Diplomacy Near and Far

[Ambassador TSalik 0]

This log largely deals with events outside the Gamma Quadrant, but since it presages my assignment to Camelot, I thought it appropriate to post here.

 

Her footsteps glided quietly across the grey and white marbled floor of the Palais de Concord. Hands folded neatly beneath the lengthy sleeves of her traditional Vulcan robe, she mused over the extended briefing she had received from the Deputy Undersecretary for Gamma Quadrant Affairs. The “foreign service” took up one wedge of the Palais floor dedicated to the Department, at whose pleasure she served. As opposed to those ambassadors and diplomats sent from Federation worlds to be represented in its internal affairs, those directed from here represented the entirety of the government to those of non-aligned worlds and foreign powers.

 

“Ambassador T’Salik,” said a balding Andorian, who rose from one of the overstuffed couches at her approach.

 

T’Salik recognized shiKatsu Raumuk at once, both from his reputation and their brief work several years earlier, monitoring free elections on Cardassia Prime. He had the misfortune of being kidnapped by one of the lesser factions, who attempted to use him to bargain with the Federation and concoct false confessions to sway popular opinion. His surprising combination of defiance and compliance had frustrated those attempts, followed by a daring rescue by Starfleet after six months in captivity.

 

The Andorian bowed his head and lowered antenna in deferrence, although he was the higher ranking diplomat. Raumuk was a full Ambassador, while her last promotion had only elevated her to Envoy-General. “I knew you were on Earth,” he began, “but I didn’t realize you were in Paris.”

 

She found it odd that he would remark on surprise at her whereabouts. She could think of no logical reason for him to track her location. Diplomatically, she chose not to comment on this. “I am here to obtain policy direction prior to my return to Camelot Station,” she answered.

 

“Of course,” he smiled politely. “Minority groups in Council still raise debate over whether we should recognize the rebellious movements over there.”

 

“For now,” T’Salik admitted, revealing nothing that wasn’t public knowledge, “we continue support for the existing legitimate governments of the Gamma Quadrant, although as treaty signatories, we have relations with the Hundred.”

 

Raumuk brought his hands together, tipping them forward slightly. “Yes, it’s a fragile balance keeping empires from lashing out in their death throes.” He looked away, with just a trace of bitterness in his voice. “In time, perhaps we can stop letting self-determination be crushed by political necessity and embrace our destiny to free those people.”

 

T’Salik was taken aback at the overtly political nature of the comment. Her expression revealed none of this.

 

The Andorian turned back. “Of course, our duty is to represent the Council and the Administration despite any personal misgivings. I’m sure you’ll be doubly competent.”

 

“Thank you,” she responded, mimicking the expected response to an unnecessary compliment. She nodded briefly and made as if to continue away.

 

“I’ve just been summoned to speak with the Secretary,” he interjected.

 

The statement made her pause. Audiences with a member of the President’s cabinet were rare indeed for members of the foreign service, reserved only for envoys to major foreign powers or recent hotspots. She turned her head back toward him.

 

“I suspect I’m being considered as a candidate for Ambassador to the Cardassian Union,” he admitted.

 

It was not a conceit for him to make this admission, particularly to her. The position had been allowed to languish with “acting” appointments who hadn’t even deigned to set foot on the homeworld. And Raumuk was a reasonable candidate. Admired as fair by the Cardassians before the war, he had favored them in aggressive negotiations for the rediscovered Sarejvante colony. He had been an ambassador-at-large, travelling through post-war Cardassian space, championing for reconstruction efforts and even conducting the formal return of Empok Nor.

 

“Your husband’s report to the Security Council seems to have started quite a chain reaction,” he announced.

 

T’Salik made a deferential nod of her own. “Debate on Cardassia has not been rare, and it is likely to continue for some time.”

 

The Andorian actually smiled. “Debate? The Administration hardly waited for the endorsement before acting.” He paused, realizing she didn’t seem to follow. “Starfleet is already mobilized. I saw the orders myself, advising Aegis to prepare to remove the station from the Cardassian homesystem.”

 

T’Salik unfolded her hands. “But Aegis is a joint operation,” she explained, knowing full well the nature of the treaty. Since he was an actual signatory, Sorehl had insisted on having the language reviewed by her. “It would first be necessary…”

 

“The President already announced that the Klingons and Romulans concur,” he interrupted gently. “And Ambassador Dukor offered the endorsement of the Cardassian Castellan. Which only leaves the Ferengi – and hence the main problem.”

 

There was a great deal in motion. Her intellect rapidly assimilated the facts Raumuk was firing at her, but she was still clearly lacking information. “What problem is that?”

 

“The Ferengi reaction.”

 

“Please elaborate,” she prompted.

 

Raumuk glanced aside, stepping closer. This floor was restricted to those with diplomatic clearance, but discretion was never dismissed easily. “They’ve essentially stonewalled all requests for their official position,” he explained quietly. “Every response has been vague or invoked detailed adherence to treaty minutia. And there are disturbing reports of sudden financial shifts, ships not making their scheduled deliveries, and the unexplained shutdown of several trade missions.”

 

T’Salik considered briefly. “Logic suggests you have a reason beyond idle conversation for choosing to speak with me, but these matters have no bearing on my Gamma Quadrant assignment,” she stated. “And while I have contacts on Cardassia, I have no such influence in either the military or the Ferengi. I must therefore conclude that you intend for me to convey this information to my husband.”

 

“You make it sound so brazen,” he laughed quietly.

 

“As he would be apt to tell you himself, Sorehl is no diplomat,” she advised. “Nor are the acts of a single individual likely to have much bearing on the outcome.”

 

Raumuk folded his arms, frowning. “Only Spock could go to Qo’noS,” he spouted. “Only Archer could go to Andor. Only Nixon could go to China.” He frowned again. “For so many Vulcan adages on the subject, your race tends to dismiss the role of a single individual in negotation. Or is it just an excuse for any one person not to try?”

 

T’Salik contained her surprise. In a few scant words, the Andorian had crafted a razor-sharp axiom of logic, slicing through her objection. Impressed, she wondered if Cardassia was about to be getting a better ambassador than anyone thought.

Edited August 10, 2008 by Ambassador TSalik

[Sorehl 0]

"For now,” T’Salik admitted, revealing nothing that wasn’t public knowledge, “we continue support for the existing legitimate governments of the Gamma Quadrant, although as treaty signatories, we have relations with the Hundred.”

 

Raumuk brought his hands together, tipping them forward slightly. “Yes, it’s a fragile balance keeping empires from lashing out in their death throes.” He looked away, with just a trace of bitterness in his voice. “In time, perhaps we can stop letting self-determination be crushed by political necessity and embrace our destiny to free those people.”

 

Just highlighting that portion pertaining to Camelot and its environs.