A Surge of Diplomacy

[Sorehl 0]

Commissioner Sorehl had not anticipated his testimony spilling into a second day, especially after spending four hours discussing his recommendations and the military impacts. But there had been insufficient time to expand on the diplomatic challenges, as well as provide commentary on the unstated third objective of the Aegis mission. The delegates, while clearly espousing conflicting views, had demonstrated a collective thoughfulness in exploring their options.

 

“The recent past has seen an unexpected rapproachment with the fledgling Cardassian government,” the Vulcan summarized. “This is no doubt due to a surge, if you’ll forgive the expression, in diplomatic effort centered at Aegis. In addition, the Presidium specifically cited this Council’s gesture of good faith in reaffirming the sovereignty of their borders. By the benchmark measures established in the Assembly, it is hardly disputable that Cardassian-Federation relations are at a post-war high.”

 

“And yet, Captain,” the Grazerite delegate noted with deceptive pleasantry, invoking rank over civilian title, “as a trade for reducing our military presence, you recommend a move that could abandon these gains.”

 

Sorehl shook his head politely. “While I firmly endorse the increased diplomatic role Sky Harbor has resumed, I question whether an orbital facility is a necessary feature of good relations. Planetside embassies and trade missions can provide more accessible and permanent utility, both physically and symbolically. Indeed, they may even provide additional financial stimulus – construction, added personnel, and the implication of increased stability for tourism offer clear economic benefits.”

 

The Grazerite blinked her eyes ponderously. “Then a withdrawal should be coupled with other political gestures,” she prompted. “Perhaps a formal end to the occupation? A declaration of Cardassian autonomy?”

 

“There are clearly diplomatic considerations involved in the withdrawal of Aegis,” Sorehl acknowledged, “but it would be inappropriate for me to advise on subjects outside the scope of my commission.”

 

A low, gravelly voice from the Efrosian delegate joined the commentary. “That is a convenient evasion, Commissioner,” he noted. “What you’re proposing would spark a basic shift in our dealings with the Cardassians. And you have no suggestions, no motives for addressing that?”

 

The Vulcan’s response was immediate. “I am foremost an engineer, occasionally constrained to command and strategic planning. I am neither qualified or authorized to advance policy, since it is beyond my mandate.”

 

“Your recommendations ignore the political importance of a base at the Cardassian homeworld,” the Efrosian continued, representing his portion of the Idealist caucus. “The debate can’t be reduced to a simple binary statement of whether it stays or goes.”

 

Sorehl considered the statement. “I agree. But I am not debating. I am making an informed recommendation.”

 

“What about the economic impact of such a move?” the Argelian delegate threw in.

 

“I am even less qualified to address those considerations,” Sorehl admitted, using considerable emotional restraint to overcome his dismissive impulse. “The Ferengi may be concerned about the sizable investment they have made in Aegis commercial facilities. Still, I suspect such matters would be the subject of negotiation.” He had no way of knowing how much of an understatement this would later prove to be.

 

The Vulcan delegate, who had been quiet through most of the proceedings, spoke up. “It has been suggested that this Council lacks the authority to make a unilateral decision on the fate of Aegis.”

 

“Quite true,” Sorehl relented. “Any withdrawal should be managed with Cardassian consent to develop a mutually acceptable timetable. It is even possible their government does not wish to encourage the withdrawal of Sky Harbor.” He let a long pause lapse. “But I seriously doubt it."

 

The other Vulcan folded his hands on the O-shaped table. “You misunderstand,” came the mild rebuke. “It has been suggested that Aegis is not ours to withdraw.”

 

To his right, a Rigelian diplomat leaned forward. “This was originally an Allied project,” he observed. “Wouldn’t it take an agreement from our allies to effect a withdrawal? Possibly the Klingons or the Romulans would be interested in taking our place in operating Sky Harbor? They made investments and contributions to the station, too.”

 

The delegate from Andor nodded. “There are those that suggest a return to operations by a joint-body of our allies.”

 

“Impossible,” Sorehl stated firmly. There was a look of mild surprise from the Andorian across the table. “One cannot return to a state that never existed.” The Vulcan leaned forward on his elbows. “We return to subjects on which I am qualified to speak. The suggestion - particularly by the Romulans - that Starfleet pushed out our allies, assumed ownership of Aegis, and resisted sharing control demonstrates a willful ignorance of fact. As a signatory to those early agreements, I admit I held a naïve expectation of great operational contributions by the Romulans, the Klingons, and the Bajorans. It never materialized. The number of foreign senior officers assigned to Aegis in the subsequent eight years can be listed in single digits. Governor K’Vorlag summed up Klingon indifference with the statement: ‘There are no monuments to glorious occupations’.

 

“There were significant investments in Cardassian reconstruction by the Romulans and especially the Ferengi. These should not be understated,” he acknowledged, “but it represents the bulk of their post-war contribution. It should similarly limit the extent of their influence over the fate of Aegis. The decision to remove a facility they have chosen to ignore should have little bearing on Allied relations with us or with the Cardassians.”

 

Sorehl eased back against his chair, knowing his comments had been less than diplomatic. A period of silence followed, which he was uncertain how to interpret. Did they not anticipate the firmness of his answer? He had spent six months interviewing and gather data and reviewing official logs. His conclusions were neither pre-conceived or ill-founded.

 

“If the Council will indulge me,” he spoke, trying to shift the momentum, “I have previously discussed the stated missions of Aegis and my belief that they have been accomplished. In concluding my remarks, I would like to address the unstated mission of Aegis – a third, unadmitted role whose fulfillment, if required, would demand an unending presence:

 

“Making certain Cardassia never rises to threaten our peace again…”

Edited July 10, 2008 by Sorehl

[Sorehl 0]

Sorehl sipped from the glass of Altair water that had been provided for him. The Security Council had called for a brief adjournment - a "biological break" according to the Terran delegate - before proceeding with the last open session.

 

The Council had asked a disturbing number of questions regarding the political and economic ramifications of concluding the Aegis Mission. While he had formed opinions, he considered such decisions within the realm of the diplomats themselves. It was for them to debate and consider Federation policy, not a low-level functionary like himself. Although he had included interviews in his report, it might be prudent to suggest the Council seek direct input from diplomats familiar with the environs - like Ambassador shiKatsu Raumuk, Envoy-General T'Salik, and Ambassador Joy Seven. They would be better suited to consider any political steps that would follow the withdrawal of Aegis.

 

He took another sip of the cool water. Four years ago, after serving as its commanding officer, he had conducted the transfer of Empok Nor back to Cardassian control (see Stirrings of Freedom). That orderly event had been one of the planned transition steps toward Cardassian self-rule. The Council seemed much less certain about this next phase. Was it possible the Federation had never truly conceived of a final exit strategy? Or was it that they never planned to actually invoke it?

 

Not for the last time, he considered that logic and politics were dissimilar concepts.

Edited July 12, 2008 by Sorehl

[Joy 0]

Although he had included interviews in his report, it might be prudent to suggest the Council seek direct input from diplomats familiar with the environs - like Ambassador shiKatsu Raumuk, Envoy-General T'Salik, and Ambassador Joy Six. They would be better suited to consider any political steps that would follow the withdrawal of Aegis.

 

OOC Nitpick. You likely mean Ambassador Joy Seven or Joy Two. Joy Six's titles are 'Commander' and 'Professor,' not that Six won't share nigh on identical opinions with her sisters...