Clearance for Departure

[Joy 0]

Aegis Tower, this is Captain Joy Eight of diplomatic courier MMS Mudd requesting clearance to depart. Our intent is to free our sensors and stand away from possible trouble. No diplomatic bull. We will comply with directions. We have emergency evacuation capability for 100, and atmospheric re-entry capability. I will be able to give you Warp 9 in five minutes. We will accept a vector for rescue operation if desired. If not, we request a standard orbit, Cardassia Prime.

[Joy 0]

Subject : Rixian Values or Virtues

From : Ambassador Joy Two

To : Doctor Nicolas Lepage

 

 

Doctor

 

This is an off topic question. I would not ask you to put aside your normal duties to ask it, but you are the one person I know of who might be able to provide a prompt answer.

 

Many cultures have defining values or virtues. When discussing political matters, I have found it wise to emphasize aspects echoing the culture of the individual I am speaking with. Thus, one uses logic when speaking to a Vulcan, works from a position of honor and strength when dealing with Klingons, and tracks profit potential when dealing with Ferengi.

 

Do the Rixians have similar defining virtues? Could you summarize what they might be?

 

Until a short time ago, they seemed to present a difficult moral problem that need not be addressed immediately. I begin to suspect the urgency level will soon increase.

 

Ambassador Joy Two

[Joy 0]

Subject : Terrorism and Three Orders

From : Ambassador Joy Two, Sky Harbor Aegis

To : Legate Dukor, Sky Harbor Aegis

Classification : Hand Carry, Eyes Only

 

 

Sir

 

You recently proposed that three Orders of the Cardassian military should be reconstituted immediately. I responded, among other things, that nothing involving diplomacy occurs immediately. I might add, things change.

 

You mentioned that the three Orders were suitable for the security and administration of the civilian areas which will eventually be returned to Cardassian sovereignty. Would such forces be genuinely useful in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, and in providing security to prevent future terrorist attacks? If so, this may be the proper time to take at least one step forward. You might present the long term plan as a work in progress, but request approval for the first step as an immediate short term need. The move might also free up Federation security forces for other duties.

 

Androids are not strong on intuition. In this case, as this violence follows so shortly after the assassination attempt on Captain Ayers, I am inclined to believe the terrorists are likely to be Rixian. I have heard of no group taking responsibility, which would imply the terrorist motives are not too obscure. The scale is significant. This implies the backing of some sizable organization or government.

 

Cardassian security would be much better informed than I on groups which might be responsible. I would be very interested in hearing their opinions, or preferably their proofs.

 

We are at the moment in a defensive mode, responding and reacting. It will likely be followed by a preventative phase, where we might thwart a repeat of identical tactics, but preventing all possible forms of terrorist attack is a difficult proposition. Positive identification of the opponent would be helpful for any possible diplomatic or offensive phase, where we might attempt to neutralize the sponsoring organization, or address the underlying causes that resulted in terror.

 

I would welcome any additional thoughts.

 

Joy Two

[Joy 0]

Subject : Recent Attacks

From : Ambassador Joy Two

To : Captain Ayers

CC : Admiral Gorin

Security : Confidential

 

 

Captain

 

I was pleased by your request for conversation. I quite understand the need to put it off. I hope it can be rescheduled reasonably soon.

 

I do have one additional question. A brief response would be appreciated.

 

The diplomatic corps is guessing, based purely on our understanding of local political tensions, that the recent bombings are related to the Rixia situation, and thus to the recent attack on yourself. I personally suspect that you said or did something that made you a particular focus of some group on Rixia, most likely their medical - political establishment. (If so, I can hardly blame you, and shall not fault you. I am displeased with them myself.) Could you confirm or refute this? While we have a good deal of medical background on the Rixia situation, we would like a better understanding of the motivations and issues involved.

 

We are looking into other possibilities as well, and will forward what we can.

 

Ambassador Joy Two