Triangular Diplomacy

[Chaka 0]

"Come in, Chaka."

 

The young recent graduate of the Andorian War College entered his superior's office and closed the door, eager for news of his first assignment. "I understand you are looking for a career in the Intelligence Corps."

 

"That is correct sir. Is there any news?"

 

"Nothing tangible at the moment. As you know, intelligence is a very popular field. We have more applicants than positions." The placement officer thumbs through Chaka's file. "Academic marks are good, standard extra-curricular activities, some internships, an Inteligence major with a minor in... Diplomacy?"

 

"That is correct sir. It makes little sense to concentrate on an adversary's military capabilities without knowing their diplomatic capabilities."

 

"Two sides of the same coin then." The senior officer thinks on this a moment. "I might have an assignment for you after all." The commander retrives a file from a hidden drawer in his desk, opens it, and shows the graduate a photograph. "Are you familiar with this ship?"

 

"Sir, that's the NX-05. An Earth ship. But I thought it was still under construction."

 

"That is correct. This is our best projection of what it will look like when completed. It might be your first assignment, but that depends on you."

 

"What explosives should I use?"

 

"Your assignment is not to blow it up. Your assignment will be to join it's crew."

 

Chaka's antaene straighten to resemble exclamation points. "A Pink Skin ship? Why? For that matter, how? Surely the Humans don't want a bunch of Andorians integrated with their military. They weren't too happy about being forced to work with Vulcans on the Enterprise project."

 

"You are correct. Even though our diplomatic corps has petitioned Starfleet to assign the XO post to an Andorian I don't think they will succeed. An XO position is too lofty a goal, but another key officer... an Intelligence Officer perhaps..."

 

"...could be just the right level for an Andorian Intelligence Officer with diplomatic training."

 

"I don't see how diplomacy enters into this." said the senior officer. "Leave diplomacy to the experienced diplomats. We're warriors. Strategists at best. Not negotiators."

 

The confident young officer straigntened. "Earth history. United States, early 1970s by their calendar. Are you familiar with Trialgular Diplomacy?"

 

"I read a paper on it, but it was so esoteric I fell asleep."

 

"Well, sir, the theory is simple. When your negotiations with an adversary are at a stalemate, open negotiations against *their* adversary to bring them back to the table."

 

"I don't follow."

 

"Look, we both know the Humans and Vulcans are fed up with each other. Starfleet wishes they had another option but they don't. That's our angle. We have just as much to offer the Humans as the Vulcans do, and they can use us as leverage. That's the balance of power. That's Triangular Diplomacy. An Andorian presence on the Challenger will serve Starfleet's interests by making sure the Vulcan influence is kept in check."

 

"Are you sure you're not part Vulcan yourself?"

 

Chaka's eyes narrow and he gives his mentor a dirty look.

 

"Very well. Pack your bags, pick your transport. My staff will make the arrangements with Earth's Admiral Forrest, your potential CO, and a couple others while you're en route."

Edited June 4, 2004 by Chaka