> >"Yes, sir. We should get going..."
>
> She stepped out of the doorway and waited for him.
>
> >One their walk to the mess hall ...
> >
> > "So, Admiral, how was your first meeting with the Caitians? I trust
> the facilities were to your liking..." he made some small talk as they
> walked down the stark corridors.
>
> "The facilities arrre most acceptable," she replied amiably. "My clan,
> howeverrr, want to join in the mission, and frrrankly, I'm inclined to
> agrrree with theirrr rrreasons. Howeverrr, I've alrrready had this
> discussion with Admirrral Lasiterrr, and it's a no-go. As much as I tend
> to believe that Caitians are morrre suited forrr this mission than anyone
> else, we do need the abilities of the Spec Ops teams. Besides, I'm surrre
> that we'd all have to be cosmetically alterrred to appearrr like them.
> Felinids arrre especially keen at noticing differrrences among
ourrrselves,
> and I'm surrre even they know that Caitians arrre among the oldest and
most
> loyal memberrrs of the Federrration." It sounded like she was trying to
> convince herself more than Black.
>
"Admiral..." Black said kind of unsure just what to say. The line
of conversation weaved out of the area he was really prepared for...
>
> She looked over. "Sorrrry. I shouldn't contradict Admirrrral Lasiterrr's
> opinion publicly. I guess I just don't think he underrrstands ourrr
> culturrre orrr ourrr position." She understood him not wanting her to go,
> but it would be hard to convince the Caitians of why they couldn't. "I
> wish I had a team of Caitian Spec Ops rrright now, which would be the best
> of both worrrlds."
>
"Speaking frankly, sir, I feel that he does understand your people
more than you think he does. He also understands that Starfleet can not
back away from this, not in the slightest. If they were to do just that,
they would appear weak. The appearence of weakness would only invite an
attack by a violent felinid species. Besides, there is no telling just how
much they know about the Federation or your species. I have known Admiral
Lasiter for many years. Served with him in more than one capacity, and I
can say one thing about him. He works just like God... in mysterious ways.
Just give him time, and he will surprise you. Just when he has pissed you
off to the end of your tolerance, he will do something that will earn your
respect in ways you can not imagine. Only to piss you off again to restart
the cycle..... But I should not openly criticize the CinC either....."
Black answered. His tone inspired trust and openness and competence...
{response}
