It takes two to tango

Posted on Sunday November 22nd, 2020 @ 3:04am by Lieutenant Commander Alvar Othran

Mission: The Forgotten Outpost
Location: Deck 24

Alvar moved through Deck 24 until he met up with the individual he was looking for. "Mister Ambassador," he said to the older human. "I hope I'm not intruding. I was just coming to check with how things were going with the negotiations."

Ambassador Sheperd Townsend let out a long breath as he ran a hand through his graying hair. "Slowly, Commander," he said. "I know that there are reasons that I shouldn't complain about it at all. The fact that the Talgarians and the Korolin are talking to each other at all is nothing short of a miracle. But at the same time...I've met Tellariates and Vulcans that were less stubborn and willing to communicate with each other."

"That diffucult?"

"To put it mildly. A big part of the problem seems to be that the conflict between them has been going on for so long I don't think either side even knows what started it any more. And of course, as such neither side thinks that it's their fault, and that the other side is the one that should be making all the concessions. I'm working to try to get them to see that they may not be at fault, but sometimes it's still their responsibility anyway to concede certain things for the greater good."

"I don't envy you," Alvar said. "Still, as you have noted, they are talking."

"Although I may retract that particular statement," Townsend said. "They're talking, true, but it's largely to point fingers at each other. It's a good thing that you assigned them quarters on different decks. The last thing we need is them running into each other outside of the conference lounge."

Alvar nodded. "If you need any help, our new diplomatic officer just recently arrived, and her office is on this deck. I haven't had a chance to interact with her, but I am to understand she's is quite capable. Started out as a counselor before transferring to the diplomatic track."

"I just may take you up on that offer," Townsend said. "Though I may also have you and that Marine XO of yours stand behind me at the next meeting and glare at the diplomatic teams. The Talgarians and the Korolin aren't exactly known for their size, and perhaps we can intimidate them into working things out."

"Well, I'm certainly happy to help, if you think it would work, Mister Ambassador."

"I'll think on it tonight and let you know in the morning," Townsend replied.


:: End ::

Lieutenant Commander Alvar Orthan
Executive Officer
Deep Space Three

&

Sheperd Towsend
ambassador-at-large
United Federation of Planets