Thing is, the Dreamers are almost over the threshold where they will get yearly automatic rolls; if we get 15 points on a diplopush during the Snakepit, they'll be affiliates.
Important things to remember with regards to pushes is that as far as we know they are the only way to increase base relations other than Captain's Log events, and we don't seem to get as much relations as we used to many moons ago. TFs have never demonstrated the ability to increase base relations very much, with the exception of the Yizgisi gaining a Relations boost upon completion. As a result, we may have to reserve boosts for the Allupti and the Ur'azzi unless the wording on the TFs means they focus on improving both base relation and resolving tags. I'm very hopeful, but I have my doubts.
Otherwise, we need to consider the following things:
1) Dreamers need a push or a random roll to get them to affiliate. Mildly important, because Breen.
2) Must push Licori. If we get very lucky they get a good random and push roll so we can clear the fucking Romulan tag. If we can designate the push to hit the Romulan tag so much the better. As it is I sense that we are close to losing them.
3) Should consider pushing Bolians to work on their Isolationist Government tag. Oneiros has confirmed that it applies as an Isolationist (to you) tag, so Horizon won't do it for us, alas. Maybe we'll get lucky and Beyond will work on this, but it would be nice to affiliate them before the inevitable Horizon Influence tag pops up.
4) We should consider a Hishmeri push, if not this year then the next. We have Taggart on that TF and the GMs have told me that C tests will be frequent (lines up nicely for her because she doubles progress on C tests). If we get extremely lucky she will generate a ton of progress on the Slavery tags.
5) Gorn are also important, again if not this year the next. We need their Relations at 100 so if we get a crack at their other 100pt tags we take it.
Important things to remember with regards to pushes is that as far as we know they are the only way to increase base relations other than Captain's Log events, and we don't seem to get as much relations as we used to many moons ago. TFs have never demonstrated the ability to increase base relations very much, with the exception of the Yizgisi gaining a Relations boost upon completion. As a result, we may have to reserve boosts for the Allupti and the Ur'azzi unless the wording on the TFs means they focus on improving both base relation and resolving tags. I'm very hopeful, but I have my doubts.
Otherwise, we need to consider the following things:
1) Dreamers need a push or a random roll to get them to affiliate. Mildly important, because Breen.
2) Must push Licori. If we get very lucky they get a good random and push roll so we can clear the fucking Romulan tag. If we can designate the push to hit the Romulan tag so much the better. As it is I sense that we are close to losing them.
3) Should consider pushing Bolians to work on their Isolationist Government tag. Oneiros has confirmed that it applies as an Isolationist (to you) tag, so Horizon won't do it for us, alas. Maybe we'll get lucky and Beyond will work on this, but it would be nice to affiliate them before the inevitable Horizon Influence tag pops up.
4) We should consider a Hishmeri push, if not this year then the next. We have Taggart on that TF and the GMs have told me that C tests will be frequent (lines up nicely for her because she doubles progress on C tests). If we get extremely lucky she will generate a ton of progress on the Slavery tags.
5) Gorn are also important, again if not this year the next. We need their Relations at 100 so if we get a crack at their other 100pt tags we take it.
We've gotten relations from TF events before. I think Chekov got some relations with the Trill while he was protecting them, in addition to the boost we got when we were done. So it's definitely possible.
We've gotten relations from TF events before. I think Chekov got some relations with the Trill while he was protecting them, in addition to the boost we got when we were done. So it's definitely possible.
The relations when done were for the Yizgisi. Checkov did get a significant boost one quarter, but not in any other quarters. It's hard to tell if TFs will generate significant effort (surely hope they do, because then we can stop using them on non-affiliates!)
If a Task Force has no tags left to work on, yet its assignment is to Affiliate/Ally someone, then I can't imagine how it could not be increasing Relationship on its Events.
The reason we haven't seen it much before is that's never been a task force's assignment before.
From: Praz, Lead Warp Engineer, The Kelsatha
To: Orfeego, Powerplant Design Lead, Special Projects Team, Lumper Shipbuilding Collective, The Lump
Subject: Odd resonance in the injectors?
Hey Orfeego. The Kelsatha has been running beautifully. Far better than a ship this old has any right to. We saw some action recently, and the shields were rock-solid, all the way to the end of their rating with not a watt of leakage. The rest of the engineering team couldn't believe it. Pass our compliments on to the rest of the team, and make sure whoever did the shields hears about how they held up.
Anyway, one minor issue. Looking back over the logs, we were getting a little fluctuation in the injectors under heavy load. I've been able to duplicate it artificially, and there's even a slight ultrasonic hum associated with it I can pick up with an engineering tricorder. I don't think it's anything to worry about, since it's within tolerances, but I figured I'd run it by you in case you think it's likely to turn into a problem. The strangest thing is, it doesn't seem to happen while we're at warp, just when we're drawing a lot of power for other systems like shields and weapons. We're at our wit's end trying to figure this one out.
Anyway, I've attached a whole bunch of scans and diagnostic logs for the injectors and pretty much everything else that might possibly be related. Hopefully, they should tell you what you need if you dig for it hard enough.
Thanks,
Praz
[ATTACHMENT: logs.diag, 271.8 TB]
[Loading Etinjur Technical University Cryptography Working Group Advanced Steganographic Suite v. 8.2.17]
[Searching for steganographic message...]
[Select steganography scheme: BitStorm Quantum-Resistant v. 1.2]
[Enter pass-phrase to unlock private key: ************************************************************************]
[Steganographic message decrypted.]
Orfeego,
Thanks again for offering to do this. You're a life-saver. There's only so many times we can send large chunks of binary data to the ground team before the Romulans start to wonder what's going on, and they don't like it when we send encrypted messages they can't crack. Just forward these on as normal. The resonance issue was real, but we've already solved it: some weird second-order effect from a slightly loose mounting on a plasma tap. Nothing to worry about. I was serious about the shields, though. You people do damn good work.
- Praz
[Message archive begins]
[Message 1 of 247:]
From: Breezak, Sensor Operator, The Kelsatha
To: Dagagan, Refinery Technician, Old Paberak Station; Fydeeko, Hydroponics, Old Paberak Station
Subject: Checking in
Hi dads. You'll probably see some interesting news from the war in the next couple of days. Long story short, there was a battle. I was there, but I'm fine. The Kelsatha didn't get a scratch. The Romulans lost but we were able to retreat in good order. Now, that lovely Romulan planet I told you about has a fleet of Breen ships floating above it, just sitting there. No orbital bombardment at least.
I know you both worry, and I've been a bit too quick to brush it off in the past. I'm not going to sugar-coat it. This one was bad. If things had gone a little worse, you'd probably be getting a message from the Kelsatha Ground Team instead right now. Just remember, I'm out here for a reason. If things shape up how we think they might, we could make a real difference. Anyway, it looks like they're sending us somewhere a little safer, so this should hopefully be the last close call for a while.
I hope everything's going well with you and the whole gang back on Old Paberak. Have they solved that gravity issue yet? Tell Doondi and Perzyr I said hi, and remind Ordall to keep up on her studies for me, alright?
With love,
Breezak
[Message 2 of 247:]
From: Parzaw, "Wearing my revolutionary strategy hat today", The Kelsatha
To: Sociology and Revolutionary Studies Consultancy Teams, Kelsatha Ground Support
Subject: Recent Events
Hey all. Long story short, that planet we reported on is now being blockaded by a Breen fleet, and we were involved in the battle to defend it. We held our own and managed to save a Romulan ship during the retreat, which should play well at least. If they even report on the battle. We still need a solution for that problem. We'll have to see how this shapes up. Leaving aside the obvious sophantarian concerns, which I'm trying hard not to think about right now, a Breen occupation or heavy orbital bombardment will completely invalidate our information on the state of the population. On the other hand, if it's relatively bloodless and the Romulans retake Khazara, we may come off looking pretty good. In either case, I figure we'll have to start over somewhere else in the mean time. Assuming they give us a chance, that is.
I've attached a summary of the battle and outcome, along with what little we're getting officially that might impact your conclusions. Let me know if you come up with anything you think we need to know, though I don't really expect anything quite yet and this is mostly just to fill you in.
In solidarity,
Parzaw
[ATTACHMENT: notes.pak, 71.4 MB]
[Message 3 of 247:]
From: Forgyr, Communications Specialist, The Kelsatha
To: rec.music.folk.political
Subject: "The Planet Khazara"
Hello folks. Anyone who's noticed my posts over the past six months or so is probably aware that I've developed a bit of a thing for the music of the Spanish Civil War.
For those not paying attention, that was a war on pre-warp Earth hundreds of years ago between a society arranged a bit like ours, and a Cardassian-esque military government that was attempting to hand things back to the old ruling class. The "Republican" forces (that's the good guys) received almost no support from other governments except for this state-capitalist block that liked to pose as the one true leader of global socialism (I know, right?) and a far away third-rate power that had broken free of Spanish colonial rule only about a hundred years earlier. Instead, they got a bunch of volunteers, mostly coming from the global socialist and anarchist movements. The revolution they were fighting to defend had at least already happened, but even so the parallels are close enough to what the Kelsatha is trying to do that you can see why it caught my interest.
"Jarama Valley" is probably the most important song of the International Brigades, and it fits recent events in the war well enough that I just knew I had to make an attempt. If you don't know what I'm talking about, look up news on the Breen-Romulan war in a couple days, and keep in mind that we got to have some shore leave on Khazara just a couple months back. Here's a recording of what I'm basing it off of, so you can get an idea of how the tune works.
There's Romulan world called Khazara,
It's a place that we all knew so well,
It was there that we fought the invaders,
we saw a peaceful system turn to hell.
From this system they say we are going
but the struggle has hardly begun
even though we lost the battle at Khazara
we'll set this world free 'fore we're done
We are crew of the fine ship Kelsatha
we're proud of the fight that we made
we know that the people of Khazara
will remember we gave them our aid.
From this system they say we are going
but the struggle has hardly begun
even though we lost the battle at Khazara
we'll set this world free 'fore we're done
Side by side with the Romulan war fleet
In a stand to hold back the Breen swell
We fought for the orbit of Khazara
Where so many brave Romulans fell
From this system they say we are going
but the struggle has hardly begun
even though we lost the battle at Khazara
we'll set this world free 'fore we're done
There's not been a force like we faced there,
But you'll not find a crew such as we
so remember that world of Khazara
and the people that'll set that planet free.
From this system they say we are going
but the struggle has hardly begun
even though we lost the battle at Khazara
we'll set this world free 'fore we're done
All the worlds are like this planet called Khazara
so green and so bright and so fair
No invaders can dwell on this planet
nor smoother their new freedom's air.
From this system they say we are going
but the struggle has hardly begun
even though we lost the battle at Khazara
we'll set this world free 'fore we're done
It still needs a little tweaking, but I've managed to make it work in both Yrillian and the original English. Any thoughts?
[Message 4 of 247:]
From: Ferash th'Koalthyk, Designated Fleet-Battle Sometimes-Captain, The Kelsatha
To: Lieutenant Commander Casath zh'Nassin, Starfleet Intelligence
Subject: Report on recent fleet battle over Khazara
Lieutenant Commander zh'Nassin,
By this point, you are likely aware of a substantial fleet action which recently took place in the Khazara system. You may also be aware that Khazara has changed hands and that the Romulan fleet has taken substantial losses.
I have enclosed a full set of logs and fleet communications, along with the redacted Romulan after-action report and fleet-wide strategic update that we have been given access to. Some limited sensor logs of Breen and Romulan ships and the output of the Breen subspace pulse weapon are also enclosed, but the capacity limitations of this channel mean that I have had to pick and choose. More complete information to follow in the next higher-capacity secure communication.
Some highlights and conclusions:
Breen light forces where able to successfully ambush the Romulan scouting element, despite having to bypass the entire system and circle around from the side to do it. This may indicate advanced stealth capabilities, or a weakness in Romulan passive sensors. They were also able to see through Romulan cloaking in this instance, though lacked the ability to do so reliably under combat conditions as seen latter in the battle.
As has been suspected but not yet proven, the Breen subspace pulse weapon appears to require substantial charge time between shots, with each capital ship being able to use it once before recharging.
Breen capital ships are apparently designed to withstand a torpedo magazine explosion, keeping torpedoes far away from the main hull and using a clever arrangement of internal armor and shield geometry to deflect much of the blast. The ship remained active, but damaged enough to be largely combat-ineffective.
A new class of Breen frigate was observed. The ship appears to be relatively light frigate optimized around cost and crew, and well-suited to bulking out fleets during the main phase of battle or providing cheap escorts to shipping, perhaps comparable to a Starfleet Miranda-A. Since only one ship of this class was present and they have not been previously encountered, it may be the prototype of a new design. The Romulans have assigned the reporting code "Y-type", while whatever the Breen call it of course remains unknown.
I trust your analysts will be able to make more of this data than we have, but it seemed appropriate to get you started in case someone wants answers today.
Look for the full sensor readings as soon as we can figure out a way to send them. As much as the Romulans assume we're all spies as a matter of course, they seem not to want to make the job easy. Fancy that. I'll also keep you up to date if anything else interesting happens.
Tell your old chan I said hi, and that I finally got to sit in the big chair after all.
For the record, Ferash is exactly who he says he is and is not any kind of official Starfleet Intelligence agent. He's there for his own reasons, but sees no reason not to look out for Federation interests while he's at it and has a few of the right connections to reach someone interested in listening to what he has to say.
He's a patriot of a sort, and if he's got information he thinks the Federation ought to have, he'll try and make sure they get it.
The two Rear Admirals shook hands as Admiral Min-Jee Lee entered the senior officer conference room on the USS Pleezirra. Also present were Commodore Tomiq zh'Pohren, who had spent the past year serving as one of Lee's subordinate commodores on Task Force Beyond, and Commodore Sabek, who had spend the past year serving as one of Thuir's subordinate commodores on Task Force Unity. With Thuir taking command of Task Force Beyond from Lee, both would be his subordinate commodores in the coming year.
"You've been doing good work with Task Force Beyond this past year. I hope I can keep it up," said Thuir to Lee as they sat down.
It was a good thing there weren't any Betazoids in the room, because if there had been they would have heard some loud internal grumbling from Lee about why, if she was doing such good work, she was being replaced. She'd suspected since taking this assignment that the brass had originally intended it for Thuir and only the outbreak of war had shifted his assignment to the higher priority Task Force Unity while she kept the seat warm. It was galling to have that suspicion pretty much verified with him taking over Task Force Beyond now that his other job was done. Still, it wasn't Thuir's fault.
"Thank you," she replied. "I hope you can too." All right, maybe a little of her annoyance was leaking through.
Commodore zh'Pohren jumped in. "I'd call it a sure thing, not a matter of hope. We've built up a lot of momentum working on the foundation that Admiral Mrr'Shan laid down and found more of our footing with the OSA, Arcadians, and Felis every year. With Starfleet Command adding more ships and support this year, it's hard to see how the Harmony of Horizon doesn't fall further and further behind." It was a typical smooth intervention for her, expressing full confidence in Thuir while attributing that confidence to the hard work done by previous commanders to set him up for success.
"Logical... but only if one illogically assumes that the Harmony of Horizon's level of effort will remain static rather than increasing in an attempt to stave off a final failure of their aspirations," said Commodore Sabek.
Commodor zh'Pohren looked a little annoyed, but didn't let it enter her voice. "I'm taking that into account. I fully expect to see a second Sanctuary class show up this year. One for the Commonwealth and one for us. It won't be enough."
Sabek opened his mouth to reply, when Thuir cleared his throat and tapped the table slightly.
Ignoring the commodorial byplay that had just occurred, Thuir spoke directly to Admiral Lee. "Speculations about the future to the side, I was hoping you could help me better understand the Federation's high level message as you've been coordinating it. I've read the reports and the plans, but you're the person in charge. What's been your secret sauce recipe to convincing these border powers they should look to a future with the Federation over a future with the Harmony? Bottom line, why should they sign on with us?"
Min-Jee Lee smiled ruefully. "Why should they? That is the big question, isn't it? When I first took this task force over from Admiral Mrr'Shan, I wanted to make sure we had a good answer for that. A real, true answer that goes beyond the minutia of trade deals and technology transfers. So I assembled all my commodores and captains together, and we took some time to talk it through."
She turned to look at Commodore zh'Pohren. "You remember who came up with the answer, Tomiq?"
Zh'Pohren replied, "I do, Admiral. It was Queen Poixizza. We were all sitting around talking about freedom and diversity, and she stood up and made this speech. She said... I'm sure I can recite it from memory. She said, 'None of you understand my people. We Apiata are a mystery to the rest of the Federation. I know this. You don't understand our politics or how we can be happy living as we do. We understand you little better. We spent decades warring with the Indorians because of a lack of mutual understanding. And the great thing about the Federation is that it lets us all live together without having to understand. Our infinite diversity in infinite combinations make us stronger. In the Federation my people have found contentment and safety and peace at last. But in the two years I have spent out here dealing with the Harmony of Horizon, I have concluded that the Apiata would never have a place in their Harmony. They would not understand us, and unlike the Federation they could never tolerate that lack of understanding.' That's what she said."
As zh'Pohren fell silent, Lee told Thuir, "You're going to miss not having Queen Poixizza out here with the Iprimazzi. She was on Beyond since back when it first formed. But three years is a long time for the Apiata, and I suppose the Imprimazzi needed a proper maintenance at an All-Hives base."
"I'm sure I will miss her," acknowledged Thuir. "But let's talk about that speech Commodore zh'Pohren just quoted. It's not as though the Federation won't be asking these people to change. The Ikeigenites need to get their house in order... not just the mega-corporations, but that totalitarian state still squatting on Wumei. The Felis have terrible wealth inequalities and a disunited political order. The Arcadian Empire, well... should I start with their feudalism or their tolerance of what they insist isn't technically slavery? Who knows what changes we'll demand of the Bolians."
Admiral Lee replied. "Yes, and we asked the Apiata to change too with their treatment of so-called 'defective' workers. The Federation has standards and we shouldn't be ashamed of that. But it's not the same as what the Harmony of Horizon expects. They have ideas about how society should be organized and how people should live that they expect all their member species to adopt. They aren't bad ideas either, necessarily. I might not want to live with their Psycurity System, but the average Horizon citizen seems content. The fact is, though, that the Harmony is much less willing to have a member species keep their unique governments and cultural practices. The closest is the deal the Lintrid struck, and I can see how even that rankles the rest of the Harmony, how Horizonites, Tseskiya, and Moy always act like those masks are an affectation that they're humoring."
"We'll let you stay who you are. They won't. So that's been the Federation's message. Is it an effective message?" asked Thuir.
"Somewhat. The Harmony always has a diversion or a distraction or some other way of shifting the conversation away from a distant hypothetical future to what the Harmony can do for you today. I think it's made its impression, though. That's why our All-Hives Fleet ships have been such an important part of this effort. They show that the Federation can be a place for species who live very differently from most of us. Whatever you or I might think of the Ikeigenite practice of deciding important social questions with a Muuyo Fest, it's not something the Federation would ever dream of interfering with. At the same time, you could never imagine it taking place in the Harmony of Horizon. A point I've made once or twice in private."
Thuir filed all of this away for the future and decided to change the topic. "Maybe we should talk through the changes in Task Force Beyond's composition. Operations did quite a reshuffle this year. Some ships remaining from your version of Task Force Beyond, some I'm bringing in from Unity, but also a lot of new blood into the mix. One was my choice, by the way. I requested the Risans send me a Heavy Corvette because I have a hunch a ship of Risans are just want what need in making the final appeal to the OSA. Even for the Licori it'll be a very different side of the Federation. Something new."
"Worth taking a chance on with a single Corvette, anyway. I don't think the Harmony has any subcultures quite like the Risans," said Lee. "You'll still have plenty of Orion Union and All-Hives ships as well, and in many ways they've been the backbone of our efforts."
"We all missed out when Captain Norian didn't join Starfleet, though I suppose our loss is the Union Navy's gain," said Thuir. "But go on, what else?"
Admrial Lee leaned in. "Where I think you have a chance for a big breakthrough is the Honiani ships. Understand, the Honiani are both respected and feared in this part of space. Respected for a whole host of reasons, feared for the 'crusades' they've launched when the followers of Ni-Lakhept had more influence. The issue is that the tactical brass has never been able to get the Honiani to pitch in on Task Force Beyond's efforts. Tauni, of course. Laio, sure. Never the Honiani. You would think with them being a close ally all this time it would be an easy sell, but no. I have to conclude it was some sort of internal political decision where they didn't feel it was appropriate while making membership preparations.
Commodore zh'Pohren added, "Whatever the reason, it's only harmed our efforts. The Felis especially keep asking if the Federation is such a good thing and the Honiani are our allies, why aren't they out there speaking up on the Federation's behalf?"
Thuir nodded along. "I see where you're going with this. Now that the Honiani are members, we've been able to draft the Basilica of Lakhept, in addition to the Basilica of Rangers and one of their Reliquaries. The Basilica of Lakhept especially is a symbol of their people. Take what the Odannar meant to the Laio, add what the Enterprise means to Starfleet, toss in a healthy dose of religious fervor, and we might have something close to what they think about that ship. To send the Basilica of Lakhept is a sign of approval stronger than any words. No more questions about where the Honiani stand."
"And even if we're negotiating with someone who doesn't care about Honiani culture, it's still a big, beautiful ship," said Commodor zh'Pohren.
"Thought still of a size inferior to that of Sanctuary class fleet tender," replied Commodore Sabek nearly instantly.
They looked at each other, zh'Pohren with narrowed eyes and Sabek with a raised eyebrow. Min-Jee Lee wondered if it was going to be that sort of dynamic between them as they advised Thuir. Not that it was a bad thing; she knew many commanders deliberately cultivated having a couple of subordinates whose views would clash and ensure that opinions were always subjected to scrutiny.
"Tonnage aside, I worry about lack of Honiani experience working with Starfleet or Federation Task Forces in general. The three of us are going to have to meet them more than halfway," Thuir said to both commodores.
He turned back to Min-Jee Lee. "I know you have to catch your transport, Admiral, so I'll throw it to you. Any more advice?'
Lee took a few moments to compose her thoughts. "For the OSA, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on Muuyo-Fests and Beya-War fights. It can be tempting to focus on the game because it is so important to them and because it seems so clear and easy in comparison to the usual uncertainty of diplomacy, but that's the trap that once got Commodore Kanil in so much trouble. Also, pay attention to the Jelloms. They talk less so you can fool yourself that they're less important, but the Jellom are often the ones thinking about the long term while Muuyozoi are obsessed with their latest craze. The Harmony likes dazzling Ikeigenites with gadgets and fashion, but I've noticed they have the least traction with Jelloms.
"My experience with the Felis has largely been archeology, trade, and anti-piracy efforts. Part of that is because the Commonwealth has taking on a lot of the diplomatic fights under Commander Caylin. For me personally, it's been hard to get a handle on the Felis. In some ways they're... throwbacks. Throwbacks to how this part of the galaxy looked 1500 years ago."
Thuir and Sabek looked interested and even Commodore zh'Pohren had never quite heard this take before.
Lee tried to explain. "They're Yrillians before their revolution. They're Orions at the dawn of their empire. Obsessed with the potential of interstellar travel and dominated by an oligarchy of powerful individuals who feed everything into their own personal wealth and glory. Even their interest in archeology and the origins of their species feeds into it. They don't just want to find out about their creators. They want find out about their creators and surpass them. In other circumstances, if they were presented with an interstellar neighborhood where the board had been swept clear, they might well be the next big thing. Instead they find themselves hemmed in, and it frustrates them.
"Well, it frustrates those oligarchic leaders... Part of the Harmony's appeal has been showing what life could be like for everyone not part of the top 1%."
"Which brings us back around to how we started this conversation, doesn't it?" said Thuir.
"Yes... 'we'll let you be you' sounds great for a happy people like the Ikeigenites who just have a few problems they need to fix. There's a lot of people among the Felis and Licori who would be quite content to have someone else's culture if it meant they didn't have to live in their own."
The mood around the table turned gloomy. Lee poured herself a cup of coffee to have some time to think, then sat back down.
"Anyway, be wary of the Felis. We still know little about them compared to the OSA and the Arcadian Empire. It's possible something will emerge yet that will completely change our relationship with them. If your captains find anything strange, encourage them to follow up on it," she said.
The other three nodded.
"That leaves the Arcadian Empire... do I really need to tell you about them, Michel? You've been deep in negotiations with them this past year. You even met their Emperor Lugis Tartresis in person. I've never met the Emperor."
"Still, I'd like to hear your approach," answered Thuir.
"If it's just us senior officers here? I made up a list of things I like about the Licori, and every time before I had to meet with any of their officials, I'd take a moment to review that list." Min-Jee sipped her coffee and left it there. So I don't end up hating them, she carefully did not say.
No one spoke for a moment.
Then, Sabek broke the silence first. "Admiral, you have spoken about all parties involved in Task Force Beyond's mission except one. You and Commodore zh'Pohren have interacted far more closely with the Harmony of Horizon in your mission than myself and Admiral Thuir have in our mission. What is your assessment of them?"
"My assessment? I could tell you something about their tactics and methods and the personalities of their commanders and the abilities of their ships, but I already documented all of that in my reports and transfer of command briefing. If you're asking the big question, how we can reconcile the awful stories that the Tauni and the Interstellar Commonwealth have told us with the Harmony that we see, well... I don't have a clue. I don't know any more now than I did a year ago." She turned to Commodore zh'Phren. "Tomiq, what about you?"
"My gut says they're a bunch of stinkers. But if you asked me to justify that opinion, well..." She waved her hand vaguely. "Lately I even second guess myself and wonder if I don't just feel that way because we're in opposition. If we're in conflict, even a genteel diplomatic conflict like this, the primitive animal parts of my brain are going to assume the other side must be bad, right?"
"While those concerns are logical, I do not believe you should doubt your 'gut'," said Sabek. He raised an eyebrow as zh'Phren looked at him in surprise. "As you may recall, I made first contact with the Harmony of Horizon during my captaincy of the Courageous. They later blamed the actions of that ship on a rogue commander and perhaps the violence was, but I remain convinced that the deception they attempted to enact on myself was fully in line with Harmony policy."
"There's a reason... in addition to his excellent work... that I brought Commodore Sabek with me to Beyond," said Thuir, speaking suddenly. The eyes of the other three swiveled over to him. "We already have a lot missions with Task Force Beyond. Three interstellar nations we're competing to court... if the Bolians open up to the Harmony of Horizon it might be four. A lot of missions, but on my personal discretion I'm taking up one more. I want to know what's behind all the insinuations and accusations and lies. I want to understand the Harmony of Horizon."
And damn if at that moment Min-Jee Lee didn't believe that he could do it. Some of her resentment burned away as she realized that maybe Thuir taking over her command wasn't such a judgement on her diplomatic abilities or successes. She had been doing pretty well, and if it was just that then they probably would have left her in place. No, someone, maybe old man ch'Tharvasse himself, thought that Thuir was the officer to who could get a clear view of the Harmony of Horizon at last. Hadn't she just admitted that she herself had failed at that task?
As Lee opened her mouth to say something, she wasn't sure what, her communicator badge beeped. She opened a channel in response.
"Admiral, your transport will be ready to depart in ten minutes."
"Thank you, chief," she responded. Of course if she told them to hold, they would, as long as she needed. Rank hath its privileges. But no, she had said all she needed to say here. On to the next assignment, the next set of challenges.
Admiral Lee got to her feet. "I need to get going. Admrial Thuir, best wishes. You've got a great officer with Commodore zh'Phren here."
"I'm sure I do."
They shook hands again, and Lee exited the conference room, looking back one more time at the new leaders of Task Force Beyond. One more time before the door slid shut.
===
Some information for context:
2323 Task Force Beyond
Mission: Mission: Remove Horizon Influence from Licori, Felis, and from OSA.
Commander: Rear Admiral Min-Jee Lee
Subordinates: Commodore Tomiq zh'Pohren (Endurance), Commodore Michael O'Hara (Cheron)
Ships:
2324 Task Force Beyond
Mission: Resolve [Horizon Influence: 147/300] tag on Licori, [Horizon Influence: 164/300] tag on Felis, and [Horizon Influence: 282/300] tag on OSA. If a [Horizon Influence] tag emerges on the Bolians, resolve that tag as well.
Commander: Rear Admiral Michel Thuir
Subordinates: Commodore Tomiq zh'Pohren, Commodore Sabek Ships:
Explorers: 2 Starfleet Excelsior-A [Pleezirra (B), Excalibur], 1 Caitian Excelsior-A [Nisharr], 1 Starkin Basilica [Basilica of Rangers], 1 Starkin Basilica of Lakhept [Basilica of Lakhept]
Was it Sabek who, all those years ago, impressed both sides of the Licori-Ked Peddah War at the same time by charging into the middle of a pitched battle between the two species to save some noncombatants in a stock Miranda?
Captain's Log, USS Dryad, Stardate 24635.4 - Captain Sabek
There are a significant number of subspace wakes being detected tailward of Gaeni space. The area is one we have reason to believe is Licori space, but we are not certain. To help resolve this confusion, we are setting in a course to the closest system, 7 Aesir.
Captain's Log, USS Dryad, Stardate 24637.8
We are about to arrive at 7 Aesir. However, while en route, we have discovered that there warp field signatures of the converging wakes actually belonged to two different technology bases. It is likely that we may be arriving to the aftermath of a battle, and we will-
[Beep]
Go ahead, Bridge. Red Alert, raise shields, do not power weapons. I will be there promptly.
It appears that aftermath was something of an optimistic assessment.
Captain's Log, USS Dryad, Stardate 24639.9
That was distinctly more ... adventurous than it was intended to be. I will need to keep these logs from reaching Vulcan, as I fear my behaviour was ... downright human, in the most alarming sense of the word.
We arrived at the site of a major battle over a Licori colony world as the Ked Peddah made a major push. During the battle, a potent explosion from an orbital platform damage a evacuating civilian ship that was attempting to break orbit. That ship was on the verge of breaking up and was drifting into the heart of the battle zone. I made the decision to close to within range of the ship and evacuate the survivors. My first officer cautioned me of the potential ramifications of entering such a dangerous environment, and I informed him that I would note his protests in my log.
In fact, I welcomed his query of my actions, even though I had no intention of altering course. We successfully retrieved the survivors, as well as others from escape pods that were in danger, and then held off until the battle was over, and arranged to return each to their proper authorities
The Licori still hold the system, but have taken losses.
Sabek made first contact with not only the Harmony of Horizon but also the Interstellar Commonwealth. His Five Year Mission criss-crossed the coreward area of space and he has a lot of credit there.
Sabek made first contact with not only the Harmony of Horizon but also the Interstellar Commonwealth. His Five Year Mission criss-crossed the coreward area of space and he has a lot of credit there.
Sabek made first contact with not only the Harmony of Horizon but also the Interstellar Commonwealth. His Five Year Mission criss-crossed the coreward area of space and he has a lot of credit there.
Mrr'shan & Nkumba both have the same +1P along with an additional bonus. Unless Rear Admirals can 'Level Up' from experience we don't really have the incentive to assign Lee when either of the other two are available.
Mrr'shan & Nkumba both have the same +1P along with an additional bonus. Unless Rear Admirals can 'Level Up' from experience we don't really have the incentive to assign Lee when either of the other two are available.
