Ultimatum

[Guest Commissioner]

"The Sixth Order has taken a position near Septimus, but all reports describe six of the unknown ships moving away from our space and ignoring all contacts," Legate Tulet explained in the quiet setting of the Castellan's office. "The Fourth Order is converging on the Ventani system," he added, pointing to the oval display, "which is where they should intercept the Starfleet task force."

 

"Has there been any response to our concerns or to the deployment?" the Castellan asked, looking toward his Foreign Minister. (See previous log, Barriers)

 

From one of the chairs circled in front of the desk, the minister merely frowned and shook his head once. "The Federation ambassador in orbit is making herself available for discussion, urging us to communicate."

 

Unbidden, the director of the Obsidian Legion spoke softly. "Your Excellency," he reported, "from the communications we've decrypted, Starfleet seems to think their own pressing security needs override our concerns. Either they dismiss our objections or they simply don't believe we have the means to assert them."

 

The senior executive listened to the intelligence officer, trying to disguise his distaste. Though he held no animosity towards the director, his mistrust of what had long been their society's internal secret police was well-engrained. "Then let us 'communicate' our displeasure clearly," the Castellan finally spoke.

 

He got to his feet, stepping toward the plexisteel window. "Issue a statement that, to avoid entangling interference with conflicts outside its interests, the Cardassian Union is exercising its legitimate right to close its borders to all inbound Federation military spacecraft." He spoke the language extemporaneously. "Not on the diplomatic link. Broadcast it on all public channels. And have Ambassador Dukor deliver it officially to the Federation Council."

 

"Mr. Castellan," the Foreign Minister asserted, "we're risking a serious escalation. These ships are prepared for war. Lives are at stake."

 

The Cardassian leader looked toward Marshall Marrett. "Advise our ships that they are forbidden to take violent action against any Federation ship. Under no circumstances are they to open fire with my direct authority. Is that clear?"

 

Marrett shifted uncomfortably in his chair, looking apoplectic. "No circumstances? Are our soldiers to remain defenseless?"

 

The Castellan actually smiled. "I seriously doubt the Federation will open fire on our warships," he reasoned aloud. A thoughtful look crossed his face. "Specify our rules of engagement are to withdraw if provocative action occurs."

 

Marrett looked for support among the other advisors. "And if Starfleet crosses the border despite our 'sternly worded memo'?"

 

"Then they will have openly demonstrated their refusal to recognize the territorial sovereignty of this government," the Castellan explained. "The Federation will expose their hypocrisy. They will lose our cooperation."

 

"And what about Aegis?" came the question from Legate Tulet. "Their support ship is leaving the system."

 

The Castellan circled behind his chair, pulling aside the curtain. "Aegis is free to operate here as part of the treaty we signed," he admitted. He looked toward his desk and the unopened box on one side. "We just named its captain a Hero of the Cardassian Union. We're not going to interfere with her now. But the other ships – I want them challenged at the border."

 

"Sir..." the Foreign Minister began.

 

"They didn't even ask for permission to pass through our space," the Castellan cut him off. "It's as if the Federation already thinks of Cardassian space as an extension of their own territory."

 

He looked back toward the window. Darkening clouds, crackling with lightning, rolled over the capital city. Nearly a decade ago, the Dominion bombardment of their homeworld had changed not only the topography, but even the weather patterns. Was it an ill wind moving in? "It seems we're about to learn whether they truly intend us to be a slave race or a nation."

Edited June 8, 2008 by Commissioner

[Einya trAeolix 0]

The Federation, not respect borders and sovereignty of other powers... never!