Unexpected Guests

Posted on Thu Nov 9th, 2023 @ 2:53am by Captain Etan Kaz & Lieutenant Commander Athon Scordato
Edited on on Mon Feb 5th, 2024 @ 7:08pm

Mission: 03-Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
Location: Captain's Office, Deck 9,Deep Space K-17

Etan sat in his renovated office. So much had changed in the last few months, it was hardly recognizable from the space he had come to know. The design resembled what the station would have looked like in its glory days, although the technology was updated to a modern standard. Etan could hardly have imagined serving anywhere as sleek, let alone being in command. While construction on the station was ongoing, and would be for some time, it was nice to have a workspace to escape the chaos.

Captain Kaz set a crate on his desk with a number of mementos from his time in Starfleet. He hoped to display them in the office. Pulling each item from the crate and taking a moment to admire them and reminisce about the events they were attached to.

Etan was lost in his memories when his combadge chirped. "Ops to Captain Kaz."

Snapping back to reality, Kaz tapped his badge. "Go ahead."

"Priority message from Vice Admiral Virtam." Came the response.

For a moment Kaz thought about having to leaving the serenity of his office to take the communique in Ops or the comms centre, but then remembered he now had functioning systems in his new office."Ummm...Put it through to my Office."

The Captain moved his trinkets aside and sat up straight. He wondered what the Admiral could want with him, and decided it likely was some kind of follow up to his debrief on the Tzenkethi.

In front of him, the viewscreen came to life showing the familiar emblem of Starfleet Command. It was followed a moment later by the face of the admiral, himself. “Captain,” he said, greeting Kaz with a small smile, “I see you folks have been busy. How are you liking the new upgrades?”

"Beyond words sir." Kaz said, taking in the image of the Admiral. "I will admit I was surprised how quick the process been. The crew and I are enjoying the upgrades so far."

“Well, you wouldn’t be the first frontier outpost to suddenly get a coat of fresh paint,” Virtam remarked, “Though, I will say it’s a lot more noticeable when the last refit was over half-a-century ago…”

The Captain nodded. "I guess there wasn't much need when the Tzenkethi were keeping to themselves. Of course, things have changed now.."

At the mention of the Tzenkethi, the admiral’s expression became more serious. “Yes, I’ve seen your reports,” he said, “and so has the Federation Council. They are…concerned…that the situation is becoming too unstable. What with everything else going on, the last thing anyone wants right now is another drawn out border conflict.” He paused. “But then, I don’t need to tell you that…”

Etan sat back in his chair slightly. "Of course." He nodded. "I expect the Federation Council wants me to step down quietly so they can install someone better in my place?"

Virtam gave Kaz a pointed look. "If such a request has been made, I certainly haven't heard anything of it," he said coolly, "As far as Admiral Quinn and I are concerned, you aren't going anywhere. Which means you better start getting ready."

There was a touch of relief immediately followed by a wave of anxiety that washed over Etan. He could feel himself sinking into his seat. "Ready for what?" he asked, not necessarily wanting the answer.

"Our arrival, of course," Virtam replied, looking up from the PADD he'd just been handed by his yeoman, "The Council has dispatched a diplomatic team to handle the negotiations. We're bringing them to you now."

Kaz opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. He was clearly being mindful of his response. "Admiral... sir. I can't say for sure that the VIP suites will be ready in time, and I haven't had an update on the progress of any of the conference centers in more than two weeks."

"Understood."

The admiral's response was simple and to-the-point. Then again, he'd spent a good chunk of his career overseeing logistics in one way or another, and was well aware of the challenges in getting things to line up. He was also aware there were times when you simply didn't have a choice. You had to play with the cards you were dealt. "You've got a couple of days before we get there," he told Kaz, "but I'm afraid I can't give you any more than that. The Council expects this to be resolved...sooner, rather than later."

Kaz nodded, and made a mental note to connect with the project lead to ensure the areas needed would be prioritized. "So... Let me see if I understand, the council wants me to play host to the Tzenkethi, who were threatening to blow my station a few months ago?"

There was a flash of...something...across the admiral's face. But as soon as it had appeared, it was gone. "I don't know the details," he replied, "Just that the diplomatic team will be taking point on this one. They'll decide how to handle all that. I'm just here to inspect the progress on the upgrades, and to make sure there aren't any...logistical…issues."

"Understood sir." Etan felt he understood the Admiral's meaning. A moment passed before the Trill asked, "Will the Autarch be present for the talks?"

"It's not my place to say."

Kaz’s face scrunched a bit. “With all due respect, Admiral, his attendance raises some issues regarding safety and security that I’d prefer be worked out before we find ourselves in any sort of situation.” He paused a moment, waiting for the answer. When it didn't come immediately he asked again. "Well Admiral? Will the Autarch be attending?"

The admiral gave him a sharp look. Kaz's argument echoed one he and Quinn had made to the commander-in-chief less than three hours earlier, and they'd been told (in no uncertain terms) this was the way it was going to be. Which is why he had empathy for Kaz's position. If something did go down, his station (and, more importantly, his crew) were the ones who would be on the line.

"Thankfully, no," Virtam said, "However...the Council has ordered that he be included in an advisory capacity."

The Trill blinked a few times, processing the information. "Are we sure that's advisable? The Tzenkethi Coalition isn't exactly what we would call stable right now."

"If it were up to me," the admiral replied, "the Autarch wouldn't be within a dozen light-years of this conference. The last thing we need right now is to give the impression that we are taking sides on what, by all accounts, is an internal affair of the Coalition. But, the Council feels his insight could prove...helpful...in these negotiations. So, while he is not to attend any of the talks, I'm sure the diplomatic team will find other ways of including him in their...consultations."

Kaz nodded, knowing the decision wasn't that of the Admiral made it difficult to argue. "I will see that appropriate quarters be arranged away from the delegation, and I'll put in a request for additional security personnel from the ships in the area. I don't want to leave anything to chance."

"Thank you, captain," Virtam said, appreciation clearly present on his face, "I look forward to surveying the upgrades myself when we arrive. Until then...Virtam out."