Status and Plans

[Joy 0]

"We have one formation of twelve Warbirds," said Joy Eight from the bridge of her courier, "and a second formation of six. Ambassador tr'Aeolix's Warbird has also just cleared the station."

 

Bruce nodded into the comm board in the front lobby of the Mudd consulate. "The Romulan Embassy has apparently been evacuated. There are Federation guards outside it now. I've put Alyce 256 out in front of our door, more to keep an eye on who is going where than to defend the door."

 

"Two is with the Admiral now. Hopefully, we'll get briefed on the situation shortly."

 

"What's the plan?" Bruce really hoped there was a plan.

 

Eight paused briefly. "Get diplomacy started. Apparently, both the Romulans and Federation are thinking in terms of fleet action first, diplomacy second. Both militaries are moving fleets before the diplomatic corps is being briefed. Unless Two learns something really unusual, we find out what everyone thinks is going on, and try to make sure everyone is acting on good information."

 

"Did Two give you her paranoia theory?"

 

"Yes." Eight sighed. "It seems very likely now that someone is trying to provoke a conflict. Clearly, the Federation and Romulans are major players. I am hoping that one of them at least is honoring treaties, is looking for nothing beyond return to status quo. That would make it so much harder on the aggressor."

 

"Good guys honor treaties?"

 

"I cannot think of why anyone would go through this much trouble just to maintain the status quo. If neither the Federation or the Romulans are making expansionist demands, I'd look really hard for outside provocation."

 

Bruce nodded. "I'll let you know if anything changes."

 

"I too. Very good. Keep an eye out for press conferences and media coverage as well. The gathering of public support would have to start soon."

 

"GNN has already called," reported Bruce. "Seven's reputation as a good source seems to have spread out to their branch offices."

 

"Good," said Eight. "The time is not quite right yet, but don't discourage them too badly."

Edited September 16, 2006 by Joy

[Joy 0]

Subject : Request for a Position Paper

From : Joy Eight, MMS Mudd

To : Ambassador Einya tr'Aaolix

CC : Hes'tral t'Oryla; Joy Two, Sky Harbor Aegis

 

 

Ambassador

 

My sister Two is currently with the Admiral, and is hopefully being briefed on the situation. I would expect, given the situation, that your perspective would be different from his.

 

Mudd's interest, at Priority Two, as would be consistent with Asimov's First Law, would be to prevent interstellar conflict. To this end, I would like to understand the nature of the disagreement. If you would like, we could convey your position to the rest of the diplomatic corps.

 

If you should wish direct contact with the diplomatic corps, the services of the MMS Mudd will be available.

 

Joy Eight