctant; I wouldn't want the debate to close off other people's concepts or violate what any of the sims came up with. (Does one sim have the right to tell others who the Federation President is?) I did take a stab at creating a post-war Cardassian government, but I'm not sure anyone cares about that level of detail and can frankly ignore it. So I guess I'd have to be: Vulcan.

Which is why I'm heading to Shore Leave this year and bringing my daughter for her birthday. Can't let the Experience be the memory of only a single generation.

"Distinguished councilmembers and gentle-beings," Commissioner Sorehl began. Truth be told, he had not expected to deliver his statement before an active session of the Security Council itself. In accordance with the dictates of his commission, he had provided the text of his written report before the smaller Subcommittee for Cardassian Affairs several days earlier. As a minor official with no diplomatic credentials, he had presumed his report would be relegated to internal debate and referenced, if at all, in some future policy pronouncement. Thus, the summons to Earth to answer questions before the Security Council was not altogether expected. This open session was being recorded and broadcast on the public channels, but was more likely to remain in the domain of F-SPAN rather than the major news outlets. "I have been asked to summarize my recent commission to assess the mission of Sky Harbor Aegis at the Cardassian homeworld, and to answer your questions regarding my conclusions," he stated, prefacing his remarks to the fifteen members at the open circular table. He moved his eyes from the Andorian delegate to the ambassdor from Argelius. "As you are aware, eight years ago it was my duty and privilege to command the emplacement of the Aegis facility at Cardassia Prime. No doubt my previous Starfleet experience was the reason for the commission I was granted." Although he found it distasteful to tout his role in the station's genesis, it was necessary to establish the credentials for his assessment. "The stated role of Aegis," he continued from his memorized notes, "was to provide a shared platform for the Federation and its Allies to oversee the reconstruction of the war-torn Cardassian government, while providing stability by defending their homeworld from those who would exploit it." He opted not yet to discuss it's secondary role in monitoring treaty compliance - specifically, to ensure the humbled Cardassians did not seek their standard military solutions to the post-war problems. "Under the guidelines of my assignment by this Council, I have conducted a six-month fact-finding survey aboard Aegis to determine the success of their mission and consider the future role of the station at Cardassia. In that time, I have interviewed current and former officers and crew. I have spoken with representatives of the Cardassian, Klingon, Romulan, Gorn, and Ferengi governments, as well as our own diplomats. I have reviewed historical accounts, station logs, and political records. In reaching my conclusions, I have attempted to rely on a wealth of available public and private knowledge." "The Council has reviewed the contents of my report," he acknowledged. "It is my assessment that Sky Harbor Aegis has fulfilled a challenging and conflicting mission under difficult circumstances." He noted slight nods from several of the attending security delegates. "However..." he added. "It is my conclusion that Aegis has effectively outlived the political and military purposes for which it was created," he stated emotionlessly. He displayed no outward conflict with the tone of his comments. "It is therefore my recommendation that, following a coordinated transition with the Cardassian government, the Aegis mission be concluded and the Sky Harbor facility withdrawn from their homeworld." Despite their media characterization as squabbling functionaries, the Council was a model of professionalism and remained dispassionately silent. Sorehl set down the notepad display, knowing he'd be spending the next few hours explaining and detailing his long-developed conclusions. "I await your questions."

This would seem to explain how Semil managed to know the what and where of Excalibur's mission, would it not? On the last item, I recall a potted plant at several Excalibur functions. So it wasn't just for aesthetics?

Except that the Hitchhiker Trilogy (1979-1984) preceded TNG by several years (1987), so if there was any spoofing, it was the other way around. (It is true that Mostly Harmless appeared in 1992, but it was mostly Earth-bound, and frankly, I didn't like the ending.) There are a lot of H2G2 references in Trek - like Ira Grave's certificate signed by Ford Prefect of Sirius Cybernetics Corporation and at least 42 others, by my count.

If telepathic races existed, they would have an "inalienable" (pun intended) right to use their telepathy how and where they desired. Period. Some of this discussion errs in asserting the broadness of the right to privacy, which in the case of the U.S. Constitution is not even granted explicitly beyond the right to avoid unreasonable search and seizure. The "right to privacy" is a so-called "penumbra guarantee" that is based - at least in U.S. law - on preserving the reasonable expectation of privacy. That is, understanding the common desire for privacy, if a person conducts an action with a reasonable expectation of privacy, the Government must generally provide just cause to violate it. This cause can be pretty flimsy - they can ask how much money you make so they can tax you - not just reasons of security and law enforcement. If I know your name, I can Google you with no guilt or repercussions. Anyone remember the original TOS episodes where you had to put your hand on a brightly-lit disc and promise to tell the truth or the computer would tell on you? I notice none of the later incarnations had it... So, why my statement that they have a right to open use of telepathy? Consider: Starfleet encounters a species with an ability to see in wavelengths that happen to penetrate clothing. This ability may or may not be subject to toggle on/off. Must this species be restricted from using their normal "God-given/universe-evolved" X-ray vision ability because humans have a nudity taboo? Superman seems a fairly polite fellow, but he'll scan right down to your underwear if it suits his purpose - without a warrant. Consider the reverse: A color-blind species nevertheless reveals their emotional state by skin color. Are they allowed to walk around humans saying "Stop looking at me!" (To be honest, this is like the two women who carried on a vocal, sexually explicit conversation next to me on the city bus, then seemed offended when I wondered aloud to a fellow student if we were getting Health class credit that day.) In the instance of Spock / Valeris, we smash right into the conflict of rights versus security. Beyond telepathic concerns, this is the classic ticking bomb question: Is torture justified to prevent the impending deaths of others? In this instance, we're considering the forcible search and seizure of another telepath's intendedly private, self-incriminating thoughts. This would seem to violate telepathic ethics. Any such evidence obtained would probably not be admissible in prosecution. (But it's also the basis of every other episode of 24.) At least in the circumstances presented in ST:VI, Valeris has already admitted guilt, and Spock is seeking actionable evidence to prevent an assassination and potential war. But in the end, he gets only conspirator names, and Kirk must rely on Sulu to learn the conference location. So, the cause was just, the means were a violation, and they didn't even get the information. Justification is in the eye of the beholder. At any rate, the phaser analogy is imperfect at best. Restricting telepaths completely is not a telling them to put away a phaser. It's putting out their eye with a sharp stick. It would indeed be an interesting universe with such marvels as telepaths in it. But it would probably upend forever any expectation of privacy and probably alter life and law in culturally catastrophic ways. Star Trek is lucky theirs tend to be as polite as Betazoids or as tightly-protective as Vulcans.

A thought-provoking perspective - exactly the thing I like about Star Trek. In all, this log makes one wonder: does Starfleet have room for conscientious objectors? Clearly there are "fighting Quakers" - we've seen Spock and Tuvok in many martial situations - but would absolutely pacifist races be a combination excluded from this Infinitie Diversity? What about doctors who interpret their oath to "do no harm" includes remaining a non-combatant?

Sorehl stood under the makeshift porch, avoiding the warm drizzling mist which had descended on this portion of Cardassia Prime. He and his two older daughters had spent most of the day amongst the Starfleet medics who were distributing medical supplies and innoculating the populace with vaccine. He paused amidst the bustle to consider the setting. The opportunity to interact with the Cardassians directly had been most illuminating. Although many buildings remained rubble, as if in memorial of the terrible toll of the Dominion War, the towns had risen above their squalor. Those who had not fled the planet for untouched colonies had restored some semblance of their earlier lives, albeit with a less invasive state presence. He sensed no wariness at his alien presence. Unlike previous visits, there were no signs of resentment among the faces he saw. This was despite the virus which rumors swore had been introduced by subversive elements to demoralize and destablize them. Although he knew this intent was true, he did not believe the nefarious effect had been achieved. Instead, he observed evidence it had galvanized their resistance, strengthened their resolve. True to his word, Drankum had arranged a “photo op” – several members of the press had been onhand to record the Federation gesture. The ambassador had chastized him for “narrow Vulcan thinking” in not trumpetting the symbolism of their work, adding something about signing him up for a “marketting workshop”. Of course, he deferred to the Ferengi’s knowledge of such things. It was possible that Muon’s openness with the Castellan had proven a significant gesture of trust. Perhaps they were building on that foundation now. He looked at the Starfleet officers working around him, many of them beaded with sweat. Despite the cloud cover, they were clearly uncomfortable in the hot, moist surroundings. Yet they pressed on uncomplainingly, dispensing these important, life-giving resources. It was no less worthy of commendation than the valor of battle. Somehow he doubted anyone other than the Cardassians being treated would think of it that way…

Wait. You're never at any of the meetings...

This is actually a thread begun under the Aegis boards, but it was a jump in the original topic and seemed to be open to a broader audience. I thought I'd post it here. I'll start with three posts that started these thoughts, add my own, and then leave it open to whoever. The way I'll phrase the topic is: Is cross-sim continuity a good thing? Is it workable, just too difficult, or outright undesireable? As background, Sky Harbor Aegis has been discussing how to build a Diplomatic Hub on the station. Some elements of "interstellar politics" came up in deciding who should have an embassy and how big it should be. This led to the topic of cross-sim continuity. This is a great topic. Essentially, it poses a broader question: "What is canon?" for a particular sim. Does your sim accept the Star Trek: Enterprise depiction of the Andorians or the Pocket Books DS9 Relaunch version with its four genders? Is it useful to build on other sims' developments, like the complex post-war history for the Gamma Quadrant used by Excalibur, or is it more liberating to invent your own stuff and ignore (or contradict) what other sims are doing? Did Bajor join the Federation after DS9 (as in the Relaunch book series) or is it still independent? Do we have the right to kill off a major character like Chewbacca? (Sorry, wrong genre.) Of course, I don't think there's a right answer for all players and all sims. But I'm interested in what other players think.

There are so many ways for a canon Trek character to be done badly, or uselessly, or shamelessly. But the lure is there. Ramson noted a joint log I did with Halloway during the Dominion War - catching Picard having tea at SB310. It was one of my favorites for highlighting the difference between great captains and ordinary captains. I know I've seen logs with subspace conversations from Sisko or Janeway or Necheyev, but Weyoun's the only canon character I've seen performed in sim. I think the writer has to have a certain love and feel for a particular character to pull off a successful canon cameo. It's tempting to use them for stunt casting, rather than for a plot-advancing reason. I've shuddered at some Pocket Books with poor characterizations of my favorite characters. You have to imagine hearing the lines of dialogue coming from the actor. Of course, I'm just about to write a log using one of the series regulars, so I'm probably about to ignore my own advice.

Attached is a conjectural diagram of the current post-war Cardassian Government. (Yes, as Sorehl promised to provide Drankum at the recent state dinner.) In keeping with the Aegis history, this government is the result of consolidation and upheaval, with a decentralized executive power and organizatoins added specifically to check and distribute power. This is all subject to further refinement and suggestion - it's provided as a help for those who want to delve into the complexities our diplomats will be dealing with. You can also just ignore it. The PRESIDIUM is the main executive body of the Cardassian Union. Similar in nature to the Romulan Continuing Committee (Proconsulate), it is comprised of ten to fifteen senior officials from government organizations, appointed leaders, and an elected chairman known as the Castellan. This body is the primary instrument for foreign policy, but provides guidance and significant influence over domestic activities. The PREFECTURE is responsible for executive and administrative functions. Each world in the Cardassian Union appoints a Prefect to this body - generally their planetary governor. In a departure from pre-war institutions, even members of the few non-Cardassian worlds can be represented. The Prefecture selects a Premier, who oversees administration of the various MINISTRIES and represents them on the Presidium. The Prefecture also appoints ministers to lead each major function. The Foreign Minister, Interior Minister, and Economic Minister currently sit on the Presidium, but this is fluid. The LEGATION, a smaller group representing what was formerly the Central Command, has been significantly demoted on the order of a military ministry. It is comprised of senior Legates, advising a single Marshall of the Cardassian Union. The OBSIDIAN LEGION is a ministry limited to external intelligence, given Cardassian wariness of its predecessor agency, and is led by a Director General. The DETAPA COUNCIL is the primary legislative body, comprised of elected Detapas from throughout the Union. The council chair is known as the Chancellor and also sits on the Presidium. Detapas choose High Councilors from their ranks to lead various law-making committees. The AUSPICE ASSEMBLY exists specifically to review all proposed legislation and issue pre-emptory vetoes and revisions before laws are enacted. The Auspices represent an attempt to balance the needs of the State against the lives of common citizens of the Union. Auditors observe laws in practive and recommend additions or amendments to ensure executive or judicial restraint. The REFERENDUM is the public forum by which laws can be enacted or vetoed by specific citizen initiatives. The TRIBUNAL is a radical change in Cardassian juridprudence, although it keeps many titles from the early system. The Chief Intercessor is the senior judge who nominates other Archons and convenes hearings for specific high-level cases. Conservators and Arbiters serve to defend and examine accused citizens, respectively. Since their defeat in the Dominion War, the Cardassian government has shown instability, with internal plots and even assassination. The current form, however, seems to have balanced ambition between groups, introduced measured democratic principles, and succeeded with several projects. Whether it will continue to do so has yet to be seen.

I just want to make sure no one thinks I'm advocating the introduction of some STSF-wide canon rule or forced continuity. I'm just interested in whether players and hosts try to keep track or prefer not to. Since I occasionally move Sorehl between sims and drop in as other screen names for guest stints, I tend to keep a fairly rigid personal continuity between the characters I play. As Joy mentioned, Sorehl will refer to events in his last posting in the Gamma Quadrant and even draw back to old SFOL Aegis storylines (since that sim has opted to include its whole history as canon). I guess I'm wondering if it adds helpful depth for other players or if it's just annoying - like not being part of someone else's inside joke. Personally, I like all the interconnectivity. I enjoy bumping into A9 and noting that they've both served on Excalibur under Captain Vixis. And I must admit, I enjoy dropping in as a recurring guest or villian on multiple sims and having players react - hopefully in an "alright, Ensign Ro's in this one" way instead of a "not another one with Troi's mother" groan. I like dropping an homage to somebody else's plotline. It makes the universe seem complex and real and full of external events. Of course, I've tended toward space station sims so my bias could be towards complexity. On a ship, you could easily choose to be isolated from the rest of the galaxy, never running into a recurring character. I guess I'm curious what the breakdown is.

“After the war, there was an attempt to concentrate executive power for the Cardassian Union in a single, democratically-elected head of state called the Castellan. The form was similar to representative presidential systems on several Federation worlds,” Sorehl explained from a seated position, gesturing to a block diagram on the wall viewer. “It was during this emerging government that Aegis was placed near Cardassia Prime, to help offer stability and assist in the planet's reconstruction.” He watched as he saw notes being taken. “You will remember, of course, that the homeworld itself had been devastated by the Dominion in the final days of the war,” the Vulcan reiterated. “Most major cities had been reduced to rubble. 700 million dead on Cardassia Prime alone. There was scarcity of shelter, lack of resources, a breakdown in basic services. It was not clear that Cardassia would ever emerge, much less govern itself.” “Direct involvement in government was a new, not entirely welcome experiment. But the Detapa Council established meaningful civilian rule. The Castellan oversaw new projects that helped the homeworld recover – transfer of the Dominion's mantle borehole into a geothermal plant, the Antak soil fertility commune, plans for rebuilding Lakarian City. They built the Councilchamber on the ruins of the Central Command. They even oversaw a smooth evacuation of the planet when it was thought the core was shifting.” “So what made it fall?” came the question from down the table. Sorehl breathed in deeply. “There had long been concern that the Castellan was becoming too close to the Federation in his efforts to stabilize Cardassia. When he was assassinated in 2379, factionalism created further instability. With no clear, immediate successor, the consolidation of power in a single individual was debated and eventually rejected.” He remembered watching the debates, with his wife’s keen interest in the outcome. In her assessment, there was no one else with the determination, no one else mad enough to push themselves forward as the focal point for all that race’s grief and grievances. He switched the viewer to another, more complex block diagram. “What resulted was a quasi-parlimentary organization, with executive power vested in the Presidium. This small committee includes three members of the Detapa Council and other high-ranking officials – such as the Chief Intercessor, Director General of the Obsidean Legion, military Marshall of the Cardassian Union, auspices, senior prefects, and an elected Castellan, among others.” He paused, turning to his one-person audience. “Can you think of any other governments run this way? His twelve-year-old daughter looked up from her PADD. “The Romulans,” T’Kel said matter-of-factly. “Correct,” Sorehl affirmed. “What organ is most like the Cardassian Presidium?” “The Proconsulate?” she asked. “Yes,” he confirmed. “It is also called the Rihannsu Continuing Committee. In contrast, it includes the Praetor, two Senate Proconsuls, Imperium members, and other somewhat-fluid membership. Thusfar, the Cardassian version has been similarly fluid.” He opted to leave more obscure examples, like the Soviet Politburo and the Kzinti Authority, for later discussion. T’Kel took more notes for her homework. “It sounds confusing,” she admitted. “Does it work better?” “'Better' is a subjective term,” he chided mildly. “There have been unfortunate events contrasted with marked gains in living conditions. There were early, damaging terrorist attacks at Z’lo and Hutet, followed by a period of martial law. More recently, there have been external threats and outright battles above the homeworld. However, the people are being fed. Industry has returned to facilities like Empok Nor. Free elections have returned, selecting a clear majority faction in 2382 under Chairman S'eran. Freedoms have been extended. Lakarian City rises from its former ruins.” T’Kel, not yet fully a master of her emotions, betrayed the trace of a frown. Although she had completed her kahswan on Avalon, she had yet to commit to which logical discipline she would follow, if any. She was still a very young woman. “You would have preferred a clearer answer,” Sorehl surmissed. “I don’t know what to write,” she answered, setting down the stylus. “The purpose of study is not to repeat other’s perspectives,” he counseled. “Internalize what you’re learned and write what you think is important.” He glanced out into the main room of their shared family quarters on Aegis. “Then tell T’Ael it’s your turn to practive the k’yathra.” He swiveled his chair back toward the viewer, bringing up the diplomatic log he had been reviewing before helping T’Kel with her studies. Three years earlier, his wife’s protégé Jeralla had reported finding a single cut flower identical to the one Sorehl had located outside Drankum’s a few days earlier. It had borne a similar attachment, written in Cardassian script: “To an unsung hero. The never-ending sacrifices continues.” (See Scene of the Crime) An image of the flower rotated onscreen. “Ooo, an Edosian orchid,” T’Kel remarked from behind him. Sorehl raised an eyebrow. “You are familiar with this particular variety of flora?” he asked, somewhat surprised. “Mother said she found some growing wild in the capital city,” his daughter explained, “when she was here to watch the elections.” “That is highly unlikely,” Sorehl answered. “Edosian orchids require careful cultivation. It is doubtful they could grow untended, especially in an outdoor environment as harsh as Cardassia Prime.” “That’s what she said,” T’Kel insisted, a slight edge to her voice. “She said she’d only ever seen them in a greenhouse on Romulus. On a tour of some old Proconsul’s home.” She lifted her PADD and went out to practice her music. Sorehl watched her go, then looked back at the screen. The location he had found this flower had been unremarkable – near an unused commerical billet on the Midway. What was it's meaning? What hero did it honor? And why that location? It seemed a mystery had presented itself. And such riddles could be expected to have a short half-life under the Vulcan’s scrutiny. * * * * * Some time later, as he boarded their conveyance to Cardassia, Sorehl knew he would not be joining the others as Kith Ghemor introduced them to his superiors. While Drankum and Joy were there to make diplomatic inroads, the captain’s medical staff would present their findings on the source and cure for the plague. It was a tenuous meeting, fraught with all the potential risks of strained interstellar relations. It was left to him to investigate other sources, other contacts. His none-too-subtle inquiry aside, he was well versed enough to look for additional avenues of intelligence. And his experience at the wormhole had given him one more insight, one more gesture of trust to extend. He hoped it would be enough.

Nice tie-in to the DS9 episode "Inter Arma Enim Silent Lege".

Having selected Commander Brown as the continuing chair for their discussions, the others in the conference room took their seats around the table. Sorehl opted to speak first. “If I may, I would like to propose a preface and a potential agenda for our first round of discussions,” he motioned. “I can second that,” the captain added. Joy and Brown nodded their assent, settling into their chairs. Remaining seated, the Vulcan commissioner commenced. “Although I have yet to conclude my formal report, the captain has been most prescient in anticipating the nature of my recommendation to the Security Council.” “As you know, I have gathered information from a wide range of sources regarding the nature and success of Aegis’ mission,” he summarized. “Regardless of whether their combined perception is valid, I believe if Aegis does not expand its role beyond that of military overseer, shifts in the political environment within the Federation will result in the cessation of its mission at Cardassia Prime.” Muon nodded. As she had put it earlier, if they couldn’t learn to play together, they’d all be going home. Sorehl went on. “When I speak of expanded roles, I refer not only to diplomatic engagement, but also economic and cultural. As others have suggested, there is a reason Aegis was placed here at the center of Cardassian space, rather than monitoring its fringes. We are meant to engage them, not just observe them.” “Ambass…” Muon started, then corrected herself, “I mean, Commissioner, you’re already aware I’ve asked our engineering department to establish an larger diplomatic hub. We’re clearing out a significant portion of the central saucer in Pylon Two to hold embassies, office space, VIP quarters, and conference areas.” Sorehl nodded. “An effort that I believe will emphasize the importance you place on this increased role. Per your earlier communiqué, I believe you have stated the position that provisions of the post-war treaty regarding Aegis remain intact. Although there were some conflicts raised during regrettable periods of martial law, I concur with your assessment. Our focus must be on moving Aegis’ expanded mission forward.” “We wouldn’t be having this meeting otherwise,” Muon noted. “Agreed. Along those lines, I would also recommend that, given the Starfleet nature of this facility, you establish a number of standing orders related to diplomatic personnel on-station.” The captain looked mildly uncomfortable. “Are you sure that’s necessary? I’d like to think we can all follow general guidelines.” “I do not doubt the professionalism of your staff or of visiting personnel,” the Vulcan insisted. “However, my experience with senior diplomats on Camelot Station and Aegis suggests that orders on certain specific topics are essential during off-nominal situations. Lessons learned, if you will.” Across the table, Ambassador Joy looked like she was considering an interjection, but thought better of it. Or perhaps she was merely postponing until Sorehl had finished making his point. The commissioner raised one hand. “I do not wish to dictate such terms,” he noted, “merely to note subject areas you may wish to address. The specific agenda items I recommend are security escorts, freedom of movement, restricted areas, diplomatic immunity, and alert protocols.” He continued. “These are straightforward questions, on which others may wish to weigh in. Do diplomats need or want Starfleet escort? Is their travel to and from the station restricted? Are there areas of the station that are off-limits? How will station security deal with offenders who exercise diplomatic immunity? Where should diplomatic personnel report during an alert status?” He gestured his hand, as if checking off a list suspended in mid-air. “Again, the answers to these questions could be fluid and require discussion, but having a standing order would reduce confusion.” Muon smiled. “I see what you mean. I know I’d like to make the Control Tower open to all diplomats, but during emergencies, that’s another story.” She looked off as if in thought. “There are security considerations we should hammer out, write them down. Yes.” “I would also recommend you consider the establishment of a formal protocol officer. Someone empowered to deal directly with concerns during an emergency or to address those of a particularly insistent individual,” Sorehl looked sidelong toward one of the empty chairs that Drankum would have sat in, as if recalling some incident in his past. Across the table, Joy could no longer contain herself. “I very much share the Commissioner's concerns, though rather than thinking in terms of issuing 'standing orders' might we possibly shift to thinking in terms of making 'polite requests'? Details of how protocol is handled at a particular station can vary, though wandering far from the traditional galactic norms is apt to lead to trouble. Underneath any specific rules, though, there is a basic attitude I'd watch out for. I would rather see everyone dealing with the foreign diplomatic corps making and responding positively to polite requests rather than constantly striving to prove who has the authority to issue orders, and who has the status and immunities to ignore orders. Part of the diplomatic role is protecting the dignity and place of one's nation. Ambassadors will tend to be allergic to another power telling them what they or their nation must do. Try to get used to thinking in terms of 'this for that' or exchanging favors rather than issuing orders." Sorehl tilted his head, finding he was not in agreement. One would not make a polite request to clear the bridge. Standing orders, in his mind, would be used to establish the default position so diplomats could ask for deviations. Nevertheless, he could understand the ambassador's reticence toward such a military term. He opted to bring this up in later discussion, rather than during the agenda-setting portion. None of this was visible in his expression. As usual, he kept his feelings to himself. “Once we have addressed those details, I think we must consider just how to re-open dialogue with the Cardassian government,” he went on instead. “It is doubtful the Castellian himself would be responsive to an initial meeting unless we convince others in his administration of our proactive intent. Captain, you’ve already heard my recommendation that we begin this dialogue by sharing your medical findings and offering assistance in concert.” “As for other routes, I believe Mr. Drankum has already begun to refresh his commercial contacts. My own are limited. I have some influence with Counsilor Tovan Revix, who oversaw the transition of Empok Nor some years ago. We should offer up such names to you, captain, in considering our strategy.” Brown folded his arms. “Standing orders, whether to name a protocol officer, improving contact with Cardassia,” he recounted, as if he’d been keeping notes. “Sounds like we have our work cut out for us.”

Based on the second-half of the 02/15/08 Aegis sim, with many thanks to Drankum, Brown, Joy, McKinney, and Lepage... Cane in hand, Ambassador Drankum swept through the Aegis Lower Midway with an entourage – two female Risan escorts, the station’s XO, and a Vulcan Commissioner – in his wake. Beyond the viewport that lined the level, his personal luxury cruiser Canar’s Plunder could be seen docked with the station. The Ferengi glanced back toward the Vulcan. “It was... nice to hear from you over subspace,” he confided, “though at the time, I was in the midst of a full body...well, I can explain the details later.” “Yes,” Sorehl nodded, clearing his throat, “I saw the holo-recording.” Drankum broke into laughter as the group crossed the threshold of the bar bearing his name. “Patty!” he yelled. “Drinks! Charge them to... I don't care... Charge them to Halloway's account! The number is on file.” He grumbled as he moved toward a prime table and sat with a grunt. His female escorts took a close-proximity stance behind him. Inside the bar, other patrons looked up at the bold entrant. Joy was among the first to detect what she noted as a “mobile ground zero”, while Dr. McKinney pointed out the arrival to her dining companion Dr. Nicholas Lepage. As they moved to a seat, Sorehl glanced toward Commander Brian Brown. “One wonders,” he started, lowering his voice, “if you shouldn't make a station-wide announcement... or at least go to red alert.” Brown returned a glance to the Vulcan who was once his captain, taking a chair. “We still have time.” One of the waitresses set a tray complete with Denebian wine, dark and purple, before him. Drankum looked her over, then the bottle. “This better be 2310. If it isn't, I'll make you go work with the doctors.” At the nearby table, McKinney leaned across her table and whispered something to Lepage. Sorehl sat, sending a gesture of greeting to Ambassador Joy. Drankum noticed at once, looking over towards the android and narrowing his eyes. “Hum. What is the talking food replicator doing here?” He looked toward Brown. “It doesn't eat, does it?” He drifted off in thought. “Suppose I could charge rental fees for taking up the space... hum... that's not a bad idea. Could be profitable.” He shrugged, then glanced at one of the females. “Stop fawning for a moment and write that down. Charge rental space per five minutes.” Sorehl folded his arms. “I’m aware of why she is here, but truth be told, I’m curious about the reasons for your own… unexpected visit.” “Mine?” Drankum answered distractedly as he made a gesture of blowing a kiss, or something like it, towards Joy. For her part, the android’s shade turned decidedly 35% more red. “Is your advent coincidental with the ongoing mission inquiry, or prompted by something other than our earlier communication?” Sorehl pressed on. Drankum absently wondered if Joy had programming like something he’d encountered back on Risa. “Hum,” he began, then looked back to Sorehl. “My ongoing mission is his unprofitable bank account,” he answered, pointed a thumb at Brown. “If any humon bothered to read the contract, they’d know that if this installation is abandoned, the terms of financing make it quite clear the station becomes property of the Ferengi Alliance and only after my government passes on it's use...” He trailed off. “Well, you get the idea. Legal stuff bores me now.” He sipped his drink and smiled at Joy. Brown looked mildly affronted. “Profit is still profit, regardless of the percent increase.” The Vulcan commissioner leaned back in his chair. “Interesting. You are not the only party who has expressed interest in the economic aspect of this station.” Drankum looked back at Sorehl. “Let us not forget, Captain Ears, my government,” he paused, correcting himself, “oh, who is kidding who? I got the financing set up for this little toy in space. Warranty expirations aside, it hasn't been used as it should have been.” Sorehl steepled his fingers in a double ta'al triangle, listening. But Drankum's was not a one-track mind. He had already turned back toward Joy, giving her a wink. “Yes,” he went on, “I can tell now. It might not be real, but I beg it can give a mean...” He stopped himself, looking back to the Vulcan. “What was I saying?” “Something about foreclosure, I suspect,” was the even response. Commander Brown felt he’d found a place to jump in. “Aegis is going to be seeing that usage, though. We still have serious problems on Cardassia, and some old Starfleet elements aren’t helping.” Drankum looked toward Brown. “Problems on Cardassia?” he said with as much incredulity as he could muster. “Don't tell me, my young humon, this shocks you somehow. The Cardassians have been in problems for five of your decades. Outside of increasing their GDP for a brief period of time, not much has come of it.” He continued. “My reason for being here is simple. I didn't bribe someone enough and Grand Nagus Rom requested I, again, interrupt my retirement to deal with the unprofitable Cardassian issue. Apparently it is causing problems on the stock exchange.” Brown shrugged. “No shock to me. However, anyone can see the current situation is not good for business. War is good for business, yes, but not when they are trying to kill you.” “I trust then,” Sorehl pursued, “you have designs of your own to remedy this... inequity? But the Ferengi proprietor had shifted his gaze, and attention again. “What is it's name anyway?” Sorehl glanced between the two. “Have you not been introduced to Ambassador Joy Two?” He stood to remedy the situation. “I wonder if it’s hands ever get tired,” Drankum pondered aloud. “The possibilities...” He looked toward Brown. “Endless.” The Vulcan commissioner waved the android towards them, fully aware that Joy's diplomatic aplomb would be needed in full form for this introduction. “Ambassador Joy One of Mudd, allow me to introduce you to Ambassador Drankum of Ferenginar and the Canar Trade Mission.” Joy looked as poised and graceful as ever. “Charmed,” she offered. “Somewhat.” Drankum stood slowly, eschewing his cane, and smiled. “I know the wealth of what you see can be overpowering, but remember, things get better with age.” Brown had stood at Joy’s approach. He leaned in towards Sorehl. “Was he always this stubborn?” “Incorrigible,” the Vulcan confirmed. Drankum tilted his head. “Did Captain Ears mention I helped establish this facility? Or that I founded the Canar Trade Route?” Sorehl gestured to the open seat, nodding. “Your reputation has well preceeded you, Drankum.” The Ferengi simply grinned. “And I know I have bribed enough people to make it a good one.” “It is no understatement to say that, without you, Aegis would not exist,” Sorehl admitted. “I merely commanded it.” Drankum paused in his pondering of Joy to look back at the Vulcan. “You understate your importance.” The evening could use some understatement, he considered inwardly. Drankum sipped his drink, looking at Joy. “A beverage? I don't know. Do you drink? Eat? Spend? “Drink & spend, yes,” she affirmed. “Water, pure cold.” His eyes lit up. “You spend! Water! The imported stuff!” “That will do.” Drankum looked toward Sorehl. “I am beginning to like this robotic female. Though clothing is something I still have to readjust to.” Sorehl hoped to head off another undiplomatic comment. “When on Aegis...” he let the quote hang. The Ferengi went with a different proverb. “What happens on Aegis, doesn't stay there but can be bribed away.” He shrugged and sipped his drink again. “Ah...home away from the bank vault.” “A unique perspective,” but one perhaps the captain will share. “The clothed reformist female? Bah. More liquor. Damn kids and their unprofitable ideas...and clothes.” “Fresh minds, fresh ideas, Ambassador,” Sorehl chided. “Went up and ruined a perfectly good thing,” he muttered, swirling the last of his drink. “Fresh minds should be sent into a supernova. I liked the galaxy with naked woman. What is wrong with that?” He practically got to his feet. “It is the universal accepted diplomatic benchmark. Want to make progress? Bring in naked females! Progress immediately!” He shrugged and finished the last swallow. “I do not see the problem.” At the table next to them, McKinney nearly choked on her food. Lepage was leaning over to see if she needed help. She stifled a laugh, patting her chest, “Not only did we get lunch, we got a stage show.” “You should have met M'lord Mudd,” Joy . “You would have gotten along.” “I suspect your definition of progress may also be unique.” Drankum looked at Sorehl. “Unique, yes. Wrong? I shall allow history to be the judge. After all, it is written by the person with the best will.” He turned toward Brown, who’d been listening to the banter. “Isn't it past your bedtime?” “You'll have to forgive Mr. Drankum, Commander,” Sorehl counseled. “He cannot see authority without challenging it.” The Ferengi looked non-plussed, looking from the commissioner to XO and back to the commissioner. “Forgive nothing, Captain Ears. He is as interested in naked females as anyone.” “Ambassador,” Brown asserted, sitting more upright in his chair, “its the one trait I am not ashamed of.” The Vulcan leaned back, considering the energetic conversation between Ferengi, android, and human. Such energies were just what was needed. Progress, indeed.

Drankum had returned to Aegis. Although the Ferengi ambassador had explained the motivations for his arrival as being purely financial, Sorehl was well aware that Drankum knew the Federation was assessing the station’s mission and its future role. Indeed, as one of his first acts as commissioner, he had specifically sent an employee of the Secretariat to track down the retired proprietor and seek out his opinions and insights. That search had been successful; it seemed the questions had piqued his comrade’s interest. An officious young Bolian had been tasked to find the Ferengi liaison amidst his wanderings. Sorehl had provided a personal recording that he hoped would allow him to gain an audience, as well as cautions to the interviewer regarding Drankum’s “excess of personality.” The questioner had caught up with the Ferengi during an indulgent spa retreat at what appeared to be a clothing-optional resort. It would take some editing before the holo-recording could be added to the public record. A brave sort, the Bolian had played Sorehl’s greeting, then posed the questions exactly as dictated. Offscreen, the voice asked, “The continuing mission of Sky Harbor Aegis has entered public debate. Do you feel that you have contributed directly to this mission?” The recording showed a somewhat flustered Drankum. Whether it was the question, the tropical sun, or the spa “treatment” was unclear. “Of course I contributed directly to it!” he spouted loudly. “What a stupid question. Are you insane? I underwrote the profitable document that put the station in orbit! Without me there wouldn't be an Aegis!” His voice dropped to a mutter. “Did I contribute directly... who is your superior anyway?” A little less certain, the Bolian continued. “What do you feel has been your most significant contribution or Aegis' greatest success toward this mission?” “The station still has financing, does it not?” Drankum answered dismissively. “Individuals are still paid, are they not? I rest my case.” He leaned in to the towel one of his Risan escorts was patting against his forehead. “Why do you think the Cardassians have been unable to form a stable government eight years after the cessation of hostilities?” came the next question. “Oh,” he hissed, wrapping one hand around a moist, dripping glass, “we knew they wouldn't have a stable government for decades. Any humon or humon wannabe that says otherwise has been drinking too much.” As if to emphasize that point, he took a healthy gulp from his own beverage. “The entire goal was to put oversight in the sky over the Cardassians to ensure they didn't try to cause another war. It has happened throughout history and when it hasn't, very... deadly... things have been the result.” He set down the glass, wiping his mouth gently. “Was it the most ‘sentient friendly’ thing? No, but business, politics, and war rarely are.” He smiled at someone offscreen and waved them over. “Um,” the Bolian went on, “would you agree with elements who suggest Aegis has finished or failed its mission and should pull out from Cardassian space? Could its mission be performed elsewhere or by non-military assets?” Drankum smiled as he clasped a delicate set of feminine hands in his own. “I would wager that depends on what you define the Aegis mission as being, no? And how exactly could you keep your eye on the purse strings and bank accounts if you aren't in a place to see everything that is going on? Hum? What a boring question.” He sat up suddenly. “I am getting paid for this, am I not?” The Bolian opted not to answer, or simply didn’t know how to. He pressed on. “What, if anything, can be gained by Aegis' continued presence near Cardassia Prime? What should its remaining priorities, if any, be?” With a groan, Drankum issued his opinion, “Nothing has changed and what priorities there were remain... not to mention the fact that relocating Aegis would quite possibly be in violation of several different treaties and put the Ferengi Alliance in position to demand the return of the physical facility for our own use.” A smile played uncertainly across his features. “But I'm sure Starfleet hasn't read the fine print or thought that future forward. They were so profitable at doing that in the past.” The final question seemed to restore the Bolian’s confidence, as if the finish line was in sight. “In your opinion, Ambassador,” he asked, “do the Cardassians favor Aegis' continued presence, ignore it, or object to it as a foreign incursion? Should the Cardassians have a voice in whether Aegis remains in their space?” The Ferengi liaison frowned a little, summoning another female companion over. “As unprofitable as it is to say, does the rest of the quadrant actually care about public opinion?” He waved one hand in the air. “Well, I guess for some they do. Balance sheets are so much easier to understand. The Cardassians do have a voice... it's called attacking and causing another conflict. While good for business, wasn't exactly the point. Again, a crazy question.” He leaned in towards the holo-recorder. “Who exactly hired you anyway?” Drankum then shifted himself and his towel into a position that would require careful editing to maintain decorum. The recording ended with a UFP symbol and timestamp. Perhaps a transcript would be sufficient for the public record, Sorehl considered. He had been particularly interested to learn that Drankum’s personal luxury liner had left port shortly after the interview with an outbound flight plan for the Canar Trade Mission. It was a logical conclusion that such a path would bring him to Cardassia, which had proven true. Their conversation in Drankum’s self-named bar had been both enlightening and enlivening. Although he had not been drawn into such emotionalism, Sorehl could sense the palpable effect the Ferengi’s advent had amongst the crew. Tension eased. People smiled. Ambassador Joy Two was already suggesting that his presence could help heal diplomatic rifts she’d perceived. Drankum had returned to Aegis. What would Aegis return to?

No doubt about it - Turtledove's best. Since it's a standalone, I highly recommend it if you're interested in the alternate history genre. Nobody does it better.

Commissioner Sorehl paced along the length of the expansive VIP cabin on Deck 35. The multi-room complex was shared by his two eldest daughters, twelve and nine, who were both engaged in their own reading. Earlier, he had noted the irony of being quartered in the very section of the station he preferred to avoid when he’d commanded Sky Harbor seven years ago. Residents on Deck 35 frequently disrupted his otherwise well-ordered domain. He had found little reason to seek out such disruption. He lifted the PADD in his hand to visual height, invoking a transcript from the most recent off-station respondant to his inquiry. No doubt the source, another former CO of Aegis, would have understood an aversion for descending to the VIP deck. He perused the text from retired Rear Admiral I'ruam Goran, then keyed a replay of the subspace interview itself, which sprung to life on the wall behind the functional study desk. From appearances, Goran enjoyed some serenity in his retirement, although his visual features were still somewhat stern. Onscreen, Sorehl heard his own voice posing the first of several questions. “Admiral, what have you considered the mission of Sky Harbor Aegis to be?” Goran frowned briefly into the viewer. “I was personally unaware the mission had ever been up for debate,” he stated matter-of-factly. “My orders were to maintain a friendly port of call within the Cardassian star group while providing any and all assistance possible to the provisional Cardassian government.” “What do you feel was your most significant contribution or Aegis' greatest success toward this mission?” The response was brief. “No comment.” Sorehl recalled raising an eyebrow at this, although it was not part of the visual record. He considered whether the admiral simply wished his record to speak for itself. He could have pressed this point, but opted to extend professional courtesy and not pursue it. As a Vulcan, he was well acquainted with the preference to allow one's opinions to remain private. “Why do you think the Cardassians have been unable to form a stable government eight years after the cessation of hostilities?” A thoughful expression rippled across his Coridan features. “The term stable is too vague,” he asserted. “Do I believe the government is in operation? Yes. Does it function the way I believe it should? No. However, neither has any other governmental body I know of after less than a decade of existence.” “Would you agree with elements who suggest Aegis has finished, or failed, its mission and should pull out from Cardassian space?” Again, the answer was terse. “I would not.” “What, if anything, can be gained by Aegis' continued presence near Cardassia Prime? What should its remaining priorities, if any, be?” The trace of a smile tugged at one corner of the admiral’s lips. He had something to say about this. “The fact remains that the stability of the new Cardassian Union is an open question. It is not impossible for an outside force to still take advantage of the weakened state of the native military and governmental forces to further their own ends,” he related. “This has happened before and would happen again without the presence of a stabilizing force. Sky Harbor Aegis serves as something to be targeted by politicians, yet in its absence, the planet would have fallen into chaos during the past three years alone.” Goran leaned in toward the viewer, levying his assessment. “The present priority should remain that of maintaining security and providing a local friendly port of call in an area that has the potential to become strategically important once again.” “You spent time working with Cardassians during your time here. In your opinion, do they favor Aegis' continued presence, ignore it, or object to it as a foreign incursion?” Onscreen, Goran sniffed slightly. “The civilian pulse of Cardassia pulse has been incredibly difficult to determine since the arrival of the Dominion in the Alpha Quadrant over ten years ago.” The admiral leaned back, making an expansive gesture with one hand. “A child doesn’t necessarily appreciate the acts of its parent. Does that mean those acts were in error? Does it mean the lessons they taught were not valuable? I realize its politically incorrect to say so, but a similar situation exists with Cardassians. They love to hate Aegis. Yet, in the event of a military situation, Starfleet and its allies would be the first called to lend assistance. Why would we give up a position that could end a forest fire while it is still a small burning ember?” The image on the screen cut abruptly to a Federation seal, noting the stardate. Goran’s perspective was unique, Sorehl surmised. He had assumed command amidst some of the more turbulent events in Aegis history – terrorist attacks, increased diplomatic tension, the Breen attack. It was logical for him to see his role as primarily one of security, a concerned parent, but one that included being a stern disciplinarian. It was a contrast with Rear Admiral Meve, who had confided in one of his parting logs that he had considered the station’s mandate “to oversee and assist in the reconstruction efforts of Cardassia Prime.” (see Appropriateness) In handing the reigns of Aegis to Goran, Fred had noted that his political skills were “no longer necessarily appropriate.” Sorehl wondered if that were true. He glanced toward his own children. He had always considered his role as a father no less complicated than his position as a Starfleet command officer; it demanded many facets – counselor, diplomat, listener, authority figure. If Goran’s analogy of Aegis as a parent was correct, it might take the same multi-discipline approach to be successful.

Emminently logical.

A joint log of Commissioner Sorehl and Commander Joy One, taking place at Drankum’s... His outer cloak folded over one arm, Commissioner Sorehl approached the table where he had briefly met Commander Joy One earlier. “My interview is concluded,” he advised her. “Is now a convenient time for discussion?” “Certainly, commissioner,” she responded. “If I am called to testify, we might have to cut things short, but that is no reason not to talk.” Sorehl lowered his Vulcan frame into the empty chair. “I gather you are moving towards a diplomatic career,” Joy remarked. “I think this is a good choice. You should do well.” The Vulcan set aside the cloak, PADD, and stylus. “Strictly speaking,” he observed, “my role is advisory, rather than diplomatic. Although I have an official mandate, I do not represent the Federation government.” Joy looked unconvinced. “Council Special Commissioner?” “A title which allows me access to Starfleet facilities and personnel during my inquiry,” he explained. “It has also served to prompt more willing responses from civilians and diplomats, since I have no real means – or interest – in coercing their cooperation.” “Be that as it may, you are now firmly on the ambassador’s side of the fence,” Joy insisted. “Council sets policy. Starfleet implements policy. You are gathering the information needed to set a good policy. You will find you will very seldom get direct authority over Starfleet while you are serving Council, but if a majority of Council approves your recommendations, they will have a lasting effect on this part of the galaxy none the less, long after your mission here is over.” “Indeed,” Sorehl agreed. “On the basis of those credentials alone, I received far more external response than expected. In fact, I received a transmission from Joy Two with extended observations and recommendations. I assume you are already familiar with it?” Joy smiled at the notion of Two requiring credentials to prompt her to talk politics. Placing a soap box on a street corner would have served equally well. Still, no sense in diminishing the new commissioner's faith in his certification. “No,” Joy said. “I have not been in close proximity with Two since she wrote you. I haven’t had a chance to share that particular memory. Still, I doubt I will be much surprised by what she said. I don’t believe that the Endeavor incident will have shifted her views that much.” The Vulcan tilted his head with unconcealed curiosity. “Interesting,” he remarked, “you pool thoughts with the others in your series, yet you maintain an individualism with regards to perspective and opinion. This would seem to set you apart from other species with shared memories.” “Such as?” Sorehl considered his audience briefly before proceeding. “The Borg, if you forgive the reference. Obviously, they make no attempt to preserve individuality, subsuming even the most basic subjective experiences. “But there are others, of course,” he elaborated. “As a Vulcan, my own species is capable of sharing perspectives and memories through the employment of mind sciences and touch telepathy. For the less trained, it can be difficult to distinguish that which they experienced personally from that which they obtained from others. The Trill, however, seem to revel in their dualism. They remain distinct individuals, but blend in the memories of their past hosts.” He reflected on his exposure to the cultures of the Gamma Quadrant. “The Vorta tell me they consider each of their clones a continuation of the same individual, simply uploading their past memories. And, of course, the Founders are able to share both form and memory through their Great Link, but for unknown reasons separate themselves into individuals.” Joy thought for a moment. “What we do is not an exact match with any of those races. We have no long range unifying link, like the Founders or the Borg. We can only exchange memories when we are in close proximity, and have opportunity to shut down for the several hours it takes to perform a data base merge. When the process is complete, the internal data sets of the two androids are perfectly bit-by-bit identical, only to start diverging immediately after the merge is over. The merge process involves deleting memories as well as exchanging them. Whenever a massive dose of new memories is imported, the oldest memories and those least often called upon to solve problems are deleted. “Which is one reason,” Joy continued, “why classes of Mudd androids are physically identical. A ‘skill’ is often a recalling of a movement or a process from memory. If my hardware was not identical to that of my sisters, the ‘skill’ would not take cleanly. Fingers might be the wrong size, or the center of gravity would be different. Our self repair nanites are most stubborn about this. No modifications are allowed. No enhancements are permitted, unless they are made at the same time to the entire class, which is so awkward that it is almost never done. Thus, while we will shut down and exchange data with other Joys, our communications with the Alyces, Normans, Stellas, and the rest are rather mundane, similar enough to speech between organic beings. Even among Joys, we will use conversation, letters, and comm badges when distance intervenes or time does not permit.” Sorehl folded his arms. “I can see a potential for such total sharing to cause security problems.” Joy smiled. “There are all sorts of implications. My sister Three works as a tour guide in New York City, at a historic jewelry store called Tiffany’s. She has the most impressive collection of security clearances of any tour guide in the known galaxy. She must honor the sum of the security requirements of all her Starfleet and diplomatic sisters. In return, any of us can answer any number of exotic questions about 19th and 20th century Earth jewelry, and the history of New York City. If something happened to Ambassador Seven at San Francisco, Three would be perfectly capable of leaving Tiffany’s and covering the Presidio. If something happened to three of the four Joys that are usually on Earth, we could start up the assembly line on Mudd, create three new Joy class bodies, and download memories from the survivor. All that would be lost would be a few days of memories, the equivalent of a slight case of amnesia.” “Fascinating.” “We do share a few benefits and problems with the Trill. In ten years, ten Joys will acquire and share a century’s worth of life experience. Five hundred Alyces could do the same in a few months. We carry these experiences in bodies that appear to be about 25 years old. As our greatest pleasure is in obeying orders, the Starfleet Joys will try as much as possible to walk about wearing an ensign’s pips, or a lieutenant’s.” “So some of you appear unqualified for your jobs, but you may in fact be over-qualified,” the Vulcan stated. “Then you must take efforts to avoid being promoted into less-preferred positions?” Joy nodded. “We have been recycling ourselves. A commander retires and joins the diplomatic service. A diplomat retires and becomes a tour guide. A tour guide joins Starfleet and becomes an ensign.” “This would not be a permanent solution.” “In another few human generations, we will have to think of another approach.” Sorehl considered. “If your greatest pleasure is in obeying orders, who gives orders to an ambassador?” “At Priority Three, we are bound to preserve, protect and defend the Federation Constitution. I expect you could find this directive alone to be a source of pride, pleasure, and contentment enough – if your culture admitted that these things existed. Such a Priority does earns one enemies, though. Captain Savage. Admiral Forrester. Admiral Hastings. Admiral Goram. Is it logical to take pride in one’s enemies?” Sorehl rose an eyebrow, and simply stated, “No.” Pride was not logical. This required no explanation. Joy almost laughed. “I suspect we had best save the philosophy for another time. You do have the equivalent of an emotion chip as part of your make up. Denying it and suppressing it is central to your culture. But... another time.” Sorehl considered the merits of discussing the nuances of emotional mastery versus denial, but agreed it was not the subject he had come to discuss. He slid his PADD toward her. “I trust I break no confidence in sharing Joy Two’s response with you in advance of your linking?” “No. If you have no objection, I have none, though my next link with Two will likely happen sooner than you might expect. The MMS Mudd is in system, and inbound. If you have a fact finding mission, Two has been given an oversight mission. Council must be assured that Starfleet is adequately handling the Endeavor incident.” One fell silent, reading through her sister’s letter, finally sliding it back to the center of the table, considering what was said and not said. “Is there information you would like to add that is not contained in her assessment?” Joy looked directly into his eyes. “Not so much information, as a perspective, which might be more important than information. Your mission as commissioner is to propose a broad policy for Aegis and its environment. Two is concerned about preventing a repeat of a... feud that developed between Starfleet and the diplomatic corps during her last assignment here. Just before the Breen attack that essentially destroyed the last incarnation of Aegis, Two was roughly aligned with the Romulans, Cardassians and Gorn against Starfleet. Part of it was a Breen psych op, designed to break up the Aegis alliance prior to their attack. More of it was distrust between species, a selfish passion for authority and control that destroyed understanding and cooperation.” Joy picked up the PADD containing her sister’s letter. “This isn’t about policy. It is at a much lower level. This is about walking through the issues raised in that old feud, settling them, and making sure they don’t start up again. It is a proposed division of responsibilities, written at a degree of detail that Council will not be eager to debate. Basically, Admiral Goram’s ideas of diplomatic protocol and security didn’t work. Two is proposing a scaled down version of the more traditional approach used at the Presidio. Council will not be excited by it. It does not belong in your executive summary. Bury it in an appendix.” “But it is still important?” “Very. If someone doesn’t create and maintain a solid working relationship between Starfleet and the diplomatic corps -- Federation, Cardassian and any other powers willing to contribute -- it is very doubtful that anything else you might present to Council will matter.”

Sorehl slid the PADD back toward himself, having concluded his discussion with Commander Joy One. He had shared with her the input he had received from her counterpart, Ambassador Joy Two, which had consisted of recommendations to expand the diplomatic role of the station and provided some guidelines toward that end. He thumbed one of the controls, illuminating the text: Subject : Cardassian and Aegis Policy From : Ambassador Joy Two To : Aegis Special Commissioner Precedence : Routine Classification : Routine Encryption : UFP39D Commissioner I received from my sister One a copy of your questionnaire, and her responses. I and my other sisters in the diplomatic corps and have given the matter of Aegis and Cardassia much thought. While One gave answers to your quite reasonable questions, I would like add comments from prior experience which will be much more specific. Take them in the tone of lessons learned, of advice I might give to you or any other diplomat seeking to rebuild an Aegis diplomatic corps. Get Council to pass an open unclassified set of directives entirely compatible with any specific instructions that must be kept classified. I assume your fact finding mission is in preparation for Council debate. The resulting Council directives should be openly posted in the Aegis observation lounge, and accessible by all. Make it clear that Council and the legislative branch sets policy, and that Starfleet and the executive branch implements policy. Admiral Forrester and others have of late corrupted the Starfleet chain of command. It must be made clear that anything coming down the pipe from Starfleet that conflicts with the policies of Council has to be reported back up the chain to both Admiralty and Council. On Gamma Quad’s Camelot station, policy and high level planning meetings are held at their Round Table. Federation ambassadors are generally welcome, and often foreign ambassadors as well. If there was a conflict between Council policy and Starfleet orders, it would be painfully obvious. During my time on Aegis, every effort was maintained to exclude the diplomatic corps from information flow and decision making. Thus, the oversight function of civilian control of the military was entirely neutralized, which allow Forresters to thrive. Somehow, given repeated failure and corruption of the Starfleet chain of command, oversight must be restored in a way that minimizes impact on Starfleet efficiency, without crippling Starfleet command authority. On my prior assignment to Aegis, Starfleet preempted entirely diplomatic functions. I was told to represent Mudd, while an admiral represented the Federation. This can work in a stable environment with relatively little diplomatic activity, but with four foreign powers active on the station, there was no way the station command staff could perform both the diplomatic and military functions. The admiral had no time to achieve mutual understanding with the diplomats, so he instead issue abrupt orders with a minimum of courtesy and protocol. Should a significant number of foreign diplomats return to Aegis, I would recommend that the senior officer delegate either his diplomatic or military functions. I do not believe one individual can effectively do both. Again, Camelot might serve as an example. Admiral Day focused primarily on policy and politics, while Captain Corizon took responsibility for day to day operations. The alternative would be to allow the diplomatic corps to perform diplomatic functions. I would make clear Starfleet’s obligation to honor diplomatic protocol. The short form I attempted to invoke said “do not search, scan, detain or issue orders to diplomatic personnel, embassies or ships. Treat ambassadors with courtesy and respect. Honor any reasonable request politely made.” Unfortunately, as the foreign diplomatic corps began to arrive, Starfleet was stubbornly insistent on refusing all access to external data and station policy, which resulted in a series of retaliatory harassment actions by the diplomatic corps. This got out of hand. An escalating series of incidents developed where everyone attempted to prove their status and power by being uncooperative and rude. Late in the process I attempted to get the diplomats to step back, to break the cycle, to resume the traditional norm of courtesy and cooperation. When Starfleet did not respond in kind, the diplomatic mission fell apart. I would suggest that the diplomatic corps have the primary responsibility to maintain friendly relations among the diplomats, and it is Starfleet’s duty to cooperate in this. While the Federation diplomatic corps should in general have no direct authority over Starfleet -- short of achieving a majority vote in Council -- it should be made clear that Starfleet may not disrupt diplomatic communications, may not subvert diplomatic protocol, may not give insult, may not ground diplomatic couriers, may not in any way actively conspire to prevent diplomatic activity from taking place. In return, Federation diplomatic corps might take responsibility for making sure foreign diplomats do not disrupt Starfleet operations. Yes, if negotiations get difficult, or ambassador sized egos get bruised, I would expect annoyance violations of protocol as a means of ‘making a statement.’ I do not expect the foreign diplomatic corps will be universally saints. Still, until we are sure the xenophobic militant taint is cleared from Starfleet, it should be the diplomatic corps that is responsible for maintaining working relationships, and Starfleet should yield to the diplomatic corps on matters of protocol and courtesy. I should add that any Federation members of any embassies open on Aegis should be selected carefully. They must agree entirely with whatever policy is set by Council. While in many cases multiple representatives holding conflicting positions can be advantageous, after years of sending conflicting signals and showing conflicting policies to the Cardassians, a single unified voice is required. This would be true of Starfleet and the Diplomatic Corps as well. There will be differences. Starfleet is responsible for using force to defend the Federation and our allies. The diplomatic corps is responsible for maintaining peaceful relationships, for exercising diplomacy, for making sure force remains the last resort. The tension of different primary missions will always be there. Extra effort should be made for the diplomatic corps and Starfleet to maintain a common front in public. The diplomatic corps must not prevent Starfleet from using its most effective means to perform assigned tasks. Starfleet must allow negotiation in good faith, not block or disrupt diplomacy, and not dishonor the word of the diplomatic corps. The two groups must respect each other’s function and perspectives, settling differences quietly behind closed doors. But, mostly, Starfleet must learn to respect rule of law. Starfleet cannot initiate offensive action by its own initiative. Council authorizes offensive use of force. Interstellar treaties must be honored. If a treaty become obsolete or counterproductive, the diplomatic corps must renegotiate a new treaty. Until Council ratifies the new treaty, the old treaty has force of law. Starfleet may not arbitrarily suspend free trade, flaunting economic treaties. Before suspending civilian traffic, they must show a clear and present danger that justifies a declared state of emergency. Starfleet may not censor speech. They may not detain individuals without probable cause. They may not search private areas without establishing probable cause. In short, Starfleet must acknowledged that the Guaranteed Rights of Sentient Beings apply to all aboard a Federation ship or station. This is not to suggest the ambassador corps should be holding surprise white glove inspections seeking to uncover violations of obscure internal Starfleet regulations. This is not to suggest that diplomats should be directly reprimanding low ranking Starfleet personnel. However, the station command staff must recognize the need to establish rule of law. If an ambassador expresses concern, Starfleet senior officers should be ready to acknowledge their duties and responsibilities. Starfleet respect for law and civilian command authority must become a Starfleet priority. It is in everyone’s interest that Starfleet embrace this task itself, rather than forcing civilian command authority to implement external controls and fail safes. Still, civilian authority cannot stand aside and allow officers such as Admiral Forrester to continue to corrupt Starfleet’s culture and chain of command. The ambassadors do have a legitimate oversight role. Cooperation by Starfleet in restoring military discipline could make such oversight relatively painless. But all this depends on what policies Council decides to authorize. It would be easy at this point to make Cardassia a long term enemy. It will be challenging indeed, thanks to Forrester and his kind, to make her a friend. I would of course take up the challenge. I eagerly await your report. Ambassador Joy Two

Sorehl leaned back against his chair in Drankum’s, his fingers still steepled in a double-ta’al triangle. It was now common knowledge that he was the Commissioner who had been sent to assess Aegis’ mission and make recommendations regarding its future. To avoid disruption of station activity and ensure impartiality in their responses, Sorehl had not identified himself to the junior officers he had been interviewing. As a result, he believed he had received more honest feedback, without undue influence due to his rank or past Aegis history. Political shifts in the Federation had warranted a reassessment of the continuing mission of Sky Harbor Aegis. As a former commanding officer, Sorehl’s input had been sought by the Security Council. In that role, he had overseen initial construction and placement of the Jovian-class station in Cardassian space. He had negotiated its operation with Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, and Ferengi parties. Despite his later postings to Empok Nor and Camelot Station, he had keenly followed events on Aegis. Since he had resigned his post and entered the Reserves, the Council opted to appoint him to a civilian post as Commissioner to conduct an inquiry on their behalf. Added to his own personal knowledge, he now had the perspectives of many who’d served here, past and present, as well as diplomats and civilians. Sorehl sipped at the newly-refreshed glass of Altair water. The usual, Patti had called it. He glanced around the familiar confines of the establishment. Drankum had played a significant role in establishing and continuing this station. He found himself wondering whether the Ferengi was. He looked across at the now-vacant chair across from him. Sorehl had just spoken with Commander Ethan Hawke, listening to her opinions. As an officer, it was clear she felt her duty was to support policy, not to influence it. But she had accepted his assurance that the Council and the Admiralty were seeking the thoughts of those on the “front line”. She had been sufficiently candid. In addition to the officers of Aegis, he had heard from Gorn, Federation, and Romulan diplomats, and had contacted K’Vorlag for a Klingon response. Assuming a successful conclusion of the captain’s court-martial, Sorehl would share his preliminary findings with Muon before submitting his final report to the Security Council. He would also recommend further input from the Cardassians themselves, either through his own inquiry or the action of better-trained diplomats. The captain would undoubtedly look for counsel from her own crew, as was only proper. The future of Aegis, he reasoned, was yet to be decided.