Negotiations

[Images 0]

"You want what?!" An exasperated Admiral Forrest asked the man sitting opposite him.

 

“I am sorry, I did not realize I was speaking too quietly to hear. We of the Vulcan high command would find it logical if your choice for the first officer on the NX-05 Challenger were to be a Vulcan.” The sharp-eared ambassador answered in a calm, emotionless voice.

 

“You’ve got to be kidding me Saakis”

 

“As you very well know Admiral, we Vulcans never, as you say, kid.”

 

“But it can’t be a Vulcan. The very idea is ludicrous.”

 

“And why is that?”

 

“The Enterprise was our test flight, our first baby. It was understandable that perhaps some help from an experienced species like yours could come in handy. But Challenger…Challenger is no test. This ship is going to prove that we can do it on our own now. If we have a Vulcan officer on board in any major command capacity then we’ve lost that chance. I’m sorry but it’s impossible. I’m not willing to lose all the public support we’ve gotten for this in order to satisfy your doubts.”

 

“Admiral”, the Vulcan purred, putting his hands together so the fingers touched, “You must remember, that without our previous…’satisfaction’ with your species, you would still as you said yourself be “wading ankle-deep in the ocean of space”. Furthermore, we believe a Vulcan officer is still necessary to guide you in these troubling times. I understand that though Captain Archer himself, is an impulsive and rash commanding officer who has many a horrendous mistake, his science officer T’Pol prevented him from making a great many more. It is only logical to deduce that a Vulcan with a similar position onboard Challenger would be most helpful.”

 

“Just look here ambassador Saakis!” Forrest yelled. “Starfleet doesn’t take orders from Vulcan, it takes them from San Francisco. Jonathon Archer is a brilliant Captain and though he seems rash and impulsive in your eyes, in ours he is a model Starfleet officer. I fail to see any horrendous mistakes he has made, unless you find his uncovering the shame of your secret temple spying facility a mistake. We are sick and tired of having you look over our shoulders at every turn. I’ve tried to be fair, I’ve tried to be reasonable, but you people just keep pushing. It’s our time to swim and you aren’t the lifeguard.”

 

“Admiral, you misunderstand. All that Vulcan wishes to do is help your people into this new age.” The ambassador rose out of his chair. “I can see that you’re agitated so I will take my leave and we will continue this later, but could you at least promise me you’ll consider what I have said?”

 

“Alright Ambassador I will. I apologise for my brashness but can’t you tell how much this means to us?”

 

“I do, Admiral, I do. But please, try to relax and I’m sure you will see the logical choice. Live long and prosper.”

 

Saakis left the room gracefully, leaving Forrest to stare out the window, at the future of Starfleet being built below.