Upheaval

[Joy 0]

Subject : Upheaval

From : Ambassador Joy Two, Sky Harbor Aegis

To : Ambassador Joy Seven, Earth

CC : Captain Muon Quark

Encryption : JOY0207: A32BD539

Precedence : Flash

 

 

In speaking to Kith Ghemor, and in observing Cardassian fleet movements, it has become clear that the initial intercept of Starfleet elements by the Cardassians was intended as a demonstration of disapproval rather than an intent to use force.

 

I have received a preview of Commissioner Sorehl’s intended report to the Council. The recommendation is to be withdrawing Aegis from the vicinity of Cardassia Prime. It is time, he thought, to give Cardassia full autonomy. He suspects that the presence of the station endangers Cardassia Prime more than protects it. While in principle a Federation station might aid and enhance Cardassian recovery efforts, in practice little of this has been taking place.

 

His position is logical, but was not cleared by local Starfleet. His arguments are reasonably sound, but Starfleet might be getting blind sided on this. I am sending a copy of this note to Captain Quark, and this might be the first she hears of it.

 

Commissioner Sorehl’s logic meshes very well with the Cardassian protests. They are itching to resume sovereignty. They no longer wish us freely traversing their space. They were apparently concerned that our contacts with Species 8472 would draw them into violence. At first look, this seems to be the case. I assured Cardassia that our intent was to open diplomatic contact with 8472, that we wished to avoid violence, however violence ensued. USS Pandora’s Box is apparently retreating towards Aegis, and is being pursued by 8472 forces. I only briefly was able to view the Aegis situation board, but it seems the Cardassians are supporting the Federation, though I doubt they will be pleased.

 

I am holding informal discussions with Cardassian representative Kith Ghemor. We agree very much in principle that the time for Cardassian autonomy is nigh. He suggests that the borders of the new Cardassian Union should properly be tight, that the Federation should handle (or be stuck with) border related issues. We both fear that the recent violence will make a cleanly negotiated autonomy more difficult. The intends to carefully introduce the possibility of autonomy into his political community. I fear you might have to do so in San Francisco. Sorehl’s logic is sound, but he seems to expect that the political community is going to be logical.

 

While Kith Ghemor and I are in agreement on a reasonable path, we are several light years ahead of the rest of both governments. The violence will not make this easier.

 

As for the fleet action... As in the Breen conflict, while the Cardassians have every reason to upset at the Federation, they are once more committing their fleet to support Starfleet. From a moral and political stand point, we would have an obligation to support them. If we have drawn them into a conflict not of their making, there will be a high cost if we do not do our utmost to prevent further injury and damage to Cardassia.

 

On the other hand, the lack of diplomatic contact all around is abominable. No one knows why the 8472 are attacking one particular First Federation outpost. No one knew the intent of the Cardassian intercept of our fleets was until after contact was made. To my knowledge, Starfleet did not coordinate with the Cardassians before moving towards the First Federation. To have large Federation Fleets show up in support of Cardassia seems a moral and political requirement, but escalating the violence without strenuous attempts towards talk first and violence as a last resort would be in error.

 

I would like to be informed of Starfleet’s intent on reinforcement. I urge that Cardassia be kept informed and that their opinions be honored.

 

I am currently giving Kith Ghemor a guided tour of the Aegis shelter area.

 

There seems to be a need for a courier small enough that it could not be construed as a military threat. Is the Mudd free and in the area?

 

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