More than Sipping Brandy

[Cptn Neptune 0]

Author's Note: Thanks to my co-writer, the lovely Colonel Harper who played the Purple Lizard. :P

 

Neptune Rex walked slowly along the flowing, burbling teal waters of the Hamjad Park high above the skies of the capitol city, he glanced to the Saurian diplomat who accompanied him. The diplomatic mission had thus far been a success much more so than his last mission as an Ambassador, at least this time he didn't toured around the scenic ice cliffs of Andoria.

 

Gamble hadn't been allowed on this little trip, and had been left behind to idly chatter with some Saurian functionary, Neptune almost felt sorry for him--almost.

 

The Saurian watched Neptune with a mild interest. The ambassador was pleasant enough, he supposed, though of course most ambassadors were.

 

"Minister," Neptune finally said as he stopped beneath a flowering tree along the bank of the river. "I am sure you're aware that United Earth didn't just send us here to drink Brandy and chit-chat."

 

It was hard to tell, with the reptilian visage, but it appeared the minister was amused. "That is as good a description of diplomacy as I have heard, Ambassador," he said. "But I presume you mean to come to the point of your visit?"

 

"Besides the obvious cultural exchange, the UE and our Coalition are always looking for allies against our mutual enemies."

 

"Those being?"

 

"The Romulans," he said quite honestly. "Orion Pirates, the Klingons...the Nauscicans..."

 

The minister gave some thought to this. "We have had cordial enough relations with some of those you mention..."

 

Pausing for a moment, "For now Minister, for now. But how long do you think it will be after the fall of the Coalition forces before the vultures spot your lovely little planet?"

 

"And her resources..."

 

"The majority of our valuable resources come from things we craft, such as our brandy." He tilted his head slightly. "There would be little value in trying to extract raw materials from us."

 

"Your people are capable of breathing five different atmospheres, are exceptionally hardy, and are skilled scientists as well as laborers," Neptune pointed out flatly. "I'd call that a resource."

 

He inclined his head. "I will concede that point."

 

"The Coalition of Planets needs every resource we can get." He spoke the truth; from the reports he'd gotten, Andorian Intelligence estimated that the Coalition was not fully prepared for a major combat situation. "The more members we have the better chance we all have to survive."

 

"Joining your Coalition would mean bringing my people into a fight we had no part in starting," the minister pointed out. "How can I conscience that?"

 

"You'd only be delaying the inevitable."

 

"Why should we not ally ourselves with the Tholians, or the Klingons? They have been here longer than you humans."

 

"Because they don't make allies, only slaves."

 

"Human arrogance." The Saurian sniffed disdainfully. "You look at the galaxy and see what you expect to see."

 

Lifting a perplexed eyebrow, "Well, given the body of evidence..."

 

"So. You ask us to give your Coalition resources, soldiers... in return you offer nebulous promises of safety against a threat that may never materialize."

 

Shaking his head, "It's more than that."

 

"Oh?" He folded his arms, waiting.

 

"It's a chance to come together as different races from different worlds in the hope of a lasting peace."

 

"Then you would have me send my people to die... for an ideal? A dream?"

 

"Direct military aide is only one possible way of participating in the Coalition, Minister."

 

He considered. "Perhaps we might speak of the others."

 

"Your people's scientific and industrial abilities could be invaluable to the Coalition," Neptune began walking again, tucking his hands behind his back. "We're looking for more than just lambs to feed to the beast."

 

"We might be able to come to some preliminary arrangement on that score," the minister agreed, drifting along beside Neptune. "I doubt if full membership in this Coalition of yours is the best thing for my people at present."

 

Nodding, it was better than nothing. "I am pleased to hear that Minister. After I report back to my government, I'll have some more defined offers for your government to consider."