True Diplomacy - Part 1
Posted on 2025, Tue Oct 21st, @ 9:49am by Vice Admiral Jack Reacher Jr & Major Alexander Stroud & Civilian Queen Kaitaama XII & Rear Admiral Jacob Hawks Esq, SMH PMV & Commander Alexis Montana & Commander Jack Riley Jr & Lieutenant Daven Voss
Edited on on 2025, Thu Oct 30th, @ 11:33pm
3,022 words; about a 15 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2: Pillars of the Theater - USS Vigilance, Star Base 113
Location: Starbase 113 – Diplomatic Conference Hall
Timeline: Day 7
Riley and Voss were in the conference room prepping for the next meeting. This one would hopefully be more tame and routine. The investigation into the Reachers' alleged assault during the last meeting was still ongoing and being kept hush-hush by the JAG and Security departments, who were investigating.
Today they'd be meeting the Queen of Krios. The newly independent world that had just been granted its freedom by the Klingon Empire in a rare showing of magnanimity(in reality, maintaining a garrison and overseer had no longer been seen as worth the cost or effort, and with the Federation now expanding into the Beta Quadrant, the Klingon High Council thought they could pawn the Kriosian off on the Federation and use it to get concessions when they found places of value in the future.
"So, Lt., we play this one straight, I think. They are eager and willing allies that may be open to joining the Federation at some point. Let's make the soft sell, offer them all our basic assistance packages on an a la carte basis. They can choose what and when they want help with. No need to press on this one. Hell, the Queen's bodyguard and lover is a Starfleet Marine. So let's just hope Jack keeps his cool this time."
Daven stood at the conference room's main display, reviewing the Krios Prime briefing materials with analytical precision. His fingers moved through the holographic data, pulling up historical records and political analyses.
"Eager and willing allies," Daven repeated, his tone carrying skepticism. He touched his temple spots. "Sir, with respect, that's exactly what concerns me."
He pulled up a timeline showing Krios Prime's recent history. "They just gained independence from the Klingon Empire after the High Council decided maintaining a garrison wasn't worth the cost. Now, barely months into sovereignty, they're already pursuing Federation membership with what preliminary reports call 'enthusiasm.'"
His brown eyes moved to Riley. "Most newly independent worlds spend years establishing governance structures and economic independence before seeking major alliances. Krios is skipping all of that and jumping straight to Federation alignment."
Daven highlighted their stellar position. "They could approach the Romulan Star Empire—closer geographically, with established regional trade. Or remain independent and play major powers against each other for maximum benefit. But instead, they're pursuing Federation membership specifically."
His analytical mind processed the implications. "Which suggests they want something specific that only the Federation can provide. Their metamorph population gives them diplomatic leverage. Their strategic position makes them valuable. So why are they so eager to subordinate newly-won sovereignty to Federation membership?"
"My concern is we're prepared to make the soft sell to eager allies when we should be figuring out what they're actually after," Daven continued. "Protection from Klingon retaliation? Federation technology access? Economic rebuilding assistance? Political legitimacy? All of the above?"
"Bingo, Lt. And on the slipping, the whole figuring out themselves, Krios was a very stable protectorate for the Klingons, and they were allowed basic autonomy in their system, and do have a functioning, vaguely constitutional monarchy. Their government structures are established, and they have been de facto independent from the Kingons for almost a quarter century. It was just an overseer Governor, a small staff, and a few ships....but you're right, they're scared of something else. You're cleared for this now, so I'll let you in on it, you can dig up the kernels of intel that to me to this conclusion at your leisure. But there's something out at the edge of AoR. Those several ships that have gone missing in the past few months near our boundary with the old Romulan Free State(who, since joining the Federation, had been absorbed into the coreward most Alpha Quadrant Theatre of Operation)...and last week, a small Verdaxian mining operation and colony was glassed just out past our frontier. That thing you were warning the Zythchins about. I have a Theory that it all might be connected, until the rest of the senior intel officers and chiefs of staff get here next week... It's just you and me. So, there's that too. That's pushing them into our arms as well. But again, this should be an easy preliminary one if Reacher can just read the prepared statement and make small talk.
He paused, glancing toward the conference room entrance with practiced casualness. "Speaking of which, sir—shouldn't the Admiral be joining us for this meeting? Given the strategic importance of potential Kriosian Federation membership, I'd expect him to be sitting here even before we stepped into the room."
His tone carried genuine curiosity wrapped in professional inquiry, betraying nothing of what he'd uncovered during his own discreet checking. The appointment of a Deputy Staff Judge Advocate General or DJAG to investigate the Zytchin incident, considering just how few JAGs there were in Starfleet, let alone covering the Beta Quadrant, spoke volumes about how seriously Starfleet Command was treating the matter.
Lieutenant Voss feigned ignorance to see just how much Commander Riley knew and how much he was willing to disclose.
"Is there a scheduling conflict I should be aware of?" he asked, his expression professionally neutral. "Or has the operational approach changed for this engagement?"
"No conflict that I know of. The Deputy Theatre Commander is returning today as well. Admiral Hawks, even if you haven't heard of him before, pretend like you have. He likes it when people recognize him, mentioned the event with Q at Starbase 44, he loves telling that story...plus he's got an ego the size of SagB Star, and he's no better friend and no worse enemy. You're a smart young man, and Hawks will definitely be putting you to work on that problem I just told you about."
Daven's mind immediately catalogued the information—and the deflection. Riley had smoothly redirected from the Admiral's absence to briefing him on the Deputy Theatre Commander instead.
Figures that the Commander doesn't want to discuss the issue with a junior officer Daven thought to himself.
"Admiral Hawks," Daven repeated, his tone carrying dry precision. "Starbase 44 incident with Q. Notable ego. Prefers recognition. Got it, sir!" He touched his temple spots briefly, unable to fully mask his irritation.
I'm an intelligence analyst, not a concierge for flag officers who need their egos stroked. But apparently that's part of the job now.
Hawks and Jack walked in. Both looked somewhat stern-faced.
The doors to the reception hall slid open with a soft mechanical hiss, and in stepped Reacher and Hawks—both wearing that unmistakable air of command. The gathered staff and attending officers straightened instinctively. Reacher’s expression was firm but calm, the kind that said he’d been through worse briefings than this before breakfast.
“Report,” he said simply, his eyes sweeping across the room. “Where do we stand on arrival prep?”
He moved toward the central display table, hands clasped behind his back as the holomap flickered to life—showing the approach vector of the USS Vigilance. The soft blue outline of the ship hovered in orbit, a visual reminder of what was coming.
Reacher exhaled slowly. “Queen Kaitaama’s arrival marks more than a diplomatic ceremony. It’s a test of how ready we are to operate under the new Beta Quadrant Command structure. If this goes sideways—politically or otherwise—it’ll echo all the way back to Earth.”
He glanced at Hawks, giving a slight nod before continuing, “Security protocols in place?”
Then, turning slightly, his tone softened just enough to cut through the tension. “I want every officer on this deck clear on their role before her shuttle docks. Riley, you’re coordinating the station approach and clearance procedures. Voss, make sure the delegation quarters meet the exact standards Krios requested—no surprises. Hawks, you’re my eyes on the deck; if anything feels off, I want to know before it happens.”
Reacher stepped back, folding his arms, gaze shifting between them.
“Alright,” he said, the hint of a grin tugging at one corner of his mouth. “Let’s make sure the Federation looks like it actually has its act together for once.”
Hawks couldn't help but snort and guffaw. "Well, that parts on you, boss. Alright...you heard the Admiral. Get to it people. We got about 40 minutes.' He said.
Riley walked over to Commander Montana. "You're the new station XO right?"
Commander Montana looked over at Riley and nodded. "That's correct, I am the new station XO." She replied.
"I could use a hand on these access protocols. I've put together a security.plan that would secure the route from the Queens Quarters to the conference room here, any chance we can get these inplace in the next 35 minutes?" Riley passed her a padd.
She grabbed the padd from him and looked it over. "I'm sure it'll work. Good work Commander. I am for sure thinking it'll work well with what we got for her here." She said to Riley nodding.
"Excellent. If uh y..." Riley interrupted by Hawks.
"Oh great, you two have met. That will make this easier. Jack, can you work with Commander Montana here and come up with a plan to coordinate some training between the fighter wings on the Thunderclap and the Thunderchief and the bases fighter and bombers squadrons while they're here. They'll be deploying to the frontier soon and could use some extra work I'm sure." Hawks said, as always, he was calm and collected and knew exactly what he was going to say to everyone, and usually knew everyones name.
"Not a problem sir, I'll get with the Commander after the ceremonies here and try and have something on your desk tonight." Riley replied.
"By the way welcome aboard Commander. I guess we will all be settling in here together with this Theatre Command being stood up and Headquartered here." Jacob offered his hand for Montana to shake along with his patented "I'm sexy and I know it" smile.
She looked at Jacob and shook his hand. "Pleasure is all mine sir. After that I should also check in with my commanding officer as well. Unless I can do it here before or after everything sir." She said with a smile.
"Yeah, I'm sure he'll be here for the ceremonies too. If you two will excuse me, I've got a bunch of calls to make before the Queen arrives." Hawks said as he back away and went and greeted one of the other Theatre staff members.
"Alright, fighter wing cross training it is..." Jack chuckled a bit and tapped a few notes into his padd. He then looked up at Montana.
"Wait, you haven't even reported for duty yet? How long have you been onboard?" He asked her.
"I've just arrived not long ago, actually. So I haven't had the chance to fully reported for duty." She said.
The doors at the far end of the hall opened smoothly, and Major Alexander Stroud entered first, his posture rigid, eyes sharp, immediately scanning the room for any potential security concerns.
“Admiral Reacher,” he said crisply, nodding once in acknowledgment. “Preparations are complete. All stations are reporting nominal. Your orders have been disseminated and teams are ready.”
Almost immediately after, Queen Kaitaama XII entered, her presence commanding the room. She moved with regal poise, her gaze sweeping the assembled officers before resting briefly on Reacher.
“Vice Admiral Reacher,” she said, her voice calm but carrying the authority of a monarch. “Major Stroud has assured me that Starbase 113 is prepared to meet the expectations of Krios. I trust your personnel are ready to demonstrate the Federation’s commitment to security and cooperation?”
Reacher stepped forward, hands clasped behind his back, voice steady and respectful. “Your Majesty, Starbase 113 welcomes you and your delegation. Our priority is clear: ensure your visit is secure, efficient, and demonstrates the Federation’s dedication to partnership with Krios.”
Major Stroud gave a slight nod in agreement, eyes still alert, ready to act at a moment’s notice.
Reacher gestured toward the central display table, where the holomap of the Beta Quadrant hovered in soft blue light. “Your Majesty, if you’ll permit, we can review the proposed operational sectors for the Beta Quadrant Command. I’d like your input before finalizing deployment plans.”
Queen Kaitaama’s eyes followed the display, her expression thoughtful. “I appreciate the briefing, Vice Admiral. Krios’ security concerns are well-known in these sectors. I trust Starfleet has considered not only the Federation’s strategic interests but also the political sensitivities of local systems?”
“Absolutely,” Reacher replied. “Major Stroud has coordinated with our intelligence and diplomatic liaisons to ensure we don’t overstep—or appear aggressive. Our goal is stability, not occupation.”
Stroud added, his tone clipped but precise, “We’ve also included contingency protocols in case of unforeseen developments, Your Majesty. Security teams and tactical units are positioned for rapid response, but discretion is the priority.”
The Queen inclined her head slightly, her gaze drifting over the holomap again. “Discretion is appreciated. Krios does not take kindly to heavy-handed oversight, even from allies. However, if this command can truly strengthen our presence in the Beta Quadrant, it may serve as a valuable precedent for other member worlds.”
Reacher nodded. “That is precisely the intent. We aim to create a model that demonstrates cooperation and security without unnecessary interference. Your feedback will be essential in refining our approach.”
She paused, studying the officers before her, then allowed a faint smile. “Very well, Vice Admiral. Let us proceed. I am eager to see how Starfleet intends to balance power and diplomacy in this sector.”
Daven stood slightly behind Commander Riley, his brown eyes fixed on Queen Kaitaama XII with focused observation that combined intelligence training with Miran's diplomatic experience. He remained silent, but his analytical mind cataloged everything.
"Security concerns are well-known in these sectors." Deliberate vagueness. Not specified which concerns or from whom.
The Queen's body language projected controlled confidence, but her word choices revealed careful navigation of unspoken tensions. She'd emphasized political sensitivities and discretion twice already—someone worried about appearing dependent.
"Krios does not take kindly to heavy-handed oversight." There it is. She's worried about trading Klingon occupation for Federation control.
She was framing this as evaluation, not petition. Testing whether Starfleet's presence would "strengthen" Krios' position while mentioning "other member worlds" as precedent. Daven remained professionally silent, his assessment forming: Queen Kaitaama was portraying strength while seeking protection, balancing pride against necessity.
She wants something specific. And she's not ready to say it out loud yet. He thought intently.
"Well your highness I hope we can lay out an approach here in this meeting that will help provide an unintrusive added layer of security and protection for Krios aswell as open trade and friendship between your world and the Federation. Heavy-handedness and oversight isn't even on the table as a friendly neutral power we would never presume to attempt anything of the sort. With the Accession of the Romulan colonies that are coreward of Krios, there is a Federation presence on 3 sides around Krios. This meeting is about helping to assure you that we have no hostile intent and are willing to work with you on everything from trade, to diplomacy, to defense cooperation, and all of this would of course, be on your terms." Hawks gave his 'sort of' prepared remark. Infantry he just had 2 bullet points on his padd about things he should say and the rest was him totally winging it.
Reacher’s gaze flicked toward Hawks as he finished his remarks—rough around the edges, but sincere. He could appreciate that kind of directness. The room quieted again as Queen Kaitaama regarded Hawks, her expression softening ever so slightly.
“Plain words, Lieutenant,” she said, her voice poised and melodic, “and perhaps the most valuable ones I’ve heard in Federation diplomacy. Krios appreciates honesty, even when it lacks polish.”
Reacher gave a faint nod of acknowledgment, but before he could respond, Major Stroud—standing just half a step behind and to the Queen’s right—leaned in slightly. His posture was impeccable, disciplined as ever, but there was a quiet familiarity in the way his eyes met hers, a subtle warmth beneath the stoic surface.
“Your Majesty,” he said quietly, just enough for Reacher to hear, “perhaps they should see the outline we discussed before departure. It may bridge some of the concern over jurisdiction and cooperation.”
Kaitaama met his gaze with a look that blended affection and trust, though she quickly masked it before turning back to Reacher. “My husband is correct,” she said, the faintest hint of pride in her tone. “Krios has already drafted a preliminary proposal for shared security—one that ensures our autonomy while integrating Federation support where needed.”
Stroud straightened, addressing Reacher directly now. “We’ve structured it around three key areas: tactical readiness, trade route stability, and interplanetary defense coordination. Kriosian oversight remains primary, but Starfleet advisory personnel would assist as needed.”
Reacher studied the two of them for a moment. He’d read the reports—knew of their union, knew Stroud had chosen to remain on Krios as both Starfleet and protector. Seeing them together now, though, the dynamic made more sense: the Queen spoke as sovereign, but the Major’s quiet influence lent her arguments a grounded, tactical weight.
“That’s a solid framework to start with,” Reacher said, tone measured. “The Federation’s not here to dictate terms—if anything, that level of coordination would help us avoid the very oversight you’re concerned about. And if Major Stroud’s involved in the implementation…” He gave a faint smirk. “…I’m confident we’ll all sleep better at night.”
That earned a small, genuine smile from Kaitaama, one that softened the formal edge of the room. “Then we are of one mind, Admiral. Let us see if our intentions can become something lasting.”
Commander Montana stood there thinking in her own head, and was thinking about how to introduce herself properly later.
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