Re: SPD: The Venasian Annex

[Jack Ryan]

The Secretary gave him an arch look, almost Vulcan-like.� "Ah," he said
clinically, almost sadly, "And I believe that the rules of protocol that you speak so highly of also state one does not march into a foreign government's office and start firing off accusation and insult, while dictating terms.�Perhaps I am not necessarily the one guilty of arrogance?"

His smile was chilly - but polite - as he rose.� "Because of the friendly relations our two governments have enjoyed in this past, I agreed to this meeting as a goodwill gesture, though the Federation had not done us the small courtesy of informing us of your visit, or the purpose of it. It appears to have been a mistake to do so." The door slid open, and the Venasian woman who had originally shown them in entered. "Please allow Jenna to escort you out.� Gentle tides, Commanders."

Dais stood and returned the traditional Venasian departure. There was little that he could say. Things had not gone well.

Audra had said nothing during the meeting. She was not sure that she
actually had anything to contribute besides an extra pair of eyes and ears. She had little to no real diplomatic experience besides her interactions with those on Spacedock.

It was clear to her that the Venasians were a bit testy, but she figured the Federation would be as well, considering the situation. None of them were even Captains. This was not exactly the most respectful way to greet the new leader. Where were the official Ambassadors, and Admiral, or even a respected Captain?

She stood up when her two companions stood.

After V'nquera left, the Venasian woman - Jenna - gracefully showed the
Federation guests back through the hallways to the front entry.� When they reached the security area and the doors opened to Pacifica, she stopped. She turned her peculiar gold-flecked eyes on them. "Please inform your government that no further delegations will be admitted without a prior appointment and proposed agenda.� Gentle tides, Commanders."

Once outside, Dais stopped the group a short distance from the building. "Mr. Lasiter, may I ask what you were doing in there?" It was clear that Dais was not pleased, though his anger was controlled.

(response)

"Mr. Lasiter, we were sent to speak with the Venasians to get information. Offending them is not the best means by which to do this. You not only ended our meeting prematurely, but you may have made it impossible for us to complete our mission."

(response)

"How do you propose we proceed from here to attain our objectives, Mr. Lasiter?"

(response)

Jack
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Jack Ryan _+_
(Not named for the character) ____..---===== ========-..____
__________________ __ ,-='=====____ = _ = = - _ = = _____==`=
(.__ ______I__)/ - _-=_/ `------=_=-------'
/ /__...---==='---+---_' "I'm not an agent, I just write
'----'---.___ = _ = = _.-' books for the CIA."
`-------' -Jack Ryan, The Hunt for Red October
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