She was fifteen minutes late and she hated to be late. For somebody as methodical and disciplined, tardiness was an almost inexcusable character trait. It was bad enough under regular circumstances and multiple times worse when meeting the person who had summoned her.
Not for the first time she cursed under her breath when she had to wait for the turbo-lift to arrive. It took her another agonizing minute to get to her destination on the fifteenth floor. She had counted every second.
“They’re already waiting for you,” the irritatingly friendly secretary announced when she stepped into the anteroom. “You may go right in.”
She nodded shortly towards the pretty brunette before she took a deep breath and forcefully pushed the two heavy wooden doors open.
Making great entrances were one of her many skills, no matter that perhaps a low-key approach might have been more appropriate considering the circumstances.
“Ah, Admiral Tessier, so good you could join us.”
The Starfleet admiral stood straight as a ramrod while she allowed the doors to close behind her. As she had feared everybody was already present. The man who had addressed her was a tall and lanky Bolian of middle age with a playful smile on his lips. She knew all too well that his cordiality was nothing but an empty mask under which he hid his true persona. What that was however she hadn’t really been able to figure out yet. But she knew she didn’t like the man, certainly didn’t trust him.
Also in the room, sitting in one of the plush chairs was a much shorter man with graying hair and of seemingly Southeast Asian descent. He wasn’t however. Not directly at least.
Salina Tessier focused on the third man in the room. He sat behind a lavish oak and ebony desk, the city’s vista sprawled out behind him, visible through the curved panoramic window.
He looked somewhat jaded and uninterested by anything transpiring in his office but that too was entirely the wrong impression.
“Mister President, I apologize for my lateness but we had a situation I had to deal with urgently. I hope it hasn’t presented too much of an inconvenience.”
President Kentii’la looked at her through his dark, brooding eyes and smiled. The leader of the United Federation of Planets gave the Starfleet Admiral a dismissive hand gesture as if he didn’t care in the slightest that she had not been on time. “I understand that you are very busy, Admiral. Do not concern yourself with our inconvenience,” he said. When he spoke his words came over his lips so slowly that Tessier swore he had to think about every single one before he uttered it. “Please, take a seat.”
The admiral nodded respectfully and did as had been suggested.
“I trust you have met the honorable Ambassador Fujiwara form the Nyuchiba Confederacy,” the president said.
“We have, yes,” she replied, greeting the oriental looking man with a friendly nod which was quickly reciprocated.
“Excellent,” he said and looked at his Bolian advisor who stood close to lara ge computer screen. “Mister Sill, if you could shortly reiterate to the Admiral what we have discussed so far.”
Sill gave the president a wide smile before turning to Tessier who desperately attempted to keep her discomfort hidden. She wasn’t all too successful. “Mister Fujiwara has given us a summary of the measures his government have taken in order to attempt to bring a quick and peaceful solution to the continuous violence on Asuka III. “
“Unfortunately very few of those have shown any signs of success,” the ambassador continued for Sill. “You must understand that the three warring families have been fighting each other in one form or another for the last two-hundred years. Ever since we first colonized Asuka. Only in the last few decades have we been able to establish a more peaceful society on Asuka thanks to a power sharing government in which all three families have an equal amount of legislative and executive power. Since then the clans have restrained themselves to political feuds.”
“Until two months ago,” Sill pointed out.
“Correct,” the ambassador said. “We haven’t been able to determine the exact cause yet but at roughly that time we saw an emergence of increased violence among members of the families which quickly turned into street battles for resources and territory.”
“Asuka III possesses large quantities of deuterium deposits if I am not mistaken,” Tessier said.
Sill nodded. “The Nyuchiba Confederacy has been a valuable trading partner of the Federation for over one hundred years, ever since it decided to secede,” he explained and shot the ambassador a somewhat accusing glance.
Fujiwara didn’t take the bait. “The continuously cordial and productive relationship with the Federation is our most paramount concern,” he said and eyed the president instead. “Both our people have benefited greatly from it.”
Tessier quickly realized that the diplomat was no fool. He had most likely come here to ask for assistance in quelling a primarily internal uprising, something the Federation had made its highest imperative not to do. But the ambassador had many more cards to play and everybody in the office knew it. The Nyuchiba Confederacy was one of the few human alliances which had split from the Federation early on to try and establish an empire free of Federation doctrine. Nychibia for example had a thriving monetary economy and most of its citizens were still focused on material gain much like the citizens of Earth had been once. It came with a high price, namely civil unrest, a high-crime rate and poverty. But the Federation had never been able to turn their back completely from the once small group of mostly Japanese emigrants who had settled some fifty light-years from Earth and begun to colonize their own worlds. Nyuchiba had blossomed, or at least a percentage of its people had. The government had smartly put claim on a number of resource rich planets, making them the envy of many larger empires including the Federation which had grown somewhat dependent on their trade partnerships.
For the admiral this new situation was a perfect opportunity to push her own agenda. But she had to lay the groundwork carefully. “At your request we have already dispatched a vessel to Asuka III to get a first hand picture of the situation on the ground,” she told the president and then turned to the ambassador. “I am not quite sure what other kind of assistance you would like us to provide.”
“I would hate to ask for much more,” the ambassador said. “We don’t want to appear weak and dependent on the Federation. However our close relationship has always been under the assumption that the vast resources of the Federation will be used to help us whenever we find ourselves in need of them.”
Vast resources? the Admiral contemplated sarcastically. Clearly you haven’t read the latest Starfleet recruitment reports.
“I would also rather refrain from having to ask to officially invoke the provision of the FWA act. I believe it would be more beneficial to all of us if we found a different, perhaps less drastic measure to solve our problems,” the ambassador added.
At this both the president and Sill exchange a quick, concerned glance.
“Mister Ambassador,” Sill quickly interjected. “You know that you can count on any kind of humanitarian and medical assistance that Starfleet is able to offer in order to minimize the impact the current fighting will have on the civilian population of Asuka III.”
Fujiwara bowed respectfully in his chair. “My government appreciates this gesture. But we fear that this will only treat the symptoms of the problem and do little to help and cure the cause.”
“Mister President, I have Captain Westmorland from the Tripoli for you on subspace,” the voice of the secretary announced.
“Thank you, Anxara,” Kentii’la replied before addressing the room. “I have for this connection to the Tripoli in order to hear from a source close to scene,” he said and then nodded at Sill.
The Bolian got the cue and activated a few panels on a computer console. “Captain Westmorland, this is Treluk Sill, special counsel to the president. You have come through to the office of President Kentii’la who will be able to hear you now. Also present is Ambassador Fujiwara and Admiral Tessier.”
“Thank you, sir. Mister President. Mister Ambassador. Admiral,” the captain’s voice was understandingly reverent if not a little rough. The voice of a man not used to speak in front of politicians and most likely ill at ease at the prospect. He was probably thankful that due to their physical distance, an audio connection was all had been able to be establish on short notice.
The president spoke first. “Captain, first of all, please make sure that you will extend my thanks to your valiant crew for undertaking this assignment.”
Tessier couldn’t quite suppress a hint of a smile. Like they had any say in the matter.
“We are very curious to hear what you have seen so far.”
There was a short pause as if the good captain needed a few moment to consider how best to explain what he had to say to the most powerful man in the Federation. “Mister President, the people we have encountered here on Asuka so far have been thrust right into the middle of a blood feud between the three ruling families without little hope of escaping the resulting collateral damage. At this point we estimated that in just a little less than six weeks of fighting at least six hundred thousand people have been affected.”
“That is about thirty percent of the entire population,” the ambassador chimed in.
Kentii’la appeared genuinely concerned by those figures.
“Unfortunately since the assassination of the prefect the local government has all but dissolved as most officials have declared their allegiance to one of the clans. The Nyuchiban security forces are overwhelmed and have for the most part retreated to reinforced positions. We have also seen signs that some of the violence is spreading to neighboring planets. The single most aggressive family is the Yoritomo daimyo which has already declared that it will purge the entire planet from foreign influences. According to Yoritomo leaders this includes anyone who is not connected with their daimyo.”
The president placed both of his palms flat onto his desk, a sign that he didn’t like what he was hearing.
“Captain, this is Admiral Tessier. In your opinion do you think that Starfleet involvement would help pacify the planet or further deteriorate the situation?”
Sill threw the admiral a look which made it clear he didn’t appreciate the question. The ambassador however nodded approvingly.
“The people we have spoken to are weary of the families and would support any measure to bring stability back to the planet. We have evacuated over three hundred Federation citizens most of which report that the majority of the population is hoping for Federation intervention. However I must stress that I’m convinced that it would take a significant number of ground forces in order to restore order on Asuka III.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Sill said before Tessier could put forth a follow up. He glanced at the president who gave him an affirming nod. “The president and the rest of us appreciate your thorough report. We will be in contact with you again should we deem it necessary.”
“Thank you, Mister President.”
The Bolian counsel operated the controls again and the link was terminated.
“Mister Ambassador,” the president began. “In light of this report I suggest you allow us some time to consider what we have heard so far and reconvene at a later time.”
It wasn’t a suggestion at all and the ambassador understood. He left his chair. “Certainly, Mister President. I remain optimistic that together we will arrive at a mutually agreeable solution to solve this dire crisis. But please keep in mind that the longer the wait the higher the number of casualties.”
Tessier rolled her eyes. She was getting bored with the political niceties of these men. Why didn’t they just come out and say what they meant instead of hiding threats behind mostly empty words.
The president gave the ambassador a nod.
“Mister President,” Fujimoto said and bowed gracefully. He threw curt nods at the other two persons in attendance before striding confidently towards the exit.
Sill waited patiently until the heavy doors had closed behind the diplomat before he turned to Kentii’la. “He will not wait long before pressuring us with the FWA.”
The president nodded in agreement and looked at the Starfleet officer. “Admiral, do you really believe that our best option is to use military means to stabilize Asuka III?”
Sill frowned but Tessier didn’t pay it any attention. “The best option to ensure Asuka isn’t lost to unsympathetic factions? Yes,” she proclaimed and stood from her chair.
The Bolian shook his head. “It would be a mistake to send Starfleet or even the Marines down there. The Council will vehemently oppose it, not to mention the public.”
“The public doesn’t understand what’s at stake,” Tessier shot back. “We let this situation get out of hand now and we will not only lose Asuka and eventually the entire system but it will only be a matter of time until the entire confederacy will be faced with civil war. Countless lives will be lost. Twenty-eight percent of our deuterium sources will dry up within days. That is a loss Starfleet “ the entire Federation “ cannot afford. Not now.”
Sill cocked his eyebrows. “That’s a little bit of an exaggerated scenario, Admiral, don’t you think?”
Tessier shrugged. “It might be worst case but we have enough analyses who predict that exactly this will happen if we do not act quickly.”
The Federation President picked up a computer padd on his desk and glanced over it. “From the latest reports you have provided Starfleet continues to be stretched beyond capacity. How would you intend to fulfill the requirements of such a large scale operation?”
The admiral’s eyes sparkled as she stepped closed to the polished oak desk. “We can’t.”
The president threw her a surprised look.
“Our projections indicate that we would require a minimal of four hundred fifty thousand Marines in order to pacify Asuka III within three months time. Even by substituting part of that contingent with regular Starfleet personnel there simply is no way that we could gather any such number within the next six to eight months.”
“You seem to have made a lot of projections on this matter already.”
Tessier ignored the Bolian.
“Forgive me, Admiral,” Kentii’la said. “But I was under the impression you were a proponent of military intervention. And now you are proclaiming that it is impossible.”
She shook her head. “I didn’t say impossible, sir. Please allow me,” she added and asked for the padd the president was still holding. She quickly entered a few commands and passed it back.
Sill rounded the desk to step next to Kentii’la’s side to spy onto the content of the padd. His wide smile was an indication of his surprise. He locked eyes with the admiral. “You must be kidding.”
“Not at all, sir,” she said flatly. “It is entirely possible and we’d able to boost Starfleet ranks to pre-war strengths within weeks. All we need is your go ahead.”
The president placed the padd onto his desk. Upside down. Tessier knew it was a no go.
“Admiral Tessier,” Sill began, his smile fading slightly. “You know this administration’s stance on cyborg technology. The president will not allow the Federation’s first and last line of defense to be computerized.”
Tessier looked at Kentii’la who did not reciprocate the eye contact.
“Mister President, with all due respect, I understand the fear and apprehension about cyborg technology better than most. I have fought against the Borg and seen many of my fellow men assimilated in front of my very eyes. I’ve seen how they wiped out an entire fleet of starship in mere minutes and dissected a whole planet of sentient beings in less than a day. But we have to look forward and stop looking into the past for fear of the future. During the War, countless men lost arms, legs, even part of their brains and only thanks to cybernetic technology are they able to live normal and productive lives today. The technology is available and it is only logical that we now take the next step.”
The room fell quiet and Tessier felt pretty good about herself. She could tell by the empty look in Kentii’la’s eyes that her message had been received.
The president slowly looked up at her. “I want to pursue a diplomatic course for now. Please advise Captain Westmorland to attempt and contact the leaders of the respective daimyos on Asuka III.”
Tessier was stunned.
“That would be all, Admiral. Thank you for your time,” Sill said, his smile as wide as ever.
She gave the Bolian a curt nod before venturing one more glance at her commander-in-chief behind the desk. His dark eyes never wavered. “Thank you, Mister President,” she said and quickly left.
Goddamn politicians.