> 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.
"Testing the waters and casting a few times, sir", the other Commander
answered.
"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."
"Commander Dais, they are not any less likely now to tell us that there
was a military coup then they were before we arrived, so little is *really*
lost. However, we know a few things that we did not before. For
starters, General A'amon's absence tells us that the new government is not
interested in reassuring the other governments in the area that friendly,
diplomatic relations will continue. He is most likely off overseeing military
preparations for an assult on the Federation or planning to trample another
Venasian colony. We also know that the Venasian government is firmly in the
control of A'amon. The Secertary's demeanor and attitude when questioning
the reasons behind the change in government and ambassador. We also know
that they are willing to give us thin lies. You may remember the way that he
responded when asked about how the people were taking the wholesale
abandonment of centuries, if not millennia, of tradition. He said that change is
easier then we would expect, but we know for a fact that tradition runs
deeper than their telepathic abilities. Commander, they are perfectly willing
to believe that they are superior, and the Federation and our allies are
totally inferior. So, I played into that role. If they go on thinking that
we are inferior, then we have an edge."
"How do you propose we proceed from here to attain our objectives, Mr.
Lasiter?"
"We start where all good investigators go. We go to where the action
is, and in this case we go to the port. The comings and goings should of
this place should give us something to report."
{response}
*****
Chris
GM- SPD & JSOC
*****
Chris
GM- SPD & JSOC
