A Taut Line

[Cmdr Ba'alyo 0]

Commander Ba'alyo walked to one end of the conference table.

 

The Excelsior-class had been designed with the innovation of a briefing room on the same deck as the bridge, slightly lower and aft. In his career, he'd served on some fine Miranda and Constitution refits, but none offered such a convenience. He hoped it would remain a standard for future starship classes.

 

Captain Seiben had asked him to provide the crew with a short status as they entered the Prosperity system. Representatives for all the departments had gathered here.

 

Reaching the end of the table, he remained standing. He noted Lieutenant Teros was standing near the door on the other end, arms folded, his Andorian features drawn in a scowl.

 

"As you know," the first officer began, his voice a low growl, "the situation along the Elasian-Troyian border has deteriorated. We narrowly avoided being drawn into a skirmish less than an hour ago." He looked down the table toward Harris, who was representing the medical staff. "That was the cause of our last alert," he added, for her benefit.

 

He lowered his Efrosian frame into the available chair. "Most of you were on the bridge," Ba'alyo acknowledged, "but the captain wanted to make sure everyone knew the fullness of our situation." He looked to the communications officer at his right. Since she had handled the confusing traffic, it seemed right to let her speak. "Lieutenant Lessard," he prompted, "can you tell us what we learned from cyptography?"

 

Although not forewarned, the young officer sat up straighter, ready to respond. "According to what we intercepted," she began, "the Troyians hit an outpost in the nearby asteroid field. They kidnapped one of the royal princes of Elaas, in line to rule one of the larger soverignties. There's been a ransom demand and threats of counter-strike."

 

Ba'alyo nodded. "Border tensions are high," he added. He tapped an illuminated button on the table, which initiated a tactical replay on the table display. M'Guire and Reed seemed to watch with added interest. "The Elasians fired on two Troyian ships entering their space. The first thing the Troyians did was flee toward us, sending out a distress call." He shifted in his chair, with a slight grumble. "That didn't stop either side from taking shots in our vicinity. When we asserted our neutrality, both sides broke off." The replay showed two green dots warp toward the border offscreen, while the four orange dots regrouped.

 

"We could have taken them," Teros offered from one end of the table.

 

"Without orders, we're bound to avoid involvement," Ba'alyo continued, "although sickbay should be prepared to assist casualties from either side." He took a slow breath. "In the interest of maintaining a presence, we've moved into the Prosperity system to... secure Federation lives and property in the area." He looked toward the communications officer again. "Tell us more about these 'lives and property', Lieutenant."

 

Again, without forewarning, Lessard seemed prepared. "A warehouse and the single merchant ship Spacematic, which has one of the most antiquated answering systems I've..." she trailed off, then resumed. "Both are owned by a trader named Cyrano Jones."

 

The commander nodded. "And we've made arrangements to meet with Mr. Jones down on the planet."

 

Lessard frowned a little, "Yes, but to be honest, sir, I don't think he understands the gravity of the regional situation. He was more interested in selling us maps to avoid the increased military traffic."

 

Ba'alyo pursed his lips, making the ends of his flowing white mustache lift. With a low grumble, he went on. "We'll have to explain it to him," he concluded. "We don't want either side using him to force Starfleet into this conflict." He leaned back in the chair, thinking. "Which brings us to the Klingons."

 

Dr. Harris, not having been on the bridge, looked the most surprised by this seeming non sequitur.

 

"Starfleet Headquarters has advised us that we could see increased movement in our area," he explained. "The Organians have announced they will no longer enforce their treaty along the Klingon border." He raised his hand before the questions started coming. "There will be time to consider the broader implications later. The President assured Starfleet that this doesn't derail the ongoing peace process," he assured, "but it does mean the Klingons may feel a freer hand to see what's going on with their old trading partner." He looked toward Teros, who was still standing. "We should remain alert toward any presence."

 

"And Elasian attempts to draw them in," Kimiko added.

 

Ba'alyo let the comment speak for itself. He glanced at the chronometer. "I was going to take questions, but the beam down is scheduled in a few minutes. Each department should plan to be represented - Lessard will provide specifics once we know who the captain wants to bring. Don't keep him waiting long in the transporter room." He stood. "If you have any concerns, I'll stay afterward to discuss. Otherwise, dismissed."