Establishing Relations

[Joy 0]

Joint Log by Ambassador Joy and Hannah McDowell

 

 

"Computer, freeze program."

 

Hannah sat stoned faced as she watched the holo simulation finish. It was very real lookin and soundin and it gave her goose bumps. "So.... I had heard about the first station but watchin it blow up is altogether a different matter eh?

 

"Entirely different," responded Joy. "To get a truer impression of what the Breen can do, one might watch it live, but.... Well. I'm assuming you have seen enough real trouble over the years that you can extrapolate well enough."

 

Hannah nodded. "Aye, that I have. So these Breen have disappeared with not a clue to be found?" Hannah rose from her chair and paced slowly around the office. "I must say Ambassador, this concerns me greatly it does." Hannah turned and faced Joy. "It does not, however, deter me."

 

"It shouldn't deter you. There is a risk, of course. We do not truly know the status of the Breen fleet, and I don't know that we are apt to know soon, or if you or I would be told if we did come to know. Still, while they twice sent fleets out since the Dominion War, both times the fleets were sent at Cardassia Prime. That is a worthy target for such a fleet. They are now one major power, while the Aegis Alliance is at its best five. Their opening move has always been a coup de main against Cardassia, to shift things from one on five to two on four. They certainly have had the power and opportunity to send a fleet in this direction, but they have never chosen to do so. I would not exclude the possibility of much smaller raids, single ships are the most likely, but major efforts would not be directed at a new colony, I think."

 

Hannah nods in understanding. "Once upon a time Cardassia was rich in precious artifacts and minerals. As ye know they were mostly destroyed durin the war. It was a great loss to the archeological community."

"As bad as that is and this holo simulation ye just showed me, I must go on to TKR-117. There might...." Hannah pauses for a second, reluctant. "There might be somethin of great importance on that planet. My staff doesn't know but I suspect........ based on some things they haven't seen......" Hannah sighs deeply. Ambassador, there might be an artifact on that planet. One that could answer some questions about a race long thought dead."

 

"Long thought? Are you suggesting there may be prior sentient occupants present?"

 

"No, no occupants now. Just some possible remnants of them." Hannah looks away and paces some more. "I wish I could say more."

 

Joy leaned back, considering. "I won't press. Not yet. However, if your discovery should begin to tread on real security or diplomatic concerns, well, secrecy may not be the answer in the long term.".

 

"Thank ye Ambassador." Hannah replies relieved. "If nothin is there, then we will be gone in a few months and back on earth. But iffn what I suspect is there, well, it won't be a secret for long."

 

Joy blinked. "Hmm... It must be important, then. Colonial permits are not given out lightly. Your discovery drives you more than the opportunity to develop a Class M planet?"

 

"Well it's a little small for a real community but mostly the dig drives us. The chance ta find a little history so to speak."

 

"More than a little, I would think." .//

 

"Well rest assured Ambassador, you'll be the second ta know iffn we find somethin." Hannah glances at her watch. "Blast, I need ta meet with the rest of the group and head ta medical. They won't let us leave until they check us out."

 

"Very well," said Joy standing. "Just don't consider the Breen to be the only threat. There are any number of not so well developed worlds in the area, and stories of a Federation colonization kit sitting on a lightly defended world might tempt someone. Do you intend to have orbital sensor packages up?"

 

Hannah slowly heads for the door. "Aye, we do. And Aegis is only a half a day away iffn we get into trouble."

 

Joy walked with Hannah, intending to keep her company, at least to the embassy lobby. "Just be sure some of your sensors are pointing out, not down, and be sure we get word. I'm trying to put together information packages on local worlds, cultures, militaries, imports, exports and the rest. I'll forward them as I get things together."

 

"I thank ye kindly Ambassador for all your help. I'm sure we'll be in contact soon enough."

 

"I'm sure."

[Joy 0]

Subject : TKR 117

From : Ambassador Joy Two

To : Ambassador Drankum

CC : Commander Chirakis

 

I have been speaking with Doctor McDowell about setting up the colony. The schedule suggests a low manpower level at least for the first year plus, on the order of a dozen people. While we have talked about eventually building a colonial government and walked through assorted cultural concerns, for the time being the expedition will be more an extended scientific away team than a colony. While the embassy is researching and setting up for an eventual set up of a full scale planetary government, for the time being this would be overkill.

 

There is an oddity in the set up. It does not seem at the moment to have security or military implications, but if you wish to hear paranoid concerns regarding strange internal Federation politics, let me know. For the time being, I would just expect the unexpected.

 

Joy

[Joy 0]

Subject : Re: Regarding TKR-117

From : Ambassador Joy Two

To : Ambassador Drankum

Classification : Secret

 

Something you don't already know?

 

If their archeology team doesn't find what they hope to find, the TKR 117 colony will close down? Everyone returns to Earth?

 

That's the only big thing. Sorry if you knew it already. If you didn't, please talk to me before going to Doctor McDowell.

 

Joy Two