Conflict, Talk & Secrets

Posted on Sun Mar 16th, 2025 @ 11:56am by Admiral S'iraa

1,042 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Let That Be Your Last
Location: Quarters
Timeline: Current

S'iraa was in his quarters reading up on the history of the planet they were heading towards to mediate the peace that from all accounts had stalled, and it wasn't the only instance of it doing so. The three 'factions' so to speak each had a sorted history when it came to the others and while it seemed each had a devoted interest or specialty it formed part of the worlds whole in general.

Those that build, those that fight and the last in sciences.

From the information he'd been provided by King Zwon'taa he understood that anything he read would have a measure of potential bias but the King was rather thorough in his information and provided historic accounts even by heads of the other factions. S'iraa could tell that deliberations would not be easy nor quick given the many grudges and grievance that the factions held against others. The use of biological weapons had been outlawed in the Federations for so long it simply became the norm but S'iraa had to remember that such weapons, and the laws governing them didn't matter to those outside of the Federation.

He looked up the files of each of the delegates he'd be meeting, he needed to know who he would be talking to, how they were and alter his approach to each in his dealings with them.

Chancellor Vixothor was from the warrior faction, a former military figure turned diplomat post war from what S'iraa could read was a capable leader, his military record, of what he was sent was assorted in accomplishments, accolades and decorations. It told him much about the Chancellor but he had to remember that in war, every side had a story and someone was a victim. The faction seemed to admire strength and honesty, given that S'iraa had been sent a full audio and visual transcript of the last session meeting that was held.

Minister Ith'lx, a female from the faction known for its scientific prowess struck him as one he'd have the biggest challenge dealing with. Her people devised the weapons that brought an end to the conflict, yet she seemed to pride herself on details. Reminded him of the Romulan and Cardassian intelligence services for its attention to detail. From watching the recording and reading the information she struck him as the sort to answer a question without revealing much beyond it and often not much wriggle room for a follow on question. He noted that it was only after the war that damning information about the biological weapons and even testing on their own kind was admitted to.

So there was always an angle kept in reserve.

Having read up about the last player of the trio, King Zwon'taa, he knew that he would need to tread carefully, how he acted to one individual may be viewed as weakness to another, if he was going to keep the three at the table talking peace then he'd need to maintain a neutral posture. Even though Starfleet had been asked to mediate, if the King withdrew his request he'd be forced to depart and leave the planet to it's own devices. He hoped that it wouldn't come to that, Starfleet had a reputation for being capable mediators, S'iraa didn't want to disappoint.

Once S'iraa finished reading the information he placed it down on his desk and thought for a moment, he felt his age, which by Caitian years only had him at middle aged but years of Starfleet service made him feel older. He missed the Homeworld and often thought about returning to it, be it for a much needed break or to retire there. He wondered how his parents were doing having not been able to talk to them for a while now.

Still, as the Dreadnought was but a few days away, there was much to prepare for and be done if he was going to be ready.

His computer chirped on his desk breaking the silence of the room. Reaching over he turned the monitor to face him and pressed the button. The Starfleet logo was replaced seconds later by Captain Dunstine, regional director of diplomatic relations for this area. "Captain." S'iraa spoke first.

"Admiral. I'm sorry to disturb you." The Captain spoke seeing the Admiral out of uniform and in civilian clothing. "I have the latest updates you requested."

"Go on." S'iraa spoke.

"Covert system satellites confirm that two of the factions contain a military capable of fending off both of the other two in the event of an attack, routine patrols along borderlines including aircraft. The King's forces lack numbers however we believe that due to the other two factions depending on them for building projects and infrastructure they wouldn't risk attacking them. The location you have been assigned to orbit is directly above the chambers where the delegates meet, we believe this is viewed as neutral territory. The compound is designed like a triangle, each side defended by one faction. Scans revealed that the internal structure is not combined, so one side cannot access the other. Routine exchanged of personnel happen roughly every 3 days. King Zwon'taa appears to be building a shuttle landing platform in his quadrant of the compound as he requested Starfleet presence."

"Defenses?" S'iraa asked.

"The complex has none, even the craft used to cycle personnel are unarmed and follow a prearranged flight path."

To S'iraa that appeared calculated. The delegates put that much faith in no one faction instigating violence or that they truly felt the need for global peace that isn't as fragile as glass. "I would like any information available about the war, over time troop movements, land exchanges, casualties, key points and incidents." S'iraa spoke wanting more information on historic events should he need to recall them in his deliberations.

"The information we do have is limited, but I will see you get what we have before you reach orbit."

S'iraa nodded and watched the link close. It left him with things to think about, they would protect their borders but the one site diplomats meet is unguarded. He would need to tread carefully so that he didn't give cause for that to change should one mis spoken word or act cause offence.

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